tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8010473.post-16635361909880561462008-03-07T14:00:00.000-08:002008-03-07T14:00:00.000-08:002008-03-07T14:00:00.000-08:00<B>Nick,</B><BR/>There are so many overwhelming obstacles. I don't think it's entirely impossible to overcome poverty but I think the systemic inequalities inherent in our culture make it even more challenging to do so. And people who are wealthy are subjected to racism as well. I think we all assume that great personal wealth means a person can't be affected by racism, (like Oprah) but I think they can.<BR/><BR/><B>Jen,</B><BR/>I feel awful for Anthony's mom as well. She looks aged beyond her years, like she's been through the wringer for real. And you're right about China having a pseudo class system. I imagine as capitalism becomes more of a norm there that the class system will become more stratified.<BR/><BR/><B>Houseonahill.org</B><BR/>I agree that this is part of a journey. I think we see our world crumbling around us and don't recognize that the sprouts of something new and better are beginning to take root. <BR/><BR/>I think most Americans don't really know the history of what happened here in this country. I think folks think slavery wasn't that bad. Jim Crow wasn't that bad...and even if it was, so what, get over it. There's no acknowledgement of psychological and emotional scars that are left behind. And it's not amends have truly been made. <BR/><BR/>I sometimes feel bad when I see myself flipping out over my 7 year old not getting 100% on every single thing, but I know my worry is that if he doesn't do well on everything, I won't be able to check whatever teacher comes up in my face and says he's incapable. Right now the complaint about him is that he's a day dreamer. My thing is make your class interesting and maybe he won't be thinking about other stuff.<BR/><BR/>Anyway, I hope we can all experience the transformation of this world together. It's going to be a tough road but I have no doubt we will one day have a new kind of conversation in America.Los Angelistahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17794296990587989214noreply@blogger.com