'White Girl?': Comments from readers

Being a person of mixed race, I connected with "White Girl: A dialogue on race." In fact, it brought tears to my eyes. Finally accepting that I am a 1/4 French, 1/4 Cherokee and 1/2 black man who always claimed myself white during my early years, however, no one else outside of my family saw me that way. My mother who was mixed race and looked white and a black stepfather, who saw me as white, in an all white community, raised me. It was years later that I found out that my father was also a black man.

As I kid I really didn't notice the stares, the racial comments, the way people would look at me in the store when I sought help or waited in line. Why I waited to be picked (by the white kids) on a team for a dodge ball, basketball, baseball game, only to be picked last every time. I was outstanding in baseball and football, an exceptional athlete, excelled above almost all others in my age group. I didn't really realize I was of mixed race until I was in my teen years and it began to become more obvious or maybe it was my awareness of others and there attitude toward me. I ignored them, keep on moving forward, but in the back of my mind I really knew that something was not right, or at least different with me, and how I was treated in respect to my other "white" friends. How the teachers would pick me last to answer a question, or not call on my at all when I was the only one with his hand in the air. It really started to effect me in high school, my grades began to fall, during my first two years, then I decided that the only one who will help me is me. I didn't let the teachers hold me back. I fought back by working harder that the other kids, working longer hours, holding a part-time job and studying long hours to pass the tests. I turned my grades around and finish in the top 5% of my class.

But my difference came back to haunt me again as I grew older and became part of the working adults. I struggled with all those forms that asked you to select your race, "White, Black, Native American, etc." Which should I choose, how would I choose? I always chose White because that is how I was raised, until after I left the Marine Corps. It was at this point that I decided I would be Native American because I was coming to grip with that side of my family, but never admitted, to anyone or on any form, that I was half black. I struggled with it my entire life, but always asked, anyone who would listen, why there was no selection for other or mixed race.

It was not until I met and feel in love with a 'white' girl that my differences were seen as a bad thing, not by her or even myself, but by her family. Her family had ties to the Ku Klux Klan on her grandmother's side of the family, and it was always pointed out that I was a dark man, but they could not pin down what race I was. They asked but I would not tell them. I showed that I didn't care on the surface be below the surface it ate away at me, kept me angry at them, at the way they stared and whispered behind our backs when we walked into a room.

I still refused to believe that people, who look at me, see a person who was not white. It was finally pointed out to me by my lovely wife, who I married a year after meeting her, that my color was causing me problems when it came to interviewing for a good paying job. How it effected my getting a promotion because I was the only person of color in the group. Also how people treated me in stores, overlooked me when I asked for help, the whispers behind my back, the hated stares from some people. How people would say to me, 'you know I have a few black friends'. That began to get me mad, how could people be so crass or cold and say those things. I never looked at my friends and said I have some White friends or Mexican friends, or Black friends, just friends. I never saw color.

We were living in Washington State at the time my son was born. One day when he was still very young, about 5 months old I believe, we walked into a local retail store, I was pushing the stroller with my son, who looks as white as white could be, and my wife was walking about five feet behind me. An older white couple was walking next to my wife, she told me years later that she overheard the wife say to her husband, "How the hell can this store allow a 'nigger' to bring a 'white' baby into OUR store. They all should be wiped off the face of the planet." When she told me this I started crying right then and there, not because of what they said but for my son. How could I tell him that he would grow up in a society that looked at his father as someone who is not accepted in the "white" world? Who, because of this skin color, was not considered equal or a part of their world? Forget the fact that I hold two advanced college degrees, earn more money that 75% of Americans, am part of the upper-middle class, but am considered still to this day a someone who is less than a "white man."

