I just read this post on ragamuffinsoul.com . After reading some of the comments that were made I felt compelled to comment.
This is what I said:
I am a white South African. I grew up in Johannesburg in the 80′s. For me the kind of segregation Los is talking about is not history. It is something I experienced. Forget front or back of busses, try different busses. I remember the police dragging away our housekeeper’s husband, because someone tipped them of that there was a black person in a white neighbourhood after dark. I remember visiting a friend in hospital who, because of the colour of his skin, received a lower standard of care because he could not go to the same hospitals I could have gone to.
I’m only 33 years old and these injustices are still fresh in my memory.
We (in South Africa) have a black president (and have had for the past 14 years). Our presidents are democratically elected by the majority of South Africans. The fact that we have a black president is a testament to the political and social change that occurred in our country.
Today America gets her first black President. That is also a testament to the political and social change that has happened in that country.
For those of us who are white, the race thing might not sound like a big deal, we might even get a little irritated when the is brought up. But we need to try and see it from a different perspective.
The fact that Obama has been elected is a testament to change. It shows that despite the fact that prejudice still exists, that a lot of people are beginning to look past the surface.
This is progress people, it might be uncomfortable for some, but by facing our discomforts is how we as individuals and as a society grow.
Today I celebrate with Americans of all skin colours, I celebrate change that shows us that we can progress, that shows us that we can become more like Christ.
Sermon over. God bless!
Do you feel me?
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Should we be colour blind?
Posted in commentary, tagged celebrate, politics on January 20, 2009 | 10 Comments »
I just read this post on ragamuffinsoul.com . After reading some of the comments that were made I felt compelled to comment.
This is what I said:
I am a white South African. I grew up in Johannesburg in the 80′s. For me the kind of segregation Los is talking about is not history. It is something I experienced. Forget front or back of busses, try different busses. I remember the police dragging away our housekeeper’s husband, because someone tipped them of that there was a black person in a white neighbourhood after dark. I remember visiting a friend in hospital who, because of the colour of his skin, received a lower standard of care because he could not go to the same hospitals I could have gone to.
I’m only 33 years old and these injustices are still fresh in my memory.
We (in South Africa) have a black president (and have had for the past 14 years). Our presidents are democratically elected by the majority of South Africans. The fact that we have a black president is a testament to the political and social change that occurred in our country.
Today America gets her first black President. That is also a testament to the political and social change that has happened in that country.
For those of us who are white, the race thing might not sound like a big deal, we might even get a little irritated when the is brought up. But we need to try and see it from a different perspective.
The fact that Obama has been elected is a testament to change. It shows that despite the fact that prejudice still exists, that a lot of people are beginning to look past the surface.
This is progress people, it might be uncomfortable for some, but by facing our discomforts is how we as individuals and as a society grow.
Today I celebrate with Americans of all skin colours, I celebrate change that shows us that we can progress, that shows us that we can become more like Christ.
Sermon over. God bless!
Do you feel me?
Read Full Post »