Comments on: Growing up segregated

By: Jackie

Jackie — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 03:58:07 +0000

No one talks about how the blacks were captured by their own people and sold into slavery. Why? When you ask a Black how they came to be here, they don't know about this part. They only know about the white man, not their own people who sold them.

White in America? Many whites were denied jobs by white personnel because Blacks had to be given a chance. Too bad the white personnel didn't give up their jobs.

By: Cliff

Cliff — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 01:50:16 +0000

Rosie, you have a rare quality. Most things are what they are. They get better or worse from time to time.
Abe Lincoln once said, and I paraphrase, " People are generally about as happy as they want to be."
In all candor I believe Obama to be just another politician who will say anything to get elected. I hope, for your sake, if he's elected he doesn't disappoint you.

By: Rosie

Rosie — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 23:28:12 +0000

I grew up in, what is called, the Jim Crow era. I drank from the water fountains marked colored -white; entered the doors marked colored and white; sit in the back of the bus; sit in the back seats of the theater; attended all black schools, but I never viewed White's as being any different than any other people.
I never allowed the past nor the Jim Crow era, in which I grew up, to dictate the type of person I would become. When I became old enough to understand why such signs existed, and how my ancestor's had been treated; sorry, of heart, not only came because of my own people, but for White's also.
I cried out to God, asking that he forgive those who had behaved, toward my people, in an unchristian way. Then I cried, great and painful tears, for the pain and anguish of spirit, endured by my ancestor's. When I had finished, my heart felt nothing but love for White's, and great pride in the strength shown by my ancestor's.
We cannot undo the past, nor can we erase it from America's history. But what we can do, is learn from the past unchristian behavior, and join Obama, who is trying to cut the umbilical cord so that the generations, to come, will not spend their lives as we have; divided by ghost from the past. Which is to say, we did not see it, but it happen. But we do see one another today, therefore it is up to us to change course, while we can yet see one another; rather than leave our history to become the ghost of the generations to come.

By: Eddie

Eddie — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 18:04:13 +0000

A very interesting insight into what was going on from a white youngster's perspective. I wasn't born then but it still is a bit painful to hear of the way the black segment of society was treated and mistreated. It still strikes me to read in the writings here a reference 'Negros' and Jim Crow. It doesn' t raise my pulse as much as it once did but it is a helpful and frustrating reminder of what my parents must have had to go through as children, young adults and parents.

The stories of children peeing on themselves because they couldn't us a nearby restroom stings. My wife an I have children and it is all I can do to make sure we are near restrooms (especially for those being potty trained) while we are out to keep from having to find a bathroom quickly to avoid an accident. I'm usually more concerned about having to clean the car or taking out the spare outfits if there are accidents than my children suffering from any shame of peeing on themselves. The notion of running for blocks while my child tries to hold her (or his) bladder would bring me to tears too. The society I was raised in has afforded me the luxury of being enraged by injustice (imagine luxury in rage...) because I don't have the experience of having my voice pummelled out of me. We are standing on the shoulders of those who sacraficed, waged war, and endangered themselves for our sakes. Because I am learning what previous generations endured and how they faught to provide the rights we have today, I can't take the rights for granted.

Thanks again for the glimpse through your looking glass.

By: JC- Los Angeles

JC- Los Angeles — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 17:45:10 +0000

Very well written and a poignant reminder of the times; an apt follow up for today's America might be "Growing Up Integrated or at Least Trying To."

Yesterday I wrote a few comments where I metaphorically tried to articulate that today's America is a diverse tapestry that is getting brighter and more colorful each day.

The response to my comments was vast and flattering; whether you agree with my positions or staunchly disagree, I respect everyone equally and welcome an open dialogue leading to advancement for all.

My thoughts and ideals come from how I was raised and my life experiences; although they may differ from others, they help define who I am and provide me with an ample understanding and an open mind.

Los Angeles and it's 140 nationalities may be at the high end of the diversity spectrum but it also helps shed light on the important issues of race, diversity, opportunity, culture, integration and advancement.

How is it that an asian immigrant can land on our shores, often times having been persecuted at home and within one generation marry, start a family, become a business owner and send his/her children to our nation's finest schools?

The answer may be opportunity; hard work; sacrifice; commitment; a culture of success or an unyielding desire to provide children with an education and opportunities that were not afforded him or her.

Similar examples could easily be found within any race, however, it's the people that take advantage of the myriad of opportunities afforded all Americans that rise up and set the bar for all other citizens.

Having endless amounts of friends of all races, religions and creeds that I embrace equally, it's unfortunate sometimes to think that we can't change the past and the unjust treatment of good people.

I can not change the past and most certainly have no understanding of our future, I can merely hope that we all embrace our opportunities and become truly integrated one day.

By: Cindy

Cindy — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 17:25:16 +0000

Great excerpt from Carl's book! Thanks for sharing. I didn't even know about it or his past working for equality with his family.

He is a great writer BTW...he really paints a great picture so that you feel like you are almost there. I may have to get this book to read!

Cindy...Ga.