Acknowledge good and bad of our racial history

The discussion in the political arena of late has centered on race, including but not limited to Critical Race Theory. When issues such as this first arise our tendency is to go to the extreme perhaps to try to make our point. This is damaging in retrospect for it is an unbalanced view and tends to divide peoples rather than unite them or solve the real problem. In a recent magazine article the writer made an astute observation, “Celebrating the good without whitewashing the bad.”

In the debate about racism, we should not whitewash the bad that has been done but we need to celebrate the good. Life is a balance and this extends into the issues of life. When we are one-sided it does us nor others any good and simply multiplies the division of peoples. We do need to correct the issues of racism that exist; but we need to see the good that has been accomplished, that slavery no longer exists, the Civil Rights Act, many have positions of prestige and power, we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day and the list goes on.

Let us make the changes that need to be made but recognize the positives and what has been accomplished. Almost all positive changes take time (look at your own life and the establishment of habits). It is to our benefit as individuals and as a country to “Celebrate the good without whitewashing the bad.”

Sherwood Sage

Mukilteo

Talk to us

More in Opinion

Randall Tharp’s month recovery coins after battling a fentanyl addiction.  (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Fentanyl crisis should force rethinking of approach

A continuum of care, that includes treatment in jails, is imperative, says a journalist and author.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Thursday, Sept. 28

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Patricia Gambis, right, talks with her 4-year-old twin children, Emma, left, and Etienne in their home, Thursday, Jan. 24, 2019, in Maplewood, N.J. Gambis' husband, an FBI agent, has been working without pay during the partial United States government shutdown, which has forced the couple to take financial decisions including laying off their babysitter. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Editorial: Shutdown hits kids, families at difficult moment

The shutdown risks food aid for low-income families as child poverty doubled last year and child care aid ends.

Sen. June Robinson, D-Everett, left, and Sen. Mark Mullet, D-Issaquah, right, embrace after a special session to figure out how much to punish drug possession on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, in Olympia, Wash. Without action, Washington's drug possession law will expire July 1, leaving no penalty in state law and leaving cities free to adopt a hodgepodge of local ordinances.  (Karen Ducey/The Seattle Times via AP)
Editorial: Robinson smart choice to head Senate budget panel

A 10-year legislative veteran, the Everett senator displays a mastery of legislation and negotiation.

Migrants trying to reach the United States, set up a camp in Lajas Blancas, Darien province, Panama, Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023. (AP Photo/Arnulfo Franco)
Fact check: No, migrants aren’t getting $2,200 a month from U.S.

A viral tweet by Rep. Lauren Boebert is a zombie claim that started in 2006 in Canada.

Covid response skeptics mastered critical thinking

A recent Herald editorial reflects what is off with our mainstream mindset… Continue reading

Arlington Mayor Tolbert knows value of city’s youths

As a recent Arlington High School graduate (Class of 2020) and a… Continue reading

Comment: End of pandemic child-care aid will expose huge problem

Putting even more of the costs of child care on parents will mean many employees will opt out of jobs.

Comment: No act of God, disasters a collision of human failures

The climate changes caused by greenhouse gases are compounded by poor decisions and inaction.

Most Read