Pardon this interruption. I want to let you know about the PBS website starring the bloggers that are participating in the Race 2012 project. Click the link and head on over, okay? Also, the special will air again October 19th. Check your listings, folks. You can also watch it online.
So. I’ve been studying up on this election and I’m not what you’d call a political kinda person. All I’d really like to do is write and paint. I may be prompted to become more engaged if the candidates were painting onstage and since they aren’t, I see this race to the White House grounded in two social wars, folks. Race and class. And with whites now being a minority, with all the immigrants here, it’s shifting to a class war ’cause folk who’ve always been in power are fighting to maintain that.
Before we get off into that, I know women folk, like those feminists (rolling my eyes), will insert some comment that pretty much goes, Well, what about me? We won’t get into that today. I’m unequivocally and proudly not a feminist. Okay? I don’t like groups all that much ’cause I’m liable to change my mind at any time. That’s just the nonconformist in me. And too, because I’ve had so many problems with women folk these last few years, I can’t do the feminist thing. I simply won’t. They will get on your last nerve. Even if you tell them, Go ‘head on, Bitch. I ain’t got but one nerve left, they’ll ride and wear it down anyhow. You hear me? But I won’t get into pissing women folk off about that today. Maybe some other time (wink, wink).
Anyhow, I watched the debate and the PBS special, Race 2012: A Conversation About Race & Politics in America. I look at this discussion from the foundation of being and doing what is humanly right. Somebody inserted a comment on my blog during our first race talk, “I think people who say they don’t see race or don’t think about people on the basis of their race are not being honest.” And they may or may not be. I don’t know.
I’m gonna break this down, folks. When I hear folk say “I don’t see color,” for me, it doesn’t mean literally. Not seeing color comes from a deeper place. We don’t live in a colorblind society, so no, let’s not pretend the pot’s melted and it’s all good. Not seeing color means I accept you because you’re a human being and I want you to do the same ’cause I am too. That I understand we have cultural differences and it’s cool. That I’m not departmentalizing what’s been exploited of your race or culture ’cause I need you to reciprocate that favor. That I’m not putting a lesser or heavier value on who you are ’cause of how you’re designed by nature. Nor am I’m hung up on artificial exteriors to define you. Your physical self is merely the house that holds, I hope, the substance.
It takes time to get to that place in a society that’s hung up on appearances and who’s inferior or superior based on those results. Like any other issue folk have that they’re working on, not seeing color is just another one of those things, if you deem it’s something you need to work on. It’s not rocket science. It’s humanities.
I'm an artist who's writing,mothering, blogging and doing a few other things under the sun. I buy toilet paper 99.9% of every trip I make to the grocery store. I'm a people watcher, so I know you're here but drop me a line anyway.
Reblogged this on The ObamaCrat.Com™ and commented:
How can I participate in this project Twin? I am reblogging this vitally important post.
Thanks for reblogging.
Wish you’d caught the message.
It’s a great cause.
I agree.
I don’t like Hilary Clinton. I would not vote for her. I love Obama. But it’s really not about the color or the sex for that matter. (Excuse me. Maybe it is about the sex. I don’t like pushy women.)
I like her okay. You may be partial to Obama because he’s good-looking. I don’t think you’d like Herman Cain all that much. But then again, he’d sure take a liking to you.
Exactly what “I don’t see color” ‘should’ mean! Sadly that’s much easier to do with individuals than it is with groups of people (like feminists
). No matter what we might think we probably ALL need to practice practice practice. You’re right. That IS humanities!
Which is one of the reasons I don’t like groups. It’s just easier and fair to go on the basis of an individual. Grouping is a lazy way out and too often, folk make a blanket assessment that’s not representative of everyone within the group.
Best definition of “I don’t see color” that I’ve seen. If anyone could have done it, you could have, Tots, and you did!
Thanks, Lorna. I’m sure your smarts could put out a more fancy definition.
Rocket science is easier. See, race was once an issue because white politicians would scurry to get the Black vote, then the HIspanic vote. But when a Black man ran for president – and won – a lot of people saw this as “Now there’s a brother in the White House and he’s gonna take care of his people and diss everyone else!” which, of course, is pure bullshit. So now, when the first Black president runs for reelection, all of a sudden, this whole discussion of race and class comes up, something we’ve long been aware of but never paid any attention to… until now.
