Tuesday night PBS will air "Reconstruction: America After the Civil War" April 9th 9/8central time. I plan to watch this with an open mind. It is tough to do in today's political climate where the focus seems to be on dividing our nation through identity politics. Emphasis placed on negativity combined with the finger pointing to fulfill an agenda makes it difficult to filter through our history. Today's attitudes are on full display reading in the comments area where PBS has set their ads. The period the program is addressing is of great interest to me. Some artifact found in "the box" lead me to research this portion of history. It is an emotional study and heartbreaking. I am awestruck by the strength of many individuals noted in this time. I wonder how they had the tenacity to endure. Their stories are inspiring.
Racism is alive in our country today. I do not believe it belongs to just one group, area, or belief system. Discrimination and prejudice do not belong to only one race. It is as scattered as dust blowing in the wind. Division potentiated by stereotyping and hateful accusations is not a constructive solution. Self-evaluation, individual accountability and seeking compassion for one another create paths of healing. Our country needs healing rather than divisiveness.
Barbara A. Cannons book The Won Cause explores "Black and White Comradeship in the Grand Army of the Republic. Glimpses of hope even during the time of history covered in the PBS program Tuesday, are in this book.
“We must develop and maintain the capacity to forgive. He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love. There is some good in the worst of us and some evil in the best of us. When we discover this, we are less prone to hate our enemies.” Martin Luther King Jr.
Be brave and fierce but always remain humble.
nan
