Growing up Jewish in Iowa during the 1970s and 1980s, I was always aware that the Jewish community was a tiny minority (below 1 percent) of Iowans. But I never felt that Iowa’s government was trying to force Christian values on my family. It’s so disturbing to see Christian nationalism driving more of the political discourse now. I was heartbroken watching one of the legislative subcommittees on an anti-trans bill.
I've always felt that Des Moines has at least tried to be an inclusive place and a diverse and thriving city. This is the first time I have actually worried that this state may not be a good place to raise my children to be good citizens for a 21st century world.
Interesting…at the U of Iowa, I worked several jobs as a full time student to help pay my way through school. One of those was as a gas station attendant where I had several encounters with Black customers who falsely accused myself and my co-worker of following them around in the store or other some such forms of discrimination. The video cameras installed around the store proved our version of the events when they made complaints to our boss and other authorities.
Now as an adult, I live in the SF Bay Area and the majority of my encounters with African Americans, and other minorities, have been on the positive side. Still, there’s a percentage that act like white people, or the world, owes them something.
Fear drives this and the only way to stop it is to simply apply a little inclusiveness in those who are so fearful. It will make them understand the move they include others the larger their world becomes, it doesn't make them special because they are white, but it doesn't deminish them either. Those communities who have learned to accept recent immigrants are growing and thriving as a result. Foreign languages are becoming more important and being tolerant becomes a norm.
Growing up Jewish in Iowa during the 1970s and 1980s, I was always aware that the Jewish community was a tiny minority (below 1 percent) of Iowans. But I never felt that Iowa’s government was trying to force Christian values on my family. It’s so disturbing to see Christian nationalism driving more of the political discourse now. I was heartbroken watching one of the legislative subcommittees on an anti-trans bill.
I agree, Laura. It is very disturbing.
I've always felt that Des Moines has at least tried to be an inclusive place and a diverse and thriving city. This is the first time I have actually worried that this state may not be a good place to raise my children to be good citizens for a 21st century world.
Dana- Thank you. Couldn’t agree more! Joe Wearin, Hastings, Iowa
Thanks, Josiah.
Des Moines has tried and also failed. What’s happening will set us back centuries.
Interesting…at the U of Iowa, I worked several jobs as a full time student to help pay my way through school. One of those was as a gas station attendant where I had several encounters with Black customers who falsely accused myself and my co-worker of following them around in the store or other some such forms of discrimination. The video cameras installed around the store proved our version of the events when they made complaints to our boss and other authorities.
Now as an adult, I live in the SF Bay Area and the majority of my encounters with African Americans, and other minorities, have been on the positive side. Still, there’s a percentage that act like white people, or the world, owes them something.
Fear drives this and the only way to stop it is to simply apply a little inclusiveness in those who are so fearful. It will make them understand the move they include others the larger their world becomes, it doesn't make them special because they are white, but it doesn't deminish them either. Those communities who have learned to accept recent immigrants are growing and thriving as a result. Foreign languages are becoming more important and being tolerant becomes a norm.