My First Taste of Social Injustice

Whether we like it or not, children see the world through the television.
In 1977, I was 11yrs. old. I didn't care that Jimmy Carter was the new president.
It didn't matter that the World Trade Center was built.
My world consisted of "Three's Company", "The Love Boat", "Fantasy Island", "Charlie's Angels", and "The Incredible Hulk". What was real? Life was fantasy. Just make me laugh.
In January of 1977, for eight straight nights, the whole country, it seemed, would learn about slavery, why it was wrong, and how it affected people- past and present.
It was the first time that I realized the raw deal that Black people got. I cried for the slaves and hated the white people involved. Until then, TV was just fantasy.
Roots changed the way I viewed the world. It explained why Black people got so angry at times and why some of "them" hated me for being a "white-boy".
Although it would take years for my power of reason to mature, I'd like to think that "Roots" planted the seed to understanding the plight of the Black-Man.
I know it sounds lame. But this is me. Try being me, it's no picnic!