Over the last week or so I’ve had numerous conversations with folk – kin, fellow southerners, and friends – about the events that took place with Harvard’s Professor Henry Louis Gates Jr. and Sergeant James Crowley. Within the demographic with whom I spoke, what happened was either because of: a) blatant, stereotypical, and unjust profiling by the part of Sergeant Crowley or b) inappropriate behavior and bad citizenship by the part of Professor Gates. I wonder, however, how we might take a different approach in trying to dissect this occurrence. Instead of becoming polarized by our own individual infatuation with having the answer or resolution to this incident, let us examine how and why we arrived at this place of societal insecurity in America.
The real point of interest, in fact, is not in this one incident, but it is in trying to understand this with regard to historical significance with race relations in America. How did we arrive at this point of difference? That is the true meat of this issue. The current dialogue that is circulating is misdirected and misguided. Whether Crowley acted stupidly or is a racist or if Gates was simply uncooperative or unfairly profiled is a very small portion of a much larger picture that needs to be redrawn – the underlying social structures in America.
Gates’ story is not a unique one. This happens daily to men and women of color across America with not only our law enforcement, but within our school system, our court system, our health care system – virtually every realm of American society. What is happening now is that sides are being taken to judge this one incident. Our energy is focused on trying to decide the fate of this one particular event, rather than attempting to address this on a more intimate level. This is what often happens in America and within the American media. Our energy will be exhausted, because no one definitive answer will surface and thus, again, the greater issue at hand – the importance of redefining social structures in America – will be swept under the rug while the next, new scandal or news bit circulates.
This teachable moment is one that should be embraced by individuals, families, schools, churches, community centers, libraries, mosques, synagogues, passersby at the job water-cooler or coffee machine, the American news and media. How can we have a sincere and honest discourse about the differing social and societal experiences and causes of them on an intimate and personal level? Until we do this with an open mind and heart, the many unfair and unjust social structures that are engrained in our culture will continue to reign in America.
This is certainly not the first teachable moment presented to us. Remember Katrina? That was a prime opportunity to explore these issues of societal and racial differences in America. Our "leadership" at that time, however, flopped (big time). More significant insight and true coverage of reality came out of Spike Lee's When the Levees Broke.
President Obama is right in stating that this is a teachable moment. I hope, however, that it becomes more than a beer date. How can our youth be involved in this heart-to-heart conversation? How can our adults lead and facilitate a discussion in which we challenge ourselves and our kids to break down the stereotypes, tensions, confusions, misunderstandings, feelings of rage that so many of us possess with regards to race, religion, politics, education, the past, the present, and the future of societal America? That's what is truly at stake here.
29 July 2009
18 July 2009
Speech for the nation: Obama addresses the NAACP
Obama delivered an incredibly insightful and inspiring speech at the 100-year anniversary convention of the NAACP this past Thursday night in New York (July 16, 2009).
Find his speech here: http://blogs.suntimes.com/sweet/2009/07/obamas_naacp_speech.html
The New York Times gave a brief synopsis of Obama’s speech, but I think they reviewed it quite short-sightedly. At one point the author – Sheryl Gay Stolberg – states:
“But there was no mistaking Thursday night that Mr. Obama was speaking directly to black America. In part, it was a policy speech.
Mr. Obama told his audience what it wanted to hear on housing, the criminal justice system, education, health care, and jobs — all issues central to the N.A.A.C.P.’s agenda.”
President Obama addressed issues not only affecting African Americans, but America in general. The issues with health care, the prison system, the education system, HIV/AIDS, and the economic crisis that President Obama mentioned are not African American problems or people of color problems. These are issues that must be confronted, discussed, and dealt with on an American level, by all Americans – white, black, Hispanic, Asian, gay, straight, Christian, Muslim, Atheist – or change will be slow in coming.
If American politics and media label and address these issues as “black” or “white” or “rich” or “poor” then change, growth, and progress will continue to be stinted for many years as it has for many of this country’s citizens. It is not just the African Americans of Harlem or Chicago’s Southside or Raleigh’s Chavis Heights who are to “deal with” the contemporary issues of today, it is all of America’s responsibility.
