“I strive to overcome every stereotype and to create joy, but it seems the world no longer appreciates a true gentleman.” 

Our Elder says: “Don’t give up. You have a very positive approach to life, and all anyone can do is keep trying to make a difference.”

Dear EWC,

Hello, My name is Dee. I’m a twenty-eight-year-old black male. The reason I gave my description is it has a lot to do with my problems in life. I’ve strived my whole conscious life to beat and overcome every stereotype set before me. I try not to pay attention to ignorance, but working in public makes it difficult, especially when everyone assumes the worst of you based on your appearance. I see how the world is, and all I’ve tried to do in my life is to create joy and peace wherever I go. 

I lost my grandfather in 2015, a month after I graduated high school. He raised me to be both respectful and respectable, but it seems as if he prepared me for a world that no longer exists—a world that no longer needs or appreciates a genuine gentleman. I guess I just need to hear that maybe one day it’ll get better..

Lawry Response

Dee, it would be my pleasure to answer your letter.

I was truly touched by your story. I don’t know what the future holds, but I am an optimist, so I am hoping that things will change for the better. I see some things happening that make me think that will be the case, and that all people will be respected no matter the color of their skin, the language they speak, their level of education, etc. 

I fractured my back several years ago, and I have been going to a physical therapist twice a week since. The clientele is a mixture of races and ages. I am an eighty-year-old white woman. One of the patients, an elderly black woman, came the same days as I did with her black caretaker. The caretaker and I always looked forward to talking. After a few weeks of not seeing them, they finally appeared again; the caretaker rushed up to me and we hugged and it put smiles on both our faces. 

They no longer come, but I still make a point of speaking to people there, no matter who or what they are. I always get a laugh when I ask them “are we having fun yet?” as we are working out on the therapy machines. I see a lot of hope in that environment. Many of the patients are black and all the staff are white, but they all have a great time talking with one another, telling stories, and laughing. It’s very encouraging to think that goes on outside the clinic, too. 

So don’t give up. Thanks to your dear grandfather, you had a wonderful upbringing. You have a very positive approach to life, and all anyone can do is keep trying to make a difference. You set a good example to people.

I hope that this has been helpful to you, Dee, and I hope you start to see some progress in the world we live in as time goes on. Keep thinking positive. I am a great believer in that. I’ll be thinking of you. 

Best Regards,

Lawry

Article #: 503782
Category: Other