Who do I know that holds different viewpoint from mine? What could I possibly gain by engaging in conversation with someone from the other side of the political isle? My personal life has been arranged in a such a way that I can avoid those that I would normally disagree with so this exercise was initially difficult as my memory bank was flung open to identify that one person that would fit the bill. Then a small twinkling remembrance; Sherrill, the smart and extremely passionate supporter of all political positions that I avoid. She would be wonderful candidate for a lunch date and it was a very meaningful hour.
Having worked with her for a number of years, I grew to know her fairly well but we would not be considered close friends. Sherrill is enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and a creative person who received a degree in journalism and applied that in a marketing role at the company we work for. Her passion was evident when describing anything related to democratic causes and that would come through in her ability to successfully argue her position. But this lunch meeting would …show more content…
Sherrill grew up in the South during the 60’s, witnessed racial discrimination and chauvinism first hand. She told how in her family, it was her older brother that was supported, pushed, promoted and much as expected but her family had different goals for her. Essentially, she was to go to school, be quiet and expected to raise a family where she would also have sons to dote on. Growing up in Georgia was difficult and this was the period of the nation’s attempts to force racial integration. For several school years, Sherrill was bussed from her comfortable, white, neighborhoods to the black areas and actually attended school with one of Martian Luther King’s daughters. As they became friends, Sherrill began to see the discrimination inherent in the nation and felt compelled to improve those