The post noted is one of many that I have received from a person who was attempting to make an argument with me stating that I was nothing more than ignorant and to the effects of myself hating anyone who is black. I just don't get it she stated. As a reader, do you get it? Because I certainly don't get her points of opinion that racism only affects one specific group of people, whether it be in Maine or around the country, let alone the world.
The news of this occurrence broke out via social media when one news lady, decided to share her thoughts about what she had witnessed in the Old Port, Downtown, Portland, Maine. I started reading the comments and I had about enough of blaming Jackie Ward for not saying anything at the time. Some commenters made it a point to single out "you white people" (posted by Nkenge Ragan) as to blame for this racism. I personally believe that statement is offensive in itself. Maine is by far, is the whitest state in the nation, "http://bangordailynews.com/2009/05/13/politics/census-maine-oldest-whitest-state-in-nation/) Census bureau but does this mean Maine citizens are racist? No, it does not
.https://www.facebook.com/blackgirlinmaine/posts/869852426408061?comment_id=870885606304743¬if_t=share_reply if you wish to read the comments.
Local news anchor shares poignant story of racism in Portland
From the Facebook page of Jackie Ward, who is the weekend morning anchor for WCSH 6 in Portland and WLBZ 2 in Bangor:
“I’m writing about something I witnessed yesterday in hopes that it can serve as a reminder for us to be kinder to each other.
Yesterday in the Old Port, an adorable family of four was walking down Fore Street enjoying the day, popping in and out of stores along with everyone else in downtown Portland. I was waiting outside of a store with my dog when they were walking on Fore Street. Suddenly, a man driving by screamed the n-word at them as he sped off. (The family consisted of a black mom, white dad, and from what I can tell a 12-year-old daughter and a 20-year-old son.)
“I’m writing about something I witnessed yesterday in hopes that it can serve as a reminder for us to be kinder to each other.
Jackie Ward of WCSH 6 and WLBZ 2.
The son quickly said something to his mom, dropped his bags, and sped off after the car. This all frightened the little girl tremendously. What happened next is what made me the most sad. As the dad crossed the street to see if he could see how far his son was running, the little girl started getting visibly upset with what was going on. But the mom remained calm and stern. She told the girl her brother is a grown man who can stand up for what he believes in. “People are going to use that word and you need to know how to stand up for yourself.”
My heart broke for that little girl as she harshly learned how our society has such a long way to go when it comes to racism.
It’s happening everywhere, every day. Yes, even in Maine. Do something about it and don’t add to this evil.”
Growing up in an all (for lack of practicality) white state. I have seen racism from the time, I could speak English to present day. I feel for this family and I understand exactly how hurt and awful of an experience like this is to a person. I thank Ms. Ward for bringing this to light. Without her FB status and having it gone viral, I certainly would have been in the dark. Despite all of the bad press, I love Maine and I am proud to be calling Maine home and so should you! Maine, like many states, has its up and down moments in history, but only the bad ones are remembered. As commenters like, Viola F Hayhurst (posted the blog title), Maine had stepped up to the plate during the Civil War, because of at least a slavery issue. http://americanhistory.about.com/od/civilwarmenu/a/cause_civil_war.htm. If Maine is believed to be a racist state, then why should anyone forget that Maine send its best troops to fight at Little Round Top? Today's 20th of Maine legacy lives on with the 133rd Engineers, a unit on Stevens Avenue in Portland.
Back to the original question of who gets a pass. No one gets a pass depending on where you are from. For instance, during world war II, the Japanese-American did not receive a pass. What came about was a relocation of their families to Japanese Internment Camps in the West in 1942. While some Japanese fought for America, their families were surrounded by guard towers and barb wires. http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/japanese-american-relocation. Where was their pass? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xz4184rEqjI is a video showing a white male being beaten up by blacks in "their neighborhood." Where was his pass? My point is, everyone is affected by racism each and everyday. As a citizen, I would like everyone to move forward in a perpetual motion together by learning that racism is not right and is unacceptable. It is not just about how we change it but when do we accept the fact that it does occur to everyone. Once we can accept this fact, we can grow together as a state and a nation by loving thy neighbor. One area of concern of mine that I have read about in the past is that some families grow up teaching their child that they are superior to others or that their skin tone and ethnic background will put them at a disadvantage because others will dislike them. In my opinion, these parents or guardians are teaching hate. How can a child grow up to believe that the person next to them may actually like them if all they know is that they are better than he or she or they are viewed as "'not real people' stated by a commenter who believes that's what I think."
My heart broke for that little girl as she harshly learned how our society has such a long way to go when it comes to racism.
It’s happening everywhere, every day. Yes, even in Maine. Do something about it and don’t add to this evil.”
Growing up in an all (for lack of practicality) white state. I have seen racism from the time, I could speak English to present day. I feel for this family and I understand exactly how hurt and awful of an experience like this is to a person. I thank Ms. Ward for bringing this to light. Without her FB status and having it gone viral, I certainly would have been in the dark. Despite all of the bad press, I love Maine and I am proud to be calling Maine home and so should you! Maine, like many states, has its up and down moments in history, but only the bad ones are remembered. As commenters like, Viola F Hayhurst (posted the blog title), Maine had stepped up to the plate during the Civil War, because of at least a slavery issue. http://americanhistory.about.com/od/civilwarmenu/a/cause_civil_war.htm. If Maine is believed to be a racist state, then why should anyone forget that Maine send its best troops to fight at Little Round Top? Today's 20th of Maine legacy lives on with the 133rd Engineers, a unit on Stevens Avenue in Portland.
Back to the original question of who gets a pass. No one gets a pass depending on where you are from. For instance, during world war II, the Japanese-American did not receive a pass. What came about was a relocation of their families to Japanese Internment Camps in the West in 1942. While some Japanese fought for America, their families were surrounded by guard towers and barb wires. http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/japanese-american-relocation. Where was their pass? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xz4184rEqjI is a video showing a white male being beaten up by blacks in "their neighborhood." Where was his pass? My point is, everyone is affected by racism each and everyday. As a citizen, I would like everyone to move forward in a perpetual motion together by learning that racism is not right and is unacceptable. It is not just about how we change it but when do we accept the fact that it does occur to everyone. Once we can accept this fact, we can grow together as a state and a nation by loving thy neighbor. One area of concern of mine that I have read about in the past is that some families grow up teaching their child that they are superior to others or that their skin tone and ethnic background will put them at a disadvantage because others will dislike them. In my opinion, these parents or guardians are teaching hate. How can a child grow up to believe that the person next to them may actually like them if all they know is that they are better than he or she or they are viewed as "'not real people' stated by a commenter who believes that's what I think."
This blog is an open dialog into your brain and how you think and operate. Many points came up and many concerns were noted. I am hoping that you could help me understand that a) I am either on the right track that racism is not just about "Black" but also every color in the spectrum of the rainbow or b) she is absolutely correct that I just don't get it, "Other than black, everyone gets a pass."
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