Linda Robinson
Philadelphia, PA
All of us are shaped by the culture and historical period in which we developed as children. That culture almost becomes a part of our DNA – it’s that imbedded in us. The white slave-traders of centuries ago in Africa were shaped by the cultural idea that dark-skinned peoples of Africa were inferior to White, Europeans. That idea was a very dangerous and immoral idea, as it set the stage for much bloodshed and suffering (white and black alike) continuing into present times. Most white folks here in the 21st century America were not descendants of the slave traders of yesterday. So, why the hatred that exists in your hearts for something that some of our ancestors perpetrated on your ancestors?? So, please forgive us for the atrocities committed by our ancestors…and some of the atrocities that continue today. White folks: ask some of your black colleagues, neighbors, etc. for their forgiveness; even though we weren’t responsible for what happened in the past, we too carry some of the ‘sins of our fathers’ with us. Can we replace our fear with love for the ‘other?’ Let us try.
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