In total agreement! Wow, totally blown away with Tolley Jones’ “Still Exhausted” column masterpiece [Recorder, April 17]. She nailed it when it comes to injustices in this country. I am also exhausted, Tolley, and I’m not even Black.
It’s true that I can’t imagine how much worse it could be since I have been able to live with white privilege all my life. I also have the advantage of seeing injustices firsthand. I was brought up in the ghettos of Dayton, Ohio. I have three sisters who are biracial and they are some of the most amazing women to ever walk the earth. Because of my upbringing, I have seen and lived both sides of the aisle. One thing I can tell you is it’s true that most of these racists are still brainwashed as far back as the Civil War.
Unfortunately, most people can’t or don’t want to break these ongoing hateful cycles. Most people are just brainwashed by their upbringing and continue to be taught hate and prejudice.
There were two paragraphs that I wanted to repost from Tolley because they needed to be repeated again (not to knock the rest, because the whole article is amazing and should be read by everyone): “I am tired of the inaction of those elected to power in the United States, and their infuriating reluctance to counteract the insidious and malevolent hatred bubbling just under the surface like magma.”
Yes, inaction is the correct word. I see nothing but cowardice from all of these so-called leaders. Not one of them has the courage to step forward and fulfill their oath of duty.
The second paragraph: “I am tired of the incalculable imbalance of safety, wealth, power, and justice in this country, and I am tired of the indifferent acceptance of that imbalance by those who could shift it but choose not to.”
They choose not to because they like things just the way they are. You have to remember that it’s not about us, and it has never been about us. It’s always been about them — and that’s why you never see change. They love their power and wealth and will never give it up as long as we continue to let them have it.
The upper and middle class is all by design. Everyone could live right around middle class in a justice-filled world. We don’t live in a justice-filled world. So I guess, Tolley, we’re just going to have to continue our fight against racism and injustices.
Maybe we could meet up and join forces. Numbers do matter and we can make more progress working together. In the meantime, keep doing what you’re doing, Tolley, because if not you, then who?
God bless all countries, no exceptions. Be good, do good.
Jeremy Williams lives in Greenfield.