A Lost Boy
A most unforgettable trip41 total reviews
Comment from WalkerMan
Thank the Lord, I was raised by parents who themselves had come from families devoid of prejudice of any kind, though they had experienced it in religious form from time to time. Just as your own mother wisely advised, we knew not to start a fight over verbal nonsense.
What that sergeant was doing to you and others was a different matter, and I commend you for holding your ground successfully enough to get him punished for his behavior. Whatever heckling you got from other sergeants probably was more scare tactics than effective revenge, as they likely feared you could get them punished also if they went too far.
Your account of being the only black person on the train ride to Chicago at age eighteen is fascinating, from the split personality of the white conductor to the friendly white chef at the restaurant.
Prejudice is learned behavior, and I am sad to see that Marxist teachers are indoctrinating kids from preschool through college, fostering a revival of segregation, and convincing kids of color that striving to excel is useless because all western culture is systemically against them. The real goal of that ideology is to create enough chaos to prompt the public to clamor for restoration of order under tyrannical government in a form those old enough will recognize as Communism, in which everyone not part of the government will be a serf without rights.
You, as a prejudice resisting person, are therefore at risk; so I salute your resolve. That is why I am rating this post exceptional (six stars), despite a few flaws in the writing. (I'll send you a list for future reference via PM, if you ask.) Meanwhile, my friend, bravo!
reply by the author on 31-May-2023
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Thank the Lord, I was raised by parents who themselves had come from families devoid of prejudice of any kind, though they had experienced it in religious form from time to time. Just as your own mother wisely advised, we knew not to start a fight over verbal nonsense.
What that sergeant was doing to you and others was a different matter, and I commend you for holding your ground successfully enough to get him punished for his behavior. Whatever heckling you got from other sergeants probably was more scare tactics than effective revenge, as they likely feared you could get them punished also if they went too far.
Your account of being the only black person on the train ride to Chicago at age eighteen is fascinating, from the split personality of the white conductor to the friendly white chef at the restaurant.
Prejudice is learned behavior, and I am sad to see that Marxist teachers are indoctrinating kids from preschool through college, fostering a revival of segregation, and convincing kids of color that striving to excel is useless because all western culture is systemically against them. The real goal of that ideology is to create enough chaos to prompt the public to clamor for restoration of order under tyrannical government in a form those old enough will recognize as Communism, in which everyone not part of the government will be a serf without rights.
You, as a prejudice resisting person, are therefore at risk; so I salute your resolve. That is why I am rating this post exceptional (six stars), despite a few flaws in the writing. (I'll send you a list for future reference via PM, if you ask.) Meanwhile, my friend, bravo!
Comment Written 31-May-2023
reply by the author on 31-May-2023
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Thank you so much. I am honored to have such a scholarly dissection of my writing. You may send any communication to nmiller4243@hotmail.com.
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You are most welcome. I am sending my technical comments via PM in reply to your PM in response to my review because I have some email problems. I am glad to help you that way. :)) -- Mike
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That is fine. Whichever way is best for you. I am grateful for any and all help.
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You are welcome, my friend. Your post is important because most people don't know what you and others had to endure in those days. The changes that finally occurred were aided by you and others who reacted wisely, rather than by hatred and/or violence. The trouble today is that the schools and the corrupt media are intentionally stirring up antagonism, which is part of the Marxist agenda to destroy our culture and country. I respect your attitude and efforts to educate us correctly. -- Mike
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Thank you. I only realized later that as much as they could, the military brass protected me against retaliation efforts of those who resented my actions.
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That's good to know. I had wondered about that, but you did imply it. Too bad the other four didn't know, as they might have been braver. You were strong enough in your principles to make an important positive difference to the benefit of all the others being oppressed.
