To the editor:
With all the happenings around the country shown on the national news and in newspapers, the City of Lynn responded by creating a new diversity position.
My initial thought was I didn’t see the need for this new position. I could not see the need or relate to an experience calling for any need for this, because I was not affected by any discrimination.
I was recently invited to a friend’s home to celebrate a graduate who earned a degree in nursing. There were many people of color attending, including white, Black, Hispanic and Asian people.
I asked two graduates with recent nursing degrees if I could enter into a conversation regarding discrimination, which they obliged. I said that when I am walking or driving, I can’t see it. I asked them to please show me where they see it.
They began by providing examples of many incidents involving driving, jobs, housing and mortgage appraisals.
I was taken aback; it seemed extremely hard to believe, but it’s true.
In short, I was blinded because it does not affect me in any way. Well, guess what? It’s out there, everywhere.
A lesson learned — privileged? Yes, I am.
L. Robert Nadeau
Lynn