I have people ask me all the time "are you Hawaiian, Hispanic, Samoan or Native American, or Black?" There was I time I didn't know how to answer that. Until the week before I turned 40 years old, I would not answer or would just say no. The turning point was when a young lady looking for her family members contacted me. She told me her name and said that she was my cousin. She said my father was looking for me. I had mixed emotions because I knew my father was a black man and my cousins on my father's side were "black." I struggled with the fact that my father wanted to talk to me and maybe come and visit. It took many emails and phone conversations to come to the realization that they do not care that I am of mixed race, I am family and that is all that mattered. I have came to grip with the fact that I am a special person and it doesn't really matter what people think of my color or race, that is their problem not mine. Now days I accept that I am part black. But still how do I deal with this, how do I live black, think black, believe in my black half? One day my son will be old enough to ask about his grandfather who he has yet to meet, how do I tell him he too is part black? This will be one bridge I will find hard to cross alone, but I will never the less cross it. If nothing else at least let him know no matter what his race he is special and has much to offer this great country of ours.

Christopher Pruitt, Valley View, Texas

I think perhaps I have a somewhat unique perspective on this issue because I grew up as a white person in a predominantly black school system. As a result, I think that I have some insight that many white people don't have on the condition of African Americans, in how they view themselves and "white people."

Many African Americans use their racial background as an important part of their identity. It gives them a community, a sense of place, and shared values and ideas. It is an important differentiation between "them" and us. That differentiation is reinforced every day when they perceive discrimination against them (which does exist and is more prevalent than most white people would think). What the author of "White Girl" seemed to be articulating was her anger that her cousin didn't show those same values and beliefs, and her comments on how Kim didn't make a good "sister" were particularly illuminating because they show that Kim having been raised "white" didn't fit into that society or culture.

In contrast, whites, especially socially conscious and well-intentioned white people, are taught that race SHOULDN'T be a cultural identifier. That it is immoral and wrong to look at someone and put them in a particular category because their family came from a particular place on the globe. It becomes engrained and many people work hard to try to follow such tenets. Ironically, these are often the people who get most angry at African Americans who make comments like Ms. O'Neals in this article. They rail against certain assumptions she makes implicitly when she says that Kim has to choose, and her assumption that Black is superior or somehow better or more appropriate than the mainstream. Because it goes against all that they're taught about how they should deal with others and identify themselves.

Mixed in with all these problems are blacks preconceptions about themselves that I think most people aren't even aware of. There is a perception that is discussed in some of the black community that "paler" is better. It's more attractive, etc. I heard several times Africa-American boys in my high school say that they wouldn't date a girl because she was "too dark." And with this perception is the anger many African-Americans feel about having to pass...to adapt into white society.

It should be important to note that the African-American perspective in this matter of group identification isn't unique among groups that haven't been fully accepted. Asians have had similar problems, as have the Irish, Scandinavians and Italians. What is unique is the fact that most Africans didn't come here voluntarily and they are the most visually identifiable ethnic group from the main group of Caucasians or historically white Anglo-Saxon Protestants.

The answer to this problem I don't know...save perhaps both groups trying to understand the position of the other and there being more forgiveness on both sides. Both for Ms. O'Neal in not expecting apologies from white people who are neither a whole or cohesive group, most of whom feel little or no connection or obligation about slavery, and by whites who have a hard time understanding what it is like being a discriminated against. Brian D. Larson, Cleveland Heights, OH

It is refreshing to encounter questions and ideas of substance about "race relations" and social-cultural diversity dynamics in general, rather than the media's usual multicultural romanticized fluff and simplistic two-sided conflict drama.

Today's fads of cultural pluralism and multiculturalism and diversityism distract our attention away from the profound challenge of creating a genuine multi-cultural nation in which distinct cultural identity is mutually respected, not merely celebrated, appreciated and tolerated.

After thirty years of government sanctioned and zealot imposed "multiculturalism," we now are beginning to perceive that today's cultural pluralism, like that of a century ago, fosters personal mono-culturalism by reforming some of our more blatant bigoted behavior in public and "training" people to become politically correct sophisticated bigots rather than transforming the essence of bigotry -- the insidious presumption of the preeminence of our identity worldview.

After thirty years of cultural pluralism in the media, it is interesting to observe how the mainstream media has such great difficulty conceptualizing and reporting about a major cultural identity alternative that has co-existed for centuries worldwide with the tradition of monocultural race/ethnicity/nationality. Despite the ubiquity of persons who firmly declare, "I'm NOT just American anymore! or, "I'm not just (any specific race) anymore!", the media seems incapable of recognizing this self- determined cultural identity as a valid alternative to the vehemence of those who autocratically demand that we be "either - or" according to the preeminence of their cultural preferences.

