As I was making a comment in a diary earlier today, the comment was so long, I decided to use it as a starter to writing my very first DK diary. For me, this last election has had a very significant impact. More than I expected. I have been lurking at DK for over 12 years and was finally compelled to contribute my thoughts. Be gentle please.
As a youngster growing up in the South during the sixties, there was always a ‘tradition' concerning the roles and behavior of whites, regardless of their economic status in society. There were those jobs where one would never/rarely expect to see whites employed: garbage collectors, cooks, janitors, street cleaners, maids, grave diggers, farm laborers (unless they were the owners), and hard labor. Blacks did this work, were expected to stay in “their place”, and certainly not even “think” it was possible to get or pursue anything better. It was our lot in life. However, due to segregation, black school teachers, preachers, librarians, school principals and military soldiers were also among the members of our communities. I do not remember black police in my community though until I was much older. In most cases, the salaries for these type of jobs were much lower and access to power for blacks was almost non-existent.
Whites, on the other hand, had in most cases, “good” jobs available. In some cases for jobs , a friend that knew a friend could vouch for someone if needed (still today). Even semi-skilled jobs rarely had black representation. Generally, the income for most whites was sufficient for a good or adequate lifestyle. Of course, there were exceptions to this rule, but not many.
Social norms were meant to be upheld. Not much talking to people of the other race, particularly related to forming friendly alliances or aiding someone. I remember after our schools were integrated, I would interact with my white classmates during class time, on projects, just general light discussion at school. But if I saw any of them downtown on the weekend, they would pretend they did not see or know me—not even speak or just turned away. I think all of us had to go through some serious mental gymnastics to get through that! This was supposed to be the way it should be.
This tradition, in my opinion, made whites feel secure in their condition, validated their perceived superiority and our perceived inferiority. Even if it was something they did not say aloud or even in their own minds. It was just there. It was natural. It was theirs. All the folks that pulled the strings looked and behaved just like them. Everyone likes being on the number one team. The sixties was not that long ago.
I bring this up because it seems to me one of the reasons why some white people vote against their own interests as described in one of today’s diaries (at least some of the southern ones) is this tradition: this “white is right” , “large and in-charge”, “we’re number one”, “that’s the way it is” phenomena is fear and belief. Fear of change in social strata. Belief that I am the same as you, rich person, and I will one day be even more like you. It is in my heritage. It is as old as time: powerful interests have always pitted the less powerful against one another. Some folks recognize it as the myth it is, others refuse to do so. This belief is an intoxicating, powerful mental elixir, especially for those who want to remain willfully ignorant.
But, today, things are changing and the boss is not always white and male. Sometimes the boss may be gay and female. Sometimes there is no friend to talk to that can vouch for a job and it is scary, unsettling. Or those special tickets to the important game are no longer available every year like in the past. Sometimes the spelling bee winner is not white. Nor the valedictorian. What’s happening? It is interesting. I recall overhearing one of my co-worker Trump supporters recently commenting, “I am sorry, but by mama voted Republican, my ‘deddy’ AND my ‘grandeddy’ voted Republican”. Sad. There seems to be no connection with how the country has evolved: no child labor, 40-hour work week standard, unions (unions are still hated), global economy, laws against sweatshops and unsafe workplaces, diversity, etc. and getting through this evolution has cost the lives of many people and has benefit so many others—including them.
I am older and have been thinking more about my remaining years, my future, and that of my adult children. I was feeling good and excited about the possibility of Clinton leading us to a new place: an adventure in sustainability, new and interesting relationships with other countries, medical breakthroughs for chronic illnesses, a new paradigm in education and work, to name a few. I have a new mindset in that I do not want to lick my wounds for 4 years. As a former political junkie, I have decided to do some pragmatic things as a result of this election.
