Most of us would hope that the days are behind us when
children were told they could not attend school or play with or date those of a
different race. And society certainly
has come a long way in terms of integration and moving forward as a diverse
group of people. However, we occasionally come across stories that remind us
some individuals are still unwilling to let go of discriminatory attitudes. In
a recent incident in Houston, one father allegedly reinforced his racist views
with violence.
Aaron Aranza is said to have become upset after he learned
that his fourteen-year-old daughter had picked an African
American friend to be her dance partner as she practiced for her upcoming
quinceanera party. Aranza immediately put a stop to the dance rehearsal and shoved
the teenager with whom his daughter had chosen to dance. He then allegedly beat
his daughter, pulled her inside the house and then beat
her some more with a belt, telling her that she would no longer live with
her mother but come and stay with him, assumedly so that he could more closely
monitor her social decisions. When she tried to run from the house, he dragged
his daughter across the yard. Then he left the premises.
Aranza is currently being held in jail, unable to make bail.
Already not the custodial parent, he hopefully now will face even greater
restrictions in getting to spend time with his daughter. In addition to the
horrible abuse that is the greatest misgiving here, Aranza likely made his
discriminatory worldview a regular part of his interaction with his child and
hoped to pass on these beliefs.
Racism is taught. We learn it from our parents, other family
members, those whom we value in our community. It not only has the sad effect
of limiting who we can come to know and call a friend, but also surfaces as very
real threats to job security in the workplace. If you feel that you were
fired or passed over for a promotion due to your race, we can help. Please contact Bertolino LLP today and we will work
diligently to make sure justice is served.
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