I often refer to the solid online writing community here in the blogosphere. The opportunity to meet such an awesomely diverse, interesting, creative (and frequently hilarious) group of people is one of the positive benefits to this world of writing. Today I want to reblog a very topical post written by Amber West that stems from the current media swirl around the tragic Trayvon Martin situation. Amber is a talented writer, a young woman very open to expressing her thoughts, and she has a knack for getting to the crux of a matter. Please read the comments too! This is one fine example of what good blogging is all about!
Published by patriciasands
Patricia Sands lives in Toronto, Canada when she isn't somewhere else, particularly the south of France. With a happily blended family of seven adult children and, at last count, six grandchildren, life is full and time is short. Beginning with her first Kodak Brownie camera at the age of six, she has told stories all of her life through photography. Much to her surprise a few years ago, she began to write and has now published three novels, including two that are part of a six-book series set in the south of France. Love France? Love her work! Check out her website www.patriciasandsauthor.com She is particularly drawn to the rewarding friendships of women and the challenges many embrace once their families are grown. "It's never too late to begin something new," she enthuses. "As the saying goes, just do it!" View more posts
Patricia Sands 
Thank you for sharing this, Patricia!
Too good not to share. Thanks for stopping by Emmie!
I had read this earlier, but didn’t make it into the comments. Thank you Patricia for reblogging so I could spend more time there.
The conversation between you, Amber, and Barbara about “prejudice” and “racist” is point on. To me, being racist is more deliberate; prejudice is a thoughtless (but still hurtful) act.
I’ve been on both sides of the coin – in restaurants, shops, and sporting events have been treated poorly or even aggressively because of my race and as a child, I mimicked the language of the people around me (racist slurs). I was even sexually attacked on a playground because of my skin color.
I no longer surround myself with people (of any color) who say and do these things. And, I’ve taught my children differently.
I’m so sorry to hear you had these bad experiences. Your choice to remove yourself from people who are racist and to teach your children differently is exactly the right path to follow. We hopefully can lead by example.
It’s a good thing to leave in the past. 🙂