In the Field: Photo Blog by Richard Wong

Photography field reports by Richard Wong. Richard’s work has been published in magazines, books, advertising, and offers fine art prints of his work. Images may be licensed as rights-managed stock photos by contacting Richard directly at Richard@rwongphoto.com or (626) 422-6151. California stock photography, fine art prints, photo blog: www.rwongphoto.com

Those who cannot remember the past…

Posted on | May 4, 2011 | 2 Comments

Racism Display, Manzanar National Historic Site, California

Racism Display, Manzanar National Historic Site, California

“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it” – George Santayana / Spanish-American philosopher.

I’ve posted this photo before but was reminded of it after attending a party last week. Let’s just say that one person was getting into anti-government rants which bled into a very misguided opinion that desegregation was a government conspiracy designed to interfere with free market economy and we would be better off now if things had remained segregated because the free market would have dictated what works and what doesn’t. I’m not here to defend the government or rant against it but as someone who grew up in a place and time that had rampant racism, you cannot really understand how it feels to be a victim of racial attacks and discrimination until you have experienced it.

I don’t recommend putting yourself in a situation to understand it but someone like that would benefit from going to a place like Manzanar National Historic Site and put a serious effort into learning the plight of minorities and try to empathize with them. You don’t legislate discrimination based on idealistic economic principles, you legislate it because it is the right thing to do. Racism is a social issue that should be taken seriously.

Category: Eastern Sierra, Manzanar NHS, Opinion
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Comments

2 Responses to “Those who cannot remember the past…”

  1. David Leland Hyde
    May 9th, 2011 @ 7:28 pm

    Well said, Richard. I believe some conspiracies from time to time if they are well-researched and don’t have an agenda of their own. However, some of the racial versions I’ve heard lately are appalling. There are a growing number of people in our generation who actually believe because they weren’t around then that the Holocaust was faked. My father fought in WWII, which was real enough. Give me a break. Somewhat similar thing you are talking about.

  2. Richard Wong
    May 10th, 2011 @ 12:07 am

    Hey David. I agree that it is a slap in the face to those who fought and/or experienced WWII to deny those events happened. It is too easy to be an arm-chair historian and say stuff without any regard for those who actually have an emotional connection to the events.

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