tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6140237797344870282.comments2021-03-15T10:34:48.798-07:00Race 101 ProjectDr Helen Tinsleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01650218816328185916noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6140237797344870282.post-20806460516362743482021-03-15T10:34:48.798-07:002021-03-15T10:34:48.798-07:00For me, Black History Month is much like thanksgiv...For me, Black History Month is much like thanksgiving weekends. It's an opportunity to take advantage of time given to reflect on where we are now and empower one another to do more. I use thanksgiving as a comparative because the history of both are harmful. There is only one America so there ought to only be one true history. There was Black history week over 100 years ago that died out just as today's Black History month is fading out in schools. It is a slap in the faces of our ancestors, as if to say that our history lacks abundance to justify being taught throughout the year.Mahogany Pearlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09382093693974442454noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6140237797344870282.post-61398573384688897682016-09-13T12:38:07.284-07:002016-09-13T12:38:07.284-07:00The concept of race is so deep rooted in the very ...The concept of race is so deep rooted in the very fabric of the United States. Until history is presented in a historically accurate, truthful manner through the eyes of all people these beliefs and denials surrounding White privilege will continue to fester. I think it is healthy to have respectful, yet open and brutally honest conversations about race, culture, privilege, discrimination, multiculturalism, language and what it all really means with diverse groups of people. We all have a story and can learn and grow from the dialogue with others. I agree with the onion example - the layers have been added over many years and generations and it takes work to get to our core...underneath, we all bleed red blood, all have the same basic needs for food, clothing, shelter, connection, etc... Glad we can and are having this conversation...Dr Helen Tinsleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01650218816328185916noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6140237797344870282.post-90606528978733816032016-09-13T12:30:50.787-07:002016-09-13T12:30:50.787-07:00My dear Vicki - Your post spoke so eloquently of t...My dear Vicki - Your post spoke so eloquently of the innocence of children! Children are naturally innocent, caring and accepting of everyone, it is what they are exposed to and/or taught (intentionally, through observation, and by virtue of the media) that changes their mindset and breeds mean-spirited behavior, biased thinking and racist practices. Thank God your parents allowed you to have a close and loving relationship with Rosa, which has touched you for a lifetime. Far too many White children were and are still raised by Black women and taught to disrespect and devalue them. <br />(Historically, Black enslaved women were wet nurses to White children and when those children grew up they denigrated the woman who nursed them). I could never figure out why White slave owners who had no respect or value for these Black women chose them to nurse their children). What a ridiculous situation.<br /><br />Your story is a great example of how just hearing a derogatory word on a powerful medium (television) resorted to you as a child, making the connection to another Black person and your innocent use of that word. It is a blessing that your father not only corrected you in the use of that work, but he also taught you how ugly and hurtful that word is. He further demonstrated support for Back people by the scenario in the restaurant. That took courage and the realization that he too could be targeted for supporting and helping a Black family. There is so much work to be done - and it all begins with love, care and respect for all of humanity. Thanks for sharing...Dr Helen Tinsleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01650218816328185916noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6140237797344870282.post-18843910897851997172016-08-21T14:22:39.999-07:002016-08-21T14:22:39.999-07:00After we moved to North Alabama I began to grow up...After we moved to North Alabama I began to grow up a bit and integration was just starting and I learned about racism. My dad's office was smoke bombed and a cross burned in front of it because he decided to serve both black and whites children (he was a pediatrician) on the same day out of the same waiting room, which was not an acceptable custom in that town. He kept doing it anyway. At a city council meeting, he and my mother were accused of being the k- who were inciting the n- to think they were equal. I later learned that one of my aunts used some connections she had with Lady Bird Johnson to get FBI agents assigned to protect them for a while. (Another long story)<br />In school PE, being Jewish, they put me on the sports teams with all the black girls. We won just about everything and the local girls would call me n-lover and threaten to beat me up after school. My team mates would tell me to go home the other way and they would take care of it. <br />I spent a lot of Friday and Saturday nights in high school at friend's houses in the projects and we had fun and danced and laughed and ate good food. They thought it was funny that a white girl could actually move her hips and keep rhythm and would call friends over to see. <br />My first crush was a classmate from the projects. We wanted to go on a date but my dad cautioned us against it saying it would be very dangerous for the young man. He did not refuse us but asked us to think long and hard about taking on the repercussions of our actions. We decided to just meet quietly at study hall and pass notes. <br />I clearly remember going home one day and seeing a car with classmates in it that had a rebel flag in the window and it suddenly hitting me that racists raise racist