Uncomfortable as it is to think that we won't be remembered for our contributions, we must always act as if they are important, noble and significant. There were many members of The White Rose, without which it may have fallen by the wayside, however, they did not do what they did seeking remembrance, they did it because they believed in the cause.
My son believes you and I are more significant than we think. I have influenced him and many other young people in my time on this planet, same applies to you, and he told me tonight, as I pondered your post, that regardless of whether history remembers you or
I, plenty of people have been impacted and changed for the better because of interactions with our values and they will remember and perhaps pass that on as well.
What did our marching, speeches, writings, etc. do to change anything? For one thing, I don't believe we are more racist today. I think we impacted the entire country for the better, albeit only for a short time.
I simply believe that as technology advanced the creation of instantaneously available personal video and all the easily accessible personal channels, have pulled back the mask on the endemic racism that has always existed in real time. Also, Trump has outed all his closeted racist fanatics and made it OK for them to come out in the daylight.
I have to fall back on an analogy, if I may. I am reminded of the cockroach. You may only see one during the daylight or at certain times during the night you may catch a couple as they scurry and hide after flicking on the light, however, what happens when you remove the fear associated with light? What was a short time ago only one or two, becomes many.
Trump has merely removed the fear of exposure and we see more racism because it is now overt and in our face 24/7. It was always there in massive numbers. Racism was merely suppressed due to fear of exposure. That was the job we left unfinished. We did not rid the country of racism, we merely forced it underground for a short time.
I am tired and I appreciate you getting me thinking. I may not have put forth my best tonight and for that I ask leniency.
Life is not fair. I have to be satisfied with my position in life. It is not one that will garner me any fame or notoriety, but it makes me feel good to know that I at least tried to be the best human I could be and improve my little place in this world as much as I could.
At least you remember Sophie Scholl and you pass that information on whenever you get an opportunity so others can be enlightened. They will pass it on as well. Your impact will be felt for many generations whether history remembers your name or not.
Goodnight, kind Sir.
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