I don't know how we got on the "apology" issue again, but. Tell ya what...
To every former slave, I'm sorry.
Now, since there is no one alive in this country right now, who is a freed slave (as that happened over 140 years ago) to the descendants of those freed slaves (who took many of the opportunities suddenly thrust upon them and produced some of the finest people this country has ever know, including inventors, statesmen and at least 1 millionaire):
- I'm sorry that despite being given your freedom 140+ years ago, along with the right to education and the right to vote, as well as special grants and government programs that only you due to your heritage can take advantage of, and at least 45+ years of civil rights efforts still somehow feel that the events of the past are what is "keeping you down."
- I am sorry that recent immigrants who have only been here a decade are ahead of you in education, economic position and social status.
- I am sorry that I am unable to give you free money because your great great grandmother was kidnapped from her homeland.
- I am sorry that I was paying attention in school, or showed up for that matter while you were out being "cool" and burning your textbooks.
- I'm sorry that I showed up for work and did what was required of me and got ahead while you called in sick because you wanted to sleep in and as it was the 12x time that month got fired over it. I know it was only because of your skin color.
- I'm sorry that I take pride in my property and take the time to pick up the trash others throw on my lawn, and I apologize for the inequality of expecting you do the same.
- and, I am sorry that you somehow feel that by expecting you to show up for, and pay attention in school, that by expecting you to show up for work on time, prepared and willing to actually do the job for which you were hired, and expecting you to be able to communicate in an understandable manner that you somehow believe is unfair and yet another attempt of "the man" to "keep you down".
There's my apology. Even though, my family never owned a slave, having arrived here from Poland in the 1880's.
Now, where's mine?
I want an apology for:
- All these bad tv shows that seem to cater to, and reinforce stereotypes on ignorance and inability to speak English properly.
- All these special programs that I as a "White Male" can't get into.
- That assault at a bus stop 15 years back.
- The assault outside of my high school when I wouldn't share my non-existent cancer sticks.
- These incredibly bad remakes of both classics and craptastics that seem to be a recent trend.
- This idea that you need an apology and a cash handout for events that did not directly effect you, not prevent you from doing something about your life on your own.
I honestly don't care what your skin tone is, just your education level and work ethic. I know doctors, lawyers, teachers, scientists, etc, all who happen to have a little pigment in their skin, all of whom busted their asses to get where they are. Others like Mr. Cosby and Mr. Freeman did the same thing, and are referred to as "Sell Outs" by others who share that same pigment. I think it's a pity. They are and should be seen as role models, positive influences that motivate you to work harder to do something with your life besides "hang out".
I'm sorry if my frank speech here is deemed racist by anyone. It is not. I say the same thing to any group that believes they are entitled to a handout for events that happened beyond their or their parents lifetimes. Learn to read, take the time to find out and use the "special programs, ectc" that you are eligible for, and take responsibility for your own destiny.