This is insane. The Republican candidate has made it clear during his campaign that he’s all for giving rich people all the breaks… and fuck the 47% and it’s their own fault that they’re not rich. Such talk seeks to open a rift in the people that, by and large, we’ve ignored because turning our culture into a class system – where the affluent are well taken care of and the poor, well, fuck the poor and it sucks to be poor, doesn’t it?
Anyone who would say that “I don’t see color” is being dishonest just doesn’t understand what’s
going on in the world around them nor do they understand that because a lot of people don’t see color, we don’t have the racial violence that used to exist (Black on Black violence doesn’t count). We’ve found a way to coexist and anyone who thinks color is and should be an issue is only trying to pour gasoline on a fire most of us are glad isn’t burning like it used to. It’s like they want a race and class war to jump off and I fail to understand the logic behind this kind of thinking because it does not unify us as a country of peoples – it seeks to divide us.
The smart people realize and understand that the color of one’s skin means nothing; it’s what goes on inside that person’s head that really matters. Putting my soapbox away for now; this topic tends to rub me the wrong way because it’s a stupid way to behave.
We’re really fortunate to be where we are and experience the diversity. You’ve been to foreign lands after time in the military and having that experience coupled with a good mindset helps you to see beyond surface matters.
I know it’s not a comfortable topic. The history of black/white issues is more complex, I believe, than some other racial groups in America. Race, compounded by the current class war, is just as pervasive now as race alone was during the Civil Rights Era.
Didn’t mean to get you all worked up. I’ll take it light on the next post.
I would rather you kept right on doing what you’re doing; I just have zero tolerance for this kind of stupidity and you can tell the people you’re collaborating with on this that I said we flat out don’t need this bullshit because the only purpose it serves is to divide us in a time where we really need to stand together so that we can return this country to its former greatness in all areas.
We will not accomplish this as long as race and class are being thrown out there – again. It never fails to amaze me that this country will spend billions of dollars to help peoples in the world, some of which can’t stand us… but we are not doing jack shit for each other because fucking politicians want to pull out cards that I had hoped and thought we were done pulling out. When we do more to make rich people richer and less for the poor among us, there is something very wrong. It’s easy for Mitt Romney to diss poor people and look down his nose at them… because he’s probably never been poor a day in his life and that 47% comment alone is one I hope buries him at the polls because we don’t need that kind of elitist mentality running the country.
And maybe, just maybe, there are white folks running around that are pissing their pants because they are slowly becoming the minority in this country, hence that shit about taking the country back. They say those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it and I’m wondering if any of the people whining and moaning about race remembers the Civil War… and are they looking to start another one?
Such thinking makes a mockery of those words in the Declaration of Independence that says, “All men are created equal.” A great many people died in the cause to ensure those words were actually the truth – that we are all, indeed, equal… and I’d hate to see any more people die because some folks want to raise inequality to new heights.
Did I mention I have zero tolerance for this bullshit?
Well, alright then, KDaddy. Like George, you’ve got a lot to say and I’d have liked to seen you on that PBS special myself. I see the project as trying to get to the heart of the matter. I don’t know that America’s former self was good when looking at what we see now. Just dormant, looks like.
At our worse – pretty much where we are now – we are still the best country on the planet… but we used to be better than this. People had jobs; our education system was second to none; there were poor people but not many and even though were poor by choice and didn’t have their poverty foisted on them. We were still kinda crawling out from under years of racial tensions – but we were leaving that ignorance behind where it belonged.
We were prosperous… until that New World Order shit came up, pushing toward a global economy that, in my opinion, the world wasn’t ready to support, let alone embrace… and everything went downhill after that until we are now sitting around and pointing the finger at each other for the misguided thoughts of the elitists.
The Republicans refuse to take their rightful responsibility for this downfall of our economy and our culture; we were prosperous under Clinton, but Bush made sure that this went by the wayside and, of course, Obama is being blamed and has the sad responsibility of trying to correct a mistake that he didn’t make.
So, in this election year – and I’m going to be very blunt – the elite are trying to blame the nigger for messing up – and failing to fix – something one of their own got rolling, which is the only reason the question of race is coming up. As far as class goes, when Bush’s economic mishandling started making people poor, the logical place to look for help is to those who could easily afford to help… and they weren’t going to do that because their greed and sense of entitlement is greater than their duty, not only to their country but to their fellow Americans or, fuck you all – we got ours, you gotta figure out how to get yours. Well, eight years of Bush’s fiscal irresponsibility made sure that getting ours was going to be harder than it has ever been.
