United States Slavery is the equivalent of the German Holocaust.
Just as all Germans aren't responsible for The Holocaust, not all American's are responsible for Slavery.
But, just as any German with any relation, particularly with an SS officers last name is ashamed, I, a person with white skin am ashamed.
I am ashamed to be white.
Most would call me lucky, but doesn't help the fact that I am ashamed.
One day I was sitting in one of my Social Work courses, and we were watching a movie about Native American's. At a particular point in the film, I raised my hand, (my hands were shaking, my heart racing, my stomach was in my throat, and I'm sure my voice shook) as I proceeded I said something to the affect of, "I cannot believe MY people did this." As I got to the word "MY" I began to cry. Everyone turned to look at me, seeing as how me crying in class wasn't rare, I had gotten pretty used to it. Professor Dena a Native American herself, seemed dumbfounded, yet supportive as I was crying like a baby. I proceeded and said, "I'm ashamed. I'm sad, and sick, and cannot get over how my people have treated others throughout history." She just stood there strong, with a backbone, and one of my forever inspirations.
I have a lot of white guilt, and many would say that I shouldn't, I cannot help but hold onto this said, "White Guilt." I've discussed this with many people, and I no longer take it in and hold on to it, I educate myself . . . and ensure that I know I am fully innocent on the actions of my ancestors.
I look at pictures of slave fortresses in Ghana, and think deeper, and FEEL emotions that pictures shouldn't bring out of someone. I know that I am meant to live in Africa, and I promise you one day, no matter on what part of that beautiful continent that I live, I will LIVE, and I will love. I will leave a piece of me there, that maybe will leave my soul in pristine condition. That maybe will make me whole, again. Maybe I can share that I never knew the truth, until I paid to learn the truth. No one tells you anything, until you pay for it. You learn AMERICA'S truth, not HISTORY. Not the real truth. Not the reality.
