Anna Deavere Smith, an actress known for her roles on shows like “The West Wing” and “Black-ish,” alongside being a playwright and an educator, came to the Tabernacle in Oak Bluffs to give a presentation called “Race in America: Accepting Difference, Standing Shoulder to Shoulder.”
The presentation was, as Smith described it, “like a speech with pieces of performance in it,” which the MacArthur Foundation credits as a “new form of theater” that combines “theatrical art, social commentary, journalism, and intimate reverie.” The event was hosted by the Pittsburgh-based August Wilson African American Cultural Center in partnership with the Martha’s Vineyard Camp Meeting Association.
The event kicked off with opening remarks by the center’s president, Janis Burley Wilson. “I want to thank all of you and the entire community of Martha’s Vineyard for making us feel so welcome,” she said.
Smith alternated between two styles. One was providing information to the audience. The other was performing monologues or dialogues based on what people said during interviews she conducted or conversations she heard. She told the audience that a part of why she performed what she has heard people say is to “turn its into thous,” referencing “The Letter from Birmingham Jail” by Martin Luther King Jr.: “Segregation … ends up relegating persons to the status of things.” Smith said through difficulty, hope is an important feeling to maintain because it “is active,” and can frame how someone thinks. “Hope is not an accomplishment, it’s a project,” she said.
“Black folks have to resurrect hope every day,” Smith said, quoting someone she spoke to a couple of years ago. Smith herself grew up in a segregated Baltimore, Md., during the 1950s and 1960s, where hope was a “spiritual antidote.”
A key dialogue Smith impersonated was a conversation between writer James Baldwin and anthropologist Margaret Mead from August 1970, which was transcribed into a 1971 book titled “A Rap on Race” that still “has resonance today.” Baldwin said the historical contexts of a people penalize that group’s current generation, pushed down by the political and social constraints developed over the years. Mead disagreed, saying Baldwin has a victimized mindset and that her own upbringing has not led her to perpetuate racial inequities.
“Contemporaneously, your experience and mine will continue to be different. Now, given that fact, can we both nevertheless stand shoulder to shoulder, a continent or an ocean away, working for the same future?” Smith said, portraying Mead with a booming voice.
“I say … standing shoulder to shoulder, I say that is a fact. But we are both exiles,” Smith replied, portraying Baldwin with a calm and soft-spoken voice.
This conversation showed the divide in understanding the racial discourse in America between those from a group in power and those who are not.
“The fact, I think is still probably the case, when we try to reach across our racial boundaries, is this sense that some people can feel at home and some people cannot feel at home,” Smith said.
The interviews Smith personally conducted and the experiences she had influenced her works and the stories she told. Smith’s Aunt Esther told her about a time a white woman took her away, offering ice cream, that got her community looking for her. Esther had a lighter complexion as a child, and if she had been taken away for real, she would have grown up into a Black woman who did not know her own heritage. “It’s happened before,” Smith said, relaying what she heard from her aunt.
This interview posed a question in Smith’s head: What about the kids? In particular, children who get shoveled into the so-called “school-to-prison pipeline” (Smith disliked this phrase because she thought it put misplaced levels of responsibility on teachers rather than the system). Deshaun, a young man in juvenile detention, told Smith about the struggles of being cycled through the prison system, but abandoned with no support once out of it. Deshaun’s words inspired a play Smith wrote called, “Notes from the Field.” Additionally, she saw during a visit to Finland a stark comparison between the Scandinavian country’s prison and educational environment compared with the U.S.
After Smith’s presentation, there was time for a question and answer session, one facilitated by the foundation’s board chair, Tracey Mccants Lewis, and another directly with audience members. Audience engagement was an important aspect of Smith’s presentation. “I always think about what an audience is bringing. I know they’re bringing something. I’m not just giving takeaways,” Smith told The Times.
Those who stepped up to the mic brought their questions with their personal experiences. Mutale Nkonde asked about “breakthroughs” in Smith’s various experiences. An example Smith provided was from a couple of weeks ago, working with Native American teenagers to use performance to explore their own backgrounds.
Erica Gimpel, who is biracial with African American and Slavic ancestry, asked Smith for her insight about using empathetic listening and creating spaces to build bridges across divides. Smith said although this is good and hard work, it must be acknowledged that these spaces may not be for everybody.
Carolyn Streets, a public school teacher, said she had spent six months studying the Finnish education system, and said Finland had been listed by researchers as one of “the worst European [countries] for institutional and structural racism.” Streets asked how such an environment would affect educational pedagogy, and how Finnish schools can support students from minority communities alongside how Smith’s time in Finland affected her view of the U.S. school-to-prison pipeline. Smith admitted she did not spend much time in the country, but she pointed out two differences that help Finnish schools compared with American ones. One is there is a higher level of respect toward teachers. The other is a mindset that teaching is continuous research.
Smith told The Times although she had not spent a lot of time on Martha’s Vineyard, she has friends on the Island, and has spent time learning about it. From what she saw, Martha’s Vineyard is filled with “a group of people who are interested in ideas.”
