Quote:
Originally Posted by Bikeracer2009
In reply to Fdpaq0580
I didn't want to waste my time debating with an old, stuck in the past citizen but I guess I'll waste it anyway.
You say the meaning you come away with is that the slaves were not American slaves and that makes the song ok. American blacks shouldn't mind having this song as their national anthem. You did leave out the verse "From the terror of flight or the gloom of the grave". From what I've read, this means that the slave is running scared and they will eventually be killed.
You also state that I'm unable or unwilling to understand the context/circumstances of the times in which those things happened.
You go on to talk about destroying the evidence of history, radicals, extremists destroying temples and educational materials that show the truth of history.
You close by saying you're more reasonable and your interpretation is more likely the truth. You want me to think about it and not to dismiss it because it doesn't fit the narrative.
You think you know me and that I'm too stupid and unwilling to learn the truth as you see it. I'm an extremists and I want to destroy history to fit my narrative.
You got all of this data from my comment that supports black Americans wanting to change the national anthem that was written by a slave owner. A man that spent his life going after blacks and anyone that supported their freedom. A song that in a verse glorifies hunting down and killing slaves.
I wonder how the Jewish feel about anti-semitic songs? I already know that answer, they exist and they hate them. I wonder if they wouldn't mind a national anthem that said "gas all the jews" or "cut their throats". I guess if the song was old then, it's their history and it would be considered "extremists" behavior to object to it. Or, a national anthem written by Hitler that had a verse about killing Jewish people. Even if that verse was not sung anymore I think they would still object to it.
My "narrative" is not defined by you. I don't want to change history, I want to change the present. I don't want to destroy temples or educational materials. I don't see myself as an extremist with radical views. I see myself as a person with compassion for anyone that feels like a second class citizen.
I am willing to change my opinion as the facts come in and grow as a person.
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Thank you for wasting your time debating (educating) an old (I am) stuck in the past citizen like me.
You are correct when you say that I don't know you. I just went back and re-read the post that you responded to. It seems that you interpreted my "you can't change history" as "you" specific when it was intended as "you" generic. I was never attacking you personally, and I apologize for not making myself more clear.
As to my alternative interpretation, it was intended to demonstrate that by reading the same thing twice one can sometimes see things from a different perspective and come away with a different meaning.
As it was back in the 1960's and 1970's, this is a another pivotal time for us in this country. We all need to be willing to listen and learn from one another. It is my belief and my hope that someday this will be a nation that includes and values all of its people, a true melting pot where all cultures are celebrated.
As to me not defining your narrative, only you can do that. I also don't want to debate with you. To me a debate is fighting with words. I prefer to discuss. Discussion is an open and honest exchange of thoughts and ideas. You have much to share with others who have had life experiences different from yours. Keep learning and keep teaching.
Your last sentence, "I am willing to change my opinion as the facts come in and grow as a person" really resonated with me. That is how we all should be.
Stay safe. Stay well. Peace!