January 4, 2013Dear Sir,It continues to amaze me how we routinely speak as individuals for groups by race, sex or culture, how do we justify such utterances as unbridled fact? If you are referring to historical fact as a base point for a position, then you would be on solid ground. Now if we make the case by life experience fine, but it must be borne in mind that it is impossible for you to speak for all in own your group, never mind others. With that said where do they get the right to speak for others in another group with absolute certainty? How is it possible to speak for white people and be black or the reverse? Both racial groups know with certainty they cannot speak with authority for all in their own racial group.We have in Bermuda, I believe, those that are white citizens who are racist to their core. God help them. It appears that they refuse to advance real brotherhood and fairness regardless of race. There are those of us as black people with deep and abiding racial animus also dare I say! Remember this is one black Bermudian speaking, therefore it could be accurate or flawed. To say I know how they think, feel, perceive or are motivated as white/black people is simply ridiculous. Certainly the horrors of slavery and its brother segregation deserves the strongest repudiation, but to revisit it in all its revolting application serves little purpose. If we continue to demonise each other by race, it will keep us divided. In Bermuda today the real disease is bigotry, resentment, prejudice and a feel for the need for retribution for long past atrocious practices. We must move on and stop beating our heads against the bricks and concrete battles already won.The good news is that minds can change, more importantly hearts can change, but only if we are willing. I believe with all of my heart, sir, in the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man through the life changing process of spiritual renewal through the Gospel of Christ. Can we achieve absolute cohesion of the races? Probably not, but we can and must do better. Lastly let me say I have no self-hate and I am not at risk psychologically from the slave and segregation experience or my parents either and I am about to become a senior citizen this year. I enjoy a good life thank God. Stop painting all with the same brush.WAYNE B SCOTTSmith’s