I continue to reflect on The Warmth of Other Suns which I recently blogged about, even I read news reports of hysterical opposition to so-called Critical Race Theory.
The trials people of color endured and still endure deserve to be talked about. I believe that there is not a White person alive who has not, in various ways, benefited from the oppression suffered by people of color.
My idyllic childhood was surely enabled by the presence of various Black women who did tasks around our house I might otherwise have been called on to do. My schooling avoided the mention of unpleasant truths--it was all those happy Indians welcoming Columbus and sharing a Thanksgiving feast with the Pilgrims--who would soon massacre almost a whole tribe.
And White privilege was always with me--applying to college or for a job or a credit card or a loan. (Of course, my husband had to cosign for my first credit card back in '64, but that's another rant.)
There is so much in American history that was white-washed or soft-pedaled. No, I don't advocate talking to first graders about genocide--but maybe we could lose the fairy tales about the happy Indians and the kind-hearted plantation owners. Just like Santa and the Easter Bunny--sooner or later the truth needs to be clear.
And if it makes folks uncomfortable--maybe it should.