During the 1960s and 70s, the "ethnic" revitalization movement in the USA included a strong demand from some for the recognition of self-determined "biculturalism." That cultural identity self-determination demand (found among Chicanos, Riquenos, First Nations, Rom-Gypsies, Cajuns, Blacks, some White Ethnics, among others) was politically repressed by the official recognition of "Civil Rights Pluralism." Biculturalism among ethnic citizens went back underground in the 1980s, but is more widespread today than it was before.

Relatedly, there are today more "white-Americans" who intentionally choose to become bicultural persons rather than "just American" or "just white." Their social-cultural identity is transforming far beyond the limitations imposed on whites by the monocultural essence of cultural pluralism.

But the media, with all its proclamations of "valuing diversity" rarely does more than hint at the existence of biculturalism, inevitably followed by an elaboration on the monocultural identity theme illustrated by O'Neal Parker who presumes the preeminence of her diversity worldview and aggressively imposes it on those who seek a self-determined cultural identity. But, at least O'Neal Parker is an honest bigot and doesn't hide behind a thin veneer of harmony pluralism.

Walt Smith, Mt. Vernon

I congratulate you on your strength to run the article entitled "White-girl." There are many of us who struggle with this issue on a daily basis. It is time for us as a nation to talk about this pain that we all have. Talking is good. I read your readers' comments, and appreciated them all. I live in Madison, WI, and we are currently starting up Study Circles on Race. I was a part of that project and am glad that the discussion is moving to the national front. You will hear many many stories, like crayons melting in the sun. They can even be overwhelming, but healing nonetheless. Take care of yourself, during this time. Looking into the world of race can take a lot out of you, but it's what you put back in that counts. Thank you and good luck.

Hedi Rudd, Madison, WI

Did it ever occur to Lonnae that her "dreaded black blood" flows in the veins of Latinos and Arab-Americans not to mention a great many Southern Europeans?

Aren't they BLACK? Why not?

Those who consider themselves "superior" or better-looking varieties of black use a bogeyman myth of "white purity" to frighten mixed-white people into their "race" because they desperately want the "superior" breeding stock.

Those who reject the false "black" identity and reclaim their European heritage should be celebrated as heroes.

Be "white," Kim. Plenty of East Asians, Middle Eastern folk, South Asians, American Indians and Latinos (themselves a mixture of black, Indian and white) have all insisted that they are "white" at one time or another. At least YOU are telling the truth.

A.D. Powell, Madison, WI

I've been watching this on Nightline and thought I'd write a quick note. I am a biracial gay man living in San Francisco and when we were younger our parents gave us a movie to watch so that if and when we decided that we may have to choose to be black or white instead of black and white we would be aware of the consequences. I felt the author was a little hard on her cousin -- I know because I experienced the same thing -- all five of us children look differently (some look blacker than others) and some chose to acknowledge the black (my brother and I) and some sisters claim to be white. Anyway I just wanted the author to maybe sit down and watch this movie called IMITATION OF LIFE. It's the story of a young girl who does pass for white and the consequences she must suffer with her choice. I personally believe we need to choose both rather than one or the other. I also wanted to say that I admired the white woman who was married to the Japanese man for coming forth. By the way my birth certificate says my race is "Colored" -- and what does that mean????????

Charlie Jolivette, San Francisco, CA

I thought that this piece was very interesting, because it hit close to home. I am half Filipino, and half Native-American. It's very difficult to decide what box to check off when it comes to the race question. But if there is no box marked other, I mark Asian, because that is the culture I grew up with. What makes things even more interesting is that my husband is Chinese, so our son is half Chinese, 1/4 Filipino and 1/4 Native-American. I want my son to grow up knowing his ethnic roots, but it will be difficult.

Angie Hui, Mundelein, IL

It is interesting to me that the people who say "Why don't 'you people' get over it and move on?" are always white? Why is this?

