This book overall has deeply saddened me. It has depressed my feelings towards this topic in a way that could only be done by a writer with the skill of Coates. There were many areas within the book that I did not agree with, yet I applaud Coates for his depth of knowledge and wisdom and his call for the reader to partake in his sufferings, in his thoughts, in his torments, and in his epiphanies. When viewing this topic, I have been standing at a part of the chasm where a small jump would take me to the other side. I could turn around and see from the other perspective. Coates took me to spots on the chasms edge where no matter how hard I strained, I could not see the other side. This is not to say that there is no other side, but that I physically and mentally lake the experience, wisdom, and knowledge to reach the other side. I hope this chasm closes. I hope this divide is filled in. I do not hope it to be bridged, for bridges have limits on how many may cross at a time. I want everyone to see, to feel, to understand each others perspectives. If we were able to, we would be able to love incomprehensibly. I know that I may never get my wish. In fact, it seems highly unlikely. However, this will not stop me from trying to fill this void where I can, to make connections whenever possible. to leap to the other side to see another perspective. I will do what I can to close this void and I will not allow myself to be deterred by the idea of unattainability. I owe this to my fellow humans and I owe this to God. As a Christian I have been called to love all and I believe the closing of the chasm to be a crucial step in that command.
Ah, the United States of America. A sociological specimen of the highest degree. As Coates exposed the country of my birth as a destroyer of black lives, I could only agree. Not only did I agree but I was reminded of the many people that have been celebrated by this nation. Christopher Columbus had his own special day, yet he is responsible for the rape, pillage, and execution of Native Americans. Andrew Jackson is placed on currency, yet he betrayed the tribe and leader who saved his very life. How naïve we are to think that this country was not founded and built on the flayed backs of the humans who were not of the "right skin color." Even given the opportunity to move forward, American society decided that it would continue the systematic oppression of those deemed unfit. Internment of the Japanese during World War II while German communities lived without fear of aggression. Jim Crowe laws, segregation laws, voting laws. Have we changed? Or have we simply moved on to a mo...
I feel very similar after reading this book. It has changed my view on this topic in so many different ways. I credit that change to Coates and the way that he writes to his son.
ReplyDeleteIn some ways I appreciate the feelings of discomfort that he causes because it causes us to ask ourselves hard questions that we might not otherwise ask. Our responses may be different than what Coate's concludes but nonetheless the dialogue is important. Good post
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