Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Growing up in the 1930's

Dear Pen Pal,
I am writing to you from the 1930’s, it is very restricted on money here in Alabama and everyone is feeling the pinch. Each morning my mom, dad, brother and I wake up very early to receive a small loaf of bread to help us get through the tough times. My mum and dad are unemployed and are struggling of receiving money and food for the family from a day to day basis.
Our home is very small although it’s just fine for the four of us; there is only one large room though we separate the room at night with large sheets that my mother had given us. The garden is beautiful, it has growing native plants that my mom uses to help heal cuts and recover bruised skin, as both of my children love climbing up trees as it is their favourite hobby together. Together as a family we enjoy going for long walks down to the park and my brother and I play together on the play equipment. Before America hit its lows my mom and dad were employed by jack Johnson, doing carpentry work of shops and houses. It was high pay compared to the no pay they receive now as no one can afford paying anyone for doing labour.
Next door we have a lovely couple although on the other hand there are some really racist and freaky people surrounding us. Sometimes when certain people are out doing gardening or putting the rubbish out I’m too scared to go join my brother climbing trees. I really don’t know, but I think they have a bad vibe about themselves. My community is very ‘white’ they don’t even talk to a black man which seems a little odd. My parents haven’t explained to me why I shouldn’t talk to black people, they are human though just a different colour. My cook is ‘black’ and her food is amazing, and I have respect for her.
My brother and I go to a ‘white’ school which is much better educated than other schools located in Alabama. No ‘black’ children come to my school as they are not permitted. Schools must be segregated, as well as parks, bathrooms, water fountains and much more. One of my best friends that my parents don’t know about is a ‘black’ girl my age, she is really nice and we go for walks and play games together, I also have many friends in the neighbourhood but they are very racist which I don’t like. I have respect for black children and adults as they have done nothing wrong in society.
During this year the world’s financial system is getting better although it may take some time. In Alabama money is still sacred and cannot be earned easily as many people are unemployed like my parents.

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