I would just add this to the conversation: At 22, in 1971, I moved to Seattle because, in part, of the racism in Atlanta and the South. What I learned in my 10 years there was that where there is a lack of racial diversity, there is little understanding of internalized or overt racism, and very little conversation about it. Most of the prejudice I saw was directed at First Nations people, but in a community where people are not encouraged to learn to live together, there is no proving ground for white people to test who they think they are. I moved back to Atlanta in 1979 because I knew there was work to do and the south seemed to be where that was happening. I make no excuses for the scourge that racism has played in the south, but I would challenge "the West" as being free of that. Unchallenged, yes, but not free. Racism is our country's shame. Let's agree to challenge it where we find it.
Korby, the Tyler Merritt interview was profound. I loved the Nashville backstory and have been a fan of Merritt's since "Before you call the cops". Also, loved the discussion of race and the south. All rang true to me...even the men in white coats serving drinks which makes me uncomfortable as well. Thanks for continuing to allow for honest conversations like this to happen.
I would just add this to the conversation: At 22, in 1971, I moved to Seattle because, in part, of the racism in Atlanta and the South. What I learned in my 10 years there was that where there is a lack of racial diversity, there is little understanding of internalized or overt racism, and very little conversation about it. Most of the prejudice I saw was directed at First Nations people, but in a community where people are not encouraged to learn to live together, there is no proving ground for white people to test who they think they are. I moved back to Atlanta in 1979 because I knew there was work to do and the south seemed to be where that was happening. I make no excuses for the scourge that racism has played in the south, but I would challenge "the West" as being free of that. Unchallenged, yes, but not free. Racism is our country's shame. Let's agree to challenge it where we find it.
Korby, the Tyler Merritt interview was profound. I loved the Nashville backstory and have been a fan of Merritt's since "Before you call the cops". Also, loved the discussion of race and the south. All rang true to me...even the men in white coats serving drinks which makes me uncomfortable as well. Thanks for continuing to allow for honest conversations like this to happen.