Comments on: When Will People See?

By: Jessica O'Dwyer

Jessica O'Dwyer — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 16:46:30 +0000

Mary Beth: So happy we found each other!
Cynthia: Thanks for letting me know my piece resonates with you. I appreciate it.

By: cynthia Rovero

cynthia Rovero — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 19:46:54 +0000

hi jessica,

your story describes painfully the roadblocks of prejudice that are put up in the lives of the non-white population. to have to teach our children that progress has been made in equality, but stupidity still is prevelent is a hard task to undertake to say the least. thank you for your honesty

By: Jessica O'Dwyer

Jessica O'Dwyer — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:55:53 +0000

Mary Beth! Is it really you? Please let me know how to contact you.

By: Mary Beth

Mary Beth — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 22:03:53 +0000

Jessie:

Hello there my very dear old friend. Wonderful to read your story. It was poignant and sad. Your writing is beautiful……….

People in Washington DC are alot more open to diversity…

Your very dear friend Mary Beth, from 100 Elberon Ave.

By: cheryl

cheryl — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 16:36:48 +0000

Thanks for sharing this. I don’t think I’m complacent but as a caucasian, I haven’t been in the position to see how biggoted certain people are. We almost have to be rubbing shoulders closely with an ethnic minority in order to see the extent of the problem. An American born individual of Iranian descent once told me that he was on the receiving end of jokes and negative comments about his name on a weekly basis. An AFrican American man told me that when he went looking to rent a room, he was turned down by 9 out of 10 of the people advertising rooms for rent.

A phrase that I have tucked away for people that make explicit mean statements is “I have so many problems with what you said that I hardly even know where to begin.” I can pull that one out of the hat if I can’t think of anything else.

By: Laura-Lynne

Laura-Lynne — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 13:25:35 +0000

Yikes. Great piece. You’re opening our otherwise complacent eyes.

By: Jessica

Jessica — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 18:22:21 +0000

Dear A: Thank you so much for sharing your own perspective on this subject. Because of my children, I really do see the world through different eyes now, and will continue to write about my observations. I urge you to do the same.
Thanks again.

By: A.

A. — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 04:55:08 +0000

Dear Jessica. Thank you so much for your piece. I happened upon it during my drive into work early this morning courtesy of KQED’s Perspectives. It’s often hard seeing the hurt from the eyes of those suffering first hand, but your noticing helps so much. I fight everyday against the slights that mostly go unnoticed by my friends less blessed than myself in the tanning department. It gets old, but you manage. You find that you often have to exceed just in order to be considered an equal. You receive different treatment at stores and restaurants. You often find too that your dating options are limited as either your prospective companion either doesn’t “date (insert ethnicity here) guys” (or gals for that matter) or your acquaintances always pair you with those of shared ethnic heritage… (while not unwelcome, it’s akin to being limited to tacos, or chow mein exclusively, while desiring a pizza or burger). Mind you, I mean no offence by the simile… Such experiences may sound cliche sadly, but they are realities for many Americans of color. It’s certainly mine. Take care Jessica. Once again, most appreciated. Peace.

By: Lorrie

Lorrie — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 22:08:26 +0000

This is a powerful piece. I heard it on KQED’s Perspectives this morning, and can only hope those horrible men heard it, too. That would be a smart comeback indeed! Let’s hope that those dinosaurs are en route to extinction.
At any rate, your piece beautifully interweaves the personal and political. Thank you for holding up a mirror we all need to see.

By: Maija

Maija — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 17:27:12 +0000

Ignorance isn’t bliss – it’s brazen and outrageous when combined with downright stupidity. And I find myself grasping for the ‘smart comebacks’ your kids could use…but find myself so angry to think. Thanks for writing this Jessica