How should parents talk about racism with their kids? Readers share their views
Editor's note: This post is part of the Overheard on CNN.com series, a regular feature that examines interesting comments and thought-provoking conversations posted by the community.
Christy Oglesby, quality assurance manager for CNN/U.S. in Atlanta, wrote about the lessons about racism she's felt compelled to pass on to her 12-year old son, Drew. Against the backdrop of the Trayvon Martin shooting, she says she feels justified in doing so. The hundreds of comments that poured in are evidence that the post affected many people quite deeply, and we felt it would be enlightening to share some of the most fascinating remarks with you.
Opinion: My 12-year-old son could be Trayvon
The big questions seemed to be: How should parents talk about race with their children? And how much should we worry about it?
"I am moved to tears by this mother's struggle," said a reader named Tiffany who said she is "humbled" by Oglesby's efforts. Bullying and self-esteem are the kinds of things she says she worries about, not being shot while running through a neighborhood.
"I know many people who argue that racism in this country is a fairy tale in the minds of black people who want pity and welfare ... but still, their children are dying having committed no crime at all. What kind of fairy tale is that?"
Some readers were concerned about the message being sent. FULL POST
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What defines you? Maybe it’s the shade of your skin, the place you grew up, the accent in your words, the make up of your family, the gender you were born with, the intimate relationships you chose to have or your generation? As the American identity changes we will be there to report it. In America is a venue for creative and timely sharing of news that explores who we are. Reach us at inamerica@cnn.com.
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Overheard of CNN.com: Decision to defer some deportations symbolic
Editor's note: This post is part of the Overheard on CNN.com series, a regular feature that examines interesting comments and thought-provoking conversations posted by the community.
Immigration is always a hot-button issue, and can even be a vote-changing one, because it gets to the heart of who we believe we are as Americans and as people. For many readers at CNN.com, the Obama administration's announcement that it will give a two-year deferral from deportation to some young immigrants who came to the United States as children - if they meet certain requirements - is symbolic of society's attitude toward immigration in general.
Obama administration to stop deporting some young illegal immigrants
Quite a few commenters were dismayed, because they have been hoping for politicians to take a hard stance against illegal immigration.
Some readers were happy because they were afraid someone they knew would be deported.
Does illegal immigration hurt the United States, and how? Readers don't agree.
Was the decision about political posturing to win over certain groups? FULL POST
Filed under: Comments • Immigration • What we think