In this era of mass communication via social media, skype, facetime, texting, email and other forms of online communication and technology people have immediate access to personal, local, national and international news. Far too often we are shown images and videos of assaults, violent attacks and police brutality. Without question Black on Black crime must be mentioned, acknowledged and addressed. However, the focus of this blog post is on those nationally known incidents that were unquestionably racially targeted by Whites against Blacks; and in many cases by White police officers. The RECENT incidents have been many including: Travyon Martin, Sanford, Florida; Eric Garner, Staten Island New York; Michael Brown, Ferguson; Missouri, Tamir Rice, Cleveland, Ohio; Sandra Bland, Waller County, Texas; and the female student assaulted by the school officer in South Carolina....and the list goes on and on...
These modern day "lynchings" are reminiscent of a sad, painful and horrific time in our past as Blacks in America- when lynchings were the unofficial law of the land in some areas. In the majority of cases then and now the White perpetrator walks free. Today is a reminder that as much as things change they have unfortunately remained the same! In 2015 we may have a Black president, many educated and professional Blacks in high positions, and Black multi-millionaire athletes and entertainers. Yet, the masses of Black people are still struggling for their daily survival during this recession or borderline depression.
These vicious incidents that are shown repeatedly on the news and online permeate our mind and psyche and linger in our subconscious mind. As an educator I am concerned about the damage these incidents and images are having on our minds. Black boys and men and NOW Black girls and women know they are targets, and many live in fear. We pray that it won't happen to us, our families, loved ones and people in our sphere. We grieve with parents who bury their loved ones, weep for the racial injustices that permeate our country, and anger over the vicious assaults. We now recognize the risk in the US of DWB-Driving While Black, SWB-Sitting While Black and in reality LWB-Living While Black. In an effort to understand the collective experiences of diverse views - I ask you my readers to respond to one question:
What impact does race have on your daily life?
it's like a silent killer, not spoken but heard loudly, not shown but visible every where. Its embedded in life in America. When I shop, walk, ride or just standing still, race matters long after my last breath
ReplyDeleteRace, as a social concept, is a group of people who share similar and distinct physical characteris
ReplyDeleteIn the United States, federal government policy promotes the use of racially categorized data
Race is much more than a word that means something special to African Americans, it is a key word in the narrative Of American History. A book end of sorts to the dominant culture, those who carry the backpack of unearned privilege proudly and unchallenged on their backs.
The word race divides communities, opportunities, and families, just as it divides dreams.
The word race is a dream killer for some. The 'some' of discrimination, inequality and the notion of being all you can be, the dream to thrive.
Race is the clearly drawn Mason Dixon line that elevate the haves and protects them from the have nots.
From the cultural biased IQ test of the 50's to the executions of young black males of today, the word race goes hand in hand with justifiable bad behavior, it has become a key phase in selling fear to America.
Sam - you so eloquently described how intricately race is woven into the very fiber of American life. One cannot separate race from American history - it is the "unspoken and usually un-admitted" " foundational principle this country was built on and still exists on. Sadly, it does divide communities, opportunities, families, dreams and lives. I firmly believe the key to healing is to first acknowledge, accept responsibility and then work in unison to address the wrongs and create more inclusive opportunities. Thank you for sharing your insights and thoughts. What are your thoughts on ways that this topic can be explored among various people in different settings and contexts?
DeleteIt's an umbrella that I'm holding over my head to protect myself from polluted rain, and when I hold it just the right way I can avoid the downpour and fight it. Sometimes I realize it's a mere shower and I don't need the umbrella. I can stand the sunshine the clear blue sky or sometimes cloudy sky. I know the unpredictable weather of mind manipulation and control can be dispelled by my commitment to victory over injustice and (ost)racism. Ubuntu always wins despite appearances.
ReplyDeleteNiamo, I think it was interesting how you described race as a metaphor of protection or shield from the pollution, mental manipulation and control. It is a blessing to have a conscious mind and a strong sense of self-worth that can keep one grounded while standing in the face of racism and not letting it overpower your attitude and thinking. I too believe in working towards freedom, justice and equality with a constant focus on positive thinking, commitment to productive action, vigilance, unity and perseverance. Thank you taking the time to share your insights and thoughts. What ideas do you have to further the dialogue about race on local, national and global levels?
DeleteWe should re-frame from describing ourselves in terms of race, we are a body of people.... Remember God is the only judge we have to consider, so prejudice people are inconsequential..they labeled you and i the black or dead...race..because they were so very sure that we would never over come slavery...they created the illusion of the race by robbing us of language causing us to have to hurry to learn a new language and way of living...a Masters degree after all that says ... I say who and what I am...she can change the program anytime she wants to...Peace love and elevation of spirit is all she needs...We are the body of God...We own the victory to hell with the race...
ReplyDeleteI was lifting on something recently Reacted on on something recently that in the united States we all want things life & our government to be better!!! At the end of the day we are all Americans and until we stop looking at each others color religion and whatever we will always remain the same!!! I am American your American she's American he's American matter what!!! We can go over seas and fight together but we can't live together at home!!! The way things are is the way our government wants it to be!!! divide and conquer Is the plan and it's been working for many years
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