Ethnically Speaking by Larry Meeks

Dear Larry: I lived in Germany for 30 years before I came to America many years ago. When I was living in Germany, one of my best friends married an African American man. They were immediately accepted by everyone — they never had a problem with gawkers or snide comments. A girlfriend of my son married a man from West Africa. Again, there was no problem.

There seems to be less racial discrimination overseas in places like Germany than in America. This seems so strange because everybody knows about the Nazis and how they were so intolerant.

My question is: How can it be that a society like Germany changed so much in only a generation or so? In light of this, I have hopes that the situation in America is also getting better. I hope the time comes when we don't see color. Is that realistic? — Martha

Dear Martha: In my opinion Germany changed because it was utterly defeated in the war and there was worldwide condemnation for Germans' behavior. When a country loses everything, the people have little desire to hold onto the behaviors and beliefs that caused their destruction. In a situation like that, a change is inevitable.

America never experienced that kind of a loss. We are a proud country and we are understandably proud of our past. However, not everything in our past is laudatory and worthy of praise.

One of the dark stains of our past is slavery and racism. The Civil War solved the issue of slavery.

After a few generations past the Civil War, the thought of having slavery in America became repugnant. Slavery became a non-issue, but nothing was done to solve the remaining racism.

The racism issue was challenged with the Civil Rights Movement. Laws were passed and racist behaviors were declared illegal. Changing laws and making declarations does not equal a change in attitudes. Only time will make the desired change.

The old slave owners, until the day they died, still craved to return to the good old days of plantation life. Most racists will always keep their values and thinking. However, the next few generations will harbor a different thought.

America is changing. It will take a few generations before racist attitudes are systematically eliminated.

This change is not just a function of the majority population. Minorities must also manifest a change in their attitudes. The final solution to racism is a two-way street practiced by both parties.

My belief in the future of America is embodied in the following letter:

Dear Larry: I am white and was raised by very racist parents. I grew up with racist views but decided to make an attitude change while I was in college. I raised my children to be as non-racist as possible. Although they are all white, both of them have married outside of their race.

I chuckle thinking how my parents, if they were still living, would be having a fit. When I become a proud grandmother, I believe my mixed grandkids will find acceptance. — Lori

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