Between the World and Me

Listening to one another's stories without judgement is the most powerful agent for change that we have within our grasp. His story is vastly different from mine and so this is an educational story. It is an emotional story.
I don't know that I can assume this is everyone's story, but it is his story and could be the story of others. It is clearly stated without a manipulation of emotion. It is honest in its assessment of self and place. He gives language to feelings and observations.
The only exception that I take is his language to discuss religion. He doesn't believe in anything and he doesn't have to, but his words take away from those who do. He doesn't leave room for other possibilities. This is a letter to his son and every parent wants to pass on their beliefs systems, so my reaction to those parts might be misplaced.