So we see class versus race; the elitist, Romney, versus the man of color, Obama. The elitist believes he can turn things around by using policies similar to those that brought all this shit on our heads to begin with, hence his comments about the 47%; he feels that if the 47% can’t keep up, they SHOULD be left behind; it’s their fault they can’t keep up, and he ignores the fact that it was someone just like him – rich and affluent – that screwed the pooch for the rest of us.
They’re saying that man of color, sitting in the most powerful position on earth, can’t get it done, that his thinking is inferior, his plans prejudicial to the elitists and that his responsibility to better ALL of the people of this country is misguided and that his efforts should be going to making the elites richer instead of wasting money on things they see as less important like, oh, education for the poor people so they can learn what they need to learn so they can, maybe, stop being poor. They see the revival of the middle class as a direct threat to themselves and since a lot of them got rich from the sweat of the middle class, they want to keep making the middle class sweat for their benefit… and all without letting them have ‘water’ so they can have something to sweat.
Hell, love, I would have gotten tossed off that PBS special the first day.
Yes, I do believe you would’ve been edited out.
–I see the person. Man or Woman. Black, White, Yellow. It doesn’t matter a damn. It’s about integrity, values, & whom my heart gravitates towards. For me, I believe Mr. Obama is that man.
I appreciate your perspecitve, Miss Tots. Xx
Same here. I could care less.
Madam Totsymae you have provided a wonderful definition of ‘colorblind’. We are not colorblind, cannot be. We see color just as we see gender. It is there in our face, in some cases it is part of what attracts us, like bees to honey even. Some like pale skin and freckles, some like olive tones with rich chocolate hair, while others like the darker hues and midnight eyes. We are all one and yet different as night and day, we are humanity as you say.
I see color. What I do not see is any strangeness any other.
I find that I’m more interested in the culture of other folk. I like those differences. And neither does that make one more or less. It just is and guess what? We’re all gonna die and then what…
I, like you, love culture. The differences fascinate and amaze me it is why I have always been grateful for my job, that has offered me so many opportunities to travel.
Totsy, You know that I love what you’re doing. This is such a good post, but what I really want to know is your thoughts on the documentary, now that you’ve been able to see it in its entirety. Also, Kim left a nice message on my post about your painting. And, maybe I went overboard with my response to her, but Totsy, I meant every word. You are the best!
Ok. I see. Since the show is airing again tormorrow, I’ll submit one tomorrow and be specific. Kim’s too nice and so are you. Thanks again.
Hell, Tots, did you have to go on about dying just before I got here? I’m nearly there and, according to the Christians, I ain’t about to pass up there.
I just read a report published in the Cambridge Journals Online in which it was concluded that Obama lost 5% points in the 2008 election and is estimated to lose 3% points in this election due to racial intolerance. http://tinyurl.com/93hknjq
Perhaps, we’d be well-served to turn to social scientists and to political scientists for further answers to our questions.
I have a more burning question, however, that is going to challenge all of us in ways we never anticipated. The Christian Right is on a rampage in this country. They aren’t just the few fringe wingnuts who created the conspiracy theories about Barack Obama (which I believe were based solely on race), they are actively introducing legislation in Congress to amend the Constitution and to pass other legislation which will institute Christian law in this country. Their successful attempt to connect Obama to Islamism (militant Islam) and, by extension, to Sharia law is frightening and it is real. The “Other” is personified in Barack Obama, and with it comes dark images of “Black Panther” radicalism and right on into the serious discussion of the threat of Sharia law. Religious intolerance meets racial intolerance. Nothing is simple. The two concepts are inseparable in the minds of many Americans. The racism that was is no longer pure racism. It is reinforced in their minds by the image of a Black Muslim.
Interesting to read that, George. Disheartening, I must say, as well. I must now revert my thoughts back to your initial comments when I started posting for the Race 2012 project. I now have grains of sand in my rosey eyes and think these type Christian folk can go to shit. These are the same mindsets of Christians who enslaved Africans and fought against Civil Rights. This legislation, if passed, is a precept for all people of color in this country. I’ll have more to say about this tomorrow. I’m still mentally assessing the PBS special and will have to now consider this new information. Maybe Beatrice will post. I don’t know. Her vocabulary is bigger and she doesn’t swear. She could execute a post with more diplomacy in regards to this.
