Racism is Taught by the Stereotyped

Racist thinking is partially fed and cultivated by behaviors that are uniquely displayed by certain groups of people e.g. Blacks, Mexicans, Italians, and the other usual suspects that racist direct their frustration, anger and hatred towards...which encourages some people to suggest with trepidation: "certain groups" may need to behave more appropriately.


This implies that the groups of people mentioned - and certainly other groups including white Americans from Arkansas - are behaving in such a way that encourages the racist to formulate thoughts that are typically tagged as stereotypical.

When I was the blackest boy growing up on Small Street my grandmother told me, "You behave like you got some damn sense. Don't you embarrass the family." She would continue with, "Black people already got enough against them. We don't need you acting like the nigger that white people think you are. Don't make their case."

Over the years, I have tried to admirably play the part for my grandmother and black America. Tried to be a good boy. I have literally put forth an effort to be better than the 'thoughts' that swam/swim around in the head of some white folk. I did this for two reasons:

Because Grandma Frankie told me to and because I wanted to defy what was already imprinted in the minds of not only white people - but countless black people too. FYI, it was a BLACK man who told me, "you ain't gonna be shit." I was told that at church by a respected church member. And, after I had just won my first national track and field title.

Living up to grandma's standard did not jive with my mentality at times. I have regrettably on many occasions played the 'nigger part'. Therefore, I became what she deplored. And, unfortunately I indirectly encouraged racist thinking.

It is morally inappropriate for a person to be a racist. The feelings and beliefs associated with the title are destructive. They eat away at one's soul, and ultimately the conclusions formulated by the racist poison society. The affects of the toxicity are reflected in the past and present conditions of United States' race relations.

Consequently, I must disclose that I am familiar with the thinking of the racist. Most recently, there have been brief moments that alerted and alarmed me to my statements about a "certain group". I noticed that I was freely conveying via verbal commentary racist comments. I began to talk about this "certain group" like a group of racist white men would in the confines of their circle. I became a racist in those moments. Why was it so easy for me?
Because of the behavior projected and displayed by the "certain group".

Not that people of color should be singled out as if they are the sole misbehaviors. Perhaps, if some of us within the "certain groups" behaved differently we would not have to worry about what is being said and written about us by the white racist. Then we will be confident in knowing that the detrimental thinking of the racist was in fact formulated based on a deep seated hatred that has nothing to do with us - the Black Americans, Mexicans, and Italian Americans - acting unbecoming. Well, as long as there are Jersey Shore and Tiny & Toya reality shows the racist will have fuel for their fire.

Muata Nowe

Living Honestly with Muslims

Well over 80 percent of the men and women I share a 120 unit building with are devout Muslims. I wish I could say that I am pleased with the clientele around me. I wish I could disclose that I am respectful of the culture they exude via ethnic attire and mosque attendance. I am not. Actually, over the past few years I have been exposed to a pathetic representation of the people who practice Muhammad's religion.


Religion is an element of culture. It describes how one relates to The Creator. Religion helps us understand the magnitude of one's faith. And, we all know that faith is the driving force behind belief. These beliefs vary significantly. They can be all over the place casting a gigantic spectrum of thought. Within that intellectual matrix one can become extreme in their thought processes considering most recognized religions specifically Islam and Christianity in their purest forms are extremely violent, purposely confusing, and breeds a sickening dependency. This is how religion births extremism. The extremist is born within the complexity of religiosity.

But, how am I to know who is not egregious and who may be among the nonsensical Islamic fold at my address? They all look and behave the same to me. The men are short and the women appear to be sexually repressed. Most of the living domains I have entered are a mess, and even downright nasty. The property's green space and parking deck are often heavily speckled with litter leaving me to conclude that they have no respect for where they live. Ironically, their mosque landscape that sits across the street is immaculate. They all appear to cook and eat the same cuisine. The Tandoori aromas unfortunately make their way under my door. They lack pleasantry. Only a few greet me (the adherents of Hinduism), and some cringe when they pass me (the Muslims).

With this honest description in mind, should I believe that all Muslims from India are identical? Of course according to the political correctness cops, using the word 'all' implies a generalization and supports irresponsible stereotyping. But, I ask what should one do when he faces this conundrum? Should I insist that all Indian Muslims are not this trifling or should I assume this behavior is only uniquely displayed within this group of Muslims? I am literally stuck.

Confession:

I am not really stuck. I am secure in my thinking. These Muslims at my address in Decatur, Georgia are disgusting on so many levels. Now, if I repeat this on television/radio - or if this commentary finds it way to my employers, I wonder if they would terminate my employment.

National Public Radio should not have caved to liberal-minded pressure. They were wrong to fire Juan Williams for expressing himself. For saying what many of us have thought. He was hired by NPR to express himself…well, as long as if he did not offend Muslims.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAfGKVK8PyE&feature=aso

I guess I should not be concerned and/or nervous about the Muslim men below my French doors who are up at all times of the night and morning on their laptops chain smoking?

