I wonder what being an American means? Here is Whiteville, I thought a few people I know were open minded, and I was applauded to see how quickly the underlying prejudice & racism was allowed to show once Obama stepped down.
Back in the late seveties, a wise old black guy likely saved my life one day. Back in the late seventies, I was jogging near Oakland CA I was enjoying the scenery. I had run for some time when I noticed the houses had become colorful and the yards here utilized as flower and vegetable gardens.
I was feeling happy and energized and enjoyed the endorphin high. I heard a car on the road behind me keeping pace, and I tried to ignore it, but its persistence demanded that I take a look.
I turned, and the car sped up and momentarily matched my speed; the driver seemed to be an old black guy whose hat & shirt caught my eye. Without looking at me, he said, “Hey Honkey, if I were you I would turn around and run just as fast the other way.” It took several seconds for that warning to sink in but I did as he suggested and I have often wondered why he did it.
I am from the Northeast, and there is no mistaken me for being white, but this stranger offered to help me then drove off down the road. I know what I saw in the neighborhood that day, it was a caring for oneself, the painted houses, the gardens, the upbeat feeling; the people living there cared about life and that translated into caring about others, about me.
Those ignorant bastards that spew hateful remarks believe the lies they have been told.
