On the Thursday, March 20, 2008 diary, I had placed a poll based on racial attitudes (which is still open as far as I know. Folks, please do take it if you have a chance) of the public of DKos. Even though the results were fascinating over all, there were two questions on that particular survey that truly caused me to take a step back:
- people of color should stop complaining about race - 3%
- people of color should express themselves more about race- no votes
No one voted for people of color to express themselves more. Fascinating and sad at the same time, such lack of encouragement for us to speak is right on par with how race-relations is conducted in America.
Although race-related talk can be very calm and enlightening, the stereotype is more centered around the issue of violence and anger. It seems in the public eye, every time race is mentioned, someone gets mad. And, seeing Rev. Wright's name splashed on every screen and hashed over, it proves that the MSM wants to keep it that way. By focusing on the fiery nature of Wright's rhetoric, it serves to reinforce in the minds of white America that Black anger is scary and poised to attack. As a result, it rattles and frazzles the minds of the white establishment. After all, what greater fear is there if swarms of angry Black folks begin to storm into suburbia after hearing a sermon by their preacher?
At least that's what the MSM is trying to get the public to believe with their rhetoric primed to strike fear in the heart of the mainstream viewer. After all, such talk is made to be upsetting. So, all efforts are renewed to get people of color to cease and desist in their discourse unless it is on "safe terms". And that, only serves to reestablish control that is antiquated and based on prejudice.
Even in the midst of social interaction, whenever people of color do express themselves furtively (and Black folk especially), sometimes there are white voices that counter us by saying, "Now don't get emotional." This is as if to say that only the white person can be angry while anyone of color must be docile and complacent. This is even expressed here in some of the conversations, in which fearful voices call out to "Stop! Or it will hurt Obama!", or , "I want all of this angry race talk to stop! Do you want Obama to win or not?"
Senator Obama is probably the most public (and recent) example of straddling this line. Although his demeanor is stalwart and calm, if he loses it once in front of the public eye everything would (for lack of a better term) go south. He would have broken the "safe" status around him. And if he does, he might as well pack his bags. In the vestiges of white privilege, such anger harkens back to stereotypes of criminalization and fear. So, Mr. Obama has to carefully straddle that line while the other candidates (Like Ms. Clinton's, "Shame on You!" and Mr. McCain's "Bomb, Bomb, Bomb Iraq!") can be as mad and expressive as they like.
People of color are in the midst of such a balancing act daily. While the "angry white man" is given a platform to voice his views, the "angry black man's" words are often belittled and suppressed because it would reveal the dark underbelly of American society. If the voices of color were given a platform, then the entire history of repression, violence, conquest from colonialism's hand would have to be addressed. It is easier to say, "Stop complaining, work hard and assimilate" than having to engage in a deep discussion about how the elements of colonialism (even in the US of A) have had their affect on racial disparity. That talk would seem to unleash the wounds laid bare by the social, gender and racial stratification that built America.
What are we to do? In my own life whenever I am challenged in such a way, I ask questions. Of course, they never get answered some of the time, but I keep on inquiring more and more because I really would like know the motivations behind such statements. Because if they are never addressed, discrimination and ignorance continues to happen.
--politicalceci
P.S. Thank you everyone for your support, links, rec's and comments on last night's diary. I appreciate it fully.
P.S.S. The next few days, I won't be able to write as frequently, so I wish everyone a wonderful week filled with lovely and productive work.