WARNING: OFFENSIVE LANGUAGE A discussion with a friend gave me pause for thought. I decided to organize my thoughts. Within the black community, there is a line you have to toe. If you dont toe that line, then youre not considered black. That standard seems to be agreed upon by white people, too: if I had a dollar for every time I was told Im not black (usually in a joking manner) by white people, I would not need a day job. Within the black community, its taken a step further. Dont agree with Obama? Uncle Tom. Didnt vote Democrat? Oreo. Agree with a police use of force situation where the suspect was black? House nigger. Criticize rioters? Sellout to the man. You know what this is? Its an attempt to shame anybody who dares to question the party line. Its an attempt to brow-beat blacks into homogenous thought. Its an attempt to viciously enforce intellectual stagnation. It doesnt really work on me. I know Im a black man. I do not need the affirmation of others to confirm I am black. More importantly, I think for myself. Neither Democrat nor Republican, neither progressive nor conservative. I take issues case by case, assess facts, and form an opiniom from there. Theres a lesson there for everybody, not just black people. Dont be afraid to stand up to societal expectations and openly defy them. Do not seek affirmation for your self-identity. Be you and damn the others.
Posted on: Sun, 14 Dec 2014 12:05:22 +0000
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