My own military service is one of the many factors in my "social awakening". I noticed that, despite all of my shipmates coming from all corners of America (and many from elsewhere), there was something common in all of the blacks, regardless of whence they came. It really sank in for me when I returned home from my service. In just four short years, I had matured, grew, and changed in so many ways. But the blacks I knew of only changed in the frequency of their crimes and jail/prison stints. I did meet a few actual, factual good, decent black men (never once any females). By a few, I literally mean two. One was actually a Muslim, but wasn't one that shoved it in your face. He even drank openly. He was a good man, not the brightest, but he did in fact mentor me into taking over his title of Lead Technician in three short months. He was a good friend, and I do miss him. I feel safer with the beliefs I carry now. It is not fear, just a knowledgeable apprehension whenever around them. I have tried, subtly and politely, to educate and enlighten others to the reality of things. Most have understood and already acknowledged, secretly, that they feel the same. I guess I feel a certain duty to help my friends and associates, but I just have to be discreet in doing so.
My own military service is one of the many factors in my "social awakening".
I noticed that, despite all of my shipmates coming from all corners of America (and many from elsewhere), there was something common in all of the blacks, regardless of whence they came.
It really sank in for me when I returned home from my service. In just four short years, I had matured, grew, and changed in so many ways. But the blacks I knew of only changed in the frequency of their crimes and jail/prison stints.
I did meet a few actual, factual good, decent black men (never once any females). By a few, I literally mean two. One was actually a Muslim, but wasn't one that shoved it in your face. He even drank openly. He was a good man, not the brightest, but he did in fact mentor me into taking over his title of Lead Technician in three short months. He was a good friend, and I do miss him.
I feel safer with the beliefs I carry now. It is not fear, just a knowledgeable apprehension whenever around them. I have tried, subtly and politely, to educate and enlighten others to the reality of things. Most have understood and already acknowledged, secretly, that they feel the same. I guess I feel a certain duty to help my friends and associates, but I just have to be discreet in doing so.