What President Obama REALLY said was:
“That's why my administration is working so hard not only to create and save jobs in the short-term, not only to extend unemployment insurance and help for people who have lost their health care in this crisis, not just to stem the immediate economic wreckage, but to lay a new foundation for growth and prosperity that will put opportunity within the reach of not just African Americans, but all Americans. All Americans. (Applause.) Of every race. Of every creed. From every region of the country. (Applause.) We want everybody to participate in the American Dream. That's what the NAACP is all about. (Applause.)”
THAT’S MY PRESIDENT!!!
Find his speech here: http://blogs.suntimes.com/sweet/2009/07/obamas_naacp_speech.html
The New York Times gave a brief synopsis of Obama’s speech, but I think they reviewed it quite short-sightedly. At one point the author – Sheryl Gay Stolberg – states:
“But there was no mistaking Thursday night that Mr. Obama was speaking directly to black America. In part, it was a policy speech.
Mr. Obama told his audience what it wanted to hear on housing, the criminal justice system, education, health care, and jobs — all issues central to the N.A.A.C.P.’s agenda.”
President Obama addressed issues not only affecting African Americans, but America in general. The issues with health care, the prison system, the education system, HIV/AIDS, and the economic crisis that President Obama mentioned are not African American problems or people of color problems. These are issues that must be confronted, discussed, and dealt with on an American level, by all Americans – white, black, Hispanic, Asian, gay, straight, Christian, Muslim, Atheist – or change will be slow in coming.
If American politics and media label and address these issues as “black” or “white” or “rich” or “poor” then change, growth, and progress will continue to be stinted for many years as it has for many of this country’s citizens. It is not just the African Americans of Harlem or Chicago’s Southside or Raleigh’s Chavis Heights who are to “deal with” the contemporary issues of today, it is all of America’s responsibility.
What President Obama REALLY said was:
“That's why my administration is working so hard not only to create and save jobs in the short-term, not only to extend unemployment insurance and help for people who have lost their health care in this crisis, not just to stem the immediate economic wreckage, but to lay a new foundation for growth and prosperity that will put opportunity within the reach of not just African Americans, but all Americans. All Americans. (Applause.) Of every race. Of every creed. From every region of the country. (Applause.) We want everybody to participate in the American Dream. That's what the NAACP is all about. (Applause.)”
THAT’S MY PRESIDENT!!!
17 July 2009
1st World Misconception versus 3rd World Truth
Back in May a colleague of mine and I had a conversation about the different “Senegals” that we had experienced during our first year teaching in Dakar. We found that we couldn’t create a precise definition, or description even, of Senegal as a nation, but could understand it as an entity of culminating happenings over a period of time that started well before its independence or naming of this vast place identified on maps merely as Senegal.
For instance, the majority of Senegalese are Muslim. This is one piece of force and influence that establishes this idea of Senegal. But, within that piece, there are several more minute pieces and subsections. There are the people of the Tijane faith, the Mourid faith, and so on and so forth, each piece cohesively connected to create, once again, this idea of Senegal. Each of these subsections, moreover, can be broken down to a neighborhood level, a community level, a street level, a family level, and of course an individual level. Meaning, thus, each unique individual is a contributing piece to this idea of Senegal.
This conversation that Tod and I had has continued to resurface in my mind during my time here in the States. Just as in Senegal, there are many Americas. And to a certain point, this is a unique and celebratory characteristic of America. There is a white America, a black America, a Hispanic America, an Asian America, so on and so forth. There is a Yankee America and a Southern America and even a West Coast America. There is a Christian America, a Jewish America, an Atheist America, a Muslim America, and so on and so forth. There is a rural America and an urban America and even a suburban America. There is a rich America and a poor America.
