I had hoped to stay out of this and remain silent. I can no longer do this. I have watched with some amusement as the managing editor of Black Kos has tried to build bridges with those who not only burned those bridges , but still have torches in hand.
Foolishness.
A few of us worked tirelessly to keep the space there free from attacks from those who would like to see our community dismantled. Interestingly enough the dismantling came from within.
This is both a historical and contemporary problem for people of color.
It can never be done without the assist of a few white folk who revel in the idea of reducing any influence black voices may have.
A clean slate? Since when???
One of my favorite quotes of Malcolm x goes along the lines of
"The white man in America may not be the devil, but he will do until the real thing comes along."
How does this apply to the current situation?
For one thing, the predominate voices telling people of color that we are too sensitive in matters of race is offensive beyond belief.
Time after time we are told to remain quiet while those folk for whom racism is a concept tell us what is or isn't racist.
For another, it seems that those same white folk are able to work the ref's in such a way that they are not to be held responsible for their fingers on the dial that turns up the heat.
For the record, Black Kos never went into anyone's diary and started flame wars. People came into our diaries. Boldly exerting white privilege at it's most brazen levels. This is the devil Malcolm referred to. The devil that appears to think that he can and ofter does get away with anything, anytime as long as the aimed for are black and or poor.
I ain't gonna stand for it, to quote Stevie. Not one bit.
If this site is about electing Democrats, alienating the black folk on this site is a sure fire winner since we make up the most consistent voting block in the Democratic Party. Without us, we get John McCain and Sarah Palin.
There are so few black folk on this site. I am beginning to think there is intention behind this.
I a going to speak up. Further, any one of the list of characters coming into this thread or any other with the usual will be asked once to leave. If they choose not to they will get donuts until I have run out of them.
Now, run and tell that.
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