Well this is awkward

I'm a member of a small social media group that is only for people who grew up in my tiny southern hometown. I've been a member for years, and it's mostly just the town historian posting old photos from yearbooks, town events of decades past, and personal submitted photos from the townspeople. Fine.

But recently, admin posted a controversial photo which depicts two young men in blackface. The photo was from the 60s, which was right around when the Civil Rights movement had begun, and I should remind you- my hometown is a tiny rural town in the southern US Bible Belt. It is no stranger to blatant racism.

A couple of people of color who are members of the group expressed their shock and offense at this photo having been posted so lightly, without a disclaimer or explanation. They asked that the photo be removed and perhaps apologized for. Admin did not oblige.

So now the group is divided into 2 groups- those of us who think the posting of this photo is wrong and should have at least come with an explanation of why it was so necessary to post it...and others who feel like it's "history so why get upset now?". I am on the side of the former.

What became awkward is the fact that the debate eventually fell to mostly me and one other woman....and she was my high school math teacher! 🤯 In high school I had actually really liked her, so it was kind of disappointing that she revealed herself to be on the opposing side. I get it- she's a southern native and racism is widely accepted there, even today. But I guess I expected more from an educator?

Oh well. People often disappoint.