I get that some of will never be the victim of a hate crime, neither will your friends or family

[PsychGrad]

38. Thing is -

even within the white community (which I belong to), there is a breakdown of hiearchy of "worthy" vs. "non-worthy". I am an Atheist and get SO much shit for that from my fellow white folks. I am also a very liberal liberal - get tons of shit for that too. Because, many of my fellow Caucasians feel like I'm a traitor to them, and to "our" race. I have experienced hate crimes based on religious beliefs (if that's a hate crime?) and based on my friendships and love for family members who are gay/lesbian/black/whatever. Especially in the white world - if you are not middle class, racist, christian, and conservative - well, you just don't belong.

Don't get me wrong, as a blonde hair blue eyed female, I KNOW I've got it pretty easy - on the outside, I "pass" - until they get to know my beliefs and such, I "pass". I can blend in when I need/want to, or stand out by opening my mouth - but in my day to day - I don't get harassed just for existing. But there always comes that moment - when it's all white folks - and someone assumes that we are all christian/racist/etc. and starts in on something - using the word "nigger" or bagging on the heathens that don't believe in god - that moment when it becomes VERY apparent to them that I am NOT one of them.

I have currently lost about 3 friends on FB due to this - and I'm okay with that (one family member too). I have decided that family or not, friend of 20 years or not - fuck them. This was WRONG, I know it to the core of my being. I will not be convinced otherwise, I will not be "open minded" about hatred/racism/stupidity or be loyal to others simply bc we share blood or skin color. I will go through the loss of friends/family again - bc right is right, and wrong is wrong.

I do often fear that I will be harasses or harmed (they carry a LOT of guns here) or my house or car will be vandalized - simply bc I voted for Obama (twice!), speak out, have friends of all ethnicities, colors, sexual orientations, beliefs, etc. We DO have hate crimes committed against us at times - it isn't as rampant, of course, but it does happen. Usually, it is probably just being ostracized, but to say it never happens, or "rarely" happens, is not quite accurate I don't think.