Racism Alive and Well in 2009
If there is anyone who thought that because we have a black president we should lock arms and sing Cum By Ya, well get this straight. Racism is alive and well rearing its ugly head at a moments notice. Once drug out to the light of public notice, it will slink back hoping to not be noticed by those who would view this as wrong or inappropriate.
I lived through the days when we had to ride in the rear of the bus. I saw the signs that said “white and colored” water. When I tried to ask my mother what was colored water, I was hushed up for fear of being overheard. Now I have to see this now in 2009.
A white, 52 year old, Niagara Falls New York public works employee, put up a “white’s only” sign over a drinking fountain. After being caught, he is now saying its wa just a joke. He, of course, was not given the stiff sentence a hate crime would have demanded. But this is just one example of Racism being alive and well in America.
The mayor of Los Alamitos, California, sent out a mass email with a cartoon showing the Whitehouse lawn planted with watermelon. When this came to light, he freigned an “ah shucks, I didn’t lnow it was racist.” Well since you have had to step down from your job, take this time to take some sensitivity courses. But looking at this “good ole boy” it would be a waste of time and money. I have walked in the world when often I was the only Black. Of one of a few Black RN’s so most of my friends are white and they are true friends. If the perception goes out that I need help, they are there. We support each other as friends do. Yesterday I was hit with what I’ll have to explore later. A “friend” I would have defended to my death, has shown what side is she really on. I found out that she sends what could be called racist material to another friend but not to me. I know she was opposed to President Obama. Racism is alive and well where you least expected it!
Should we draw up sides and withdraw from other cultures that reach out their hands as friends? NO! But we shouldn’t forget that not every hand is extending olive branches!
March 8th, 2009 at 3:03 am
Keep writing Lillie, maybe someday we will all overcome our hatreds and divisions and truly be one nation under God. We can only pray that it happens in our lifetimes. Your white sister. Kate
March 8th, 2009 at 10:15 am
Kate,
That is something to look forward to but you must know that you are not a color to me. You are one of the friends that support me when I am sad, laugh with me in the good times our friendship is colorless
March 13th, 2009 at 9:49 pm
Lillie, I do know that I am not a color to you,nor are you a color to me,I like to think of our ladies group as colorblind