I wish we could stop being afraid of losing our privileged status long enough so we can see that substances we all have.
Afraid or entitled?
I LOVE your definition of “not seeing color!” Particularly, “I accept that you’re a human being and I want you to do the same ‘cus I am, too.” Thank you for perfectly articulating how I feel.
Thank you. Maybe one day we’ll get that.
You are hosting a well needed conversation on your blog and commenters seem wise and genuine. I cannot go with the political commentary on my blog because people visit to chuckle and at least I can participate in discussions on other blogs. I should be posting your portraits few weeks from now.
Thanks and you’ve offered great input. I’d normally steered clear of race topics, until now and only poked fun at current political topics. We’ve had great fodder for that to happen and I couldn’t resist.
I’ve seen some blogs delving much deeper into politics but since I like a good chuckle, I’ll keep visiting your blog.
Goodstuff. I used to call myself feminist. You are right. We change. I’ve changed. We are not a open dimensional people. There are so many levels. One way I may wake up and I’ll be something different, literally.
Thanks. We change a little more frequently than men, so I’m gonna remain on the curb and check everything out from there.
Totsy, I give you lots of credit for being bold enough to give such a powder keg of an issue as race, and by extension, class a voice in your forum. The biggest problem with regard to both from what I see all over, and here included, is that precious little questions get asked. Instead, there are strong opinions, and assumptions each group has about the other. They are then trotted out everywhere we gather, especially if those gatherings are segregated, be it by class or race, such as the Country Club or the Church. Then these are repeated among ourselves, until it becomes a meme. These memes then become entrenched in our thinking and beliefs. Almost everyone has an opinion, and it is usually strong. Almost everyone has a solution, and it is rarely subject to change. You wonder why we have problems? Look at the discourse about race right now. Look at the discourse about class right now.
We are all individuals. We are not monolithic groups. The discourse however does not follow that premise.
We can only get to know people by asking questions of them, and answering questions they have of us. Hard to answer questions when there really aren’t any being asked, that someone else already assumes to know who I am and what I stand for based on the color of my skin or the value of my home.
Totsy, tell me what you think about race and class. Tell me about how you were raised to think about race and class. Has that changed for you? Why or why not? Have things improved or gotten worse? I’m interested in what you think.
Thanks but I’m not deserving of any credit. You see, although I was putting my ethnicity out there, like our president, I never planned on discussing racial issues. It was just a subject I felt was being discussed enough already that seemed to be going nowhere.
Like yourself, I believe we make general assumptions about other groups. We’re also comfortable remaining among folk who look like us. Sometimes, stepping outside of that zone forces us to address our own insecurities and fears about where we stand on race and we simply want to navigate through life with ease. Race doesn’t allow for that kinda navigation.
What do I think about race and class? These are mere categories that puts us in groups and dissecting folks in such a way makes it easy to create those general assumptions that stagnates us. I don’t do groups well because I look more along the lines of individual behavior. That’s not always been the case and as I mentioned, it takes time in getting there. Having the good fortune to have lived in other countries gradually brought me to that place, I suppose.
Relations have improved on some level and that may be due to our young folk. As a young person myself, I grew up with a militant mother. She was a big reader of history and held the belief, as Malcolm X in the 60s, that white folk were blue-eyed devils. I would call her racist and she’d tell me that I’d grow to see that it was true. After getting out on my own, I grabbed hold of that belief myself and went in and out of that sorta thinking. There was never an aha moment that changed my perception but rather, it was gradual because when I looked at the bigger picture, I simply didn’t want to die that way and I find it pitiful for folk who do. I also, as best I could, wanted to be selfless in allowing my children to think independently of my thoughts and experiences. Now, had I’d been born of an earlier time with children, I can’t say that I wouldv’e acted as such and having said that, I’m forced to look at this from a white perspective now, which, as you know, is difficult at times because of our contrasting experiences and histories in this country.
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“Your physical self is merely the house that holds, I hope, the substance.” Yet again, you tell it like it is, Totsymae. Colour should be celebrated because it is like a badge honouring our heritage.(Excuse the “u” s … north of the border talking here.) Class should not enter into it. With the world in the state it is these days, everyone of every colour and every class needs to be working to achieve the same goal … survival and recovery.