I'm going to set the tone early on this blog. Racism will NEVER die because we are too scared to let it. *pauses for reaction* Each and every one of us black, white, Hispanic, Asian or what have you has experienced racism at some point in our lives. When we look back on that moment(s) we're either amused, upset or dumbfounded by the ignorance. But to me not all racism should be crowned with the word ignorance. Think about this for a minute shall we. It has historically been the black man's defense mechanism to blame "the man" or pull the "race card" when things do not work in their favor. Whether is looking for a job, caught in some illegal mess or just wrong doing. Even better look at the public reaction of black women when they see a black man with a white woman. That's just what we do. I'm going to exclude myself from the "we" for the sake of this blog because I for one never blame "the man." But nonetheless, black males are known for pulling the race card at every moment of weakness. Now I am by no means saying that ALL of us do, that they don't have a legit point or that they're wrong for doing so. I've seen first hand racism work against me. But I feel that is exactly why we'll never let racism die. Its more much more valuable in our society than we care to see because we place such a negative connotation on it. Many of you reading that last line just said "This dude is fuckin' nuts!" When I use the word valuable it is not to be confused with the word necessary. It is valuable in its own right.
Hypothetically speaking, lets just say racism disappeared all together. Well now many of us have lost our defense mechanisms and our own sense of comfort. When shit goes wrong now were going to be force to place blame on ourselves instead of "the man" or pulling the "race card." Nobody ever wants to point the finger at themselves. I don't care who you are. Would it be nice to be able to drive through a nice neighborhood at midnight and not have the police run my tag because of the car I'm driving? Sure. Would it be nice to get pulled over and not be asked "WHEN was the last time I was arrested?" You're damn right! But I've come to accept the world around me. Are there some ignorant people in this world that have no rhyme or reason as to why their racist? You can bet that shit. But I believe they are the minority. Others are more scared racist than anything else. Allow me to elaborate further.
I think its safe to say that African-Americans/Blacks for whatever reason feel white people do not like them. That most white people are racist. I think that's bullshit, but again I'm speaking from a general point of view. Well it is that very attitude that brings the racism. If you think whites don't feel the tension you're sadly mistaken. So naturally they themselves get on the defense. Before you know it you're fighting a war of negative vibes. Nobody has to even say a word. You're looking at them like they don't like you and they're looking back feeling intimidated by the fact that they know you feel the way you do. That me to is scared racism. But again that's the norm and we're comfortable with that. People like to be comfortable and regardless of the circumstances they prefer comfort over unfamiliarity.
In an recent interview with CNN Miami Heat Forward, Lebron James says racism played a role in the criticism he received for making his decision to play in South Beach. I agree but to a certain extent. Lebron chose to go on tv and have an hour long special about "The Decision." That was his choice. All be it for a good cause to raise money for the Boys and Girls Clubs of America every chose to ignore that completely! My feeling is that no matter what color or race you were everyone felt that was a terrible idea. Especially since he chose to do so and not return to Cleveland. Originally his biggest critics were his peers and former players, the majority of them being black. But interesting enough as soon as the white media started to bash Lebron, the black public rose to his defense. They then took the stand "Its ok for us to bash him, but you guys can't do it." Now that's ignorant! You can't open the door of criticism and then try to control who's going to walk thru it. Brett Favre, Quarterback of the Minnesota Vikings, a white guy, has been playing the media and football fans about his retiring and coming back for 4 years now. But basketball season hasn't even started and Lebron continues to get ridicule for his decision. While Favre who is 1-2 as a starter and playing horribly is getting somewhat of a pass. I'm not saying that the media hasn't mauled him like a Tiger because they absolutely have. But I couldn't imagine how different things would have been if a black athlete went about his business the way Favre has and struggled the way he has.
If we're going to point the finger at anyone we should start with ourselves. We have helped create the racism around us so we need to shut the fuck up and stop crying about it. Our parents taught us our ways and we continue to pass that on to our children. That's the only explanation for a five year old walking in school and calling someone a "cracker" or "nigger." That's what they are being taught. The only way to break the trend is to stop ourselves. Again I don't think racism will ever die and to me its not all that unfortunate. Sad to say but what the hell would people talk about if it didn't. The world runs on negativity. I stop watching the local news because the shit is depressing and centered around negativity. The world is fueled by all of this so there's no where for it to go. World peace? Sounds good but there's no way we could live with it because we would bore ourselves to death!
I know this post has many of shaking your heads in disbelief and I was well aware of that before I started to write it. I know many of my friends will respectfully disagree and others will think I'm just wrong all together. Nonetheless, I don't write for fame and I don't write for acceptance. I do it to provide insight and a different perspective on life. Also because I just enjoy putting my thoughts on paper.
I appreciate the love and support you all show to my blog. Thank you and God Bless
1Love
AV
I am writing because when I saw your blog's title, The Race Card, I was curious to see the position that the author would take on the subject.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading, I'm not sure if you are clear on the argument that you are making. If so, I would encourage you to make your stance more clear.
Apparently, your claim is that the presence of perceived racism is the cause for racism it self (according to you through the creation of tension and negative “vibes”) However, the laws of logic tell us that a single entity cannot be both the cause and the effect. This argument is inherently circular.
A strong objective writer should understand that the use of the word "all" should be reserved where its placement can be qualified with facts. To say that ALL black men use the "race card", is untrue and unsupported. And any argument supported with untrue claims cannot be logically sound.
Based on level of truthfulness, wouldn't it be more true to say that the black men that you have been exposed to have exhibited this trait? And who is to say that the black men you have been exposed to represent the composition of the entire population?
I was most taken about by your statements that "it is safe to say that I think its safe to say that African-Americans/Blacks for whatever reason feel white people do not like them. That most white people are racist. I think that's bullshit, but again I'm speaking from a general point of view.
It is extremely dangerous to use unsupported statements like this as evidence for your argument. You do the African American community a disservice for speaking on their behalf. As an educated African American female, I do not feel this way in any way shape or form. So maybe it wasn't as "safe to say" as you thought.
I hope that you continue to develop your thoughts and arguments. My advice is to look beyond the surface. If the Race Card is something as prevalent and obvious as you claim it to be-- what purpose does it serve to be redundant.
Keep doing what you love!