<div style="background:#fff;border:#bbb dashed 1px;padding:5px"><a href="http://en.citatepedia.ro/comments.php?id=443446" style="color:#000;text-decoration:none"><div style="margin:10px 0"><strong>The Effects of Racism</strong></div><div style="margin:10px 0">I was once invited to participate, <br>In a seminar.<br>To discuss the effects of racism, <br>Conducted many miles away in an isolated<br>Remote area<br>Distanced from where the effects took place.<br>Near my home.<br>And I was to be the only Black to appear, <br>On this prestigious panel.</div><div style="margin:10px 0">I declined the offer.<br>Since I felt it was ridiculous, <br>To remove myself away from those 'effects'<br>While in discussion with others, <br>Who kept perpetuated the acceptance<br>Of expressed indifferences.</div><div style="margin:10px 0">Plus I had attended another affair, <br>At the same location...<br>As others listened intently, <br>While I explained reasons for wearing my hair<br>In dreads! <br>And if it had an affect on my identity.</div><div style="margin:10px 0">I was then asked to come again, <br>Next time I was in the area.<br>As if these 'settings' would be missed, <br>In my life! <br>And those who 'sympathized' with my plight, <br>Would embrace my need to receive their acceptance.<br>With an understanding of my internal turmoil.<br>Which, of course, had to depress, <br>My sensibilities.</div><div style="margin:10px 0">Yes! <br>Only an eyewitness experiencing this, <br>Would appreciate the sacrifices I make.<br>Living amongst those who have not been so 'chosen'<br>To escape from their deprived and substandard conditions.<br>Inflicted upon them by those less liberal of deed.</div><div style="margin:10px 0">I feel so blessed to be honored, <br>By those 'willing' to share their comfort zones! <br>However...<br>There is something about my own environment, <br>That affords me the freedom to express less pretentiousness.</div><div style="margin:10px 0">Although I must say this, <br>Being a 'victim' of those who are racists...<br>Has, at times, been to my benefit.</div><div style="margin:10px 0">At least I know where they are coming from.<br>And I have been given opportunities to avoid them! <br>With a choice to leave them and their preceptions, <br>'Impressed' upon their limited consciousness.<br>And I, <br>Could leave them alone to glorify their intentions.</div><div style="margin:10px 0"><br /></a><br />poem by <a href="http://en.citatepedia.ro/by.php?a=Lawrence+S.+Pertillar">Lawrence S. Pertillar</a><div class=q> <img src="https://www.citatepedia.ro/g/32share.png" style="float:left" alt="Share"> <script type="text/javascript" src="//s7.addthis.com/js/300/addthis_widget.js#pubid=citatepedia" async="async"></script><div style="display:inline-block" class="addthis_sharing_toolbox" data-url="http://en.citatepedia.ro/comments.php?id=443446" data-title="The Effects of Racism de Lawrence S. Pertillar" data-description="I was once invited to participate, In a seminar. To discuss the effects of racism, Conducted many miles away in an isolated Remote area Distanced from where the effects took place. Near my home. And I was to be the only Black to appear, On this..."></div> </div> </div>

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