Last night it was late and I was reading through a thread about Dr. Wright's upcoming interview with Bill Moyers. We are on our way through another firestorm of controversy concerning race and race relations and some of the comments and sentiments concerning what Dr. Wright was trying to say became very critical and negative. So I took up my self-assigned role of cultural interpreter and began trying to explain and defend what Dr. Wright was saying in attempt to explain the role of a preacher vs that of a politician, and I found myself feeling very frustrated and tired of having to gingerly tiptoe around these incredibly shallow perspectives that even the most informed whites have about being Black in America, and dealing with the cards we have been dealt. Now this is no play for sympathy, but a further invitation to try to see this thing through someone else's eyes. Anyway, beyond the fold you will see what may seem to be a bit of a rant. I have converted it to a diary in the light of day because I really think in some small way this may help, or maybe not...
I'm getting tired too.
And I may be ready to give up on white people. I am so very sorry to say this but there is something in me that wants to start screaming GROW UP. This nation is out of control and headed for a cliff. Obama's presidency and the movement around him may be the last best chance to turn this place around, start again and head in a different direction. But America cannot demand that Barack, or Dr. Wright, or the Black community, or the Black church or our faith traditions, and all of who we are and all of who he is to turn ourselves inside out and become some milk-toast white-washed, shadow of ourselves to keep from annoying you with who we are. We have lived through 7 generations of the most inhuman, unjust, and brutal treatment any human being has ever afflicted on another in the history of the world. We have survived largely because of our faith and our preachers. Barack has offered himself to a movement at great sacrifice and he is one of our own, and at the same time one of your own. He is our very best with the unique blend of character, patience, endurance, intelligence, humility and faith to lead us all out of this mess. He has walked away from a great life to do this, and everyday is a target of scrutiny and criticism and a gruelling torturous journey and even threats to his life.
And even from this group the so called progressive supporters, I see some of the most thoughtless and ridiculous comments. So if we can't stand together and overcome these obstacles respectfully--well fine, America will get the government it deserves. And after a few years of Hillary or McCain if there is anything left of this place...perhaps a merciful God will send another blessing for us to abuse or choose. I'm sure that person will be far more flawed and far less capable, and it may even be too late. Whatever, I'm just really getting tired and weary, and I thought you should know.