I have lived in this town for my entire life, with the exception of the last little while living in T-Town to attend college. Over the years I have noticed a rather messed up trend though. It seems that here in Demopolis that it is all about the name you have.
We all know the hand full of families (not that there is anything wrong with them) that have the majority of the land and the money in this town, simply because it has been this way for a long time. But it does seem that if only you had their last name that things would be much easier in Demopolis. I have personally seen many occasions where if only I had the “right” last name that I would have been treated much better by some people or businesses. And the same goes for lots of city issues. If a person of a prominent family says an idea, then it is suddenly golden, but if a regular Joe says the same, well it isn’t taken quite as seriously.
Even with this site we have experienced this in the past. On many occasions we have offered our support to several local organizations, and have been consistently shot down. Half the time to see our idea being used by the organization, but with someone else instead.
What I feel it really boils down to is Demopolis’ fear of change. The “go with who you know” mentality is evident all through this town, but it needs to change. By not allowing things to change you intern hinder the progress of the city. Something of which that hasn’t happened in a while (progress that is). We need to open up to opportunities for change in hopes that it will better the city in the long run.
I do commend Jon McKelvy of the Demopolis Times on his editorials challenging issues in Demopolis much the same way we try to do here. Even though our popularity has grown TREMENDOUSLY in the last few months, he is still able to reach a larger audience with the paper. So maybe ‘ol Jon’s editorials will help spur a little change as well. The challenge for Demopolis is this. Don’t get caught up in what the person’s last name is; be more concerned with their ability. Don’t be afraid of change, without change there is no progression. We have a great city, but we can make it much, much better.
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I totally agree with you guys... I lived in Demopolis for 34 years apparently with the wrong name also.. Although Demopolis is my "HOME" and I still have family and friends there that I care for deeply.. I am truly glad that I no longer live there.
I am aware that my appearance, by mortal standards, is strange, even unsettling.
If I am to be an ambassador of my people, tradition dictates that I look the part.
Sadly, those who judge me on my looks alone ignore the causes I champion
Still, when the need arises, I am a warrior.
Any small town is going to be like that....well, actually any town...no matter the size. There are always influential members of a community and you can either work with that or have a broader audience base(ie the paper or this website).
"Labor is the source of all wealth" Harry's Bar T-shirt
Great comments by everyone. I don't want to be misunderstood though. I really love Demopolis. I think it is an excellent town with even more potential. I have just noticed this problem for a long time around here, and feel like some changes should be made to open peoples eyes a little.
The only way change will occur in Demopolis, is if it's pretty much forced. New people, new families, with new ideas. If the same ol people/families are still makin the decisions, then you will continue to have the same ol ways. New blood and new faces is what is needed. Keep the small town, Get rid of the xenophobia.
"The House of the Venerable and Inscrutable Colonel was what they called it when they were speaking Chinese. Venerable because of his goatee, white as the dogwood blossom, a badge of unimpeachable credibility in Confucian eyes. Inscrutable because he has gone to his grave without divulging the Secret of the Eleven Herbs and Spices."
The thing is, Demopolis shouldn't be comparing itself to 40 years ago. 40 years ago, Blacks were still fighting for equal rights in the south. ANY city today by that standard would look golden. We should look at today's standard. Not be simply satisfied with the fact we are a little better than before without paying mind to the fact we are still behind everyone else.
IMO, The idea of a name making you better than someone else is really no better than racism. Instead of skin color, now its your name. Just more elitist garbage.
"The House of the Venerable and Inscrutable Colonel was what they called it when they were speaking Chinese. Venerable because of his goatee, white as the dogwood blossom, a badge of unimpeachable credibility in Confucian eyes. Inscrutable because he has gone to his grave without divulging the Secret of the Eleven Herbs and Spices."
having the right name is one thing. Having the right amount of money is another. Most of those in town with the right name have plenty of money so that maybe what gains them an influential persona
"Nobody ever got back-slapped into winnning anything"
Wallace Wade
And moving here from elsewhere is harder than any other move I've ever made....and I've lived in Texas, Colorado and Mississippi. Yet, moving here makes me feel like I have stepped into another world some days.
Yeah, just watch your back here! I have become somewhat of a loner these days due to the fact that people here seem to be your friend when it's convenient for them (when the people with the right last name and the right amount of money aren't around.)
And heaven forbid that you see a problem and voice your opinion about how to correct it. Especially if you use facts to back up your opinion. It's better to worry only about yourself and your family than to try to stop the problem before anyone gets hurt or worse.
Kaye334