Racism, which is defined as "the political power to enforce negative stereotypes." is a white problem. Non-white people do not have that kind of political power. If they are biased against whites, it is because they have learned to fear them as is attested to by the posts on this story.

If these pesky nonwhite people (and women and the poor) stop mentioning their oppression and pain in this racist/classist society, will all of you who complain about it then feel more comfortable? Have you ever wondered WHY YOU FEEL THIS WAY?

I am a college educator. My understanding is, in a democracy, the boat cannot leave the dock until everyone is aboard. And I will not stop talking about race, class and gender bias until EVERY nonwhite, poor or female person I meet says they feel like equal partners in the great American experiment. That, WILL be the day!

Jill Kelly-Moore, Santa Rosa, CA

The white lady married to the Asian man can never begin to speak to blacks and racism in America. The fact that she is married to an Asian never qualifies her to suggest what a black should or should not do.

If her husband was or was not born in this country, he stepped off the boat with more rights than a black. Our country has a hand-out program for every foreigner that enters this country except if you are black. As a matter of fact, the politicians do all they can to keep the blacks out. One example is Cuba. The majority of the people let in are of a light complexion. The irony of this is most of them abuse our hand-out system and not very much is done to punish them. Once in a while the news media will air something about it, but the justice system closes its eyes to it. This same system cracks the whip on black Americans. The white lady who made her comments last night seems to think like most white Americans, that the black Americans are the majority on welfare, when indeed it is just the opposite. It was white Americans who were the majority users of the system. Now I believe that it is whites and foreigners.

This country was built off the sweat of the blacks. What the whites mostly did was to carry a club and a whip to beat the blacks to insure that they would work and not rebel.

This is not to brag, but if you have a list of the inventions and accomplishments that are in use today that blacks have made, send it to this lady. Also let her know about the doctor who invented plasma who died near a white hospital because they refused to admit him and give him the life-saving fluid he himself had invented.

I could go on and on but I only want to ask the lady who felt that blacks should stop complaining to look at true history, not just American history. I went all the way through high school only learning of two black inventors and only to learn at my adult age that there were many. We still get the short end of America.

So, lady, get a grip and learn why we are disgruntled with white America's sugar-coated ways.

It may seem that I am a racist. Not true. My wife is German and I have five biracial adult children. They faced the very same problems that you say we should forget about, in so many words. Live our life one month and then write about this topic again.

James R. Swain, San Bruno, CA

After seeing the Nightline story and reading her original article, I applaud Lonnae O'Neal Parker for her honest account and courageous description of being black in the United States. She wrote with such clarity and insight that I found myself identifying rather quickly with her experience, an experience that I'm all too familiar with as a black woman. I applaud her cousin Kim for her willingness to grapple with all of her racial heritage.

Lastly, I applaud all the white people who took the time to as Lonnae says, "open their mouths" and share their viewpoint. As a diversity educator, I am continually frustrated by white majority people who, through their silence, thwart opportunities at real dialogue about race. As Lonnae illustrates in her article, this silence, this outright denial that white racism -- particularly subtle white racism -- is slowly ripping apart the already delicate fabric of our nation generation by generation. African Americans and other people of color cannot continue to carry the racial/ethnic burdens of this nation. Our collective shoulders just aren't wide enough.

Lisa G. Swaby-Rowe, Baltimore, MD

After watching the program and many of the reactions to it I evaluated many of my own feelings as an African-American and the response to Ms. Parker's article. Like Ms. Parker I respect Ms. Sakagawa's willingness to speak out for that alone places her outside of the norm for whites. However, she raises the age-old issue of why don't we just let it go (slavery that is)? It's not my fault and makes the murder analogy. Well my response is this. First, unlike murder, slavery was not an act against an individual, it was an institutional act against an entire race. Secondly what Ms. Sakamata does not seem to realize is that she like most white Americans still benefits from the legacy of slavery. The economic benefits to the economies of America and Europe were built, literally, with the blood of my ancestors. She has the luxury of not thinking about race therefore has the privilege of holding the opinion that so many other whites hold that Blacks are always over exaggerating the role race plays in our lives. This is a luxury that Ms. Sakamata's husband, nor for that matter her daughter, will ever enjoy, no matter how much she might attempt to protect her. I had not heard of Ms. Parker's article until I saw it on Nightline. A few weeks ago I also wrote an editorial which I have not shared with any paper, until now. Though this has no bearing on the issue at hand I would like to add that Seattle is my birthplace, a fact of which I have always been proud.

