Different poolside memories

Different poolside memories

EDITOR:

The more I read Monday’s letter concerning Borts Pool, the angrier I got. The writer used words that do not apply to all young people regardless of where they live or what their ethnicity is. The idea that these, as he put it, “gangstas”, playas” and “drama queens” came from other sides of town is ridiculous. Name calling and finger pointing is an ugly thing. No wonder we see so many youths with low self esteem. Before making such accusations, perhaps he should take the blinders off and look around his own neighborhood and see what is going on. He might find some undesirables on his own street. Surprise, surprise.

On the other hand he and his family are more than welcome to use the beautiful new North Side Pool. It is open to the public and has lots of amenities. I might add one more thing. As a teenager I was not permitted to use either North Side Pool, or Borts Pool even though I worked at all of the city pools as a locker girl. Not because I was a “gangsta”, playa”, or “drama queen.” I just happened to be an African American. I was good enough, reliable enough and trustworthy enough to handle people’s clothing and valuables while they swam, but not good enough to swim in “their” pools. Imagine that.

Frances L. Singleton

Youngstown