Michael l Koetje,
Vashon, WA.
I grew up in a sheltered deeply religious community. Just white folks. When an older friend went away to college and brought a black guy home in the Mid-60’s, those were my Father’s words about the children they might have. I said America needs to be ready. I believed what they said in church-love your neighbor; we are all equal in God’s eyes. I was a little naive I guess to think that they actually meant everyone! I don’t hang out in church but still practice what I learned there. Some days I do well. Some days I fail miserably. I am surprised still that many people, can’t/won’t acknowledge and talk about racial issues. Not talking about the haters out there. Just regular folks.
I am married to a Mexican-American woman but my parents haven’t acknowledge her heritage other than in some derogatory/racist ways. She avoids contact with them. I talked about it with them for a while but then just gave up. Maybe that’s not right but after a while you just get tired.
I think we need to do much better after 50 years.
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