Anthony A. Haughton

Racism in America: Living in the "Matrix"

It occurred to me recently while watching the widely popular sci-fi flick, "The Matrix" that there were significant parallels with the movie and the current state of racism in America. At first glance this seems somewhat far-fetched until one delves into the plot and premise of the movie.

Many are familiar with the plot line of the movie. A new race of artificially intelligent super-machines has taken advantage of the human race's eagerness to self-destruct. In that vein, the machines, having self-evolved beyond merely performing programmed tasks to conquering the human race are utilizing the defeated humans as a collective power source. Realizing that key to this equation is the mental complacency and compliance of their enslaved power source, the machines have developed an artificial cyber 'virtual-world' that feeds the minds of the humans the necessary mental stimulus needed for existence. This cyber stimulus provides the humans with the illusion that they are conducting business as usual and going about their everyday lives, with all of the appearances of late 20th century life.

Countering this effort by the machines is a small group of 'freedom fighters' led by sage-like, strong-willed character called "Morpheus" played by Laurence Fishburne. Fisburne's character is on a lifelong quest to find "The One," a character named "Neo" played by Keanu Reeves. Reeve's character is apparently the only person that can defeat the machines by virtue of his ability to manipulate the "Matrix" in spite of the efforts of the machines to defeat him. Needless to say, in movie land, all's well that ends well.

The question is, "What the hell does all this have in common with racism in America?" The fact is, just like the mass of enslaved humans in the movie, the mass of citizens in the United States operate under the illusion that we are living in an idyllic, "color-blind" society in which there are merely 'pockets' of racism. These so-called 'pockets' are characterized as atypical anomalies found within this great society, perpetuated by those that just can't seem to realize that non-whites in America are here to stay. Even the Chief Good Ole Boy, President Clinton, utilized this "pocket" metaphor.

Often portrayed as ignorant, atavistic cultural remnants of a Confederate South that survived the Civil War, in spite of its being handily defeated, these "good ole boys (and girls)," a.k.a., 'white trash,' are presented as the exception to the norm of the majority of white Americans today. The good ole boys and their philosophical soul mates the Aryans, adherents of another 'loser' group (the Nazis), are part of a lunatic fringe that coincidentally, also had their asses kicked in a war to promote "white supremacy." The members of these alleged fringe groups are quick however to state that their views are shared by the mass of white people in America. As much as it pains me to agree with avowed white supremacists, I agree with them.

To relate the role of the present-day white supremacists to the movie this essay is based upon, in the context of the movie characters the white supremacists of these fringe groups are fulfilling the role the group called "Agents" fill in the Matrix. The "Agent" characters in the movie are the individuals that do the dirty work of the ruling machines, who by the way, are never seen in the movie. The machines that are shown are those having utilitarian purposes: harvesting humans and seeking to destroy the freedom fighters.

Like the mass of enslaved humans in the movie, the mass of citizenry in the U.S., are either oblivious to their role in the larger scheme of mass ignorance or in denial, as was Reeve's character Neo, when first exposed to the truth. As Morpheus tells Neo, the mind is hesitant to let go of a lifetime of manipulated illusion. This dictum is evidenced by one of the freedom fighters that willingly turn Judas on his fellows, in order to be reinserted into the functional fantasy world, expressing a preference to live the 'sweet lie' as opposed to the harsh reality of the world. Sound familiar, (Ward, Clarence, Armstrong, Ken, et al)?

