Watching this video actually made me emotional. I have personally experienced this. I’ve never had anyone come to my rescue. For those that haven’t experienced it, I really can not convey how horribly it feels to be seen and treated as a criminal for simply being black.
“History will have to record that the greatest tragedy of this period of social transition was not the strident clamor of the bad people, but the appalling silence of the good people.” ~Martin Luther King Jr
What I learned in school about Cleopatra:
Lived in Egypt. She was black-This one was interesting. I was in class when my teacher pulled down the map to point to Egypt. Truly…it never occurred to me that Egypt was in Africa. Why would it? Elizabeth Taylor was clearly not an African woman, right? I must have known but…I clearly never thought about it because I said, out loud “Egypt is in Africa?” There was not a laugh, other people joined in. They’d never thought about it either. The sad part, when I asked the teacher if Cleopatra was black, he said yes…but by the look on his face, he hadn’t given it much thought either. It was a “Yeeeees?” answer. Almost like he was asking a question. We could see the realization washing over him. It was amazing…sad but amazing. (I’m sure I was taught more than this but I really don’t remember much)
What I learned on my own:
Okay so…we’re all adults, right? I was going to pick one of the many amazing things about Cleopatra to highlight but I have to pick three. They are things you may or may not have heard of. I want to highlight them to say, she was a woman before her time in more ways that one. My personal favorite was the fact that she was a sex-positive feminist long before being a feminist was fashionable…and let’s face it, even some that call themselves feminists today aren’t the most sex positive people in the world.
These things are readily available pieces of information but I am not sure that any can truly be verified. None the less, I am going to chose three things to highlight here.
What I learned in school about Martin Luther King Jr:
He gave a speech about having a dream. He marched in Birmingham. He was peaceful. He was shot in Memphis. This quote: Something…something…something… “Not judged by the color of their skin but the content of their character.”
What I learned on my own:
Like my previous post, there is a lot to talk about on the topic of Martin Luther King Jr. Some good, some bad. Also like the previous post, there is something specific I would like to highlight.
It’s a part of the “I have a dream” speech.
It’s one that, in theory, we all know right? Except, I am sad to say, last year on Martin Luther King Jr Day, I listened to the entire speech. From beginning to end…for the first time. I am pretty ashamed of that. This important speech, I’d never listened to from beginning to end. How was that possible?
The interesting part was how much of it seemed relevant to today. Not just the racial issues but some of the comparisons and analogies he made in the speech. I’d like to highlight the part that actually gave me chills. The relevance is both eery and upsetting.
“In a sense, we’ve come to our nations capital to cash a check. When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of The Constitution and the Deceleration of Independence they were signing a promissary note to which every American was the full air. This note was a promise that all men, yes black men as well as white men would be guaranteed the unalienable right to life, liberty and pursuit of happiness. It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissary note in so far as her citizens of color are concerned. Instead of honoring this sacred obligation America has given the negro people a bad check. A check which has come back marked insufficient funds”
About this quote, I am just going to say this…If that don’t burn ya, then your wood is wet.
((The link provided will take you to a page showing the current relevance in this quote))
It’s officially Black History Month. Today, I am going to talk about what I learned in school. So this will be a light day…
What I learned in school about Harriet Tubman:
She was a slave. She escaped. She got a bunch of slaves to freedom. She used the Underground Railroad. In the books, she was always drawn to look like Aunt Jemima.
What I learned on my own:
There is a list of things to talk about where Harriet Tubman is concerned. I am actually going to save most of that for March 10th, Harriet Tubman Day. For now, I want to talk about one of the things I found interesting and inspirational.
Her entire life story is something I consider to be an inspiration. However, there was one piece of her story that was a complete shock to me. When you consider all that she did, all that she accomplished. When I found out that she had Narcolepsy, I was floored.
I couldn’t imagine the bravery it would take to help get over 300 (that we know of) slaves to freedom. I can’t imagine what that would have been like. To have to work around Narcolepsy on top of that, unimaginable.
Equally, I can’t express the amount of rage I felt when reading the cause of her Narcolepsy. She received a blow to the head by a two pound iron weight thrown at another slave when she was 15 years old.
I have no words.
What must it have been like to be a person who was already being hunted for who she was but to also have an ailment that could affect you at any moment of the day or night? An ailment that could literally get you and everyone you were trying to help, killed.
Harriet Tubman is an inspiration in every sense of the word. No matter your race, this is a life and a history we should all take a closer look at.
There is an awful lot of talk about the word racism. What it means, who has the correct definition. Who can or can not be a racist. Thus far, I haven’t found a better definition than this.
Still, I was curious about the word itself. I was pretty shocked by what I found.
