Because....
Monday, April 21, 2008 I know myself well enough to know that at the moment, anything constructive I could hope to offer in explaining to the seemingly vast number of vacant and clueless white "progressive" bloggers, how they are actively silencing voices of women of color bloggers, would come off as nothing less than a smug, pedantic, lengthy and fucking fed up screed, I'm going to pass on that option. For today.
No, not because I just couldn't live with myself if I perhaps hurt a stupid white persons feelings. Instead, because anything I hope to constructively add, is going to take some time to decrease the current level of boil.
So, in a very intentional departure from the negative, I'm going to take the higher road and tell you about some great sites you probably haven't seen before. Funny enough, they all discuss issues of race in America very candidly, and through a frame and lens that actually mirrors the reality in which we live. Though I will warn you. For all the sites I am going to recommend, if you want it to be a good and productive experience, you need to allow yourself to be open to the following.
- Above all else, make a real and honest attempt to listen, and to hear what it is the author is saying.
- Understand that what they are telling you is something they know on a personal level.
- If you still feel the need to discuss and engage, and if someone tells you that your perspective may in fact be racist, remember; they are not calling you Hitler! Don't bring on the fucking histrionics. What they are asking you, is to consider the possibility that your perspective may contain an inherent bias. A blind spot. If they suggest that to you, please, trust me on what I say next. If someone says that to you, you need to consider it a gift. Then you need to sit down and listen.
I will say again, if you truly want to begin to understand racism in America, the only way that will occur, is to listen to the people who know something about it.
The following are all blogs I link to, and they are ones I recommend as excellent places to begin to listen, and to learn. These blogs are written by smart, engaged women and men of color who are passionate, focused, and making a difference in the things they care about. I highly recommend you give them a read, because you will be better for it.
Though I will ask that if you have something negative to say; just don't! But, if you simply must, then please do it here. They are more than capable of sparring with you, yes, but on your first visit, you have to agree, it's just bad form.
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Reader Comments (8)
So well said. I also liked how you requested they come back here to vent if it is required, as it's not up to people of color to deal with all the 101 stuff every time. Your willingness to take that on is a great example of being an ally.
Needed post. I love this part:
"If someone says that to you, you need to consider it a gift."
Exactly! Keep in mind, they didn't have to take the chance in telling you that. It's a risky thing for people of color to do, so it needs to be seen as a compliment that they think you just may understand. Great post Al!
Hey, Al. That "come here and argue with me instead" idea sounds like a good one.
Thanks for linking those sites. I've heard of Angry Black Woman before; I found her site through someone of someone, etc., bookmarked her and because my bookmarks are a mess, I just found it and then you plugged her, which was a nice coincidence. I really enjoy her site. Never heard of the others, though, and now I have and I have you to thank for that...So, thanks.
thank you for links, I have been doing some reading. No arguments here, just gratitude for my own continued trek towards enlightenment. Thanks for another stepping stone on the path.
Dude you say it's all about equality so why do ya got link thses bitter pity party? IF it was about EQUALITY you wouldn't have to!
Fuck that noise it's about special rights
So begins the slow, clanging death march of chronic mediocrity and C grade talking points.
Dearest, self loathing, couldn't measure up to his daddy's idea of masculinity, psychologically damaged, Jockstud26. Special rights are the privilege which define your entire candy ass existence. Special rights are conveyed upon you because of your white skin. These would include, but are not limited to, access to quality education with adequate and current texts, teaching materials, and equipment (though you don't seem to have made much use of this advantage), access to quality health care, job opportunities, a supportive community which is invested in your success and growth, an inherent sense of self worth taught you from a white euro-centric history text, an extreme lack of prejudice hurled at you on a consistent basis because of your color, ethnicity, or country of origin, and a public social system designed by people of your race which puts you at significant advantage for success and self improvement, over those who do not fit the cultural norm. There are countless other examples I could cite, but which would fall on deaf ears, as you seem to have employed cognitive dissonance to shape your views on race (look up that term if it is lost on you). It is a pity that someone with such obvious advantage is so blindingly ignorant to his own good fortune, and can not feel empathy or strive to create a level playing field for the multitudes of others that have had a much more difficult road than yourself. I must say that this isn't in the least surprising, after having viewed the straight acting message board associated with you. You won't even give people in your very own demographic a break! You are so sadly self loathing in your homosexuality, that you feel the need to disparage other gay men you deem less masculine than yourself. It is a shame that you are not in therapy for your complete and utter lack of self confidence, self worth, and self esteem.