children and it wouldn't be ending in this generation. I was crushed by that realization. There are so many more memories as my folks were very active in the civil rights movement on a local level and it almost got my mom killed. Even with all that I grew up with though, I would not be honest if I did not admit that I have been conditioned by our culture and our news to be obliviously privileged and at times to react in subtle ways with more stereotypical impulses of the inner conditionings of growing up white in the American South. It sometimes feel like taking off layers of an onion...there is always another layer underneath to get aware of. <br />Perhaps, because of how I grew up with Rosa, racists have always confused me. I find it hard to believe that people actually convince themselves of that crap. I have chosen, most of my adult life, to live in places where white culture is not the dominant culture. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02732922525368887975noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6140237797344870282.post-5439873709988397852016-08-21T14:22:29.318-07:002016-08-21T14:22:29.318-07:00Wow, lots of memories pile up when I think about t...Wow, lots of memories pile up when I think about the word race: Honestly, ...my first thought when I read "what do you think of the word race" was about sports...now that is white privilege in action right there and also evidence of how I was raised.<br />My mom had to stay a long time in the hospital when I was born due to injuries from a broken back and knees. When she came home, she was not allowed to pick me up for a long time I am told. My dad hired a woman to come in and take care of me during the day. She was deep brown and took care of me until I was 10. It was completely normal for me to have her in my life and I didn't know about racism, even though we lived in the South. Sometimes her husband would come by to pick her up and sometimes her kids to play with us in the back yard while she was finishing up... I was a young child and had the veil of white privilege in the South. I was protected from the ugliness of racism. I knew about her love and I loved her. <br />We moved when I was 10 and I didn't understand the concept of moving until we pulled out of the driveway and she remained standing in it. I tried to climb out of the car window to get to her, screaming her name all the way to Jackson Mississippi, where we slept for the night. Even today I cry as I write this at the loss of Rosa from my life.<br />One night, in about 1965 I was watching the news and it showed African Americans marching. The newscaster actually said "The n-'s are protesting in Alabama..." I had never heard that word and did not know of it's prejudicial meaning. That night, we were all watching <br />TV together and Nat King Cole was on the Ed Sullivan Show. I wanted to use my new word so I said, "Look, It's a n-!" The hair on the back of my neck stood up as I heard the tone in my father's voice as he said "Vicki Lynn, come here." I knew something was very wrong as I walked across the room. He very seriously explained to me that word was one of the uglies words in the language and I was never, under any circumstances to use that word again to describe anyone. I promised him I would not and have kept that promise. I don't even feel comfortable using the phrase "the n word" or writing ''n-'' here because it makes us say that word in our minds and it is repugnant.<br />About that same time, we went to a po-boy restaurant one night and there was a great deal of tension in the restaurant. I didn't know why, but I did notice that it was the first time I noticed an African American family in a restaurant. They were sitting to one side and everyone else was sitting on the other. My dad, of course, steered us over to right beside them. There was no food on their table and the servers were ignoring them. My dad ordered two of everything we ordered and when the food arrived he instructed the server to bring half of it over to the other family. She did so reluctantly, but did so. He explained to our curiosity that they were his guests and had been waiting for us there. I guess he was trying to protect us from the idea of racism.<br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02732922525368887975noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6140237797344870282.post-20858818343936735532016-04-28T14:05:22.568-07:002016-04-28T14:05:22.568-07:00I was lifting on something recently Reacted on on ...I 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 yearsAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12635612955155295571noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6140237797344870282.post-34245619330902954532016-01-27T18:34:54.215-08:002016-01-27T18:34:54.215-08:00Once I found out about black Wall StreetIt actuall...Once I found out about black Wall StreetIt actually gave me New hope!!! And there are more than enough Wealthy black people in this countryTo make this happen Damn near overnight!!! The problems we are having in Chicago With a black children's education Oprah Winfrey Could afford to clean that mess up all by herself!!! She built a beautiful school in Africa Kudos to you Oprah!!! You are based out of Chicago!!! And it is to my understanding That you have invested money in to privatize prisons in this country Knowing that they're designed To destroy the black race!!! It's your money you spend it however you like One day you will stand before God in judgement If I was you I would pray that I don't have jury duty on that day!!! Thousands of extremely wealthy black people And shit can't get it done Y'ALL need to set it off The same way I was in Oklahoma Many years ago We could have it that same way bigger and better If All y'all put your money together and sell off You could make your investment back in no time oh well We are at the end of another day A day wastedAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12635612955155295571noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6140237797344870282.post-52615132814568916462016-01-27T16:31:52.548-08:002016-01-27T16:31:52.548-08:00Sam, I