Listeners responded to the first episode of "The Lines Between Us." Here's what they said:
From [email protected]:
"We appreciate the station's programming but especially Midday with Dan Rodricks and are especially pleased with the new series 'The Line Between Us.' This may become the most important conversation to happen in Baltimore in a long time." - from a web pledge
"I am so very pleased that you have created this new series, The Lines Between Us.' And pleased to know that it will last the entire year (maybe longer...??). A substantial public dialogue about inequality -- in Baltimore, as well as beyond -- is long overdue. I hope both that this series will indeed be the catalyst it hopes to be for such a dialogue, and that I myself, and also the organizations I work with (on a volunteer basis, in my retirement) will make meaningful contributions to this dialogue over time." -Elizabeth DuVerlie of Baltimore
"I am delighted that WYPR has taken on the conversation of opportunity in this region. As a recent transplant to Baltimore, the disparities have been striking, and I've long been curious about the history that got us here and pathways forward. I wanted to comment on how our trepidation about discussing race is so real and raw. At one point, [Sheldon Caplis] mentioned that the restaurant wouldn't serve African Americans, but would serve African Americans from Africa. People from Africa, unless they've become citizens are not African Americans. I've had friends from Africa who have been perturbed by being called African American. I have black friends from Baltimore who dislike the term African American and preferred to be called black…their ancestors may not have been from Africa. I am not called an Eastern European American; I am a white woman. I'd invite us, across races, to speak from an honest place and not get too caught up in trying to be 'politically correct'…if we speak from our hearts, it won't matter so much if we trip over our tongues. If we speak from caution and fear, the conversation won't move too far. Thank you for initiating this dialogue for WYPR listeners." - Becca Klein from Baltimore
"I live in Anne Arundel County and would love it if you could extend your maps farther into adjacent counties, or make separate maps for them. Inequality is not limited to Baltimore, of course. I heard most of your first segment this morning and thought it was excellent--esp. the story about the two black men who came to the Jewish man's shiva." -Peter Bergstrom from Severna Park
From WYPR.org:
"I found this morning's episode to be more of the same ol', same ol'. In 2012, do we really need to hear AGAIN about segregation and discrimination in the '50's and '60's? And yet another TIRED story from Gil Sanders? I hope you'll quickly get up to date with current issues -- such as how the incompetently run, god-awful Baltimore City schools and sky-high property taxes are holding back the growth of this city. And do we AGAIN need to see "The Lines Between Us" as only racial and only white vs. black? Let's talk about the dividing lines bases upon sexual orientation and lack of full civil rights (e.g. marriage) in this city and state. Stuart in Ednor Gardens"
From Twitter:
"The first @WYPR881FM @LinesBetweenUs segment was fantastic. Looking forward to hearing more." - @operatornumber9
"I'm excited about @WYPR881FM The Lines Between Us Series. I wonder how deeply the pieces will go in light of the producer being a white man." - @Ed2BeFree
"Loving Sheldon Kaplas' piece on @WYPR881FM @MarylandMorning #TheLinesBetweenUs until 'we have to educate them.' Is there a discussion board?" - @Ed2BeFree
"Loving RT @linesbetweenus is live on @881WYPRFM, @marylandmorning kicks off a year-long conversation about inequality http://ow.ly/e3slU" - @DrSpaulding
We will continue to add listener comments as we receive them. - The Lines Between Us staff