Post by JustMyOpinion on Aug 14, 2010 13:24:50 GMT -5
I was going to post this before and didn't, but the Obama/Mosque topic inspired me.
Last weekend I was going to a park with a child alone, and as we approached the park we saw about 20 African American people having a party there. I admit I paused because some of the young men were dressed in gang looking clothes, but were with older family members and so I felt conflicted. We decided to go up the hill away from the group and just sit and read on a bench. Several minutes passed and we heard voices coming up the hill. Yes, the group decided to move, right by us! We decide to stay in place, and then they move the picnic tables about 15 feet from us. I admit I felt a little nervous not because of their race, but because of the younger people and what their clothing represented. An older woman looked over at us, smiled and said "would you like some chips?" Wait, what? I was so touched by her kindness! They proceeded to cook their food and have a good time and at that point I was feeling more comfortable. A few more minutes pass and a little toddler walked over to us and hugged us, and smiled the biggest smile, and then the mother walked over to get him and we exchanged small talk. We talked about where we lived, and she proceeds to tell me they live in a town known for gang activity (I wasn't totally wrong), and met in this town for a family reunion. Again, I was happy to be sitting there and felt more relaxed even though she confirmed my first instincts. A few more minutes pass and one young man (one of the men dressed in gang looking clothes) approached us and said "what's your name?" I told him our names and then he said "are you with us?" I said no, we we've been sitting here the entire time. He said "oh, well, would you like to eat with us? We have chicken, potato salad, spaghetti etc. and I know the others wouldn't mind." I almost fell over! He was so kind! He proceeded to tell me about his job, we talked about young people and poor diets, lack of exercise and the consequences on and on it went. I have always been open to all peoples and have had some of the richest experiences in life from being that way. As I get older, and maybe because of my son and his crazy behaviors I feel more vulnerable and guarded. But once again, I felt validated as a human being, not as a race, gender, social class, but as one that shares this world with people that are different, and yet the same. Now, don't get me wrong, I know first hand many people do wish us harm, and I will always have my antennae up, but if we greet people with respect instead of fear or hatred the same is usually returned.
I hope in the future we find common ground in this country even if we are all different. It seems since 911, Bush, Obama etc. this country is regressing and I have said all along that will be our biggest weakness in the end.
Last weekend I was going to a park with a child alone, and as we approached the park we saw about 20 African American people having a party there. I admit I paused because some of the young men were dressed in gang looking clothes, but were with older family members and so I felt conflicted. We decided to go up the hill away from the group and just sit and read on a bench. Several minutes passed and we heard voices coming up the hill. Yes, the group decided to move, right by us! We decide to stay in place, and then they move the picnic tables about 15 feet from us. I admit I felt a little nervous not because of their race, but because of the younger people and what their clothing represented. An older woman looked over at us, smiled and said "would you like some chips?" Wait, what? I was so touched by her kindness! They proceeded to cook their food and have a good time and at that point I was feeling more comfortable. A few more minutes pass and a little toddler walked over to us and hugged us, and smiled the biggest smile, and then the mother walked over to get him and we exchanged small talk. We talked about where we lived, and she proceeds to tell me they live in a town known for gang activity (I wasn't totally wrong), and met in this town for a family reunion. Again, I was happy to be sitting there and felt more relaxed even though she confirmed my first instincts. A few more minutes pass and one young man (one of the men dressed in gang looking clothes) approached us and said "what's your name?" I told him our names and then he said "are you with us?" I said no, we we've been sitting here the entire time. He said "oh, well, would you like to eat with us? We have chicken, potato salad, spaghetti etc. and I know the others wouldn't mind." I almost fell over! He was so kind! He proceeded to tell me about his job, we talked about young people and poor diets, lack of exercise and the consequences on and on it went. I have always been open to all peoples and have had some of the richest experiences in life from being that way. As I get older, and maybe because of my son and his crazy behaviors I feel more vulnerable and guarded. But once again, I felt validated as a human being, not as a race, gender, social class, but as one that shares this world with people that are different, and yet the same. Now, don't get me wrong, I know first hand many people do wish us harm, and I will always have my antennae up, but if we greet people with respect instead of fear or hatred the same is usually returned.
I hope in the future we find common ground in this country even if we are all different. It seems since 911, Bush, Obama etc. this country is regressing and I have said all along that will be our biggest weakness in the end.
I don't think I will be posting a pic of myself anytime soon! I have thought about posting a few to see if anyone could figure out which one was me, but chickened out. I told you years ago based on your writing I add pictured you in a plaid conservative shirt with khakis, boy was I wrong, or what?!