Comment from Carol Hillebrenner
This is very good both for the lesson it gives about those times and for being well-written. It is amazing that there was an imaginary Mason-Dixon line in the Midwest, and even more amazing that people acted differently after they crossed this line. Your ability to not lose your home-grown character lessons was very admirable.
reply by the author on 31-May-2023
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This is very good both for the lesson it gives about those times and for being well-written. It is amazing that there was an imaginary Mason-Dixon line in the Midwest, and even more amazing that people acted differently after they crossed this line. Your ability to not lose your home-grown character lessons was very admirable.
Comment Written 31-May-2023
reply by the author on 31-May-2023
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Thank you so much. I appreciate your comments.
Comment from royowen
It's funny reading the stories of the racial discrimination, it's not quite that bad, never has been an issue. We were settled by convicts and free settlers, there is a bias here, and we haven't been kind to our indigence population, but bias is normal with humans, but sometimes no worse the supporting football teams. But it's the human heart that needs adjustment, that's the wickedness that needs adjustment, but with God's help, and a deliberate adjustment to the acknowledgement that all men are equal, and a desire to appreciate that all are loved by God, I'm sorry for the way you've been treated Nomi, well done, blessings Roy
reply by the author on 30-May-2023
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It's funny reading the stories of the racial discrimination, it's not quite that bad, never has been an issue. We were settled by convicts and free settlers, there is a bias here, and we haven't been kind to our indigence population, but bias is normal with humans, but sometimes no worse the supporting football teams. But it's the human heart that needs adjustment, that's the wickedness that needs adjustment, but with God's help, and a deliberate adjustment to the acknowledgement that all men are equal, and a desire to appreciate that all are loved by God, I'm sorry for the way you've been treated Nomi, well done, blessings Roy
Comment Written 30-May-2023
reply by the author on 30-May-2023
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In all actuality, God has allowed me to recognize that he protected me at a time when my life could well have been at risk. As my life story will demonstrate, there have many many times and situations where the only reason I am still alive and relatively healthy is God's grace. I am so grateful, I truly owe him everything.
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Yep, that?s right,
Comment from Wayne Fowler
Very nicely told/written. Good work.
When we crossed the geographical line known as the Mason-Dixon line. * - This is an incomplete sentence, needing a subject and verb.
For my part, I am sorry for the abuse you took from prejudiced people.
Best wishes.
reply by the author on 30-May-2023
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Very nicely told/written. Good work.
When we crossed the geographical line known as the Mason-Dixon line. * - This is an incomplete sentence, needing a subject and verb.
For my part, I am sorry for the abuse you took from prejudiced people.
Best wishes.
Comment Written 30-May-2023
reply by the author on 30-May-2023
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The asterisk is used to direct you to the author notes section where I explain what the Mason-Dixon line represents.
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Yes, I live in Arkansas and understand. I was just pointing out the incomplete sentence.
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Thank you.
Comment from Teri7
This is a very well written true story you have penned about what happened. I am so glad you were able to make it safely on that train trip. I am so sorry you had to go through things like that. We are all human beings that God created and God loves us all! One day those who are prejudice will read what they have sown. May God bless you for standing for what is right! Blessings, Teri
reply by the author on 30-May-2023
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This is a very well written true story you have penned about what happened. I am so glad you were able to make it safely on that train trip. I am so sorry you had to go through things like that. We are all human beings that God created and God loves us all! One day those who are prejudice will read what they have sown. May God bless you for standing for what is right! Blessings, Teri
Comment Written 30-May-2023
reply by the author on 30-May-2023
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Thank you Teri, my main reason for telling this story is to point out how important it is to not allow yourself to become provoked. So many assaults could have been prevented, I feel, if only the person had just maintained their composure.
