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Farewell
Dear Larry: You are the sanest man in America! I look forward to your columns because I ALWAYS agree with your answers. Great work! Thanks for speaking the simple truth about all issues — racial, political, parental, common sense, etc.
I often …Read more.
Hate Groups
Dear Larry: I want to forget for a moment that it is their constitutional right, because I detest the Ku Klux Klan, neo-Nazis and all other groups that preach hate. A long time ago, they came into cities across America without any protest. Now …Read more.
Troubles With Raising Teenage Son
Dear Larry: I am African-American and a single mother with three children, ages 15, 10 and 8. All of them are boys. I am having a lot of problems with them, especially the eldest.
He argues with me about almost everything. He thinks he is the man/…Read more.
How To Get Race Relations Back on Track
Dear Larry: So many of my friends are upset with the way things are going, especially race relations. They are not saying anything openly, but among themselves there is constant complaining and fear. There is something simmering and brewing that …Read more.
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Ethnically Speaking, January 23Dear Larry: I enjoyed your column about people who try to get around answering the "race" question on applications and other forms. I would like to share the one regarding my sister Ruth. Ruth was trying to pay her yearly fee for her local health spa. During the process, a new young clerk presented her with an application form to be filled out before her payment would be accepted. When she came to the "race" question, the following conversation took place: Ruth: I don't know how to fill this out. Clerk: Oh, you know, Asian, Hispanic — Ruth: No, you don't understand. I'm from another planet, and we don't have "race" where I come from. Clerk: B-b-b-but you speak English so well. Ruth: We're trained in the language of whatever place we are sent. I was sent here to learn how it feels to swim in wet water. On our planet, the water is dry. At that point, the clerk excused herself and went into her boss's office. About a minute later, the boss looked out, recognized Ruth as a longtime member and told the clerk to "sign her up." It didn't take long for the story to go around the staff. The next day, when she showed up at the locker room with two pipe cleaners for antennae, the attendant asked her whether she was sending a message home. — Lim Dear Lim: When I read your letter, I actually laughed out loud. Your sister's excuse for avoiding the "race" question is the best one I ever have read about. Keep reading for more methods.
From J.D.: When I come to the race question, I always write "100-meter dash." I don't think they read these forms, because I have yet to have someone say I am wrong. From Mary: I always answer that question with "no, I don't." From Jessie: I am black, and I always put "prefer not to say." I would hate to be given a job because of my race. I want people to pick me because they think I am the best one for the job. From Sis: I think companies hire people based on ethnicity. For the race question, I put whatever I think they are hoping to hire. Today the races are so mixed that no one can argue with your answer. From Ralph: It is wrong to label people according to race. When I come to that question, my favorite answer is "American." When I am starting to get a little surly, I put "human." When I am angry, I write "unconstitutional" or "does not apply to me." From Fed Up: Now that we have a black president, can't we do away with all of these race questions? I am tired of all the race BS. When will we get past caring what race or color a person happens to be? I voted for the president because I thought he was the best person for the job. I look forward to the day when an employer can hang a "help wanted" sign in the window and give the job to the most qualified person. And if that person does not perform, the employer can replace the noncomplying employee with another without having to be called a racist or taken to court. To find out more about Larry G. Meeks and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com. COPYRIGHT 2010 CREATORS.COM
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