Honestly, I'm glad this post showed up, as it was a recent discussion I've had with my friends while randomly bullshitting. I grew up in the south and was never raised to be racist, but the culture I was personally surrounded by made it seem appropriate to take jabs at people that were different. I always knew that all of the dumb shit that came out of my mouth back then was not how I truly felt. Maybe the time period played more of a part in it as well, think later 90's give or take some years. To me it felt like a way to fit in, and people seemed to accept me if I made them laugh. I never hated anyone because of who they were, but I took advantage of an easy laugh from time to time. As I grew older I eventually realized how hurtful the jokes I made were, how this type of stuff should never be commonplace, and how spreading it in even in jest only normalizes it more. I was angry, confused, and insecure about myself, so I justified whatever negative actions I did as a normality to fit in.

Long past that stage of my life now and I always try to help the best I can to stop hurtful actions or talk. Recently helped a group of people stand up to a girl and her boyfriend until they left this gas station, because she was irrate and yelling hate speech at the guy behind the counter. I've overcome some pretty intense substance and alcohol addictions in the past years, and I feel a more clear mind has given me the chance to really think about many areas of my life and the wrongdoings that plagued it. I can't take back the stuff I've said when I was young, but know that I'm truly sorry and regretful. I'll continue to combat negativity and help others any way I can until the day I'm no longer breathing.