Segregated

I used the word segregated in my last blog and the more I thought about it, I don't think it is the right word for what I was trying to say. Most communities have Black Churches, Hispanic Churches or what ever they have a large ethnic population, you will see a church related to that ethic group. So I guess in that manner the word fit, but it still don't seem like the right word for that blog. Black and White are getting along reasonably well, unless we focus on the incidents that happen once in a while. But everyday, they work together, play together, go to the same grocery store, the same eye doctor, etc. In Rehab, the same thing, black and white rehabbing together. When you look at the big picture we are doing well until we focus on an isolated incident. If we focus on those smaller incidents and make a big deal out of it, I think we could hurt the better cause in the long run. I was at a fast food place getting some Chicken for my wife. I prefer a burger, myself. But when I was in this business, that particular day. I was the only white on either side of the counter. There were several Blacks in front of me and at least two came in behind me. As I gave my order and waited, and waited, everyone got their order before me. I thought if this was turned around, and everyone but me was white and I was the only black, I would feel discriminated against.  I thought how easy it is to point a finger at discrimination when it could have been because I ordered original crispy chicken and perhaps that rack was empty and a new batch was on its way. Perhaps the others before me had taken the last of it and the persons behind me had ordered something different.  I don't know all the facts. I do know the manager came up front and was asking about it, why that particular order that was up there the longest hadn't been filled. I didn't hear the girls response. The manager was aware of it and was making an attempt to get it moving.  As I left there I was given the finger by some small black hand sticking out the window of  the back seat of the car in front of me. That added to my feelings that day. It was the first time I've seen that. It made me wonder if it could have been a result of the very publicized Ferguson protest. I think the Ferguson Protest have done more harm than good. Whatever they have accomplished for their community is over shadowed by the harm that was done across the nation. I don't want to do the same with a couple of small incidents. When looking at the big picture, living in what was considered just about the most racist state in the country. I think we are doing well. Yes there is still prejudice on both sides, but looking at where we came from, we are doing good. I still don't like the word segregated I used in the previous blog. The church I go to is integrated. The neighborhood I live in is integrated. The city workers have black and white, the Aldermen and women, the city office workers, the police force. Even Papa V's and Walmart hire both. The workers I had on the house, the same way. I think I want to focus on looking for the good especially in these times. Ferguson is doing enough harm all by itself.  They don't need my help.  God bless, LVZ.