Yet another news article that begs repeating yesterdays post: I pass. Its inexplicably painful, and at the same time it has been a blessing. My child? Not so much. He learned young that the security WILL stop him for shopping while brown. I fear when he heads out on public transportation. I tremble at the idea of him encountering law enforcement. When he even stands tall and proud, I am secretly afraid. I cant, and I wont, attempt to explain what I mean, if you dont already get it, Thats not what this post is about. I just wanted to point out that large portions of Oregons growing non-white population are looking over their collective shoulders. Parents fuss over teens until they are safely home. And there is a legitimate concern for the welfare of our families, simply and solely because there are very real people who make living as anything other than Caucasian-multigenerational-American a truly dangerous thing. I came to Oregon 30 years ago in my Cuban shoes and silk pants. I quickly adapted to blue jeans and boots. I passed. But like the proverbial fly on the wall, I have bared witness to way too much violent/racist/homophobic hate speech, coming from professionals and even children. 30 years later nothing much has changed with the people who focus on hate. What has changed is the willingness of a growing segment of white Oregonians who are fed up with it, who are speaking out, who are standing up, who are saying, I know that I cant feel your pain, but I definitely cant stand knowing youre in pain, and I will help prevent others from causing you pain by voting for equality, by attending anti violence marches, and by educating myself. And for this, I say; I see you, I acknowledge your work, I respect our mutual growth, and I thank you.
Posted on: Sun, 16 Mar 2014 20:03:08 +0000
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