Racism by wysiwig
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Description
Got another shot of Yosemite Falls on the morning of my third day. You can see the upper, middle and lower falls in this shot.
I had planned to hike the Mist Trail to Vernal Falls in the afternoon but, during lunch, I struck up a conversation with Frank Mahan. He seemed pleasant enough and was a World War II veteran and resident of Long Island, New York. My father was a veteran and my uncle’s family lives on Long Island so we had something to talk about. But as we talked about the changes that had taken place on Long Island over the years a very disturbing element crept into our exchange. He began to talk about how the quality of life was being ruined by the influx of blacks into the area. He further offered his opinion on how black soldiers had all been cowards during the war. I pointed out to him that the Tuskegee Airmen had been the first all black air squadron and had never lost a bomber they were escorting to enemy fighter planes. The Germans called them ‘Red Tailed Devils’ from the color of the tails on their aircraft. He dismissed that as just propaganda.
I regretted wasting my time with Mr. Mahan and not hiking the Mist Trail that day. It seems that fate had other, more important, plans for me.
Comments (15)
Faemike55
unfortunately, there are people out there whose minds are made up and will stay with their beliefs no matter that they go against the facts. Regarding the photo here, outstanding shot. you should have made the hike!!!!!!
myrrhluz
One of the things I greatly appreciated about being in the military, was that, racism was not tolerated, at least officially. Of course it is easier to take it out of daily actions, then out of the hearts of people. I'm sorry you wasted time that could have been more enjoyably spent. But since that conversation could hardly be considered important, just what was fate planning? This is a beautiful image. Great rosy colors and lovely patterns on the rocks. Excellent clarity, and color. I love the mist coming up from the falls.
JuliSonne
Greatly admission! I envy you, around this sight of nature!! Wonderful.
jarmila
Oh,I love waterfalls, this is really nice..happy day
alanwilliams
An unfortunate encounter by the sound of it. On a happier note, great picture.
MrsLubner
There is a value in people like that. They aren't necessarily bad people, but products of the times back then. They serve to remind us of how we must overcome intolerance and unfounded bias - move forward to end labeling and generalizations. I know many people like this. When the conversation turns in a difficult direction, I let them know that I won't tolerate listening to or participate in such conversations since I don't agree and don't wish to argue the point. Too bad he could not do the hike with you. It might have given him reason to reflect and I bet there were many other things to share that would have been beneficial. This is a fabulous shot of the falls. One day I will go there. Been in California for only 25 years and never been...LOL
durleybeachbum
A superb shot, marred only by Mr.Redneck. I had a similar, but luckily short, encounter in the pool with a homophobic. I hope his Speedos shrink tight trapping his bits.
sandra46
SUPERLATIVE IMAGE!!! AND A GREAT STORY ABOUT WW2
jocko500
wonderful looking
watapki66
Beautiful capture!
Tea_Rex
Mark, this is a wonderful work! It looks and feels like one of the classic, early Kodachrome, postcards of the park from back before even your or my day. ;-) I really love the lushness of the trees .. they seem almost "unreal" .. like you combined an image of the falls with a foreground generated in 3D. Splendid composition, also, for this scene! What a wondrous world we live upon! Terry
psyoshida
I wish you had not named this beautiful scene what you did. The beauty of the scene does wipe away the bad vision of Mr. Mahan though. Can it be that there are people like him viewing this beauty and retaining their bad minds. This is a spectacular scene, with a perfect perspective. Lovely.
hipps13
maybe some thoughts to think about wonderful capture warm hugs, Linda
mariogiannecchini
Era indubbiamente meglio l'escursione ! Bellissima foto di questo paradiso naturale . It was certainly better than the tour! Beautiful photos of this natural paradise.
nagennif
Having had similar conversations with people who have surprisingly (to me) turned out to be racist, I can understand your feelings, however, I'm not sure that I consider that time spent a waste. I find it interesting that you've associated the incident, enough with the photo, to name it based on the incident. The photo is breathtaking, the story poignant. The counterpoint between the beauty of nature and ugliness of some people is art. Thank you for sharing this image and the story.