I am a person who loves words. Always have. They are for me precious in their ability to communicate ideas. It is a way for me to observe a person's inner framing. For some, words are things they read into.
Oddly those most likely to read into instead what is written fail to realize they often give a glimpse into their inner being. I learned a long time ago to watch and listen. Folks have a way of giving themselves away. With their words. With what they read into other people's words.
I was once a consultant for ETS and the SAT as it was being reevaluated for racial and cultural bias. There was a time when an effort was being made to equalize the playing field between white and black students. Most of the disparities were a result of poverty. Up unto that point the black folk who made forward strides were exceptional by any measure. Leveling the playing field was about giving black folk who were not exceptional the same opportunity that unexceptional whites had. Apparently that's a no fair to some folk. I will personally be satisfied when mediocre black folks are as much a part of the landscape of the middle class as mediocre white folk. Racial equality requires this. I'm tired of racial minorities having to always be the talented tenth. It is clear to me this is not a requirement for white people. I do hope I am being clear. With my words.
I love the way words can sing and dance and make merry. I also have noticed from time to time the feeling of something sharp in my mouth, only to realize it is my tongue. With sharp words. Words intended to cut through the foolishness.
I have never shied away from words that are forthright. I make every attempt to say what I mean. Mean what I say. Perhaps this is the legacy of being a singular female in a family full of males. As I have said before, I speak fluent male. I do not seek approval the way many of my contemporary female friends were taught to do. I learned from the men in my world it was more important to seek respect. For a long time, this has been a male thing. Not so much anymore.
I readily admit that in the past I have clearly called someone a racist once I felt sure about it. Not often. Just when I was sure.
You cannot imagine my amusement when someone decides to use other words than the ones I select,put them in my mouth and tell me what I meant.
Usually those who do this have ish-shoes. I have no desire to play therapist or counselor to such folk. I have no interest in them. I do not think it my duty to make sure their delicate sensibilities are unwounded. It is certainly not my intention to disabuse anyone of ignorance that works for them enough to go unnoticed, unacknowledged and unchallenged. I just do not choose to waste my time pretending with idiots.
It might be different if I cared about the people who have a problem with me or what I write. I don't. We inhabit different universes and I am not interested in a trip to theirs.
See the thing is, there is a certain kind of white male who has a hard time with me.It tickles me to witness head explosions because I apparently do not appreciate their superior knowledge of what being black means to me. Methinks they prefer their black women a little sassy but not too much so. I may not be docile enough for them. Whatevah. I save my sweet words for the pillow and for those friends and family who do not approach me with bullshit.
I love words. Love it when they can be used to communicate with those of like minds. Where the conversation is sparkled by insights and intelligence. Where pictures are created and images perhaps undreamed of pop into mind. In my opinion, this is when mind matters.
There are not that many black folk who participate on DK. For the most part our words are ...lost. Ignored. Often refuted.
There are so many momentous events happening in the black community. These are indeed interesting times and those of us who care to speak about these times ought to have a safe place where we don't have to make folks feel okay about the conversations we are trying to have.
White folk have never been excluded from these conversations. With a few exceptions. White folk do not get to tell me what is or isn't racist. Having spent the better part of the last four hundred years defining and refining racism, they do not get to dismiss it because it does not fit the image they would like to hold about themselves and their role in a society built, nourished and flourished under the cruelty of institutionalized racism. It truly is not that kind of party 'round here.
Black folk might not need the drums to speak to each other. We have the internet. I for one plan on using it. By writing commentaries and publishing news articles that most folk might not have seen. This is where the partnership between Robinswing and Amazinggrace comes into play.
Amazing comes up with some real winners in this weeks news. No one does it better. She scours the internet and usually finds first hand sources that others later pick up. This week is no different.
The four part series about race in Cuba is worth a read and some real conversation.
I loved Van Jones OP-ED.
There are enough stories to foster intelligent dialogue for a week. Finanacial. International. Politics. Politicians. So much is happening. There will hopefully be folks in the threads discussing some of these articles for days on end. That's a good thing.
Amazing has a gift for finding stories that others do not. Let's talk about them.
As far as the other stuff is concerned, well...I have yet to claim that all criticism of President Obama is racist. Fact is, I've never read anyone else make that claim. I did not call anyone a racist last week. I did call someone an asshole. But not until I was sure about it.
Now run and tell that.
SistahSpeaks the News Amazinggrace News Editor.
We almost didn't include this one, but at the last minute I thought it might be of interest at how twisted folks can get it.
So disappointed Senator Webb
Love this.
Zimbabwe: Diamonds are a dictator's best friend
Media, Race and Obama’s First Year
The four part series on Race in Cuba.
Part One
Yes Virginia, there is racism in Cuba.
Politics and hypocrisy about race??? Who woulda thunk it?
Interviews
Gotta love that whites are the new blacks.
Invitation to Breitbart Is Another Sign That the GOP Is Lying About Race
Blacks missing out on a financial rebound
HomeNews News Obama to seize tax cash stolen from Africans
You tell 'em Van!