Like, Juan, I am being honest: I have serious concerns that these men may be planning a 9/11 style attack.

Guess I am wrong for that thought and even more wrong for voicing it...No one should be punished for honesty. No one!

Muata Nowe

Morehouse’s Homosexuality is not an Acceptable American Experience

http://www.vibe.com/content/mean-girls-morehouse

Someone is sitting back thinking, ‘Not again. Muata is bringing up homosexuality…again. Why? What is he hiding from us?’ Yes, I know this is a possible thought which in many ways solidifies my opinion:

Black people would rather irresponsibly accuse to deflect the real issues pertaining to homosexuality and avoid in an effort to cover up what is pervasive within our community.


We do the same with child molestation, unhealthiness (obesity), and sexual intercourse. We remain silent on these issues – but are glad to discuss The Real Housewives of Atlanta and the BET Hip Hop Awards Show. So ridiculously backwards and out of touch with what’s critical!


These discussions are paramount. They are needed without senseless emotion, Christian zealously and without taking sides. However, taking sides can spark new thoughts. Form new ideas and new opinions. Therefore, here is my taking a side position on the flamboyance of Morehouse’s most recent news making homosexuality saga.


The homosexual community has for years tried to no avail force their lifestyle onto/into a heterosexual nation. They have relentlessly attempted to be understood and accepted. Not that I like comparing the two – but the Black Experience in the United States is somewhat similar in that blacks simply want/wanted to be accepted.


The United States is a male dominated culture that has not been kind to females let alone gay men and women. Especially, gay men. With this understanding, not that I expect you to agree, I do not think it is logical for homosexuals to expect the concept of America to accept them and the life that they led. I also believe it is flawed thinking for gay men/women to expect systems/institutions e.g. an all male black school that has been in existence for years to accommodate an distracting outlandish lifestyle (cross dressing) and that without question is not accepted by the society at-large. Yes, certain areas such as Midtown Atlanta, Dupont Circle in DC, urban San Francisco, and The Village in New York are more diverse in thinking. But, we have to admit that these liberal pockets of major cities are unique and definitely progressive. The majority of the American landscape is neither. This is a conservative nation with so called conservative values.


So, why is there an expectation for Morehouse officials to extend patience and acceptance to men who dress like females? Morehouse is a historically black college for MEN, not men who want to be female or dress and carry-on like females.


This is my position. One that will probably get me tagged as a homophobe. Interesting…but nothing new. Not new and far from the truth. My actions have proven that I am not a hater of gays. I am the opposite. What actions?

When closed minded black men and women ridiculed me for befriending and maintaining a friendship with a big lip, big nose, and big head gay man I was steadfast in my heterosexual love for him as my friend and mentor. It did not matter that he was a homosexual preacher. What mattered to him was that he never wore a badge on his forehead declaring and demanding acceptance. He was comfortable with who he was within the confines of the American Experience.


Muata Nowe

Twittering with President Obama

President Obama's tweet from his town hall at George Washington University Tuesday night:


"The question is whether hope once again overcomes fear. The other side is trying to ride fear all the way to the ballot box on November 2."

My tweet back:

"How much hope r we expected 2 extend w-out gaining s-thing from our hope and faith? I am tired of waiting 4 change."

No response yet...

Not that I am some brave fella - but I find it absolutely pathetic that more black people are not holding the president accountable to his marketing pledge, Change We Can Believe In. Not that my tweet will make a difference; it will not be read by the aide that sent it. I just seized a moment to utilize my tweet account with substance, and not random bull shyt like: 'I am watching Undercovers.'

Roland Martin has challenged the president by asking the hard questions that - as a matter of fact - were not laced with 'what are you going to do for black people?' The questions included the major issues of today: exceedingly high nationwide unemployment, massive unethical home foreclosures, another year of Wall Street financial raises and bonuses, and other pervasive issues that Change is not affecting. Roland was also demonized as a result by black people who are simply and shallowly satisfied with having a black president.

What difference does that make anyway? The nations poor, and now middle class are struggling while the president flies around this country campaigning for the democrats (his backers and black people's political Gods) that cannot get anything done.

In his scripted campaign sermons he continues to blame President Bush. Sorry but that to me is a bytch move. Blame blame blame. I am sick and tired of hearing that from him. Each time I allow the pointing of the finger intestinal runs to swim around in my head I feel like puking. I am actually losing respect for him.

Earlier this week the Atlanta Braves lost a game due to repeated errors made by their second baseman. He had a horrible game full of mistakes. Guess what? His teammates have not blamed him for their demise. They moved on, and prepared for the next game...that they lost, by the way. My point, players do not place blame. They forget the day before, the season before. They address the now. The present without prefacing over and over the past.

Still waiting on my tweet response to be addressed. Well, I am not waiting. I have moved on! Perhaps, the White House should take my lead - and leave President Bush alone.

Muata Nowe