General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: White DUers: Tell Your Stories [View all]theaocp
(4,236 posts)I was in a mixed magnet school in the mid-1980s. I literally didn't think anything about race because it just wasn't an issue. My friends were of all backgrounds. Unfortunately, my asst soccer coach died of a heart attack. His son was my friend and he had been my coach. He was black, but that never crossed my mind when my teacher asked for volunteers to attend his funeral. I went and "happily" so (it was a funeral, after all).
When we arrived, it occurred to me that it was a prominently black church. I had never experienced anything like this (privilege?) personally, so I voiced my amazement, "There sure are a lot of black people here." My teacher immediately grabbed my hand and told me I was going back with the principal. I was aghast and told her I was only making a statement. While this was true, I understand her reaction now, even if I didn't then. She allowed me to attend the funeral.
This still stands out in my mind as a pivotal moment in my life. It's easy to miss the details when you've never been a part of the story.