I write in complete support of Glenn Johnson’s recent letter to The Recorder exhorting us to “speak” regarding the racist attacks directed to Penny Ricketts. She should not be expected to endure this by herself. Every citizen has a responsibility to speak and act as we help create a healthier culture in Greenfield. Just as I wrote in the fall to speak out against the Confederate flag (which I described as the American swastika), now I decry the attacks against Ms. Ricketts.

We should not be surprised by racism in our community. The history, permanence, and legacy of racism (and every other form of oppression) exist in every community. Indeed, if you scratch the fabric of racism it bursts open. Automatically. We should avoid saying, “I can’t believe this happened in our community.” Instead, we should pose, “What can I do to improve this situation?”

When someone of prominence encourages us to work for social justice, as Ms. Ricketts did so powerfully, the racism will automatically emerge. We should not be surprised but rather continue the work required to make Greenfield a stronger and more equitable community.

I wish that those who went after Ms. Ricketts had identified themselves. In a healthy community, conflict can be a tremendous teacher and can help positively shape culture.

Discourse among those in strong disagreement can be rich and productive. We should all stand by our words.

We as white people have a role to play as allies to people of color. Dismantling racism begins with racial learning.

“People of color must work to undo internalized racism while white people must work to uncover and then work on their internalized white supremacy” — Gwen Shunatona, Pawnee

We have much to do and I, for one, look forward to confronting the challenges ahead.

The Human Rights Commission here in town is taking up the many challenges we face now and will encounter in the future. Look for their work and meeting times.

I close with the powerful words of a person who understood the connection between silence and oppression in ways I cannot even imagine. The following is an excerpt from Auschwitz survivor Elie Wiesel, upon receiving the Nobel Prize in 1986:

“Wherever and whenever human beings endure suffering and humiliation, take sides.

“Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.”

Bob Cooley

Greenfield