Tell ya what I think...

The smallest minority on earth is the individual. Individuals should not have to identify with accidents of birth such as their race or social class, nor should they see these circumstances entitling them to other people's money. Rather, their self-esteem should come from what they make of themselves through their own efforts to realize their own dreams. However, facing the history of old-fashioned Southern-bigot white racism, it has unfortunately taken time for some of the prejudices to be overcome to a certain degree. Being Canadian, I really don't know how tremendously difficult it has been for some to deal with the racist problem that still exists. However, I think tremendous strides have been made in the right direction to overcome racism. I also think the entertainment media has been responsible for softening racism. Going way back to "To Kill A Mockingbird," "Guess Who's Coming To Dinner" up to some of the present day comedy movies or TV movies and sit coms. It all helps!

Buzz made some very good points. This is a time embedded cultural problem that has to be treated with time and well intentioned individuals.

Remember the old book by John Howard Griffin, "Black Like Me?"
Concerned by the lack of communication between the races and wondering what "adjustments and discriminations" he would face as a Negro in the Deep South, he left behind his privileged life as a Southern white man to step into the body of a stranger. In 1959, Griffin headed to New Orleans, darkened his skin and immersed himself in black society, then traveled to several states until he could no longer stand the racism, segregation and degrading living conditions. Griffin imparts the hopelessness and despair he felt while executing his social experiment.
This was before the civil rights movement. On a positive note, let's be thankful for the progress made even though the facts show as always, progress brings with it problems from a different angle.


Eric

[This message has been edited by writefortune (edited 06-30-2004).]

If you're going to judge someone, do it on the side of mercy.