All over the news this week we will hear and read about what Harry Reid is quoted as saying in a new book, Game Change. Some will use this latest American pacification as an opportunity to remind the rest of the world that we have a race problem. Like that is news. Others will push further, and declare America needs to have a discussion about race. An overdue frank dialogue. One that’s expected to clear the air. I guess the infamous Beer Summit was unsuccessful (http://afrostoshelltoes.com/word/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/Beer-Summit-09.jpg)?While all of the above plays out I plan to sit back. Chill…with my thirty year unpopular position:
Black people do not need to participate on any level in a race talk. We are the subjects (as always), not the perpetrators of the ignorance. Yes, we have ‘color’ issues within the black community (a ramification of the brutal African Diaspora). What we do not have is full fledge ignorance and stupidity along the lines of what we are in the minds of white people. No, this is not to imply that white people who wonder if black people have tails are ignorant. It is intentionally implied that these white persons are stupid! Just idiots! Don’t chuckle…you should be shocked because just 20 years ago there was a lily white girl from Maryland that asked a southern black girl, “Do you have a tail?” Place: High Point College, 1989.
My point, black people are pretty much not responsible for the countless understandings, thoughts, and beliefs that white people have about black people unless white people watch Hip-Hop videos all day long. I definitely do not believe there is evidence in our history that indicates that we told white people that we have tails like Spot. The accepted misunderstandings about Negroes, Blacks, African Americans, or whatever they call us is of no fault of our own. We have proven what we are e.g. Dubois, Simone, Ali, and Truth. White people from the past and today are to blame for the ignorance. So, why in the hell do I, a black man, need to sit around a table and tell white America that black people are humans? Humans who can speak-well. Humans who are intelligent. Humans who know you (white people) are the ones with the race problem. White people are systematically conditioned to have this problem. Western Civilization dictates and validates that they are Supreme; and others are Second Class. So, how can they move from that thought process without completely defying what their culture mandates?
You made us in the image that made you feel more secure, Mr. White Person. We had no choice in the matter. And, now you want us to help you tear down your deliberate and successful effort to tarnish blackness? You can’t be serious…You can have this discussion with my dog, Spot. He knows that I am nothing more nothing less, his two-legged Master…unlike the masters of the past who treated dogs better than black HUMANS.
And, for those Negroes who continue to want this dialogue: What would you say during this meeting of the minds? – ‘See, massa, Eyes can speak duhs Queen’s English too.’
When will black people stop trying to prove to white America that we are worthy?
Brian E. Payne
12 comments:
Reader Response:
great writing - as usual.
-AJ
Reader Response:
I feel you on this piece as well, I mean why the hell do I need to discuss others ignorance? They need to figure that out! Once again you are the man, keep up the great writings!!
-AC
Muata responds to AC:
White people know that we are not jungle bunnies. Many just like to stay in that belief pattern so they can remain on top...in their minds. Their confidence took a major blow when Barack became President. They had to check themselves.
-Muata
Reader Response:
Right on…
-DLD
Muata Responds to DLD:
Their needs to be a national white effort to change the minds of white people. Black people have done their job on this front.
-Muata
DLD responds to Muata:
I think historically the black power movement had white sympathizers, but I am uncertain to what it extent it was organized…also, King had white counsel. Whites also marched in Birmingham….
-DLD
Muata responds to DLD:
Whites were a MAJOR part of the movements. Big time. Unfortunately, many mindsets were not changed on th eblack side and white side. I honestly believe the damage of racism is psychologically deeply rooted. As a country we are plagued with it. Actually, it is mind boggling considering the efforts some white people have taken to eradicate their psyche damage. It does not help when some black folk do not adhere to the old commandment, 'Boy, don't you embarrass me or your family in public', it does not help when white people refuse to see blacks as equals, and it does not help in how mass media has portrayed people of color. We should be at a point where NO ONE was surprised when a black/white man became president of the United States. If we claim to be a progressive country we need to act as such in deed and thought. But, we fail at this because it is easier to be divided. I do believe it has to start with white people and this white powered system: a genuine acknowledgement of wrong and how the wrong has given you (white people) advantages/power - and David, the white structure has to find a way to erase their race polluted thinking. Again, some black people actually hinder the advancement with their typically described foolish behavior. You best believe I believe the black folk who live a cross from me are staining the black image. In my mind, they are pathetic Negroes acting without home training. As a result, the Indian men and women are thinking, 'blacks are just fools.' Is that fair, no! But, black people should have a responsibility to represent black culture with decency. My mother ENFORCED this with me and my siblings. We honored blacks via our behavior in the presence of ALL types of people.
-Muata
Reader Response:
The sad part.....We try and try, but there will always be racism in America.
-SP
Muata responds to SP:
We need to stop trying...
-Muata
Reader Response:
A-DAMN-MAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Again I say, AMEN!!! I agree so deeply that I almost want to cry. We will NEVER convince ANYBODY of our worthiness to be respected. WE SHOULD JUST BE and let the world do what they do. NO DIALOGUE!! None!!
-JA
Reader Response:
You're missing the point. The reason there is a push for more talk is because it's next to impossible to be working and building the Black community, if the Black community can be distracted through talking. ;-)
You are right in your calculations that there is nothing to talk about. You know that, I know that and some others do too, but the more susceptible members of our community don't or see it as a gateway to quelling racial relations. What they do not understand is that doing so is NOT our job or responsibility. We did not start the Great Racial Divide; it ain't our job to talk it over.
-NAY
Reader Response:
I agree with you 1000%. White folks need to work out their own shit. It's their problem, not mine.
-F
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