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Dear Sir,

Once again we have to hear yet another reason why white folks don't want to talk about and therefore acknowledge our history [We need a 'big conversation' on race. But people need to speak more softly if they want it to work' - Tom Vesey, 20.2.09].

I'm sorry, I didn't know that by bringing up true stories from the past - stories that have been hidden and dismissed from the get-go - would offend white people.

How dare we try to set the record straight! How dare we try to understand why we are in the positions that we are in today concerning race?

What do you think is more offensive, that my mother had to cycle past three primary schools to go to Old Elliot to learn because of the pigmentation in her skin, or the way I word my account of it when telling [you?].

How dare we? No how dare you?

The reason many white people don't want to discuss race is not because of our harsh wording in describing the past, it is the actual past that they do not want to confront nor accept.

Mr. Vesey, whenever you feel that our anger is "offensive or unfair" go read some history - I think segregation is OFFENSIVE and a bit UNFAIR.

...You conclude that by us bringing up the past in such an "offensive" way, it is WE who are holding back the progress of the country?! It is, as usual, our fault for going through slavery and segregation, getting nothing out of a destroyed culture and history, and actually talking about it after nothing has been done to fix or address it.

And exactly how do you talk softly about such a brutal history, such horrific acts?

And you wonder why we are angry.

P.S. Another history lesson - not too long ago we weren't allowed to talk freely amongst ourselves, let alone carry any type of stick.

Jeffrey Tyrrell

Smith's Parish[[In-content Ad]]

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