The Bright Side vs. The Dark Side

Wouldn't you expect the man who is discriminated against each and everday to be more unhappy than the common white man? Wouldn't the man who is treated unjustly view America with a sense of distate, rather than with pride and glory? Because Vernon Jarrett, an African American newspaper writer, was appreciative of every signel opportunity provided to him, he viewed America in a more positive light than C.P. Ellis, a former klansman. Jarett wrote, "The thing I remember about these folks was the immense dignity and pride in the way they walked. They walked like straight sticks. They made us stand like that. This always slays me, that all of us had to stand erect" (52). The young African American children were taught to walk around with class and be proud of their background. The white children took their lives for granted and did not show appreciation for all that they were given. Ellis seemed to have mixed up priorites. For instance, he said, "My father worked hard but never had enough money to buy decent clothes. . .I always left school late afternoon with a sense of inferiority. The other kids had nice clothes, and I just had what Daddy could buy. I still got some of those inferioirty feelin's now that I have to overcome once in a while" (63). Instead of focusing his attention on worthy causes, Ellis, like many other whites, channeled his energy toward keeping up with others. He failed to appreiciate the fact that he lived in the super power of the world with endless opportunities at the end of his fingertips. Instead, he found it easier to view his homeland with pessimism and complain about his perceived misfortunes. It is truly fascinating how those who have really experienced the unpleasant times are easily able to recognize the good times, whereas those who have been pampered forever cannot seem to see the light of day.