The dictionary was not where the word was born. In fact, the word (at first) had nothing to do with our current ideas on racism. It was first found in a book called “The coming American Fascism” published in 1936. The second time, was also in a book. It was called “Racism” published in 1938 and this is what made the word popular.
The interesting part was the actual meaning of the word when it was created. It did stand for separation but not of ethnic race. Not at first anyway. It was about Religious race. It was made famous because the topic of the book was the study of sex. The word racism was being used to describe how (according to the book) Christians were more “Uptight and repressive” about sex. It was about sexual liberation. Then, the word racism was used to compare Socialists groups to other groups. Finally, it was used in ethnic races.
Even when talking about ethnic races, the word was not used as it is today. It was used as a negative to describe your enemy’s ideas. Even when your enemy’s ideas were about things other than race. It was eventually called “The useless word” because everyone was using it against anyone that didn’t agree with them.
Here’s the REALLY interesting part…”Racism” as we know it today came from the word “Racialism.” Why is this interesting? Well, it’s because the definition, the one in the dictionary today, was coined in 1907. NINETEEN HUNDRED AND SEVEN!
This is the definition racists use as proof that everyone can be racist? Really? No…REALLY? Can you think of a reason THIS particular definition at THAT particular time, might be fucking WRONG?
I’m just gonna leave this here for you to digest.
If you saw my previous post, you may have noticed a theme. Every other group get’s a “Heritage” month and black people get a “History” month.
You know, heritage as in, where you came from. Versus history as in, the past…sort of.
It’s hard not to see this and feel shafted. It’s hard not to feel like this is a little to deliberate.
((The only possible exception was the Filipino American Heritage Month. I found that listed as both heritage and history. However, from the limited information I found, it seems that the grass roots movement was listed as “History” and then once it was made official, it was named “Heritage.” Even if it was once referred to as “History” it gets an asterisk, don’t you think?))
I shouldn’t take this personally though right? I shouldn’t see it as black people purposely being left in the dark. I shouldn’t take this time to point out that the limited history we are taught has been written by white people (mostly men) and completely white washed, right?
…but then again, if not now, when?
So when you get asked “Where is White History Month” maybe you can ask, “Where is Black HERITAGE Month?”
This is for the moment you inevitably hear “What about White History Month?”
Black History Month-February
Irish Heritage Month-March
Greek-American Heritage Month-March
Arab-American Heritage Month-April (Was able to find very little info)
**Tartan (Scottish-American) Heritage Month-April**
Asian-Pacific Heritage Month-May
Jewish American Heritage Month-May
Caribbean American Heritage Month-June
French American Heritage Month-July
Latino (hispanic) Heritage Month-September 15-October 15
German American Heritage Month-September 15-October 15
Polish American Heritage Month-October
Italian American Heritage Month-October
Filipino American Heritage Month-October (Minimal information)
American Indian Heritage Month-November
((**I found “Tartan Heritage Month” listed as both a month and as a partial month. I have been unable to find a definite answer.**))
In preparation for tomorrow and the entire month of February, I will be dedicating today to the ongoing arguments many of us will be facing.
These are some things that have already been covered:
I saw a post a few days ago where someone said they were being told that they were not a racial justice advocate because they were dating a white person. I call bullshit.
I don’t know where this idea came from. I don’t know who thought anti-racism meant anti-white people. I understand why PoC might be hesitant to date white people. Even the best ally can sometimes have trouble relating to us. I get that. However, that has nothing to do with a person’s choice to date them anyway. A PoC dating a white person is not “Less of an advocate.” They are not a traitor. They are not doing anything wrong. This is equally true for having white friends. If you are being told that you are somehow not a good advocate for racial equality because you are dating/hanging out with a white person, ignore it and move on. You can also chose to fight and move on. Either way, that person is a dick and they are wrong.
I always want to be clear that I am not and can not speak for the entirety of a race, group or community. On this, I’m going to temporarily lift that ban. Date who you want. Hang out with who you want. You know if you are doing right by you and your community. That is your decision to make. No one can decide for you. Fuck ‘em if they try.
I wrote this post about also being an ally. It’s 100% true…but I had no idea I was an ally until I got a Tumblr account. I didn’t know there was a word for it. I didn’t know it was something to announce or proclaim. Then, I realized that the reason I didn’t know there was a name for it was because I was to busy being it.
I never had a reason to know what it was called.
Now with each passing day, I like the word less and less. It seems like people who say they are an ally or say things about “Ally cookies” are foes not friends.
I know there are exceptions. If I were asked, I would say “Yes, I am an ally to the LGBT community.” Thing is, no one has any reason to ask me that. I’ve never been asked because I am just IN the community. I am straight and I am not the “Girl with the gay guy best friend.” I have doubts about that girl. The girl that says that with “Quotes” around it. She is a foe. My best friend happens to be a gay guy but no one knows that unless they meet him and get into that discussion. People pretty much know where I stand because they hear my damn mouth, they see me fighting beside them and they knew my opinion before I walked in the door.
