How would you have liked to be one of the "Little Rock Nine?"

How do you think you would have reacted to the fact that you needed armed guards to enter school? How would you have reacted to the shouts and slurs of those on the streets who didn't want to see you in that building?

The courage the “Little Rock Nine” students displayed is unfathomable. I don’t think I would have had that type of courage. If, for whatever reason, I was found in their shoes I wouldn’t have liked to be a part of that courageous group of students. I am a very passive person, and will at all cost remain in a passive environment. The hostility those students must have faced, and for an entire school year, is not something I would have willingly put myself through. It is obvious they believed in the cause they were standing up for. But for goodness sake they had to be escorted by armed guards! That is no environment for a student, let alone an adolescent. Going to school for these students was more like an act of war, than just going somewhere to learn the ABCs of life. If I had to be escorted by armed guards my initial reaction would be, “Did I do something wrong?” Why am I being treated as if I am the one who is going to commit a crime? I imagine that this is the way a criminal must feel when being escorted to prison. My second reaction would be one undoubtedly of fear and unease. I am just another student looking to get an education, why would anyone want to cause me harm? I am being escorted, not because of what I might do to others, but instead because of what the others might do to me. I couldn’t function well in such a negative environment. I don’t tend to overstay my welcome where I’m not welcomed. I wasn’t really picked on in school, but when someone dared to challenge my good nature and laid back persona, I didn’t just sit there and take it. Like I said I will protect my passive environment at all cost, even if that cost can get me suspended. I wasn’t much of a fighter in high school, so I can’t say that I would have even given this option a second glance. Why choose to go to school in a place where it’s obvious no one wants you, when you can attend a school where you will be welcomed and accepted. And as far as the behavior of those people against the “Little Rock Nine” well, there are very few things that bother me. I am a very reasonable, grounded person. But one thing I will not tolerate is disrespect and offensive behavior from anyone. I don’t treat anyone like that, so no one has the right to treat me in that manner. Whether I would have lashed out or turned the other cheek, I’m not completely sure about. If pushed too hard, or cornered, well then there is only one thing left to say “live, and let live.”