I get it, Phil. I do. But millions of people suffer everyday. We in America can go to McDonald's and find sustenance for a dollar. We have people driving Bentleys, but we also have people still driving 1987 Aerostars. We've got a cascade of races and colors, faiths, sexual orientation, and in any flavor you can think of. America, besides Trump, is a pretty bad ass place to live. The fact they brought up such a profound concept and it was recognized as a well-received opinion bothered me. No, none of my ancestors were slaves. None of my ancestors owned slaves. My great great grandparents were from Germany, Scotland, and Norway. I have no real history, I dont know their lives. My Grandfather on my mother's side was in the Navy, my dad's dad was a paratrooper. Both served in WW2 trying to stop the most evil man in History. When they came home, they both married and lived clean Mormon lifestyles. They were both good men. My mother has 6 siblings, my father 5. Most of my cousins are all north western Americans and I have an aunt and some cousins who live in Mexico.
Me, personally, ive spent enough of my life in rough(er) neighborhoods and have avoided trouble by keeping to myself and respecting the environment I was in. I was told when i was younger thar black people are like bees, you leave them alone... They'll leave you alone. And that's pretty much been my experience. Sure, I love to shoot the shit as much as the next guy, but i learned never to use the N-word and know my place in conversations. Its worked great. A long the way I've had some really great friends who never had a leg up in the world and they taught me a lot.
I no way am i claiming that I know what anyone else but myself has gone through. I know I'm not black. But i know plenty of my black friends, one who has 7 kids from 6 baby mamas (no lie) and HE doesn't pay as much as me in child support.
The guy in question had no regard for most of those kids for a long time. He's my age, at 32. I had my won out of wedlock at 26. And i wanted nothing more than to be a dad. But my problem was I couldnt hold down a job. That cost me my family.
Do I share a few talking points with my buddy? Sure. Does that mean i understand EVERYTHING about his life? Not at all. Dude has been to more funerals for childhood friends and family than I had members in my family die of natural causes. Does he win in how hard his life has been? Probably. But who says its about winning and losing anymore?
We're all fighting to survive. I enjoy the sporting events and video games and other pleasures America has that I can afford. Am I happy? Not really. But i know I'm fortunate. And way beyond pointing fingers at people for the problems I created for myself. The issue is learning how to, and having the strength to overcome.
In a time when everyone is so skidding about who is who and who said what... I'm thankful that I dont see things that way.
Why does race even matter in fandom? We're ALL fortunate to have football this weekend. That's my point.
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