LETTERS: PARENTS: SET EXAMPLES ON RACE

To the editor:

On July 4, people throughout America will celebrat 221 years as a free nation. This major national holiday commemorates our country's declaration of independence from the oppressive rule of the British monarchy. Moreover, the framers of the U.S. Constitution (John Adams, Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson, to name a few) envisioned a nation highly capable of instituting a government that represented the interests of its citizens. In other words, the premise of the government was "of the people, by the people and for the people."

Meanwhile, as people settled in the southern and some border states, they quickly discovered that they were physically unable to perform the strenuous labor required to work the land to produce a variety of crops. Subsequently, many of these Americans bought people from Africa, as they were conditioned to endure extremely hot temperatures. Likewise, the Africans were physically able to work long hours in the fields. However, enslaving these people and their offspring to a lifetime of bondage was unjust and morally wrong.

Although President Lincoln emancipated all slaves in 1863, hatred and prejudice against black Americans continued for many years. Indeed, racism is still prevalent throughout the United States 134 years later, and Cape Girardeau is definitely not exempt.

Furthermore, I cannot condone the actions of slave owners, the Ku Klux Klan or any other white supremacist group. Consequently, the actions and attitudes of these groups have only led to widening the gap between white and non-white Americans. In the eyes of our great creator God, all people are equal regardless of color, creed or class.

Today, white children living in South Cape are victimized on a regular basis by non-white children. Many times these instances are not reported, because nothing is done by law enforcement officials. Personally, I have seen white kids intentionally and brutally assaulted by non-white kids without just cause. The non-whites continue to harm innocent children, because they know they will not get into any kind of trouble.

In my opinion, these incidents appear to be an attempt to rectify the inhumane acts inflicted upon their black ancestors during the days of slavery as well as the injustices endured by black Americans as they tried to exercise their civil rights. I feel as if white children today must suffer pain simply because their ancestors physically and mentally abused black Americans.

Still, parents are responsible for the behavior and any acts of violence done by their children. If parents would cease the continued perpetuation of hatred and prejudice in their children's minds, the gap between races could begin to close. Granted, I realize change cannot occur overnight. Yet it deeply saddens me to see the gap grow wider as each day passes.

Today, whites are hesitant to express any views on this subject. When whites speak out, immediately they are branded as racists. On the other hand, when black speak out, they invariably play the race card (although there are some exceptions). Definitely, it's a no-win situation for either side.

As a concerned parent, I wonder what will happen next. On numerous occasions, I have personally witnessed white children being assaulted with sticks and metal pipes. Will the next weapon of choice be a knife or a gun?

Our children are very precious commodities and the future leaders of our country. In order to ensure they will make positive contributions to society, parents must now take the initiative to put the past behind. It is essential that parents become less permissive and stop passing the buck to someone else.

I challenge every parent and role model in Cape Girardeau to unite and convey the message to children that color does not matter, because we are all Americans. The time has come for children to understand that they are responsible for their actions, right or wrong. In order for our society to move in a positive direction, everyone must demonstrate love and respect for their fellowman, regardless of color or national origin.

RAMONA HILTON WILLIAMS

Cape Girardeau