Walk Awhile In My Shoes, Then We Can Walk Together

About the Book

The purpose of this book is to discuss a concept of America as the Promised Land which challenges Black and White and all Americans to mobilize their resources toward the elimination of inequities associated with religion, sex, race, handicapping conditions, age, color, national origin, and to work harmoniously together in making America what is purports to be, a land of liberty, opportunity, justice, and freedom for all Americans, a true Promised Land.

Some of the text is hard-hitting, frank, and faces forthright, crucial issues, which many Black and White Americans are often reluctant to address. However, these issues must be addressed before progress in eradicating those issues can be made. Some history is intertwined in the discussion to show similarities between present and past periods. Hopefully, the summary will provide some motivation for accomplishing greater future tasks. Relevant true stories are included to emphasize the book's theme and to demonstrate its applicability to life.

This book concerns all Americans, but it emphasizes the urgency of Black and White Americans, the prime subjects in America's human relations conflicts, becoming more involved in the crucial issue of American's survival through togetherness. It also highlights White Americans' need to realize the seriousness of the racial conflict and act responsibly by providing assistance and leadership in making America what it purports to be. Black America presently bears the burden of divisiveness. Another objective is to reveal White Americans' positive legacy in civil rights. The book emphasizes the need for various ethnic groups and races to coalesce and work harmoniously together for a better America.

However, it is quite obvious that expansive, extensive, pervasive efforts must be extended by each racial, sexual, and any other identifiable group to resolve internal problems and to arrive at togetherness within each group. Next, separate groups should form meaningful coalitions to advance the cause of equality and justice for all Americans. Black and White Americans and others must organize their resources so that the resultant power structure is capable of withstanding the pressures and trials by those Americans who do not advocate justice and equality for all Americans. For these efforts to be successful, they must be carried out in the spirit of mutual understanding, devotion, honesty, sensitivity, and patience. It is true that no lasting peace will emerge until races and sexes can work harmoniously together, each being concerned about the welfare of the other. Although this goal may seem idealistic, it is possible that a majority of Americans can be persuaded that it is the proper course. Consequently, races and sexes are urged to forgive and peacefully coexist with other races and sexes. Each racial and each sexual group has been stereotyped and stigmatized to some extent by different insensitive groups, while its positive contributions have been practically ignored or significantly minimized.

This is a motivational "piece," a call to action. Essential and imperative steps must be taken and they must be taken quickly. So, theoretically, this discussion is not for casual reading. It is, for the most part, a sermon with much repetition and an urgent message to be acted upon.

The message is basically about Whites', Blacks', and women's positive and negative contributions in America. Hopefully, Americans will be encouraged to better understand the country's racial and sexual strife. This approach provides opportunities for better understanding, adjustments, and modifications and is necessary to strengthen positive behaviors and eradicate or change negative behaviors. The overall purpose of this book is to encourage the inclusion of all Americans in the prosperity and business of America and to provide dignity and respect for all Americans.

What happens when White people walk in Black people's shoes? What would White peopl

About the Author

J.L. Thomas is a graduate of Samuel Houston College, and holds master's degrees from Texas Southern University, and North Texas State University. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Missouri at Kansas City.