What was bad for me was at the time I thought I was the one who had done something wrong. Had it explained by my father that some did not like us.
But I also remember on a trip we took from Homestead up to Sarasota to visit an Aunt we stopped for gas and to use the restrooms at a station.
And a young boys father asking if his son could use the restroom. And the attendant shaking his head no and pointing out back to the trees. Can you guess their skin color?
My dad shushed me when I started to ask, then after were were driving away I asked again why he was not allowed to use the restroom. " Son that is just the way those people are." That scene stuck with me.
So yes those kinds have always been here. And now it is acceptable for them to be out in the open again .