“When I come to a place like this, I feel very good I can be presenting material that’s, I hope, entertaining but also gives them something to talk about, to think about,” Smith said, recognizing that what she presents “is not news” to many audience members. “Many of them, like me, whether white or Black, grew up in American traditions of racial divide and stress, and also in situations where there is not equality. Many of them have worked very hard to try to make that better.”
According to the center’s communications director, Cydney Nunn, this is the second year her organization has hosted presentations and shows on Martha’s Vineyard. She said she hopes the center can continue to be a presence on the Island.
“It’s important for the center to be on the Island because this is such a historically Black space, and as we are leading presenters of Black art and culture in Pittsburgh and in our region, we’re making our stamp in a more national and international way,” Nunn said. “So, before going to major cities like Chicago or LA or Atlanta, we wanted to go to a town that has so much rich history.”
Truth, you can’t handle the truth!
We are incapable about talking about race in this country. It’s too emotional and has been weaponized. I grew up in Newark NJ and raised my family in the suburbs. Two of my children took very different paths with regards to their education. One went to a school where he was the clear minority while the other went to where he was in the majority. The conversations about their different experiences were and are fascinating. But what intrigued me the most was the adult influences that they experienced. It was the adults telling the students that they were either victims, oppressors or saviors. The adults never let kids be kids and figure things out for themselves. The greatest compliment I got from my kids was that they asked me why we never talked about one’s race while growing up. When they asked me why, I just asked them why are you asking. They could never answer the question.
You are free to like or dislike someone. I dislike people who look exactly like me and I have no idea why other than they just rub me the wrong way. I dislike people who look nothing like me for the same inexplicable reason. I also like people for inexplicable reasons. But my social contract is that I treat all people with respect which can include not socializing with them. I don’t have to like everyone. Disliking someone because you don’t like their vibe doesn’t make you a bad person. How you act on it does, if inappropriate.
Lastly, my two childrens social groups are at extreme polar opposites and when they get together in the same room you would think you were in Alice in Wonderland. The conversations would make your head spin. If I filmed it your faith in humanity would be restored.
Thank you.
Carl. One would have to be luxuriating in white privilege to believe that not discussing race with your children throughout their growing up years was a good thing. While there may not have been racism in your own home, it is essential to teach your children that this country is often a menace and can be deadly to people of color who drive while Black, walk while carrying Skittles, or behave hysterically while holding carving forks “for protection”. I can assure you, every family of color or mixed race discusses—with all their children and often—race, racism, and how to behave when doing something ordinarily safe for white people— like jogging through a white neighborhood. It’s no compliment when a child notices the family never prepared them for the reality of what it’s like to be Black in America or somehow different from straight white Christian people. It’s not all about you.
Jacki,
Why are you making the assumption that I am white? You don’t know me. This is the problem in America today with race. Some people see race in everything.You may think you know what is best for other people from where you sit but please don’t make your assumptions about me or what you think is good for me. I can assure you would be wrong making assumptions about me. I’ll wait for an apology.
Jacki, still waiting for an apology. One must recognize their sins in order for them to be forgiven. I’m not even a Christian and I know that. Patiently waiting….
Car Kell, is there a reason why you don’t want anyone to know you are white? (Your views spell it out.) Why are you waiting for an apology, and for what? Because I know you are white? What sin do you imagine I committed? Reading comprehension isn’t a sin. Neither is being white like me. Also, how did being exposed to the abject poverty you described, without mentioning anyone’s race, convince you that there’s no systemic racism in this country? I wouldn’t want to assume that you were describing your bad experiences in a community made up of 100% “minorities”, to borrow your word. By the way, the buzz words you object to are used by you. More contradictions and lack of clarity from you, the more you go on.
Jackie, thank you for highlighting what many Americans have to take into consideration when out in public. Well said.
Highlighting what? That you need to take into account someone’s ethnicity prior to dealing with them? What an insane concept. I have this really progressive idea. Why don’t we treat one another with respect and kindness. Some liberals really need to get out of their theoretical bubble of their perceived utopia and live in the real world of poverty in crime stricken communities. When you have lived and worked in these communities maybe then you can opine without sounding like some condescending savior. I spent five years as a police officer in Newark prior getting hurt on the job retiring with 66 and 2/3 of my salary. It’s not much and nothing to compared to what I built in my business. No hand outs but plenty of people took a chance on me. Go to work backed up ten calls. Walk up 5 flights of stairs in public housing stepping over garbage and human feces only to be met by threats of violence and hatred. Do this before advising me or anyone else how they should treat anyone from the little island of MV stuck in era of hippie free loving 70’s. It truly is laughable.
“Highlighting what? That you need to take into account someone’s ethnicity prior to dealing with them?”
No. Not what I said or meant.
I was thanking Jackie for acknowledging safety factors that Americans of color often have to consider when out and about.
It’s not worth detailing further.
