Little Rock Integration: I saw some of the Little Rock students on television one day, bo

» Terrie_Bittner - I saw some of the Little Rock students on television one day, bo

I saw some of the Little Rock students on television one day, both white and black. What interested me was what the white students had learned over time from the experience. Some of them had come on the program for the express purpose of apologizing, and they shared that they had learned a great deal about themselves, most of it unpleasant for many of them. One girl, encouraged by her family to be kind and helpful to these students, couldn't find the courage to cahllenge what her friends were doing. Some did nothing good or bad, only to realize later that doing nothing was not a neutral act-it only helped the bad to continue. Others tried to justify what they were doing because their families approved, realizing later that they had been old enough to choose for themselves. It was a tremendous learning experience for everyone involved, I think. It's a time that has always fascinated me. Thanks for a great article.

-- posted by Terrie_Bittner