Freedom Summer

I just got back from my Comm. Studies Theory class and was thinking about what to blog my whole way back to my dorm.  We watched a History channel movie called "Freedom Summer" about the civil rights movements and especially the voting registration in Mississippi in the 1960s.  I am ashamed to say I have been somewhat ignorant about our nation's history only knowing what I have been taught and never searching for more.  I am so completely entranced with the film I just watched and the discussion our class just had.  Our professor told us as whites we ignore the fact and have never faced the issue straight on, the hatred and violence we inflicted on blacks in this country.  It is true, as a white American I am embarassed to be associated with such hatred and feel torn between the past and the present and what I can do now.  I am so thankful I grew up in the North and my family always embraced and recognized diversity and the beauty of it, I do not understand why other people cannot see past color.  My grandfather has strong opinions about race and I do not associate with him when he brings them up and actually trys to challenge his ignorant and bigoted thoughts.  I just want to know where we are now in this country and besides the rights blacks have gained how do the lives and the color issue be pushed aside forever.