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You are so right my friend. Sometimes we can keep bad things from happening around us if we do react kinder and take a more humble approach to life! Blessings, Teri
Comment from Elizabeth Henderson
This is a great story. You held my attention all the way through. Just a suggestion: perhaps describe your feelings and people's reactions to you on the train in more detail. I think that would give everyone a better understanding of what you were going through. I am the mother of an adopted black child from Haiti, so I have a bit of an understanding of prejudice, but I think it's important that everyone "feels" your pain! So sorry you had to go through this!
reply by the author on 30-May-2023
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This is a great story. You held my attention all the way through. Just a suggestion: perhaps describe your feelings and people's reactions to you on the train in more detail. I think that would give everyone a better understanding of what you were going through. I am the mother of an adopted black child from Haiti, so I have a bit of an understanding of prejudice, but I think it's important that everyone "feels" your pain! So sorry you had to go through this!
Comment Written 30-May-2023
reply by the author on 30-May-2023
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That is the thing, none of the other passengers seemed to be upset or bothered by my presence. I did not attempt interaction with them nor they with me.
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I read that in your story. I guess what I'm saying is that I didn't "feel" your pain. I think the story would have more impact if you could reach inside and describe how the indifference made you feel. Or, describe the humiliation of having to eat in the kitchen. Just a suggestion.
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I get it. The experience was so new to me that the whole thing seemed surreal. I am not sure that even now after all these years just what my feelings may have been at that time.
Comment from Debbie D'Arcy
What a fascinating story expressed so well in this post! The reader gets a full glimpse of the undermining prejudice you faced and yet your childhood training resisted any natural aggressive response. It may well have been that self belief won the day for you and I'm sure it helped or maybe, as you say, the complexities and variables of a world that doesn't always have to be polarized. Thanks for sharing. Debbie
reply by the author on 30-May-2023
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What a fascinating story expressed so well in this post! The reader gets a full glimpse of the undermining prejudice you faced and yet your childhood training resisted any natural aggressive response. It may well have been that self belief won the day for you and I'm sure it helped or maybe, as you say, the complexities and variables of a world that doesn't always have to be polarized. Thanks for sharing. Debbie
Comment Written 30-May-2023
reply by the author on 30-May-2023
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Thank you for your generous comments. I appreciate you.
Comment from LJbutterfly
This is a riveting first hand account of prejudice during the early 1960s. It is currently said that black families have to train their children on how to not be killed while being or driving black. Your mother was wise to educate you, and you were wise to listen. Because of your composure then, you are here to tell the story now. I appreciate reading the story written by the person who experienced it.
reply by the author on 30-May-2023
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This is a riveting first hand account of prejudice during the early 1960s. It is currently said that black families have to train their children on how to not be killed while being or driving black. Your mother was wise to educate you, and you were wise to listen. Because of your composure then, you are here to tell the story now. I appreciate reading the story written by the person who experienced it.
Comment Written 29-May-2023
reply by the author on 30-May-2023
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Thank you. This is only the first of several incidents that I believe are either direct or indirect results of my getting that sergeant charged and convicted. More will follow.
Comment from Angel Debbie
You were so right in your behavior and stood firm. Blessed are those who do right. This is a great write up on your life. Glad you are still here as things could have turned out so different back then. God Bless.
reply by the author on 29-May-2023
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You were so right in your behavior and stood firm. Blessed are those who do right. This is a great write up on your life. Glad you are still here as things could have turned out so different back then. God Bless.
Comment Written 29-May-2023
reply by the author on 29-May-2023
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Thank you. The plans of the evil are thwarted by the grace of God.
Comment from Regina Elliott
A 6th star from Heaven for
this sad, then ending better
true story. I'm so sorry you
went through a disheartening
experience first. That should
never have happened. Some
things of America has a
blemish on it. My warmest
regards and many blessings
to you. ~
reply by the author on 29-May-2023
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A 6th star from Heaven for
this sad, then ending better
true story. I'm so sorry you
went through a disheartening
experience first. That should
never have happened. Some
things of America has a
blemish on it. My warmest
regards and many blessings
to you. ~
Comment Written 29-May-2023
reply by the author on 29-May-2023
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I have never received a more beautiful and heart warming review since I have been a contributing author on FanStory. Thank you so much.