Educating About Prejudice

To the Editor,

Recently several of the Newtown schools had the honor of Ruby Bridges to speak to the student body. For those who are unaware of who she is, Ruby Bridges was the first African American six year old girl to enter into an all-white school during the 1960s. She is an important part of our history due to her strength and assistance in paving the way for the civil rights movement. Her story deeply touched the student body of Newtown High School. It has inspired myself, Cassie Lukeris, and Sara Leddy to focus our effort in this same area for our senior government project. Her story has influenced us so much that we hope to continue the educating of prejudice in order to rid it from our lives and the lives of others.

Even though we live in an age striving towards acceptance, the prejudice remarks continue to be spoken and heard. These prejudices do not stop at racial, but religious, cultural, and gender. It disturbs us to see this occur when we can not forget that we are all the same. The only differences to be found between yourself, your spouse, your parent, your child, and any other human being in this world are skin deep. No matter what way you argue this, we are all made of the same components, we are all the same, it’s simply up to you to trust and believe this.

Taking the idea of Ruby Bridges, and educating those who really count, the children, parents, please do consider talking with them about the various types of prejudices so they are aware, and explain that we are no different from the next person. Tell them that it is wrong and they can grow up in a more compassionate world. This small ounce of influence may not seem much, but the children are the future, and you will be contributing to one that is safer for your child, and for the world.

Sincerely,

Sara Leddy and Cassie Lukeris

29 Lyrical Lane, 217 Berkshire Road      May 15, 2000