if i have misunderstood your previous post, please expound. i usually find myself nodding in agreement with a lot of what you write redruth - but on the previous, i am strongly opposed. if i have got the wrong end of the stick, apologies - but i dont believe in a these-people-will-always-exist-just-move-on attitude. nor do i think this is about taking sides.
i find it somewhat insulting and presumptuous that you would imply that this subject matter isnt something i am passionate about, or have experience of. it is a subject very close to my heart, hence for the previous post. without the need for swapping family history, my mother is trinidadian. she is black, loud, dresses louder, and extremely proud of who she is and where she comes from - you couldn't miss her if you tried (nor would she let you). growing up in rural norfolk some 30 years ago, i would imagine my experiences mirror some of your own, if not vasty exceed them. at 7 years old, glaring at your neighbours or some idiot in the street probably doesnt have the same effect - regardless the ****-you-stare is something i am equally well versed in. thing is, i have seen attitudes change over these 30 years - massively...
i wasnt comparing mlk or miss parks to the terry case particularly, it was a bit of a flippant remark, but then equally i'm unsure whether our country would ever experience anything comparible, simply because of how far we have come. i believe something as public as this case could affect future attitudes (kids who think the sun shines out of his backside) which is why i would like to have seen it dealt with in the correct manner.