Although hundreds of articles have been written and thousands of words spoken on the issue of race throughout history – both here and abroad – there still seems to be great difficulty in accepting events that cannot be changed in order to overcome the bitterness and anger that often leaves so many emotionally stuck in the past.

Bitterness and anger is not confined to a single race, but can be found in anyone who prefers to dwell on the wrongs of yesterday, instead of making good use of the lessons learned that will not only prevent another yesterday but will help to make tomorrow much better for all.

It takes the opening of hearts between different races and cultures before any headway is made in this sensitive area where anger and bitterness has a way of overriding reason. Anyone who has experienced racism is mindful of the inner pain felt , and the struggle within, to rise above such negativity, to build confidence, pride and strength.

The world community is evolving at such a pace that anyone trying to cling to the negative attitudes of yesterday is simply going to be left behind. Black and white children are attending the same schools and playing together like never before with little thought of skin tones. It is an unstoppable march toward a new day of social acceptance.

Somehow too many adults prefer to wallow in the wrongs of yesterday and not just from a historic point of view. History is fascinating and we all should be willing to learn the good and bad to be better armed with information that will help to guide us to make better evaluations as we strive for a healthy minded society.

To achieve this, there must a spirit of acceptance and forgiveness. No one race is without flaws. There are countless stories of people being oppressed for one reason or another, and having to suffer and even die, but no amount of bitterness or anger has ever led to a healing effect.

Sometimes we lose sight of positive events that demonstrate without any doubt that the spirit of good people, black or white, is stronger than any negative racial instincts that often fester beneath the surface. Here in Bermuda pointing fingers at each other on the issue of races is only going to make it more difficult to hold hands at the community table of brotherhood.

It was more than refreshing recently to hear a former member of the racially extremist Ku Klux Klan in the United States pour his soul out to a man he helped to beat during a civil rights demonstration some years ago. It was even more refreshing to hear the victim, who today is a member of the US Congress, not only accept his apology but also say he was willing to forgive him.

The two men from opposite sides of history sat together in a new light of understanding as they discussed the tragic behaviour of so many who were governed by hatred instead of learning to understand and accept people of colour. Unfortunately, there are still those drenched in racial hatred in many countries, but victory will never be theirs.

The former member of the KKK said that after the story was aired on television he received a call from an angry young man who called him every name under the sun for what he termed betrayal of the white race. He said he told that young man that he hoped one day he would find the right values about life. The whole story mainly shows that opening hearts on both sides is the only answer.

I do not know a single person who selected which race he or she would be a part of in life as we know it. Acceptance and a better understanding are key elements in the quest to make racism a word found in history books. We all have a part to play in trying to reach this goal and that part begins within our hearts.

In the musical motion picture Carousel, during the final scene, a doctor was addressing a graduating class and gave advice that could be used for young people anywhere. He said don't try to get by on the failure or the success of your parents, but be prepared to make your own mark in life. He also told them "not to worry about whether people like you, just you try liking them". Maybe it was only a movie, but many of us in Bermuda and indeed the world could benefit from those words.

Being too focused on the rear view mirror of history could prevent us from seeing the cliff up ahead.