In forty years my mother went from a woman who feared all black people, to an Obama supporter

[Taverner]

Back in the sixties, she was afraid of all black people. Her parents, who were Catholic Polish-Jewish immigrants (don't ask), told her that black people would rape you, etc. She grew up thinking this. Even though her parents were labor heroes, and were part of some of the most historical strikes in the history of the UAW - they feared black people. That fear, she inherited.

Fast forward to the 2008 Election. She signed up voters, she made calls, she put her Obama sticker right next to her "Support the Troops/bring them home" black and yellow ribbon. And, of course, she voted for the man himself.

People can change.

Sometimes I forget this.

Sometimes we all forget this.

[mzteris]

1. I was born and raised

in the Deep South. Grew up during desegregation. My parents "disliked" Kennedy, feared Martin Luther King, Jr/Abernathy/etc. When I was young, there were still segregated bathrooms and waterfountains.

We didn't "hate" black people, some played a prominent role in my life - my "Aunt Mary" who took care of my grandparents, my "Uncle Will" who brought his mule over to plow our garden and helped work it for his share of the produce. My "Aunt Lilymae" who babysat us a lot. "Willy" the mentally challenged young man my grandparents and aunts and uncles took in to do odd jobs around the house and farm.

I was raised to "respect and like" everyone (god forbid I addressed any of those "aunts & uncles" by their first name withOUT the honorific - I'd've been smacked 'til next Tuesday!) - but - - - BUT - - - and that's a really really big BUT - I was also raised that there was NO MIXING.

"They" had their place and we had "ours". And, of course, "their" place was subservient to "ours".

Well, you get the picture. . .

I just want to tell you that *I*, too changed. I wept with joy when Obama was elected - but I suppose I was being just a little bit selfish that a black man was elected President of the United States. Let me tell you why -

My son, now age 10, whom I fostered as a newborn and adopted as a two-year-old - really DOES believe now that HE can grow up to "be President". That he CAN do anything he wants to do and that the color of his skin - which is a beautiful black - does not matter. He is not subservient. He is not "less than" anyone else. He IS a person of worth who doesn't have to step aside for ANY man because he is black.

People can change. I know. Not just my mind, but my heart as well.

[peacetalksforall]

2. Both your story and the op's story are just heavenly beautiful. Thanks.

My story is that I grew up not being taught hate. All I can say is I grew up feeling that I was normal like many others and that prejudice was the exception. I didn't consider until much later that my surroundings was a gift.

To change and transition from ingrained feelings and beliefs to awareness and action is glorious as in the mother story. Then, to inspire a young boy with real hope as we were inspired at that age is a blessing.

Thanks. I hope there are more stories.

[Wednesdays]

3. K&R

:kick: