MyFox
 

Actwings's Blog

by Actwings from Washington, DC

Last Post 48 days, 14 hours Ago


Race Discussions -- Just Say No Thank You
Jul 2, 2008 | 3:20 PM
Category: News
Report This Post

CNN, MSNBC, PBS' POV and the recently announced National Press Club's 2-day conference on Race and Reconciliation, suggests that media interest in America's race problem has intensified.  

 As a Black American, I pray that Blacks targeted for public discourse on race and race relations would simply say "no thank you" when asked to participate.  The reason is simple:  the race discussion should take place among those creating the problem.  Current race discussions have very little to do with Black people on the level where our participation is needed.  At this point, race and racism is White America's problem whether or not they choose to accept it.  Here we are 144 years post-emancipation and Whites are still asking Blacks "what do you want?"  How about truth as a starting place?  White people have teachers like Tim Wise, who will likely jump at the opportunity to lecture about altering racist behavior.  There are also a number of highly effective non-profit organizations providing seminars and workshops about understanding white privilege. 

Discussing race is a fruitless exercise for Blacks since most of us are intimately familiar with the subject.  Some would call it "preaching to the choir."  Many of us wear Black America's banner all day every day whether we choose to or not.  Therefore, in my humble opinion, racism is not an 'us-them' problem.  Racism is a 'them-them' problem.  Ridding oneself of racism, the pet name for slavery's out-of-control grandchild,  takes commitment.  As such, White Americans should take the time and effort to work out this issue for themselves.  Once Whites accomplish the work of changing their hearts and minds about racism, Blacks can join in on the conversation about ways to make amends for the wrongs of the past.  But for now, I hope my fellow Black Americans will  join me in simply saying "no, I choose not to participate." 

31 Comments |  Add a Comment

Member Comments Total Comments: 31
Page 1 of 2
1
2
 Last
Y3Y3 read my blog view my photos
Jul 2, 2008 | 3:50 PM

act.... pretty lousy of you. You said:

" the race discussion should take place among those creating the problem. Current race discussions have very little to do with Black people on the level where our participation is needed. At this point, race and racism is White America's problem whether or not they choose to accept it. "

The racist black spokemen like Al (Tawana's Favorite)Sharpton and Jesse (Never gonna get a job) Jackson and all their racist buddies will do nothing to solve the issue. The mainstream (but horridly ignorant and gullible) press keep asking the sleazebag duo to show up. Funny how the liberal lefty press is showing itself to be the racists they are.

Race IS A BIG PROBLEM in the black communities! THEY are the ones who ARE THE RACISTS!! Every conversation seems to start with AA's whining about race. They are the ones who get emotional and call names(N-word) They are the ones who fill the RAP SONGS with the trash. THEY are the ones who are so wrapped up into it that AA's think they are DEFINED by their color. They are defined by their GOOD DEEDS, and lack of BAD DEEDS. The immature nature of groups of AA's that wish to riot, have a tantrum, or hissy fits instead of acting in an 'adult' fashion. Ranting and raving just reminds others of your immaturity.
LilBits read my blog view my photos
Jul 2, 2008 | 3:51 PM

Although I can see your issue with the type of open dialog and know first hand what it is like to be a Black Woman in America, I must disagree with some of your way of thinking, this is not just a White problem but a people problem and I for one, have gotten racism from both whites and blacks on a daily. My black counterparts have issue because my skin is too dark and my white counterparts have issue because they think I am a good for nothing only looking for a hand out. Until we as people see each other as human beings and stop pitting one race against another then the problems will continue to exist. Not only do whites need to work out some issues within themselves, so do we as blacks because we are constantly speaking of others discriminating against us but we discriminate within our race, and that is worst of all. I pray earnestly that one day we all can see that we are Children of the Most High and our skin color does not define our image. When most people look at the word COLOR, they see shades, but when I look at that word, guess what I see
Christ Our Lord, Our Redeemer = C O L O R
LilBits read my blog view my photos
Jul 2, 2008 | 3:55 PM

Y speak, Y talk, Y breathe:

I know you are not talking about someone being a racist with all of the hateful things you have said to me and about me, but please by all means, do not blame racial problems on music or just one group, racism has always been an issue in this country and if you ask me it began when the US Constitution started it all by stating that blacks were only 1/3 of a person, either free or enslaved, so let us go back 400 years and fix what was broken from the beginning. Now by no means misconstrue that I am asking for my 40 acres and a mule, or any other reparations, but just look at a me and my race as people!
Actwings read my blog
Jul 2, 2008 | 4:25 PM

Thank you both for your comments. Truth hurts, I understand that, but it doesn't change the facts. Racism is not a Black problem because we cannot be racist. Blacks can be prejudice, but not racist. Racism is a system not an emotion. I'm sorry you don't agree, but these discussions are a waste of time particularly when Blacks are involved. Whites usually retreat when Blacks talk about racism the way we experience it, so what's the point. The music, videos, movies, and other stereotypical nonsense is ignorance within the Black community, but again, it is not racism. At least you cared enough to respond. Maybe that's a sign that soon Black and White Americans can work this out.
Actwings read my blog
Jul 2, 2008 | 4:36 PM

LilBits,

I simply told the truth from my heart and nothing in my statement was intended as hateful. I too am a Child of the Most High which is why I am bold enough to speak my truth. The Constitution actually listed us as 3/5ths human for tax purposes and I do want reparations because my ancestors worked for it. By the way, I love your use of the word color as an acronym for Christ Our Lord, Our Redeemer. That works for me. God Bless.
priveye
Jul 2, 2008 | 4:39 PM

I will also say "no" to any discussions because I am tired of being blamed for your problems.

I will say “no” because my family members were killed ensuring Negros were free but continue to be accused of being a racist.

I will say "no" because I am tired of being blamed because Negros fail in school because they do not want to be accused of being white.

I will say "no" because I am tired of being accused of racism when Negros fail to show up for work or do nothing at work and get fired.

I will say "no" because I am tired of being blamed when Negros kill each other and blame it on the legacy of slavery.

I will say "no" when Negros can't speak proper English and blame it on me for not accepting their culture.

Now Act..I ask you...does the truth hurt?
robj585 read my blog
Jul 2, 2008 | 5:22 PM

Ok, First of all Racism is not just a white problem, and all white people are not racist. You do not need to look any farther than your backyard to find racism. Since moving to DC I have noticed more than ever that African Americans are just as racist against whites. When will you realize that nothing will ever change the past. Although the past should never be forgotten you can def. move past it. I think one of the things that bothers me the most is that I don't owe anyone anything. I didn't participate in anyform of slavery nor anyone I know. Therefore I am sorry about nothing. Reverse Racism is becoming more of a problem. I have seen the Black Panthers recruiting african americans at the metro stop and didn't see anyone picketing them or upset about it, but what would happen if the KKK was recruiting there. Using the past as a crutch to commit crimes and stay unemployed is rediculous. Anyone who wants to get ahead in life can succeed regardless of color, its just easier when they fail to say its because of racism and because they are not given a fair shake. Total BS
RED-DOG1 read my blog view my photos
Jul 2, 2008 | 8:07 PM

Whites must understand the black experience in America and blacks must appreciate the white perspective. Otherwise we face a grinding “racial stalemate.”
MCGRUNT read my blog view my photos
Jul 2, 2008 | 11:41 PM

I grow tired of the argument.

NOTHING BUT LOVE TO ALL OF YOU MY FELLOW HUMANS.

GOD BLESS and HELP US OVER COME OUR PETTINESS.
createdlovely
Jul 3, 2008 | 6:13 AM

Good blog post Act.

I encourage the dissenters, whether white or otherwise, to check out this video of Huckabee talking about black people and the so-called "hissies" Y mentioned. I think you'll be interested in what he has to say. Why wasn't this broadcasted 24-7 after the Wright and Obama incident?

http://amazingblackrace.blogspot.com/2008/03/was-wright
-right.html
bonscott
Jul 3, 2008 | 7:27 AM

everyone is an equal oppurtunity racist. everyone ethnic group out there makes jokes and comments about every other one. i know it happens, you knows it happens (if you'll admit to it that is).

there's no place for it in this day and age. but sadly it happens.
DCtune1
Jul 3, 2008 | 7:42 AM

Act,
Your an idiot, sorry to sound immature, but there isn't any other word i can think of to use. Take the vail off your head and turn off the Al Sharpton Radio show. You obviously know nothing about todays society and the racial problems that WE ALL face. Truth be told, most americans are not racist, black, white, asian, hispanic. Most just don't care anymore what color someones skin is. YOU WILL NEVER ACCEPT THAT...that is the racial problem today, not about who is racist, but those who make everything racist.
I know, you are going to say "you just don't undersand, your white, you can't understand." No...we do. I havne't broken my leg before, but i can understand how that sucks.
Grow up, grow up, grow up. Stop finger pointing, take responsibility for you life and stop trying to pawn off you probelms onto someone else because they have a different skin tone than you.
cindalu view my photos
Jul 3, 2008 | 8:08 AM

"Racism is not a Black problem because we cannot be racist."

Are you freaking kidding me!!!!!!!