What seems to be lacking, however, is the level of understanding that many of us Americans have of our “other” counterparts past the exposure available to (more like thrown at) us from mainstream media. Does white America understand black America and vice versa? Does Atheist America cooperate with Christian America and vice versa? Is rural America in tune with urban America and vice versa? Do our youth listen to our elders? And what’s more, do our schools encourage a collaborative dialogue between how we individually identify ourselves and how we see “others”?
Many of us cling dearly to how we label ourselves – to how we create the persona of who we want to be. Controversial issues within religion, politics, sexuality, style, race, language, music even force many of us to fearfully defend the labels of ourselves and to shun the concepts and opinions of the “other”. This makes us, in many aspects, a polarized nation of various non-compromising ideas and values.
In Senegal it is common to find Christians celebrating Tabaski, a Muslim holiday, with their Muslim brothers and sisters and Muslims celebrating Easter, a Christian holiday, with their Christian brothers and sisters. You will find that Senegalese first and foremost celebrate their African culture, heritage, language, and existence on the motherland and will welcome any outsider as their brother or sister. We Americans are often quick to assume that we are the leaders of the free world, but yet, we find it difficult to sacrifice a bit of our labeled selves, for just a moment, to wear and walk in the shoes of the “other” fellow American, or immigrant even, living on this American soil.
For instance, the majority of Senegalese are Muslim. This is one piece of force and influence that establishes this idea of Senegal. But, within that piece, there are several more minute pieces and subsections. There are the people of the Tijane faith, the Mourid faith, and so on and so forth, each piece cohesively connected to create, once again, this idea of Senegal. Each of these subsections, moreover, can be broken down to a neighborhood level, a community level, a street level, a family level, and of course an individual level. Meaning, thus, each unique individual is a contributing piece to this idea of Senegal.
This conversation that Tod and I had has continued to resurface in my mind during my time here in the States. Just as in Senegal, there are many Americas. And to a certain point, this is a unique and celebratory characteristic of America. There is a white America, a black America, a Hispanic America, an Asian America, so on and so forth. There is a Yankee America and a Southern America and even a West Coast America. There is a Christian America, a Jewish America, an Atheist America, a Muslim America, and so on and so forth. There is a rural America and an urban America and even a suburban America. There is a rich America and a poor America.
What seems to be lacking, however, is the level of understanding that many of us Americans have of our “other” counterparts past the exposure available to (more like thrown at) us from mainstream media. Does white America understand black America and vice versa? Does Atheist America cooperate with Christian America and vice versa? Is rural America in tune with urban America and vice versa? Do our youth listen to our elders? And what’s more, do our schools encourage a collaborative dialogue between how we individually identify ourselves and how we see “others”?
Many of us cling dearly to how we label ourselves – to how we create the persona of who we want to be. Controversial issues within religion, politics, sexuality, style, race, language, music even force many of us to fearfully defend the labels of ourselves and to shun the concepts and opinions of the “other”. This makes us, in many aspects, a polarized nation of various non-compromising ideas and values.
In Senegal it is common to find Christians celebrating Tabaski, a Muslim holiday, with their Muslim brothers and sisters and Muslims celebrating Easter, a Christian holiday, with their Christian brothers and sisters. You will find that Senegalese first and foremost celebrate their African culture, heritage, language, and existence on the motherland and will welcome any outsider as their brother or sister. We Americans are often quick to assume that we are the leaders of the free world, but yet, we find it difficult to sacrifice a bit of our labeled selves, for just a moment, to wear and walk in the shoes of the “other” fellow American, or immigrant even, living on this American soil.
08 July 2009
Is Michael coming for dinner?
Michael Jackson’s death hit me kinda hard. I was trying to explain this, but it doesn’t make sense, really. I feel like I know him. He’s like my far-off and distant cousin whom everyone gossips about during reunions and get togethers.
What have you heard about Michael?
Still crazy as ever, pass the ketchup…
I’ve certainly had a full cup of Michael gossip the last few weeks whether on TV, radio, or just in conversation (as have we all). I also can’t seem to stop playing his music – classic hits. My favorite has to be P.Y.T., though. And, through that song is how I want to remember the King of Pop. Just a good song anyone can cut a rug to.
