I had no idea your beliefs were so vehement and so completely different from mine.
Since when has humility and a reflection on the harm that we, as humans, have done to one another been such a disgusting proposition? What do we have to lose if we apologize?
I think we need to apologize to one another on a regular basis. Apologize for the daily hatred, nastiness, bitterness, miscommunication, dishonor, and other slights we do to each other.
I think we need to apologize for slavery, to apologize for the genocide of First Nations people, to apologize for being too prideful, spiteful, scared, bitter, or hateful to apologize for things we still reap the benefits of, consciously or unconsciously.
I benefit not only from the privilege of a Caucasian heritage, but from a middle class/upper middle class heritage as well, in little ways every day. And I have no problems saying, "You know, we fucked up. My people fucked up big time and harmed your people in ways we are still trying to work out and I am so sorry." I don't hold pity or disdain or guilt in my heart, just the sorrow of being an inheritor of such an ugly legacy - one that is a part of America and always will be.
I'm really disappointed in the language used in your post and the vehemence with which you used it - also with the condemnation of the peoples of Africa as inferior to Americans because some of them live in a manner different and apparently thoroughly repugnant to you. I'm sorry if my words hurt, anger or upset you. I can't imagine what place in your heart that stemmed from or how it came to be there, and I never thought I would find a place like that in someone who, before now, I considered to be a loving woman.
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ninetydegrees
Disappointed
Since when has humility and a reflection on the harm that we, as humans, have done to one another been such a disgusting proposition? What do we have to lose if we apologize?
I think we need to apologize to one another on a regular basis. Apologize for the daily hatred, nastiness, bitterness, miscommunication, dishonor, and other slights we do to each other.
I think we need to apologize for slavery, to apologize for the genocide of First Nations people, to apologize for being too prideful, spiteful, scared, bitter, or hateful to apologize for things we still reap the benefits of, consciously or unconsciously.
I benefit not only from the privilege of a Caucasian heritage, but from a middle class/upper middle class heritage as well, in little ways every day. And I have no problems saying, "You know, we fucked up. My people fucked up big time and harmed your people in ways we are still trying to work out and I am so sorry." I don't hold pity or disdain or guilt in my heart, just the sorrow of being an inheritor of such an ugly legacy - one that is a part of America and always will be.
I'm really disappointed in the language used in your post and the vehemence with which you used it - also with the condemnation of the peoples of Africa as inferior to Americans because some of them live in a manner different and apparently thoroughly repugnant to you. I'm sorry if my words hurt, anger or upset you. I can't imagine what place in your heart that stemmed from or how it came to be there, and I never thought I would find a place like that in someone who, before now, I considered to be a loving woman.