Feel the Need to Defend My Comments
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8/29/2006
I feel the need to defend my view of Pittsburgh (posted July 2) since I've been accused on this board of being among other things, a racist. I think it is important to point out that I am not a racist, just becuase I pointed out that some Pittsburgh residents ARE. And I think it's also important to point out that I am not speaking as a minority. I am a white female, with a very successful job as a marketing executive. My husband is also a successful executive. We also happen to live within a city neighborhood (as opposed to the suburbs) so I think we get to see, hands on, what the people in this city are REALLY like. I am saddened when I see and hear stories about my minority friends and co-workers being hassled, followed around in stores, and generally harassed becuase of the color of their skin or their sexual orientation. Is Pittsburgh full of white trash? Absolutely. Why do I feel like I have the right to say that? Well, first of all I was adopted and raised by a white trash Pittsburgh family. Second of all, most of my family is still white trash. I have worked my tail off for the past 30 years to get where I am in my career and as far away from that mentality as I could. I don't speak to most of my family becuase of their views. I'm glad that some people do not have negative experiences with this city. But when I have to drive past "White Power Worldwide" banners hanging in my neighborhood every day on my way to work, I can't help but think there is something seriously wrong with this city's mentality. If being shocked and saddened by things like this makes me a racist, then obviously some of you don't know the meaning of the word.
Karen | Richland, PA