I don’t think Michael gets the credit he deserves with how he changed not only the music industry, but American society as well, and also how the world has viewed American society. In just a four minute-or-so song his music pauses stress and tensions dealing with race, religion, homosexuality, economic status, political strife. In watching the memorial service I think the Reverend Al Sharpton alluded to that point. One of the lines that stood out to me the most (during the entire service) was when he addressed Michael’s kids:
I want his children to know there was nothing strange about your daddy, it was strange what your daddy had to deal with.
Sadly, however, I think Sharpton’s speech(or point) will be overlooked by many. Many are quick to discredit the validity of Sharpton, sighing with disgust and even hatred when they see his black face or hear his sermon-delivering voice. This is exactly what Michael and his music worked against – being quick to judge, neglecting to understand a perspective or side, buying in to what “others” might say.
Furthermore, since the time of Michael’s true musical genius – the 80s – dialogue between the various genres of music have in a way separated even more. His work was a medium in which artists across many styles, shapes, and forms could collaborate.
His personal life was certainly filled with question marks, but he was human. He was a genius and far ahead of his time and attempted to deal with this as best he could. But, he was human, as well. He was just like each one of us, as much as many of us would like to refute. Time will tell, but I think Michael will always be that far-off distant cousin who captures our ears and wonderment and keeps us dancing during parties. SHAMOAN…GO ON GIRL…
What have you heard about Michael?
Still crazy as ever, pass the ketchup…
I’ve certainly had a full cup of Michael gossip the last few weeks whether on TV, radio, or just in conversation (as have we all). I also can’t seem to stop playing his music – classic hits. My favorite has to be P.Y.T., though. And, through that song is how I want to remember the King of Pop. Just a good song anyone can cut a rug to.
I don’t think Michael gets the credit he deserves with how he changed not only the music industry, but American society as well, and also how the world has viewed American society. In just a four minute-or-so song his music pauses stress and tensions dealing with race, religion, homosexuality, economic status, political strife. In watching the memorial service I think the Reverend Al Sharpton alluded to that point. One of the lines that stood out to me the most (during the entire service) was when he addressed Michael’s kids:
I want his children to know there was nothing strange about your daddy, it was strange what your daddy had to deal with.
Sadly, however, I think Sharpton’s speech(or point) will be overlooked by many. Many are quick to discredit the validity of Sharpton, sighing with disgust and even hatred when they see his black face or hear his sermon-delivering voice. This is exactly what Michael and his music worked against – being quick to judge, neglecting to understand a perspective or side, buying in to what “others” might say.
Furthermore, since the time of Michael’s true musical genius – the 80s – dialogue between the various genres of music have in a way separated even more. His work was a medium in which artists across many styles, shapes, and forms could collaborate.
His personal life was certainly filled with question marks, but he was human. He was a genius and far ahead of his time and attempted to deal with this as best he could. But, he was human, as well. He was just like each one of us, as much as many of us would like to refute. Time will tell, but I think Michael will always be that far-off distant cousin who captures our ears and wonderment and keeps us dancing during parties. SHAMOAN…GO ON GIRL…
Fragmented memories of the summer thus far...
Permanant ink, Wiggy hairs, the Sophie, Al Green and Heinekens, grey business suit, raiding the pantry, Minnewaska trails, Al Green and Coronas, graduation celebration ’09, Damn I wanna go to Jamaica, Dead prez, PISS, auntie’s bday, surprise surprise-MA, Al Green and my friend Jack, River station, crazy commuting, what’s wrong with their ak-sent, Hyde Park, Billy Elliot, the Tube, Abu Dhabi and Australian history lesson, pints on the street, Aston Martin, I’m rich biotch, shamoan…go-on girl, where were you when? Auntie told me, Al Green and MJ, River station revisited, A-key-lah, Howard Zinn, rain, vistas, antiquely antique-in’, differences of opinion, Imasayimasamanakooka, home again…
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
