If
If you hate me because I am white, I understand.
If you fear me because I am white, I understand.
If you think I can’t really understand, I hear you.
If you think I can’t really empathize, I get that too.
If you look at me with distrust, disgust, anger or rage, I acknowledge that you have a reason to feel that way.
If I post in a thread headed “I am Trayvon Martin”, I deserve your scorn because I look like Paula Dean.
I was born in Dixie. I passed through the doors labeled “Whites Only” and drank at the water fountains that said “Whites Only.” I went to school with whites only, and never knew my old, worn-out textbooks were passed down to the schools for black children. I loved my “Mammy” who picked up my clothes from the floor, washed and ironed them while never making a living wage.
No matter how many times I pat myself on the back for coming out of this environment believing in civil rights for all people, that doesn't change the fact that I grew up with rights and privileges that were denied others simply because of their skin color.
If my grief for Trayvon, compassion for his parents, and anger for the injustice of the Florida law enforcement system fails to comfort you, I accept that I simply cannot put myself in your shoes.
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