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Why Racism? History and Reality

Dear Source:
I want to thank Mr. Divine for his poignant and insightful letter. While I understand the initial letter I wrote a few days ago might shock and infuriate some, I wanted to convey the underlying feeling that exists in many people, regardless of race or national origin. With economic disparity increasing between the have and have not's, and the largely poor black population feeling the crunch more and more, many of us are forced to look at the root causes of our sufferings. While I will not say that my life was tremendously horrible, I have been fortunate. My parents were successful enough to provide me the opportunity to attend parochial schools, and I served in the Army more than a decade to finance my college. Living abroad for many years has taught me that, in my experience if anyone works hard enough opportunities exist. But in the V.I. with limited opportunities for the locals, what would you expect them to do. Perception is reality in this world, and all we perceive is the historical portrait of our plight. Continental Americans (whites) by and large when they come to the V.I are financially secure, if not Hiltionesque at least comfortably so. So I ask both Mr. Divine and Mr. Mueller, in all honesty, would your feelings or opinions be different if the Caucasians were the ones that were enslaved by Africans. Walk in my shoes then let me know. I am all for unity and equality, but I find many things disingenuous and insulting, and the history of the U.S. and their political machinations lead any reasonable person of my race to be suspicious.
Anthony Fontaine
Walnut Hill, Va.

Editor's note: We welcome and encourage readers to keep the dialogue going by responding to Source commentary. Letters should be e-mailed with name and place of residence to source@viaccess.net.

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