Food for Thought

Oak Bluffs

We left the heat of the south to enjoy the cool breezes of Nantucket Sound.  As most first time tourist to an area, we spent our first morning on the island of Martha's Vineyard reading the numerous visitor brochures and magazines. One such magazine, "Experience Martha's Vineyard" had an unbelievable passage that I felt
the need to share. On page 27, reads a sentence, "For many years, a significant number of African-Americans have vacationed or made their year-round home on the island, especially in and around Oak Bluffs."  My wife and I weren't sure if this was a warning or a suggested photo opportunity.

Even today, people who are different than the majority still often feel the weight of prejudice.  A case in point, while riding the ferry, my wife and I met a delightful artist from Martha's Vineyard.  The conversation went from art to food and as a result she invited us to her house to cook Seafood Paella but before we could answer she felt the need to tell us that she was gay and her spouse was a woman.  You could see the relief in her face with our reaction.

I am glad I don't have to warn people about my life style or find that tourist are being warned about me.