Letters To The Editor

PEOPLE IN SOCIETY

Prejudice no figment of imagination

In response to L. Jim Shamp’s letter of July 7, I beg to differ that 262 people of color who recently became U. S. citizens can possibly be the arbiter of what constitutes racism in the Spokane area.

I am a “person of color” whose family has been in the United States since almost the turn of the century. In Spokane, where I have lived for three years, as in other parts of the country, I am frequently subjected to both blatant and quiet racism; it’s a pervasive, ugly problem.

My entire extended family, consisting of nearly 75 people, has worked intelligently and tenaciously. Some are doctors, dentists, psychologists, pharmacists, educators, pastors and missionaries. Have we “succeeded?” Outwardly, yes. Have we been treated with fairness and equality? It depends who’s doing the measuring.

Most of all, I wish for dignity and respect in my dealings with others. By that measure, Spokane often falls short. Do I earn a living, have the respect and love of my friends, and am I fulfilled? Yes. Am I treated as my husband is, who isn’t a person of color? No. Am I subjected to intrusive questions from strangers? Yes. Is that “fair and equal?” Absolutely not.

I’d like to tell those 262 people to prepare for a prejudice which can last beyond their great-grandchildren if their ethnicity is evidenced by their skin, hair and/or eyes. America is a great place. But it may take an extra measure of strength for these people, and their descendants, to combat the prejudice and racism they will encounter. Angie E. Leong Spokane

Minority worker’s story distressing

I was horrified to read in the June 30 Spokesman-Review the article, “Black man sues McDonald’s.” To think that a minority youth may have had to endure such vicious attacks and working conditions just to keep a job is mind boggling.

Most white employees only act or react toward minorities in the workplace according to what they are allowed to get away with. Where were the supervisors when these acts were occurring?

It is demeaning enough to even have to work at a fast food restaurant, where the “special of the month” is a 29-cent hamburger. Then, to be further harassed and doused with a cold-water hose by other employees is unforgivable.

Young minorities should be applauded for their efforts to work to earn money for their survival or education. I know the humiliations and hardships they endure against all the odds.

Management at McDonald’s everywhere should make a special, concerted effort to ensure that working conditions and atmosphere are enjoyable for everyone employed there, and that everyone is treated fairly regardless of race or culture. To not do this is a violation of a person’s civil rights. This company should be investigated to the fullest. Doris Mae Aaron Spokane

Aryans not country’s real problem

Well, I guess I am in good company being on the side of God, Trent Lott and Steve Massey (Spokesman-Review, July 5) concerning homosexuality.

Bigotry at one time pertained to only religion, so now will that make homosexuality a religion rather than aberrant behavior?

The Aryan Nations were also recognized as someone on God and Trent Lott’s side of the issue. May I be so bold as to suggest that the Aryan Nations are but a very few extremists that pose a minor threat to the freedom and liberties of the citizens of this Republic?

The real threat is to be found in the present administration and its encouragement of aberrant lifestyles and the unfettered use of executive orders to circumvent our elected legislators in Congress. The recent federalism executive order should get everyone’s attention; state and local rights are disappearing at a rapid rate out the ball of the president’s pen.

Speaking of venom, what would these left-wing loonies do were it not for the words “bigotry,” “racism,” “homophobia,” and “hatred”? Gary Tucker Oldtown, Idaho