I usually keep my politics to myself; for private discourse with my closest friends. But, this morning, I can't hide my feelings. For context, let me share a few moments of my childhood:
1. In 1st grade:
Local kid in school to me after meeting my brother: How come your brother is a Chink? You're a Spic!?
2. In 2nd grade:
Me: I was born in the United States. So, I'm an American!
Teacher: No, sweetheart, you're an American citizen; not an American. There's a difference.
3. In 3rd (or 4th?) grade:
Some young adults from the local Aryan Nation group torch my Uncle's van.
4. In 4th grade:
My elementary school is finally integrated with children being bussed in from the city. (Yes, you read that right. A LAUSD elementary school was not integrated until the 1980s.) The local parents greet the city children by egging their buses.
Today is the first day in my life when I can honestly say that I'm proud to be an American without a hint of cynicism or doubt lying someplace underneath. I want this feeling to last forever.
1. In 1st grade:
Local kid in school to me after meeting my brother: How come your brother is a Chink? You're a Spic!?
2. In 2nd grade:
Me: I was born in the United States. So, I'm an American!
Teacher: No, sweetheart, you're an American citizen; not an American. There's a difference.
3. In 3rd (or 4th?) grade:
Some young adults from the local Aryan Nation group torch my Uncle's van.
4. In 4th grade:
My elementary school is finally integrated with children being bussed in from the city. (Yes, you read that right. A LAUSD elementary school was not integrated until the 1980s.) The local parents greet the city children by egging their buses.
Today is the first day in my life when I can honestly say that I'm proud to be an American without a hint of cynicism or doubt lying someplace underneath. I want this feeling to last forever.
VIEW 13 of 13 COMMENTS
xtine:
TONES ON TAIL! FOREVER!
toxicboy:
Thanks Man, Its good to be back 