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A sad, but important story. So glad you are telling it.
posted by
Amanda__
on January 1, 2026 at 8:11 AM
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Prejudice
I really don't know why Italians were thought badly of unless it was through war.
Personally I thought they were O.K as POWs I suppose the winner writes history.
Perhaps the Old lady did not like a lot of things.🌺
posted by
C_C_T
on December 31, 2025 at 11:44 AM
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Good Afternoon
Sea Gypsy, this makes me sad. I know my family was from the south, and when we came to Cleveland, the kids in my family, including me, had such a hard time. We talked differently from everyone else, and I was always getting in trouble at school because of this, and I never knew what I was doing wrong. We talked with a southern drawl. When I was in the 4th grade, I met a girl from school, and she was Italian. We have been best friends ever since. To this day, if I get tired, the southern drawl comes back. My children always notice it. I love your memories and the way you present them. Happy New Year to you and your family.
posted by
Goldiec
on December 31, 2025 at 11:22 AM
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That is very sad. That used to happen a lot a lot back in the day with regard to Catholics.
posted by
FormerStudentIntern
on December 31, 2025 at 11:03 AM
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Wow! What a shocking thing for a young person to experience. Hopefully, Bert did soften in her grave. Life is too short to be filled with hatred, prejudice, and ill thoughts. As for Bandstand, thanks for taking me down memory lane. I remained glued to the television whenever that dance show was on. Happy New Year! 
posted by
Sherri_G
on December 31, 2025 at 8:29 AM
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Re: sam444
Yes, they are plentiful. Sue is a great person, as was her mother. Her father had died young so I never met him. People like Bert who harbor such hate bring an unnecessarily heavy burden upon themselves. Fortunately for me, my grand-uncle, who was like my grandfather, had told tales about the oppression of Italians which he had experienced during the turn of the 19th century so I wasn't entirely shocked by this woman. I simply thought she was like those of whom he had spoken. And as I had written, I considered leaving out this part but decided to consider playing nice with the truth.
posted by
Sea_Gypsy
on December 30, 2025 at 11:31 PM
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TAPS.
Thank you beyond words. It means a lot to hear that from you. I have felt the same about your story of Hursel. I can imagine how much you've seen and experienced. I almost left this section out but felt like coloring within the lines of the truth.
posted by
Sea_Gypsy
on December 30, 2025 at 11:24 PM
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Re: Kabu
One who is so well-traveled as you and culturally educated has been exceptionally blessed. That is a true gift.
posted by
Sea_Gypsy
on December 30, 2025 at 11:20 PM
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A most interesting post and one that brings many thoughts to my mind. I have been gifted in life with a huge amount of travel and of accepting other people's beliefs and customs. I thank my parents mostly for introducing me so well; especially Dad.i tis such a wonderful lesson for a teenager to be in an entirely different culture to home and learn other people's feelings and expectations. I am forever grateful, and the best has been making wonderful friends all over the World at different times.
posted by
Kabu
on December 30, 2025 at 8:31 PM
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Sea-Gypsy....
I've been through so much of that stuff being as how I am as old as I am. Schools racially divided. Hospitals racially divided, churches racially divided when I was young. My Grandma & Grandpa Jelinek & family called "Bohunks" because they had immigrated from Bohemia and talked with an accent...etc. ad infinitum. I'm so glad you are sharing yours. You are such an extremely interesting writer. I'm hooked on your story.
posted by
TAPS.
on December 30, 2025 at 6:32 PM
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People who classify others according to religion or nationality or both are weak minded and she didnt deserve to be in your presence. Simpletons like her are plentiful and it's very unfortunate. I was happy to read that Sue saw you for who you were/are and I can see why you are best friends to this day. Genuine people are to be treasured!
posted by
sam444
on December 30, 2025 at 5:26 PM
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