July 26, 2001

Dear Mr.Palmeri and Mr.Mather....

As a black person living in Oshkosh, I just wanted to thank both of you for the show you did about race issues, with Kathy Fredericks. I was absolutely thrilled to see it!!!

I don't think people, especially white people, understand what minorities experience in cities like Oshkosh, where the population is predominantly white. They don't really know what it's like to be the minority. They don't usually experience discrimination, racism, and sometimes verbal expressions of hatred and even violence--or the threat thereof.

As a black person in Oshkosh, I've experienced some of these things myself. I was denied a job due to my race (although a court of law would consider the evidence of this discrimination circumstantial). I've also had people indirectly express a dislike/distrust of me due to my race. Even so, I don't have it nearly as bad as the Hmong population here in Oshkosh does. I've seen people around here talk to and about Hmongs in a horrible manner, as if they are sub-human or something. It's just absolutely shameful!

I was so pleased to see this discussion on your show because it made me feel like finally, SOMEONE on my side. It also meant that those who watch your show got to hear things from my perspective, as well as the perspective of all the other minorities that call Oshkosh home. I hope it opened some peoples' eyes and minds.

In closing, I just wanted to tell you that I'm a big fan of your show. My favorite time to watch is during city election cycles or anytime the topic has to do with city government. At any rate, I want to thank you gentlemen. I feel that you do the people of Oshkosh a great service! Keep up the good work!

Yours Truly,
Joe Davis
joe54902@yahoo.com
 
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