I am starting to believe that an ally is a person who fights but doesn’t wear the “Ally” badge of honor. Why do you need it anyway? Seeing it as a “Badge of honor” in the first place makes me question you. Why do you need a sign? Why don’t I know where you stand by your actions?
Here on Tumblr, when I read something amazing and think “This person get’s it” and then go to your page and see that you’ve stated your “Ally status” on your about me bar, I don’t immediately dismiss you. I DO look through your blog. I do, often times, more time than I’d like, have to roll my eyes and say “Okay, this is a foe.” This is a person who uses “Ally” as fashion.
To those that claim “Ally” because it’s fashionable, you are dangerous to our fight. Every good thing you say brings people in. Every bad thing you say, justifies the negative thoughts of those that aren’t sure. You are dangerous. You need to find something else to drape yourself over. Go get a hobby that isn’t related to the treatment of human beings. This is not for you. You don’t get it. Your ally status has been revoked.
If you are already standing in unison, you will never need to tell people where your feet are placed.
[Edit] That damn line about “I happen to have a gay guy as a best friend” sounded like shit. I call it on my damn self. Ya’ll knew what I meant and I’m not going to take it out but damn…I wrote that from a high perch, huh?
Ever been described as “Aggressive” when you feel like you’ve been going out of your way to keep your cool? Yes, it’s another tool of the racist.
This one took me years to figure out.
When I moved to the all white school, people (some that I didn’t even know) would walk up to me and say “I’m not scared of you.” This was the strangest thing in the world to me. I couldn’t understand it. At the time, I would always just say “Um…okaaaay?” Then just move on in complete confusion. Now I know why. It’s because “Black people are angry.”
Not only are we seen as angry aggressors, this idea is often encouraged in everyday life. The media, TV and movies play a huge role in continuing this myth. The myth (like many racist myths) is set up in a way to penalize us for reacting to the way we are being treated.
Ever called someone on being a racist and heard “You are overreacting?” Yes, that’s what it’s about. If you are seen as the angry aggressor, the overreactor and the antagonist at all times, they can never be wrong. It will always be your fault. You will always be the one “Who started it.” They have a way out.
The other problem with this myth is that it often opens the door for true aggression. White people are often overly aggressive towards black people. They seem to feel the need to “Put us in our place.” Any reaction from us will lead to a barrage of accusations of “Overreaction.” Then, they will be justified and we will be vilified.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, it’s a genius system.
There are things that white people talk about that few PoC talk about. “The Good Ole Days” is one of them. For you, the good ole days are when politics were clean, prices were cheap, family meant something and everybody was happy. For PoC, today is the best we can hope for and to be honest, today isn’t all that great.
You can dream about traveling back in time. Why the hell would I want to go back in time? If given the chance, which era would I pick? Go ahead, I’ll wait…
You see, you can say things like “I love the clothes of the 60’s, I wish I was alive then.” That is a real thing that some of you think about. That is a luxury. That is part of “White Privilege.” That is something that white people don’t have any reason to consider. It’s your normal everyday. Sure, you can find PoC that say things like that but they have to have a certain amount of tunnel vision to have that fantasy.
Not only is it something that you don’t have to consider, it is often something you blow off when a PoC points out why it would be a problem for them. This is also “White Privilege.” It doesn’t affect you. Therefore, it doesn’t concern you. You are able to belittle it. Make it “Not a big deal.”
The thing you should know is that the thing you are making “Not a big deal” is racism. Flat out racism. I understand why it’s not a big deal for you. Why are you CHOOSING not to understand why it is a problem for me?
Ever been in a racial discussion with a white person and had them say this to you? They say the N-Word because you just said it in the conversation. Yeah, that person is not your friend.
To say this word and not be a black person, is wrong. There is no exception. Not ever. None.
People know this. All of them. All races. All genders. All of them.
Yet, every once in a while you’ll hear one of your “Non-racist” white friends throw it out there. Not in that general “Well, black people say it so I should get to say it” kind of way. Not even in a racial slur kind of way. They say it in a way that they think they can get away with it. They say it in a way that (they think) you would be wrong to get upset over.
The racial discussion.
You say something like “Racism is more than someone calling me a nigger” and they then continually repeat that sentence in some form or fashion. This is a trick. That person is not your friend.
I know, you think I am being to cut and dry with this one, right? No, I’m not. Just as I believe everyone knows that it is not okay to say the word if you are not black, I also believe that those same people know that they can’t say it in ANY variation or ANY context.
They know. If they said it, they did it to see how you would react to it. If you say something against it, I would be willing to bet that their reply would be something along the lines of “Well, you just said it.”