Contemporary white Americans claim no connection to, or responsibility for the sins of the father(s), namely slavery, Jim Crow and its attendant histories and behaviors. Further, white America claims no responsibility for the current inequalities found in our current society yet, demonstrates and expresses no qualms about enjoying the benefits that have accrued as a result of continuous and ongoing multi-century oppression and exploitation of Native, Latino, Asian and African peoples who are also a part of America. While the mass of Americans 'buy into' the illusion of a society theoretically founded on the principles of "Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" for all its citizens, the truth is that, like the citizens in the Matrix, they are oblivious to the fact that given they are not part of the solution, they are part of the problem. Silence to tyranny is acquiescence. The illusion has become so engrained that conscious realization of the depth of the problem (racism) is no longer an option for most. As such, these 'sleeping citizens' are utilized by the ruling machines as pawns in the continuation of the 'grand' illusion. Either unaware or having chosen to swallow the "blue pill," they aid in the perpetuation of the dream.

Who are these ruling machines in our society and where are they? They are apparently an unseen, unknown force to the majority, but to those who are willing to see, their existence is very much in evidence. In spite of the awareness of the truth among the freedom fighters, only Neo, in the end possessed the ability to see the Matrix in its true form. Within our society many of the 'machine' class are considered to be the captains of industry and the formulators of law and policy. Now you know whom they are and where to find them, on Wall Street and inside the Washington (D.C.) Beltway.

While many recognize the racist nature of corporate America yet feel powerless to do anything about it, there is little sustained rhetoric in regard to our national government. The most ardent racists in America are serving in all three branches of our very white, monetarily, philosophically and morally corrupt, Federal Government. The mistake most make, is attempting to divide the problem into the two prominent yet divergent philosophies of conservatism and liberalism. This false dichotomy helps further the illusion of racist conservatives and non-racist liberals. The fact is, the problem is about white and 'other than white.' White liberals are for the most part, as racist as white conservatives, the only difference being a matter of degree. White conservatives in positions of power feel they have the luxury, as a result of wealth, of not bothering to try to hide this fact. White liberals, while exhibiting more conscience about racism, are no more inclined to work for true racial equality in America than are white conservatives.

Just as in the movie, the freedom fighters resisting the Matrix are, like those who fight racism in America, represented by people of all races. These are individuals who realize that the overwhelming benefit to the few, as a result of the oppression of many, has and continues to be, detrimental to us all. Those among the oppressed that revel in and consciously aid in the furtherance of the illusion, like the Judas character in the movie, will realize (albeit too late), that there is a price to pay for their complicity with the oppressors.

Non-whites, particularly blacks, realize that institutional racism in our society, like the Matrix system in the movie, is everywhere and impacts every facet of our lives. The pervasive nature of racism in America manifests itself when we go the grocery store, drive down the street or generally go about the activities that comprise our daily existences. We frequently can't or don't want to see it, definitely can't taste, touch or smell it, but it's unquestionably there.

True equality will never be achieved in America until we, as a committed society, come to the collective realization that, "We, are The One."

Anthony A. Haughton, Iowa City, IA

Lonnae, Thank you for such an emotionally captivating story. As a 25-year-old African-American male, I recently have been personally affected by the complexities of dealing with a person of bicultural origins who is struggling with her racial identity. This person happens to be someone I feel very passionately for. I have run the gauntlet of emotions, from anger to sympathy because it has come to my understanding that she is weary of getting into a committed relationship. And I believe the reason is similar to the issues you raised in your article about "our" issues with the whole light skin/dark skin issue. I know she wants to be with me but her families "good breeding" expectations are crippling her sense of judgment and I don't know how much longer I can put up with this. The sad thing is I'm not even what you would consider dark-skinned. I am light-brown in complexion and, I like so many other African Americans, am of bicultural origins. My father is light-skinned and his great-grandfather was a Portuguese slave trader...bingo.

I just wish that someday before the end of my life we all can learn to overcome these false notions of superiority and learn to deal with each other on a purely humane perspective. And for that to happen, America needs to seriously once and for all deal with our racial quagmire. In the mean time, I have a decision to make...I hope it's the right one.

Chris Jasabe, Queens, New York

I first read this story during the its initial publication in the Washington Post Online. It is an honest, straightforward and insightful commentary on the business of race in America. This is particularly true when children are borne out of white and black parentage.

