Letter: Slavery days over, but effects remain evident

Monday, Oct. 21, 2002 | 9:20 a.m.

I agree with Tom Teepen's Oct. 6 column that slavery's effects still remain among our society today. The question is, why? Why was it not picked up and dealt with over a century ago? The slavery days are over, but they are not done with. I am a 23-year-old, intelligent African-American who attends the Community College of Southern Nevada, pursuing a degree in criminal justice law.

I am an eyewitness to Mr. Teepen's testimony. I notice the animosity that some others have for me, with their attitude, gestures and stares. I do not feed into these hateful motives, but my return attitude is a smile. I feel that a simple smile will take me a long way than returning an attitude back to them with negativity.

I believe that some other nationalities do not want to or are afraid to experience other cultural ways, vibes and differences. Yes, it is better to give than to receive, but what about if one is reluctant to receive differences in others. All these motives that I witness are very much effects of slavery.

Living in the past may lead into a shorter life span, but performing for the future may lead to an everlasting life upon this earth. Everything happens for a reason, but the true reason for ongoing slavery is yet to be discovered.

SAVANNAH THOMAS