Hi Aimee, I'm not sure if this was the essay I read when I first subscribed to your newsletter. I remember your grandparents' saga vividly. But perhaps I didn't comment then? No matter, I just want to say what a powerful piece of writing it is, and what a powerful message it contains. I admire your grandparents' courage to forge their own paths, even though life was so difficult for them. And I admire you for continuing the speak out against racism in this country. It is really sad that we seem to be going backwards. But unless we call bigotry out for what it is and actively resist it, there will never be progress in the mutual understanding of our mutual humanity.
This disturbed me. It honestly wasn’t that long ago. I feel the same thing following news about the treatment of the Japanese Internment— racism hiding as wartime safeguards. I recently was reviewing relatively recent history of Klu Klux Klan activity in Oregon. You wonder at the caustic river of hate, that disappears from public view only to resurface again and again and is now nourishing MAGA extremists. Scary to feel such a sense of alienation and disconnection. Sad what your grandparents faced in Berkeley. Evidence of such ill-will and animosity toward others who are different, as if the real problem is that some members of our species must be missing a vital chromosome that enables the natural expression of our innate loving natures. If we no longer weep at their cruelty and vitriol, we are in danger of ratifying Us vs Others.
Thanks for reading this piece, Sheila. When I wrote it, a few years back now, it seemed like ancient history. Now it's all too present. Watching TV series like 6 Feet Under, which seemed dated just a year ago, is having the same effect. So much bigotry that seemed to be gone has come roaring back. I'm afraid the war between Us and Them is in our genes, and for many the definition of Us will never get beyond those who look, act, and think exactly like the image they have of themselves. It's true in every society, not just White Nationalists, but it's always worst among those with the power to suppress "Them."
Thanks for sharing Aimee. It’s a sad reflection of our time that - even after more than a century of your grandparents marriage - we are still mired in bigotry, hate and othering. The world is in a dark place, yet I believe we will overcome because of the tenacity of people like your grandparents. Truly profiles in courage.
Your grandmother was so forthright, determined and brave and your grandfather too. Thank you for sharing their story.
Hi Aimee, I'm not sure if this was the essay I read when I first subscribed to your newsletter. I remember your grandparents' saga vividly. But perhaps I didn't comment then? No matter, I just want to say what a powerful piece of writing it is, and what a powerful message it contains. I admire your grandparents' courage to forge their own paths, even though life was so difficult for them. And I admire you for continuing the speak out against racism in this country. It is really sad that we seem to be going backwards. But unless we call bigotry out for what it is and actively resist it, there will never be progress in the mutual understanding of our mutual humanity.
This disturbed me. It honestly wasn’t that long ago. I feel the same thing following news about the treatment of the Japanese Internment— racism hiding as wartime safeguards. I recently was reviewing relatively recent history of Klu Klux Klan activity in Oregon. You wonder at the caustic river of hate, that disappears from public view only to resurface again and again and is now nourishing MAGA extremists. Scary to feel such a sense of alienation and disconnection. Sad what your grandparents faced in Berkeley. Evidence of such ill-will and animosity toward others who are different, as if the real problem is that some members of our species must be missing a vital chromosome that enables the natural expression of our innate loving natures. If we no longer weep at their cruelty and vitriol, we are in danger of ratifying Us vs Others.
Thanks for reading this piece, Sheila. When I wrote it, a few years back now, it seemed like ancient history. Now it's all too present. Watching TV series like 6 Feet Under, which seemed dated just a year ago, is having the same effect. So much bigotry that seemed to be gone has come roaring back. I'm afraid the war between Us and Them is in our genes, and for many the definition of Us will never get beyond those who look, act, and think exactly like the image they have of themselves. It's true in every society, not just White Nationalists, but it's always worst among those with the power to suppress "Them."
Thanks for sharing Aimee. It’s a sad reflection of our time that - even after more than a century of your grandparents marriage - we are still mired in bigotry, hate and othering. The world is in a dark place, yet I believe we will overcome because of the tenacity of people like your grandparents. Truly profiles in courage.