1. As of today, I will be canceling my tv satellite service. Have not looked at anything political since the election. I have Netflix, and Roku or Hulu may be an additional option. Still researching which is better: Roku or Hulu. I do not have a smart tv (don’t want one). It has come to my attention that my time management is much better now—not looking at Chris, Rachel, and Lawrence every night. Getting more things done. Will search for resources on the web for news sources and continue to read DailyKos and Media Matters. I am one of what could be many that will not give my hard-earned money for untruth, getting nothing in return. Hit their (media) pocketbooks.
2. Think Globally, Act Locally. In 2010 after the midterms, the first two programs I remember that received decreased funding/resources were Meals on Wheels and a reduction in the length of unemployment pay--- cut almost in half for my state. Meals on Wheels has a component in their program where elderly individuals can have/receive visitors. As a child, I visited the elderly sick and enjoyed it very much. They were interesting and funny. I think doing this can be a catalyst for informing the citizenry about the elderly community and how they are faring. No need to talk politics (if I can resist) and just enjoy one another’s company. No telling what can be accomplished.
3. Because I am not an expert in a variety of areas, I will contribute my money to those organizations that are capable and effective as it concerns democracy and civil rights. They must be strong and committed. One organization that I plan to become a member/donate is Color of Change. As a result of my research, they meet these qualifications. I am already a member of the more traditional organizations.
4. I think a special website is needed. There may be one already. Someone who knows about developing sites in the DK community or those individuals that want to foster a democratic solution online could be the creators/authors (Just a suggestion). It will have one purpose or goal. After seeing what happened with the media and the recent election, a website that can explain things to common, everyday folks (for lack of a better description) should be developed. This is my suggestion.
There should be an exceptional marketing strategy. Can there be a site developed that is simple, very colorful/graphic , clear and concise regarding legislation that has been proposed, in the process of being voted on, and voting completed? Folks can see what the proposed law is, how that law impacts them and/or their area and how their congressperson voted. Outcomes of the vote should be explained — so precise, as my husband would say, “that a fool wouldn’t error”.
Again, it is important that the site be simple, not inundated with statistics (although there needs to be some). The language has to be compelling and thought-provoking; maybe a little emotional. As I understand it, successful written communication for Americans should be easy enough for an 8th grader to read and understand. There could be clever feedback/surveys solicited from the reader.
This can be a political education tool for those folks described as voting against their own interest. It would be a great resource for 2018 midterms. Maybe even voice/video talking about impact of certain legislation: Medicare, Medicaid, Repealing ACA, What is a living wage where you live? College Tuition, etc. Again, it should be easy to read and navigate. It should be different.
5. Recruit from the ranks of the young as we move forward. They are strong, resilient, and passionate. The older folks need to step back, mentor, engage, and support young people that are interested in running for office. I plan to speak with a few young people I know to consider running for office (School Board, City Council, PTA, etc.)
6. Lastly, approach my political framing from a moral standpoint. I think Rev. Barber of NC has been very successful adopting this approach. Especially from the Christian standpoint. How can anyone that purport to follow the teachings of Jesus and condone, whether overt or covert, the things we have seen and heard during this past election? It seems it was a very big mistake to accept the language and attitudes, as it opened a Pandora’s box. Since we voted for that person, no longer is it credible for some to take the high road with our children, no lecturing on bad behavior, no admonishing for not doing the right thing. I feel certain there are many children and young people now perplexed about that elected person and our role and participation in it.
For my white brothers and sisters, in my opinion, I think you will be the obvious ones to convince your family and friends like the ones described, to seriously consider voting for their interest in 2018. It has been my experience that people will not always tell you what is on their mind, particularly in a situation of perceived hostility. Sometimes people are listening/open without the need to acknowledge what is being said or explained to them. If we give them the information (the simple site, for one) and talk with them on a few occasions without exploding, there may be some progress. It will give them the opportunity to compare. You will have done your part. Because it will, in the coming near future, be very clear to them that greedy, self-centered people that happen to look like them were not in their best interest either.
We will not get everyone, but with persistence we can get some. There is no progress without struggle. It will not be easy. But it is worth it.
Peace.