I was recently touched deeply by the article “Black Lives Matter: Enough Is Enough” [Nov. 30, Xpress]. The perspective shared was very real and deep. And I was saddened to hear that [the writer, Robert White] has apprehension to stroll near his own home. But I understand why. I wish that I could say that I was shocked by his concern, and I wish that I could say that I thought he was wrong. I cannot, which is incredibly sad.
I could also hear in Robert’s writing that it sounded like Robert has hope; I do, too. I pray that we can all keep that hope, move forward toward honest self-reflection and change.
— Abbey Dyer Asheville
SHARE
Thanks for reading through to the end…
We share your inclination to get the whole story. For the past 25 years, Xpress has been committed to in-depth, balanced reporting about the greater Asheville area. We want everyone to have access to our stories. That’s a big part of why we've never charged for the paper or put up a paywall.
We’re pretty sure that you know journalism faces big challenges these days. Advertising no longer pays the whole cost. Media outlets around the country are asking their readers to chip in. Xpress needs help, too. We hope you’ll consider signing up to be a member of Xpress. For as little as $5 a month — the cost of a craft beer or kombucha — you can help keep local journalism strong. It only takes a moment.
About Letters
We want to hear from you! Send your letters and commentary to letters@mountainx.com
The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.
Abbey – there are many, many people who live with apprehension. Ask women; ask them. They live with an ever-present, low level degree of apprehension their entire lives. Why is Robert White’s more relevant?
And, I will state again (for those who are purely overcome by emotion rather than also using critical thinking), Mr. White did not describe ANY actual threat or poor treatment of any kind. It seemed obvious to me that he was in a psychological adjustment period from having lived in New Jersey for a long time and now in a Southern and more rural area. If someone moved from WNC to NJ, it would a helluva adjustment too. All is going to be fine.
Max Hunt
Not sure about what area Mr. White grew up in, but I’m from a rural part of NJ. It’s not as different as one might think….
The Real World
There are some topographical similarities between parts of NJ and Leicester. But, culturally? Nooooooo.
And it seemed clear by what he wrote that he came from a more multi-cultural environment (typical of much of the Northeast). So now being in a place where he and his wife were the “different” ones and also his neighbors had some habits he wasn’t accustomed to — well, the acclimation process takes a little while. All told , it takes a few years, really.
Abbey – there are many, many people who live with apprehension. Ask women; ask them. They live with an ever-present, low level degree of apprehension their entire lives. Why is Robert White’s more relevant?
And, I will state again (for those who are purely overcome by emotion rather than also using critical thinking), Mr. White did not describe ANY actual threat or poor treatment of any kind. It seemed obvious to me that he was in a psychological adjustment period from having lived in New Jersey for a long time and now in a Southern and more rural area. If someone moved from WNC to NJ, it would a helluva adjustment too. All is going to be fine.
Not sure about what area Mr. White grew up in, but I’m from a rural part of NJ. It’s not as different as one might think….
There are some topographical similarities between parts of NJ and Leicester. But, culturally? Nooooooo.
And it seemed clear by what he wrote that he came from a more multi-cultural environment (typical of much of the Northeast). So now being in a place where he and his wife were the “different” ones and also his neighbors had some habits he wasn’t accustomed to — well, the acclimation process takes a little while. All told , it takes a few years, really.