Coming home tonight I read this article on my iPod
Guardian Article. Very sad, and yet at the same time, uplifting story. And one I can easily relate to. But, I am sure it is written by the Charlton Life poster who posted details of the blog he was writing about the trials and tribulations of becoming a father for the second time after a gap of many years a few months back. I have tried searching for the post but can't find it.
Comments
this one?
And most importantly, enjoy parenthood again with the benefit of hindsight- I know at least half a dozen people who have become Dads for a second shift in their late 40s / early 50s and they all say that it is hard but so rewarding....
It took another generation to put it into perspective. As my daughter Dixie said: "Think of it this way, Dad – he'll be the last racist in the family."
By contrast, this man has lived for 88 years but learned nothing. After making his contribution as a young man, he has wasted all those years. I learned from my Father that those of us who live a long life have a duty to pass on the wisdom which they accumulate, not the bile. Feel sorry for a wasted life, and be sure that you learn from this lesson.
That gradually changed over the years to the point where we have treated the appointment of our first black manager with universal joy in 2011. I wouldn't have believed that would happen one day, but am delighted it has. Racism will never completely die, but will become a growing irrevelance as the racist generations are no more.
I remember my garandparents being a bit racist and they weren't bad people. You have to live their lives before you can be too judgemental.
Sadly you are quite right, Muttley....... monkey chants and bananas and shite like that.
Thank Christ that most people have moved on from there.
My wife's parents remind me to some extent, of this man. Both my in-laws are now in their 80s. My mother-in-law is an ex health service worker, who worked along side doctors and nurses, many of whom were from non white backgrounds. My father in law worked in the Houses of Parliament for years and met people from all around the world in the course of his work.
WIth their background you would perhaps expect them to have a liberal outlook. Unfortunately not. Spurred on by the Daily Mail, they take great delight in slagging off immigrants, asylum seekers, etal. Basically anybody with a foreign accent or a different coloured skin. I have tried reasoning with them - to no avail. My wife is embarrassed by their outbursts and quickly changes the subject.
I have thought long and hard as to why they should be like this and come to the conclusion that with all the time on their hands, they have to fill it with something to worry or moan about. They say they don't go shopping in Bromley now because the high street is full of immigrant muggers. They read stuff in the papers, it plays on their fear of the changing world and it turns into anger and bitterness.
Its all very, very sad.
Granpa, here's to you and your outlook on life.
What is it with the Daily Mail, with its diatribe of Conservative and conservative propaganda ..... an anachronistic reminder of some fantasy era of little England?
Dreadful dirge of a rag. Ugh.
Unfortunately the Mail is brilliant at tapping into this. I don't like the paper at all but can't help but admire Dacre and co. They really know their market.
I must have missed them whenever I go then.
Good post, I think the phrase "evil genius" would be quite apt.
Hmmmm, while I agree about the Mail, I had the equal but opposite thought about the Guardian when I read the article.