With the all caps, I feel like you're yelling at me, and ruining the nice feeling I had about civility.
I am sorry if it comes across this way. I don't capitalize to yell as typically only a word or two will be capitalized in a sentence when I post. I use it the same way that some use italics, or bracketing by asterisks, it is to show emphasis not volume level.
And look up the PIri Thomas book, if you're interested in race issues, internal conflict, various levels of racism, etc. He does not "play the victim"--he honestly looks at his own complicity and at his internal conflict.
Indeed, so am I. That doesn't mean that my interpretations of observations will agree with his.
The fact is, I learned what racism was from black people when I was routinely beaten up as a child for being white in a predominantly black neighborhood in the 1970's. At the time my best friend (and first girlfriend) was the black girl down the street. I heard the word "honky" (and worse) before I ever heard the word "nigger".
I honestly don't need to read the book of a black man (Piri Thomas) to get an objective or unique perspective on the race issue. I am sure it is a good book, but from reading your responses I can already tell that ultimately I will be in disagreement because of my own experiences.
To further this point before close, I hold no grudge against black people for the way I was treated. The treatment I received was the product of ignorance, the same as similar treatment against black people from white ones is. I prefer to take people on an individual basis rather than using blanket generalities and stereotypes.
I can agree to disagree, but don't ever think that I come to my position randomly. Many years and careful thought when into my views.
