Vivian Martin’s article about local racism was to the point and necessary. When I was in the Long Branch schools in the ’50s, there were few problems. Saturday night dances were held at the old Jewish community center on Bath Avenue and everybody came — Catholic, Protestants, Jews, blacks, whites and anybody who wanted to come and have a good time.

The parents of children in those days were too busy trying to make a living rather than preaching hate.

Many of the parents were first-generation Americans or new Americans who themselves had escaped tyranny and hate. There was not time for hate to be taught.

Ms. Martin is right when she says hate is taught in the home. My parents and family never once used racial epithets, and always taught respect, which I taught my children.

We are all in this thing together and somehow must work together. There will never be universal love, but we must push for universal respect for our fellow man and woman.

Michael Berg

Ocean Township