thought I responded to this post before - p...Sam, I thought I responded to this post before - please forgive me my brother! You are so right - the topic of race is ingrained in our daily lives (whether we want it to be or not). I always tell folks race is at the forefront of who I am as a woman. When my parents found out they were having a child (me) they didn't know if I would be a boy or a girl, but they knew I would be Black - so I am first Black, secondly a Woman...and so forth! The construct of race is as American as apple pie. Dr Helen Tinsleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01650218816328185916noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6140237797344870282.post-51458590814890499122016-01-27T16:28:01.497-08:002016-01-27T16:28:01.497-08:00Charles, I also pray for change and I am optimisti...Charles, I also pray for change and I am optimistic that some things will change. Black people have historically endured so much abuse throughout the world - and are still subjected to inferior education, brainwashing, mental enslavement, major injustices, White supremacy, mass incarceration, etc. Yet, we are still here rooted in faith, standing on the shoulders of our ancestors, praying and believing in a better day! Dr Helen Tinsleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01650218816328185916noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6140237797344870282.post-30702929545832851992016-01-27T16:24:05.748-08:002016-01-27T16:24:05.748-08:00Karen - thanks for your feedback. I agree that Rac...Karen - thanks for your feedback. I agree that Race plays a major role throughout the world in how people are viewed and treated. However, sadly there is far too much bias and prejudice based on race in the world.Dr Helen Tinsleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01650218816328185916noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6140237797344870282.post-23806450752739940902016-01-27T16:08:21.778-08:002016-01-27T16:08:21.778-08:00I pray for change on a regular basis!!! I also pra...I pray for change on a regular basis!!! I also pray that my people will wake up And see how we are destroying Our children Our future Our country Our world!!! I am more than sure That what we have become has Disappointed our ancestors!!! I love all people As my god tells me to do But I have more love for black people Yes first because I am Black And secondly for what we have had to endure From the moment we were enslaved and forced to come here!!! From my knowledge of history I can't recall Any race of people Who had to endure The things that we have endured From the first person loaded onto a slave shipTo the men women and children who were separated from their families in Africa To the families that were separated on the auction block Once we got here To my ancestors who were lynched and beaten half to death for looking at a white person in the eyes To the young female girls who were raped by their slave <br />owners To the babies that were born and taken from their mothers at birth To be sold into slavery Two blacks in the 21st century Who are still being used as slaves in prisonsAnd also being killed Senselessly <br />in the streets In the United States of America!!! GOD HELP US!!! Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12635612955155295571noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6140237797344870282.post-65244190571579735262015-11-24T10:52:16.655-08:002015-11-24T10:52:16.655-08:00We should re-frame from describing ourselves in te...We 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...<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6140237797344870282.post-16049847815303328792015-11-16T17:50:32.296-08:002015-11-16T17:50:32.296-08:00When I hear the word race i think of minority vs. ...When I hear the word race i think of minority vs. the others....the minority being me and the others being the people of Caucasoid lineage. I think race affects how one is treated or mistreated, how one is served in a restaurant, how one is allowed into a venue, how one is followed or not followed in a department store or boutique,....etc. To think that the world is not separated by race is ludicrous....Race will always be a deciding factor on how someone is treated in society.Karenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11384652576700827344noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6140237797344870282.post-39049021327122260112015-11-11T21:33:23.362-08:002015-11-11T21:33:23.362-08:00Sam - you so eloquently described how intricately ...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?<br />Dr Helen Tinsleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01650218816328185916noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6140237797344870282.post-24467196873188175962015-11-11T21:31:29.653-08:002015-11-11T21:31:29.653-08:00Niamo, I think it was interesting how you describe...Niamo, 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?Dr Helen Tinsleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01650218816328185916noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6140237797344870282.post-6065791182309692462015-11-08T10:42:36.213-08:002015-11-08T10:42:36.213-08:00It's an umbrella that I'm holding over my ...It'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. Niamohttp://9principlesbooks.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6140237797344870282.post-9284603147337442112015-11-06T11:36:26.890-08:002015-11-06T11:36:26.890-08:00Race, as a social concept, is a group of people wh...Race, as a social concept, is a group of people who share similar and distinct physical characteris<br /><br />In the United States, federal government policy promotes the use of racially categorized data <br /><br />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. <br /><br />The word race divides communities, opportunities, and families, just as it divides dreams.