Let me very clear about this problem. Children borne of black and white unions can never be white. They might choose not to be called black. This however does not change the fact that they are looked upon as being black. May as well get used to it. It is much easier to accept their blackness and then set about building up their resistance to racism than to lie to oneself to be accepted by whites.

You do have people like Tiger Woods running away from being black by inventing a weird category of race to describe himself. One this is a fact. He ain't white. I am a very proud of being black. We are the first humans. Some of great accomplishments including building the pyramids, inventing mathematics, the first civilization, we taught the Greek philosophers everything they knew, we were the first scientists, and the first explorers. Adam and Eve were black.

So important was the accomplishment of blacks that whites have spent their entire history trying to make themselves superior. This includes being of higher intelligence, the standard of beauty, the main characters of the Bible, the color of Jesus, and the sole authority on any and everything. The fact is, that black people existed a very long time before the white man appeared so they had to have been really smart and industrious to accomplishment all that they did without the white man's help. Rather than accept this intelligence, they would rather attribute the construction of the pyramids to a twilight zone occurrence. And don't tell me about the ancient Greeks. They too were black as the ace of spades. Black people have a lot to be proud of. The sooner people from mixed marriages accept this the better they will be.

Ray Vaughn, Citrus Heights, CA

I believe Ms. Parker is no better than the white people she dislikes. She has many stereotypes and prejudices against white people. Not all white people in this country got where they are on the back of black slaves. Enough is enough.

I have a number of question's I would like Ms. Parker to answer.First, have you ever researched your heritage? What makes you think just because your cousin identifies white means she did understand that minorities are treated different? Why do you feel it was your job to teach your cousin about black heritage? Did you speak to her parents before you took it upon yourself to teach her black heritage? Did you show her black heritage or did you show her your view of the country? Do you point out to the white people who wait on you slower or do you just wait for them to wait on you?

It's sad that you were called a nigger when you were a kid. It's sad that things like being pulled over because you're black in a good car. It's sad you had to write an article because your cousin marked the white box. All of these things are very sad, but it should make you strong, not bitter.

Lillian Wilson, Upland, CA

First of all, let me start by saying that I have a lot of black friends.I don't see them as being black. I associate with people who are clean, decent, hard-working, intelligent people. I don't care about the color. I am only prejudiced against people who constantly blame others and expect others to support them.

I am an American Indian. If you want to talk about being railroaded, treated unfairly, let's talk about the American Indian who had EVERYTHING taken from him/her.

I believe Ms. Parker has a very serious problem deep within herself. She complains that white people force their beliefs on black people. What is she doing? She is forcing her beliefs onto her cousin. It is people like her who keep stirring things up.

The reporter conducting the interview made a remark about white people not discussing racial issues with black people. I have one word for you . . ."Rocker." He spoke his mind and look what happened to him. White people are not allowed to speak publicly about racial issues. (Or any other issues concerning minorities).

Black people have "Ebony," BET (Black Entertainment Television), "Mrs. Bronze" pageants (all-black pageants), etc. What do you think would happen if we had "Ivory" (all white magazine), WET (White Entertainment Television), or "Mrs. White" pageants, etc.

What about when the state of Alabama had to promote two black state troopers for every white trooper promoted? Is this fair? Isn't this basically promoting someone because of their skin color and not their duty performance?

As for Mrs. Parker's comment on black people being killed after a traffic stop... White people have been killed by cops. There are bad people in every line of work. Police work is not exempt from this. It is unfortunate that these things happen. All we can do is try to keep these type of people from ever being hired. Every time a black person is killed by a white person, black people make it racial. When a white person is killed by a black person, it was just another killing.

Someone did a survey on households with computers. Now, that is racial because more white people have computers than black people. The way I see it is that we (black and white) sit in the same classrooms in the same schools and have the same opportunity to better ourselves. Sure, there may be circumstances at home that interfere with a child's learning. The parents are the ones to blame for this...not white people.

I believe the press printed and aired this piece just to get the nation in an uproar. This piece served no purpose other than to get people irritated. This whole thing is a family matter between two cousins. Nothing else. Why should it even be published/aired?

Wesley Kilpatrick, Midland City, AL

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