The Army’s Equal Opportunity Policy states that the US Army will provide equal opportunity and fair treatment for military personnel, family members, and DA civilians without regard to race, color, religion, gender, or National origin, and provide an environment free from sexual harassment. (Armystudyguide.com)

I believe in this policy whole heartedly. I’ve been faced with racism my whole life because of the type of family I grew up in. Racism is defined as a belief or doctrine that inherent differences among the various human races determine cultural or individual achievement, usually involving the idea that one’s own race is superior and has the right to rule others. (dictionary.reference.com)

My mother, father, and biological siblings are all Caucasian, as am I. When I was only three years old my parents adopted a biracial, African American and Caucasian, baby girl. From that moment on my parents continued adopting and foster parenting children of all races, colors, religions, genders, National origins, disabilities, and backgrounds. I now have 15 siblings, most of which are biracial or African American.  This has taught me to be what I call “color blind”.

I grew up learning about things many people don’t learn about until much later in life. When I was young, I knew what it meant to accept people rather than judge them. My family accepted foster children who were blind, deaf, mentally retarded, terminally ill, Pacific Islander, Hispanic, African American, and biracial. A lot of them eventually became a permanent part of my family. I love them no differently than my biological siblings.

In my opinion, racism comes from people’s ignorance of another race’s culture or beliefs. Ignorance is defined as the condition of being uneducated, unaware, or uninformed. (dictionary.reference.com) Or, maybe someone who is racist had some sort of bad experience with someone of a difference race, which caused them to form a stereotype of that race.

A stereotype is defined as a generalization, usually exaggerated or oversimplified and often offensive, that is used to describe or distinguish a group. (dictionary.reference.com)

Whatever the reason behind a person’s racist beliefs, the US Army’s EO Policy states that it will not tolerate discrimination toward any race. Not only does the EO Policy state that all Soldiers deserve fair treatment, but the Soldier’s and Noncommissioned Officer’s Creed does as well.

 The Army’s Noncommissioned Officers Creed says…”All soldiers are entitled to outstanding leadership; I will provide that leadership. I know my soldiers and I will always place their needs above my own. I will communicate consistently with my soldiers and never leave them uninformed. I will be fair and impartial when recommending both rewards and punishment.

 The United States Army promises to be fair and impartial, which makes me proud to say I am a Soldier. I believe that what my family has taught me about acceptance will bring success to my Army career. I am an American Soldier and I am a warrior and a member of a team…a team made up of different races, genders, and religions.