Segregated areas for Americans
I ventured on more familiar ground testing her perception of her own country. Has America really advanced?
"I think in general she has advanced but she hasn't got to the point yet where there is an exchange of cultures within her own country, at least not as extensively as it should be, and no amount of education has changed that yet. Everybody seems to be living in their own little areas: Harlem for the Blacks, Chicago for the Poles and other areas for the Jews, etc. Even when I was working at the Plaza Hotel on 59th Street, a lot of my Black friends wouldn't come through the front door because it was a 'white' neighbourhood. That was 20 years ago, I know, but a lot of that stigma is till in existence. Many people will not go in the downtown areas." (As I type this, I wondered how much has changed, another 20 years on in 2008, in the self-enforced segregation of the cultures.)
She gradually grew quite relaxed with me, every now and then leaning towards me to share some little humour or anecdote she remembered, which was rather endearing. She obviously had little time for narrow school education which was too structured and stifling. So what would be the basis of her kind of training?
There was no hesitation as she leaned forward, her voice barely above a whisper,: "Learning how to read and write and to be a disciplined person. Discipline is extremely important because you have to learn how to treat your fellowman. Unfortunately, as long as we keep having wars, which governments are constantly putting us into, I cannot see how we can ever learn how to treat each other with respect. When we stop the wars, maybe we will have the chance to understand each other."
Without even realising it, nearly an hour had passed and she had to get ready for her performance. The time had gone so quickly in the presence of such a forthright and fascinating person. I couldn't resist a parting question: What else would she like to do in the future, if anything?
"Play Cleopatra, Nefertiti, Ptolomy. I do not know why they are always given to Caucasians when these characters are of OUR colour.They are part of OUR history. I would do it much better than Elizabeth Taylor, I tell you the truth!" She collapsed into laughter, suddenly appreciating the humour in what she said.
If she had one wish, what would it be? "To be who I am," she retorted with a satisfied, confident smile.
Amen to that, Ms Kitt, and may you Rest In Peace.
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