You have lost your -lots of explatives- mind! Next time I hear a person literally tell me to my face " I wont deal with you cracker" I will remember that blacks cannot be racist.

Your full of it. Every race, EVERY RACE has been / still is decsriminated against.

I have even been looked down on for 'not being (insert race) enough'. I am a true American, I am a racial mutt and I am proud of that. I come from the blood of all peoples and rejoice in it.
Y3Y3 read my blog view my photos
Jul 3, 2008 | 8:17 AM

I think the folks on this subject who

DON'T EVEN KNOW WHAT THE WORD RACIST MEANS

tell us they aren't and CAN'T BE racist are the main problem. Your ignorance of the language may JUST BE why you have general problems involving your race issues. IF you are super sensitive about your color, or how you perceive/assume others relate to 'your race' then YOU ARE A RACIST. Those who make judgements based on ASSUMPTIONS involving atributes, or stereotypes ARE BIGOTS. Rednecks who say you can't do something because of your color are BIGOTS.


Racism is NOT any system. You don't even understand the concept.
DCtune1
Jul 3, 2008 | 8:50 AM

From Dictionary.com
Definition of Racist:
1. a belief or doctrine that inherent differences among the various human races determine cultural or individual achievement, usually involving the idea that one's own race is superior and has the right to rule others.
2. a policy, system of government, etc., based upon or fostering such a doctrine; discrimination.
3. hatred or intolerance of another race or other races.
lafamilia view my photos
Jul 3, 2008 | 10:01 AM

One race will always feel they are superior to all others, it has always been that way. If we all just step out of the box and began to realize we are all human beings, one no better that the other maybe just maybe a healing process will began. I do not consider myself a mutt, yet I am a product of different races, there is no such thing as a pure bloodline, history will educate us on that matter, and I am still just another human being and a child of GOD, no better and no less than the next person. We as a nation should get over this race issue once and for all.
snitchonmurder read my blog view my photos
Jul 3, 2008 | 11:07 AM

Good post Actwings,
Instead od commenting, I'll rate the comments of others as I see it on a scale of 1 - 5, 1 the worse, 5 the real deal.
Y3Y3 - --------------------------- 2.2
LilBits - ------------------------ 4.2
Priveye - ------------------------ 2.0
robjs85 - ------------------------ 3.1
Red-Dog1 - ----------------------- 2.7
MCGrunt - ------------------------ 4.0
Createdlovely - ------------------ 3.7
Bonsott - ------------------------ 4.4
Dctunel - ------------------------ 3.5
Cindalu - ------------------------ 2.3
lafamilia - ---------------------- 4.9

We still have a long way to go to mend race feelings and learn to respect each other as we want others to respect us, in short - Do until others as you would have them .. you know the rest.

Cherish Life.
Y3Y3 read my blog view my photos
Jul 3, 2008 | 11:33 AM

So DCtoon, what does it say about "BIGOT" ??
Y3Y3 read my blog view my photos
Jul 3, 2008 | 11:34 AM

big·ot Listen to the pronunciation of bigot
Pronunciation:
\'bi-g?t\
Function:
noun
Etymology:
French, hypocrite, bigot
Date:
1660

: a person obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinions and prejudices; especially : one who regards or treats the members of a group (as a racial or ethnic group) with hatred and intolerance
— big·ot·ed Listen to the pronunciation of bigoted \-g?-t?d\ adjective
— big·ot·ed·ly adverb
Y3Y3 read my blog view my photos
Jul 3, 2008 | 11:37 AM

Bigot
Big"ot\, n. [F. bigot a bigot or hypocrite, a name once given to the Normans in France. Of unknown origin; possibly akin to Sp. bigote a whisker; hombre de bigote a man of spirit and vigor; cf. It. s-bigottire to terrify, to appall. Wedgwood and others maintain that bigot is from the same source as Beguine, Beghard.]

1. A hypocrite; esp., a superstitious hypocrite. [Obs.]

2. A person who regards his own faith and views in matters of religion as unquestionably right, and any belief or opinion opposed to or differing from them as unreasonable or wicked. In an extended sense, a person who is intolerant of opinions which conflict with his own, as in politics or morals; one obstinately and blindly devoted to his own church, party, belief, or opinion.

To doubt, where bigots had been content to wonder and believe. --Macaulay.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.
Page 1 of 2
1
2
 Last


Write your comment below:




Actwings

48 year old African American female; married 27 years; 1 child in college. Very opinionated about popular culture and the African American community. I have a deep respect for my slave ancestors and will do everything personally possible to keep their memory and legacy alive.

Member Since: 8/22/2007


 

RSS: XMLWhat is RSS?