Yes, this has been my experience too, Sarah: “As an adult, others’ stories have been eye opening.” It makes me question how we shelter the truth from children (not just children from the truth), when perhaps we’d be better served with at least age-appropriate tellings of the truth all along the way. I know my parents saw discrimination, whether or not they participated, yet I heard few of those stories growing up. (At least that I remember.) But nothing I can do about that now except learn from it.

I agree with you: Let’s bring about the good new days now!

I guess what I failed to say, is even though we all lived through those tough times, we still look back on them as the good old days. Proves how much we’re all alike, and skin, eye, hair color, or what language we speak’s got nothin’ to do with it.

I’d love to hear the conversations that you might initiate, Ana. 🙂 I need to ask others also how they would define the good old days. I realize there is always good and bad in every era; perhaps we’re doing better in some areas but worse in others. May the Lord help us make progress in every area in our corners of the world as much as it is within our ability with his help to do so.

This is a great point, Somer: “What are you speaking over my life? My generation?” We have to be mindful of what we say for SO many reasons. I can see how you would feel that way.

I love your admonition:
“Let us live in expectation that we can make our patch of earth the Better Days. Now.” Amen.

Yes, I have read Uncle Tom’s Cabin, but only as an adult. I wish I had read it when I was even younger because it is a very powerful book. I made sure that both my daughters read it before they left home. I agree that it definitely removes that “good old days” mentality. Thanks for adding some great thoughts to the conversation today.

I recently read a novel about three black sisters who traveled to California for a summer either during the 60s or 70s (I can’t remember). It was eye-opening to me to hear some of the stories based on true events. I guess we all have scars from different things, but yes, it’s a blessing that our minds do “smooth out the rough spots” and that we can all practice equality in the now as best we can.

I may have to go youtube Marvin Gaye now since that song is now running through my head. Gotta love some Marvin Gaye. 🙂 Thanks for sharing, Floyd.

Oh my, Trudy! Hearing that comment from your elder must have been such a shock, especially at your young age since it’s something you still remember. I don’t have many memories of hearing blatant discrimination, but the subtle stuff was all around, and still is in ways that I’m sure I don’t even detect. I agree with you: Jesus must shed many tears. 🙁 May we be ones who make a difference to add to those who have already begun the change.

This is rich, Melinda: “the only color was camouflage.” It’s a blessing when you’re surrounded by those who aren’t prejudiced. I didn’t know to appreciate it at the time, but looking back, I appreciate that my parents didn’t pull me out of public schools once our local school was forced to integrate.

This election cycle has definitely stirred up some issues, yes? I like when it brings us into healthy conversations that we need to be having, but get frustrated when it just pushes people to dig in their heels more. I was like you growing up, basically blind to most of the discrimination that was going on around me. Only as an adult have I become more aware, and even now, I know what I see is SO minimal compare to those who have lived through it. Thanks for your comment, Beth!

Yes, you see what I’m seeing, Alecia. It can be disheartening at times. You’re so right that books like this one and others and words from our fellow bloggers are really eye-opening to me and help me take my “white goggles” off for awhile too. Thank you for your encouragement!