THAT PERSON IS NOT YOUR FRIEND.
Finally, if you have any doubts about this, think of it this way, even if they are the kind of person that would suddenly think it’s okay to say (in this particular context) just because you just said it, then they are the kind of person that would CHOSE to deny the history of that word.
There is never any excuse. Not because you say it. Not because a rapper says it. Not because the conversation is about race.
No excuse. Not ever.
This is an actual post made by one of the hate fueled racists on Tumblr. I will not be linking to his blog directly because in addition to being a sick racist, he also gets a great amount of enjoyment from the attention he get’s from sending hate messages to bloggers. I was introduced to him several times over a single day. He made hateful replies to me as well as an entire post directed at me. While also sending hate messages to other people I follow who post on the same topics. He seemed to be everywhere that day. Filled with hate. Calling THEM racist and ending his message with “I hate black people.” Adorable, huh? Anyway, I wanted to post this so that you could see the mind of a racist. The reasoning is so convoluted. It was almost astounding to see such stupidity all in one location. All of the bold words are mine.
Calling stereotypes racism is the same thing as “Anti-Cultural-Appropriation” Because a lot of the time, people who attack “cultural appropriators” are attacking people who dress up and use ideas from others, sometimes as costumes that are made from stereotypes.
But here’s the thing. If you are so strong with your nationalism (that’s what it’s really called, where your pride is in your nationality), then why do you want integration? Why do you want to allow immigration, if you don’t want cultures to blend. Why do you want interracial marriages, if you don’t want people to adopt cultures they might not understand or use in the correct context? Why are you social justice advocates against segregation? I mean honestly, if you’re so against the adoption and blending of culture, surely you’d be against the blending of different races, right?
Let’s get the facts straight: Social Justice nationalists are actually straight up racists. Nationalism, which is what they’re trying to fall under, is a form of racism that stems from pride in a homeland and culture against anyone not like them. Whether it’s justified (for example, Haiti’s revolt in 1791-1804) is a toss up. And I actually think nationalism is way easier to justify than straight racism (which is what perpetuates from Social Justice Advocates of tumblr).
Things covered in this post:
I love the line “Let’s get the facts straight: Social Justice nationalists are actually straight up racists.” You know…FACTS and stuff?
With the first line we find out that stereotypes are not racist. Then, to be “Anti-Cultural Appropriation IS racist. Then, (somehow?) If you are against stereotypes and/or Cultural Appropriation you are anti-integration? ‘Cause ya know, they are the same and stuff. Followed by, strong “Nationalism” meaning you should be anti-immigrant and anti-race mixing. Then just a flat out question of “Why are you social justice advocates against segregation?” WOW! Next we find out that being against the stealing of…no, I’m sorry the “Adoption and blending of culture” you must be against “Blending of different races.” There’s no difference there, aye? Finally, pride in yourself is a racist act and to tell someone that their use of your heritage as a fashion statement is offensive makes YOU racist, not them.
Ladies and Gentleman, Boys and girls…Welcome to the mind of a racist!
THIS is the illogical reasoning line of bullshit we have to deal with EVERY SINGLE DAY.
One of the greatest dismissive tools white people use is the “Yes but No.” You’ve heard it a million times. “I’m not saying that racism isn’t bad, I’m just saying that all people are a little bit racist.” or my favorite, “Yes, racism is terrible. I experienced it when I was in school myself.” There are many variations of this same line of bullshit.
You know that game where you have three cups and someone puts a little ball under one cup and then moves the cup around? Then, you have to try to find the ball.
The “Yes but no” is the white verbal version of that game.
It is a genius move. I mean, if it wasn’t so infuriating, I would be impressed by it. I’ll use the “Yes, racism is horrible. I experienced it in school myself” as an example.
With this simple line, so much is being accomplished. The conversation is derailed, the conversation moves from your current ongoing pain to their “This one time” pain, they get to play victim, they get to belittle your current pain, they get to talk about themselves, they get to make YOU talk about them, they get to mask it as a “Shared experience” while simultaneously making your experience less important and they get to be angry when you try to refocus the conversation. Therefore, making them the victim again.
Admit it, this is an amazing tool. Especially since it is damn near impossible to not veer off into their conversation. Even if you stop them to say “Stay on topic” or “We can talk about that after we finish this” that comment will often be met with anger and again, they get to be a victim. Which surprise, will AGAIN bring the conversation back to them.
Finding that “Ball” of a conversation you started with can be the most difficult thing in the world. I’ll say it again, it’s fucking genius. Still, racists never seem to see any racism in making it about them.
Today's lesson, Racism. If you see something written here that you’ve said or done, use it as an opportunity. Take it as a wake up call and make the decision to grow, change and be conscious of your own privilege. Remember, I am not a speaker for the entirety of a people.
