In 1963 Nina Simone wrote a song called "Mississippi Goddamn". Even today, it's an in-your-face political and social statement on the sad, pathetic state of affairs in the South. Racism.
She was tired of it, and let you know. The (partial) lyrics below do not even begin to describe the depth and strength of her song. In my opinion, it is well worth your time to catch it on YouTube. It's powerful and you can't help but feel her pain. Go watch it, then come back here and finish this post ;)
Unfortunately, the racial divide remains in the South. Ignorance and hate is still alive and well. This time though, the focus is on a High School Senior, Constance McMillen.
Constance wanted to take another female to the prom. The school canceled the prom, and a group of parents put on a private prom. Supposedly, Constance was sent an invite, but when she showed up, there were less than 10 kids there. They had sent her to a fake prom. Here are pictures from the actual prom. No Constance.
What is the Itawamba County School District and the parents of the Seniors trying to teach their kids?
What do they have to fear from this couple attending?
What is there to gain by ostracizing these girls?
How will these kids feel in 10 years for their part in Hate Prom 2010?
IN THE YEAR 2010 THIS LEVEL OF HATE IS STILL BEING ACCEPTED IN THE UNITED STATES.
THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE.
THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE.
It makes me sick. This has NOTHING to do with a left or right agenda, or trying to shove anyone's beliefs down their throats. It is simply about equality for all, regardless of sexual orientation.
Like Nina said, "You don't have to live next to me/Just give me my equality."
Mississippi Goddamn indeed.
Lryics of Mississippi Goddamn by Nina Simone (1963).
The name of this tune is Mississippi Goddam
And I mean every word of it
Alabama's gotten me so upset
Tennessee made me lose my rest
And everybody knows about Mississippi Goddam
Alabama's gotten me so upset
Tennessee made me lose my rest
And everybody knows about Mississippi Goddam
Can't you see it
Can't you feel it
It's all in the air
I can't stand the pressure much longer
Somebody say a prayer
Alabama's gotten me so upset
Tennessee made me lose my rest
And everybody knows about Mississippi Goddam
This is a show tune
But the show hasn't been written for it, yet
Hound dogs on my trail
School children sitting in jail
Black cat cross my path
I think every day's gonna be my last
Lord have mercy on this land of mine
We all gonna get it in due time
I don't belong here
I don't belong there
I've even stopped believing in prayer
Don't tell me
I tell you
Me and my people just about due
I've been there so I know
They keep on saying "Go slow!"
But that's just the trouble
"do it slow"
Washing the windows
"do it slow"
Picking the cotton
"do it slow"
You're just plain rotten
"do it slow"
You're too damn lazy
"do it slow"
The thinking's crazy
"do it slow"
Where am I going
What am I doing
I don't know
I don't know
Just try to do your very best
Stand up be counted with all the rest
For everybody knows about Mississippi Goddam
I made you thought I was kiddin' didn't we
Picket lines
School boycotts
They try to say it's a communist plot
All I want is equality
for my sister my brother my people and me
Yes you lied to me all these years
You told me to wash and clean my ears
And talk real fine just like a lady
And you'd stop calling me Sister Sadie
Oh but this whole country is full of lies
You're all gonna die and die like flies
I don't trust you any more
You keep on saying "Go slow!"
"Go slow!"
But that's just the trouble
"do it slow"
Desegregation
"do it slow"
Mass participation
"do it slow"
Reunification
"do it slow"
Do things gradually
"do it slow"
But bring more tragedy
"do it slow"
Why don't you see it
Why don't you feel it
I don't know
I don't know
You don't have to live next to me
Just give me my equality
Everybody knows about Mississippi
Everybody knows about Alabama
Everybody knows about Mississippi Goddam
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