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Thoughts on Racism, Rhetoric and the Black Community
Recently we have witnessed polarizing acts and accusations of racism play out on our television screens, in our newspapers, and on radio talk-shows around the country; it seems the "race card" has become the weapon of choice in the elite circles of the American mainstream.
And while we must admit to ourselves --and one another-- that racism does exist is small portions of every ethnic group inhabiting our country. We should also recognize, these sentiments to be unacceptable to the vast majority of the American citizenry.
However, in this article, I would like to discuss the hardships facing the African-American community and the cause of some of these hardships:
The sensationalized video of a "New Black Panther Party" member has been played over and again on television and radio programs; bringing realization, of the deepest and darkest feelings of racism to the forefront of the American conscience. In that video the NBPP member stated: "I hate white people, all of them. Every last iota of a 'cracker' I hate him; because, we still in this condition, man."
My first reaction to this story was to simply write this man off as a lunatic. Probably because, it was the path of least intellectual resistance; plus, by most standards I would have been justified in doing so. However, after the NAACP's condemnation of the Tea party as "white-racist" sympathizers; this story seemed to gain new relevance.
I believe whole-heartedly that this man hates white people. But these feelings are owned by him, and as such, his remarks cannot be used in the judgement of anyone except him. In fact, I support his right as a human being to harbor any conception of reality he so desires. Furthermore, whether or not he likes Caucasians doesn't impact my life "one iota." I have no desire to control his thoughts or feelings. But I am desirous of understanding them.
As sure as I am of this man's belief in his rhetoric; I am equally as sure that he wasn't born with these feelings. So in many ways he could be defined as a victim, not of "white people" but of the hatred residing in the hearts and minds of those responsible for indoctrinating his young mind; and his unwillingness to accept responsibility.
Interestingly, it's not his use of the word "hate" or the derogatory term he uses to define white people that causes me the most concern. Instead it's his reasoning for both; as he puts it: "because, we still in this condition, man." Although, these words weren't uttered with the same force as the hate-filled rhetoric encompassing most of his speech. For me they personified the desperation encompassing a large portion of the black community.
I would like to believe the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People's purpose was defined by it's label. Moreover, I would like to believe the NAACP is working toward the economic and social advancement of African-Americans in a multi-cultural environment --not outside of it.-- Where individual success is measured on merit regardless of political persuasion.
However, with their denouncement of a purely political movement, as being racially motivated; they also denounced the efforts of average black workers and business owners, who share the ideas of smaller
government, lower taxes and more economic freedom. This is the "Uncle-Tom" syndrome: by identifying a movement or belief system as "white" they allow themselves the leverage to ostracize any member of their ethnicity for agreeing with it.
The NAACP's propensity toward "collective" thought, I believe is evidence of a climate of intolerance within the organization. Likewise, their tendency to vilify members of their own race simply for displaying a different political viewpoint, leaves one to wonder if the organization is driven by it's name sake, or rather by a political agenda.
The facts about the "condition" of African-Americans in American society: African-Americans make up about 12.4% (37.6 million people) of the US population. But account for nearly 40% of welfare and Medicaid rolls. Alternatively, white-Americans make up about 65.4% (198.9 million people) of the US population, and account for about 40% of welfare and Medicaid rolls. These are staggering statistics, and reveal a --real-- problem in the African-American community. Yet, the leaders of this community feel the need to push a political agenda, rather than lead. However, I do wonder if black Americans didn't punish free-thought within it's community; would these numbers be so high?
It is my belief that freedom can only be gained or experienced individually; that "collective" freedom, is not freedom at all. It leaves you bound to the expectation of compliance with the "collective" will. The NAACP and like organizations should set-aside political agendas and look inward for a path leading out of poverty. And learn to celebrate the --individual-- achievements of their people, regardless of their political persuasion. As an American it makes me proud to see members of the black community joining the Tea party just as it would lift my spirit to see members of the white community join in the noble cause of civil rights.
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