Dear Editor,
Your editorial concerning Black Lives Matter (BML) in the September 28 edition of your paper was both measured and sensible. You quite properly described how one should oppose racism.
Then Mr. Julian Hudson commented on the editorial (Oct. 5) and some of his observations are valid while his conclusions are suspect. For example he described why Colin Kaepernick (NFL quarterback) cannot legitimately represent black causes because he is not black enough and is rich. For Kaepernick to demonstrate against racism is itself a form of racism according to Mr. Hudson. He also says that BLM people are racist because they demonstrate against police shootings. Not to trivialize this very serious matter but does it mean it would be racist to demonstrate against David Duke and the KKK?
Mr. Hudson also makes some valid points about black poverty, but also says and I quote, “It isn’t because of whites or slavery.”
Well his point is well taken, but historically speaking the legacy of slavery is still front and centre. Race relations and equality still carry the remnants of slavery. The emancipation act of 1862 officially abolished slavery, but what should have been a dream fulfilled for slaves turned out to be their worst nightmare — freedom for most turned out to be worse than slavery itself as slave owners took their revenge, and society as a whole shunned them.
This legacy lives on today in America’s frustrated inner cities. No doubt many take advantage of their second-class citizenship and play upon their misfortune by blaming society for their ills and doing little to better themselves, but let us remember the odds are stacked against them.
Moving along I see that George Jason weighed in on the subject in the Oct. 12 edition and he deals with the matter in a very gentle way, but then, he is a poet.
Gord Gramlick