Author Needed

[madamesilverspurs]

Back in the mid 1960s we had some required reading for various high school courses. One of those books was Black Like Me by John Howard Griffin. It was the story of a white man who dyed his skin dark in order to experience first-hand what it was like to be other-than-white in America. It was an eye-opener and became part of the conversation in the civil rights movement. In our classroom discussions the question was asked, “Why will we listen to this white man talking about these things, when we should be listening to those who have experienced those same things for their entire lives?” Why indeed.

Although Griffin was vilified by many for his effort, he remained committed to the social activism that first informed his decision to try the experience, and we are a better country in no small part because of his courage. Placing no trust in half-measures, he stepped into someone else’s shoes and walked a few miles in them. He knew there would be consequences, he did it anyway.

At the moment I can’t help but wonder – where is the courageous man willing to endure the circumstances that will earn remarks like “you invited it” and “it’s just a case of buyer’s remorse.” Think about it. You could become famous, honored by half the population of the country. Your book could be a best seller; you could call it Raped Like Me. And you could send the first copy to Ken Buck.

( x-posted from GD)

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