Just for fun, here is more context from our class. I only highlighted what upset me most. There were other random things taught (maybe I'll do another post).
The lesson was Signs of the Second Coming number 43.
In the end of the lesson they talked about the gospel being brought to all nations and the Lamanites "blossoming as the rose."
This is what the manual says:
Lehi’s Descendants Will Become a Great People
The Lord said that when His coming was near, the Lamanites would become a righteous and respected people. He said, “Before the great day of the Lord shall come, … the Lamanites shall blossom as the rose” (D&C 49:24). Great numbers of Lehi’s descendants are now receiving the blessings of the gospel.
This is when one sister got choked up and said it was very near and dear to her heart because her son is on a mission to the Lamanites...in Argentina.
The teacher spoke several times about those who are from "Spanish speaking" countries, them being Lamanites. She also specified Mexicans because we have a Spanish branch that her and her husband workk very closely with (he is in the stk presidency). How wonderful it is to see them embrace the gospel and go from jeans to...well, looking like American Mormon's. She struggled with how to say it, but the intent was clear.
Ok, then she told us about this family that were Lamanite/S.Am. and had 9 children. She said that after they joined the church each baby that was born was lighter skinned than the last. The last baby was "just as white" as a caucasian and they called it their "little Nephite."
There. That is the context.
I considered saying how racist that was, but did not know how to without causing a stink and drawing attention to myself. How do you tell someone that the racist story they just told to 30 women...who all believe it is true....is racist? I couldn't figure out how. I'm also non-confrontational in real life.