So I learned a thing this morning. New Orleans to apologize for lynching of 11 Italians in 1891, among worst in American history in my feed from WaPo. I’ll save you the click if you like. Anti immigrant sentiment and raging passions led to the execution of eleven vulnerable people. MAGA baby! But that’s not the point of this diary.
The point is actually many points. Or thoughts. The first is that, hey cool, a government can address an unsavory event from its past with a sense of decency. So for that I would like to thank Mayor LaToya Cantrell immensely. From what I can gather from the article, she is leading with class and grace to “shore up “long-lasting wounds” among Italians”. The Sons of Italy’s words. Not mine.
The second point comes up rather quickly after the first. When I see the word lynching I immediately think of the treatment of African Americans in this country. And further time spent in the comments quickly led me to thinking about the massacres against our native peoples as well. I am as proud of my Italian ancestors as anyone is proud of their heritage. But I do not for a second consider this event anywhere close to the way this nation has treated natives, slaves, and immigrants.
I went into the comments section carefully as I really do love to be a first commenter. I am a rec slut that way. But I did charge in with what felt like an honest first reaction to the article. Of course I was expecting the worst of the worst. And yes, there is some of that there. But you know what? There was some really good conversation there. So, props to digital sensitivity training received here. Best advice, speak humbly.
At this point I am devolved into a big emotional mess. Because I am thinking about kids in cages and refugee camps today. I repeat. Today. So I’m going to retreat into the comments section if anyone has some thoughts to share.
I do recommend the article though.