Waiting to be interviewed. (He definitely got an "A" on this project.)
One section of his project.Adding to the list on my last post, we have also remodeled my husband's office and I hope to have pictures to post soon. :) Another big job, was helping Blake complete his GATE project. This year he titled his project, "9/11 - The Day The World Changed Forever." Part of his research incorporated a study by the ACLU about racial profiling since 9/11. When Blake realized what racial profiling was all about, he became so upset. He said, "Mom, my best friend is an Arab and he is a really nice guy! It would be terrible for people to be mean to him because of his culture!" "Yes, indeed," I replied. I'm glad Blake doesn't judge anyone according to the color of skin or culture. The world needs more people who have the sweet, compassionate, loving spirit of Blake. He is a loyal friend.
I'm going to be picking Blake's brain to find out what his project is all about. It sounds like an excellent project, and I am happy that he learned alot! Ah. The good ol' GATE days. Will Blake be apart of History Day?
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately racial profiling is very much alive. I am thankful that Blake is compassionate and caring. It was a blessing to read your blog this morning after I had read Rochelle's (http://rochelle-blog.blogspot.com/). Unfortunately not all young people see it that way. Makes me wonder the spirit and the nature of the homes in which those young people live.
ReplyDeleteChandra - I'm not sure if Blake is participating in History Day. He always tells me things at the last minute. Like picking him up after school he says, "Mom, I have to be back at 3:30 for the GATE Festival. We are going to be interviewed." I had no idea! Then, he said pick him up at 5:00 PM and come to find out, he had to stay there until 7:00! LOL That's my Blake. He is quite a kid.
ReplyDeleteKaren - Yes, it seems as though America is going backwards. There is more racial profiling today then there was 20 years ago. What a sad thing! I do believe, however, the spirit and nature of the home is what determines the outcome. We never refer to race in our home. Our kids had no idea there were other descriptions. They thought all people - red, yellow, black, white - were just people. I remember once when Bryn was little, she was trying to tell us about a young man who served as a cadet for another church. This young man just took extra time to be sweet to Bryn. She was telling us about how nice he was and she couldn't remember his name. I asked her what he looked like. She said, "He was tall and had black hair and he sort of looked like chocolate." She had no idea most people would have said he was a black man. The people that keep racism alive are those that "see" color rather than the heart.
NICE PROJECT! HAPPY THANKSGIVING! I LOVE YOU!
ReplyDeleteI was overseas when 9/11 happened. It took me several days to get back into the country. I was flying with 3 very young kids (my daughter 2, my sister 4, and my brother 8). It was a long, long flight and we were all so very tired. I could have fallen asleep standing up - until I was standing in line to help the kids get a drink of water from the drinking fountain and I overheard a conversation about an Arab man that was waiting to board our plane. I was so mad. Someone actually approached me to join them to interogate this poor man. I was angered and frustrated and I simply said that just because he is Arab does not mean he is a terrorist. It's sad... but it happens. Too often. I had a friend once tell me that she was nervous when a group of Hispanics were walking in our direction - doing nothing but walking. I asked her if she would be nervous if they had white skin and after she thought about it she said no. It happens too often. The key to stop racial profiling is education. Tell Blake I said thanks.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous - I know that is you Bryn! You are a sweet sister to Blake. I love you and Blake with all my heart!
ReplyDeleteRochelle - I'm sorry you have faced so much prejudice and racism. It is the shame of America.