I greatly appreciated the clarity and courage of Patrick O’Connor’s guest column “Soccer team runs into white bias,” (Gazette, April 15). It is essential for those of us who are white to highlight and speak out against stereotypic and hurtful attitudes and behavior by our white neighbors towards fellow citizens from other racial and ethnic groups, especially when directed at young people.
Although I now live in Northampton, I spent more than 30 years as a proud resident of Holyoke, during which time I sadly experienced and witnessed many examples like those that Mr. O’Connor described. I had colleagues who repeatedly remarked on how “brave” I was for choosing to buy a home in Holyoke; others who said they had difficulty even “finding their way” around the city and rarely went there since “everyone knew it was dangerous.” (Occasionally, I could lure one over for the “exotic” appeal of Puerto Rican food, but only at lunchtime.)
When I hailed the Holyoke YMCA as a model of multicultural respect, caring, and inclusiveness, they said they would rather pay higher fees so they could work out in a facility that felt more “comfortable.” My recent move to Northampton involved relocating only five miles down the road, but it might as well have been 50; the culture shock has been considerable.
Although I’ve received a warm welcome and appreciate being able to walk everywhere — one of my main reasons for moving — I miss daily life in a more ethnically diverse community. And I am saddened that so many young white people like Mr. O’Connor’s sons and their friends are at risk of feeling as if Holyoke’s diversity is something they should regard as problematic.
I hope that some of the white parents whose distressing behavior he depicts will think about the example they are setting for their children, and anyone who hasn’t taken advantage of the many wonderful cultural resources there — like concerts and dining at Gateway City Arts; events and exhibits at Wistariahurst Museum; history along the Holyoke Heritage Trail; the beautiful and richly resourced Holyoke Public Library — will plan a visit soon.
Gail Hornstein
Northampton