Lately I have been seeing some diaries where canvassers are faced with openly hostile people. I know its scary. Remember its scary for those who realize that Barack Obama may become the next President.
I believe Obama is scary to them because he knocks down every preconception they have about people who are different from them. I also believe some of it may be generational and regional too. Many grew up in era where racial inequality was the norm. Some have never seen or have been exposed to people who are different. Their only experience may be through the lens of our traditional media. And we all know how they represent and re-enforce stereotypes of people of color. Others have lived in major cities where racial conflicts previously occurred. In my opinion Obama's success questions their thoughts and notions. He also is an acknowledgment that their thoughts of white superiority are antiquated.
As to my own experience like many in a minority group (that group includes homosexuals) I have been subjected to instances of type of -isms. So for some of us this is nothing new. To be honest after witnessing some of the video and reading some of the experiences of folks on the campaign trail it’s caused me to hate these people. I even said it myself. But last night I think I had an epiphany. I guess I woke up and found my strong dislike for them consuming me. I just thought you know what, some of these folks just do not know any better. They are scared to death... Today I feel a lot better now because I know I am working for a better future for all of our children.
But for many of you who are not a member of a minority group this is a whole new experience. You guys are going in to some hostile places to the point where your property has been damaged or stolen. Some of you have faced insults and resentment. These are some places where I know people who look like me are not welcomed. I have a very new found respect for you. I want to say thank you sisters and brothers. I urge you to remain strong and keep your head up.
I would ask you to take the lessons of civil disobedience from the greats like Gandhi, MLK and other groups. Learn their methods and use them. They work. If they didn't many women and men would not have the rights we have today. Here are a few tips from Act up when they practice civil disobedience. These days voter registration or any GOTV is an act of civil disobedience.
- Your objectives must be reasonable. You must believe you are fair and you must be able to communicate this to your opponent.
- Maintain as much eye contact as possible.
- Seek to befriend your opponent's better nature; even the most brutal and brutalized among us have some spark of decency which the nonviolent defender can reach.
- Get your opponent talking and listen to what s/he says. Encourage him/her to talk about what s/he believes, wishes, fears. Don't argue but at the same time don't give the impression you agree with assertions that are cruel or immoral. The listening is more important than what you say- keep the talk going and keep it calm.
Act Up
"Love thy enemy"
When things get nasty reflect on the positive teachings that you learned in life and live them. Every great philosopher has said," Love thy enemy." This was taught not only by Christ, but by Buddha and Gandhi.
Do not hold what they say against them.. Remember these are people talking out of fear and ignorance. If you are dealing with a racist you must remember hatred of any people is a illness and treat them as so. So do not let their hatred infect or consume you.
"Turn the other cheek"
Again every great philosopher and religion has taught us to just let it go.. I cannot stress enough that out of every instance of ignorance the underlying factor is fear.. When you show good faith in your cause others cannot help but to notice. One thing I have learned in politics is to show respect for other people and their positions regardless of how wrong you think of their perspective. Always listen, repeat what they say back to them (it shows you are listening) and then present your point of view. Once you show respect for their positions they will listen to yours. Even if they fail to understand your perspective just agree to disagree. Remember these great sayings..
"Those who are insulted but do not insult others in revenge, who hear themselves reproached without replying, who perform good work out of the love of the Lord and rejoice in their sufferings... are "as the sun when he goeth forth in his might."
Judaism. Talmud, Yoma 23a
Respect yourself and others will respect you. Confucius (551 BC - 479 BC)
"The way to procure insults is to submit to them: a man meets with no more respect than he exacts."
William Hazlitt (1778 - 1830)
Remember what Gandhi said, "Conscience is the ripe fruit of strictest discipline."
Here is a lesson from the movie Gandhi on dealing with hostile people.
Again, I say thank you for your time and effort in getting Barack Obama elected. Btw, if you have any tips or experiences share them and tell us how you dealt with the situation. Thanks for reading and forgive the errors.. TN Gurl