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Race is the clearly drawn Mason Dixon line that elevate the haves and protects them from the have nots. <br /><br />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. SamLeeTVhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04226926356477668254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6140237797344870282.post-49690268027112769122015-11-04T13:11:20.549-08:002015-11-04T13:11:20.549-08:00it's like a silent killer, not spoken but hear...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 breathSamLeeTVhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04226926356477668254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6140237797344870282.post-44933816424055561752015-01-06T13:38:31.786-08:002015-01-06T13:38:31.786-08:00When I hear the word race in my daily walk it real...When I hear the word race in my daily walk it really does not effect how i navigate, but when I think, really think about the word race I think of unearned white male privilege, think about the dominate culture, think about the privatization of the prison complex, think about being a member of 2nd class classification, so I try not to think about Race.<br /><br />It is important that we all think about race, even white people who are never affected by the Race word in their travels<br /><br />It has been a key word in the battle cry of our elders, those who fought hard and long for racial equality, if there is such a touchable destination.<br /><br />I grew up in an NAACP house, went to the March on Washington when I was 13, not understand the importance of the event, in 1958 was part of a IQ test case wrap around intelligence controversy, proving the test was cultural bias. Growing up in Red Hook Projects, Brooklyn, I only saw white people when I went to school. After moving to Brownsville when I was 14, I was part of population of students that was bussed to an all white HS, James Madison. So when I think about race it is a dark and stark place where I grew up.<br /><br />Coming up in the age of aquarius, Hippie anti-vietnam era, I saw a change in how white people dealt with the race disparities, The very public killing of Martin and Malcolm showed all how dangerous the word Race is. It even got John and Robert killed. You know it dangerous when it gets white people killed. So yeah I try not to think about the word race, of course that is an impossible space for a black man in America. <br /><br />So I applauded you Helen for keeping me thinking about race. I have years of narratives on the topic, I will return to you blog soon.SamLeeTVhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04226926356477668254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6140237797344870282.post-20017252603396372332015-01-05T22:12:18.963-08:002015-01-05T22:12:18.963-08:00AMEN TO THAT!!! AMEN TO THAT!!! Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12635612955155295571noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6140237797344870282.post-58495251678911284662015-01-05T20:24:08.804-08:002015-01-05T20:24:08.804-08:00Nicole, I agree racially and culturally in some re...Nicole, I agree racially and culturally in some respects we have made progress, but we have a long way to go. Today resegregation is occurring in schools all over the US; and Black and Hispanic students are more and more isolated in low-income, racially segregated schools. In all major cities of America the rates of segregation are close to what they were in the early 60’s. I firmly believe until everyone can experience the same freedom, justice, and equality than none of us are truly free. In terms of the link you posted, it is an absolute shame! I see links and posts of police brutality and race-targeted crimes daily. (In fact, my family and I have experienced it more times than I care to remember). People nationwide/worldwide are tired of the blatant disparity and racist treatment, and banning together to express their outrage in a variety of ways. I think a major movement is emerging that will demand - not suggest - but demand a wide-sweeping, revolutionary change of the "system" in this country. I don't think it will come easy and I anticipate there will be a heavy price to pay. Frederick Douglas said, "If there is no struggle there is no progress" and Power concedes nothing without a demand, it never did and it never will."Dr Helen Tinsleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01650218816328185916noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6140237797344870282.post-75467519810717919612015-01-05T17:15:10.571-08:002015-01-05T17:15:10.571-08:00http://sfist.com/2015/01/04/man_beaten_by_plainclo...http://sfist.com/2015/01/04/man_beaten_by_plainclothes_sfpd_for.phpNicolehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07997499143748326299noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6140237797344870282.post-81440969462174819552015-01-05T17:14:44.614-08:002015-01-05T17:14:44.614-08:00Culturally I feel we have come far, yet still rema...Culturally I feel we have come far, yet still remains a problem of divide and conquer. Minds Nicolehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07997499143748326299noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6140237797344870282.post-92200938884704326952014-12-26T16:21:38.457-08:002014-12-26T16:21:38.457-08:00I think a new world order ordained by God is emerg...I think a new world order ordained by God is emerging! Dr Helen Tinsleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01650218816328185916noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6140237797344870282.post-8092932485760530642014-12-26T11:19:43.151-08:002014-12-26T11:19:43.151-08:00yes a new world order!!! my question ordered by wh...yes a new world order!!! my question ordered by who??? and my sincere apology they were many great women in the struggle and they're still out today what can I leave you ladies out had it not been for you ladies I will not be here!!! LOL Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12635612955155295571noreply@blogger.com