You criticized her for making an assumption and then unloaded with an emotional series of them. Each incorrect.
It seems you cannot discuss race calmly.
I would’ve been happy to clarify, as I always am when posting, but I don’t think that’s what you’re looking for.
(This reply may show up twice. I’m not sure if it went through the first time.)
Katie, thanks for clarifying. I “unloaded” on assumptions that one should never make. That’s kind of the problem right?
As for people of color needing to be careful when going out in public, do you think white people need to exercise that same amount of caution in NYC or Chicago or Newark, NJ? Communities primarily made up of minorities with a disproportionate amount of crime then MV.
I’m calm and appreciate the feedback. If I came off differently I am sorry. Really hard to tell in posts how someone is coming off.
Katie, ❤️
Carl, I think it’s prudent for anyone of any race to be worried about safety, particularly in an area with a high crime rate. We’re all vulnerable to acts of violence.
If someone was, for example, holding me at gun point, I wouldn’t care about that person’s race. I would be focused on the intent to cause me harm.
The kinds of precautions that I was talking about, that Jackie gave examples of, are things that white Americans do not have to account for at all in their daily lives. That list is always growing.
Locally, I’m seeing such different reactions to this idea of carrying around sharp forks in anger. To those who have never been racially profiled, it’s no big deal. To those who were raised to keep their heads low for legit worry of being perceived as a threat, it’s unthinkable to wave one of these things around. That’s not a luxury that’s ever been on the table.
I’ve never known a white person who was hesitant to wear a hoodie in any situation. But if you’re used to being treated as a “thug”, despite having no criminal history, you have to question whether a seemingly simple clothing choice will attract the wrong kind of attention. You may have to consider where you’re going in this hoodie, what time of day it is, your demeanor, etc. Some folks decry what I just said as absurd. It is absurd. But it’s a real thing, too.
Asian Americans have been punched and otherwise attacked while in public because of COVID. White Americans are not at any additional risk of violence due to the pandemic. Not for being white. We heard a lot about the loss of freedom during this time. What about the freedom to exist in a public area without being assaulted for how you look? This pressing issue was drowned out and ignored by those bemoaning masks as the true death of liberty. It’s like living in an ironic comic strip. Except it’s not funny.
Basically, some people have to be concerned about the same acts of violence as everyone else, plus a list of scenarios where another’s snap judgments could change their lives. And it’s usually over something trivial. Pure pettiness and cruelty.
This is why the discussion the past few years hasn’t solely centered around police reform, nor should it rest there. It’s also been about asking the public to be more responsible (a futile hope, I’m learning) in how they behave and about when to involve the police. Obviously some calls to law enforcement are necessary and vital. On other occasions, they’re weaponized by a racist citizen or, at the very least, a thoughtless and unaware one. Apparently, use of a garden hose now requires a 911 dial.
In general, we all have to consider how our actions may impact others. That seems so basic that it shouldn’t need saying, and yet I keep reading about conflicts that could be easily avoided if everyone used better judgment. Race is not the sole consideration when it comes to approaching public conflict, but it is a factor. I do not believe in relying on the police to de-escalate everything when, unless someone is experiencing a mental health crisis, we have the agency to control ourselves.
When I said you unloaded with assumptions, I meant those you are making about other commenters. I read it as you were assuming that everyone here is a condescending savior type who has never lived in a poor community, etc. Those folks certainly exist on MV, and they test my patience, but I don’t want to conclude that an individual is speaking from such a mindset unless I know more.
Personally, I’ve lived in many places and am keenly aware of how the Vineyard differs. It’s something I talk about often and a reason I’m anxious to leave. Some people love these Island differences. To me, with apologies for offending anyone, they’ve come to feel way too… artificial. But that’s another topic. 🤐
Jackie, 💜.
Katie, that was a very nice post and I could tell it was from the heart. I just have a different perspective. One that I experienced while working in high crime areas dealing with a very hardened element. Driving down 16th Ave in Newark at 2am seeing children on big wheels while their guardians smoked crack on the porch made me a little jaded. No one cared about what kind of future these little kids had. And in an instant these young kids, innocent kids, get caught up in a system that will break the strongest of people. If you get a chance watch the series The Wire and focus on the season when the kids come to the fork in the proverbial road. It is so realistic it makes your stomach turn. As for hoody’s and thugs there is a certain truth to that. It’s survival on the street so you dont look soft. It’s an image people are trying to portray. Don’t mess with me. I pretty much guarantee that if a young man walked through little bricks housing project wearing tennis whites he wouldn’t have much of a chance making it out the other side. If you portray yourself to be in a violent gang wearing certain colors that identify you as being a member of that gang do you think they should be treated with increased skepticism? Now to be fair i have also been around complete morons wearing a uniform. Like the time my partner pulled over a middle age black male with MD tags as in dr plates. The guy was in his scrubs with a stethoscope around his neck a block away from UNDMJ Hospital. Granted he had a popped door lock as the PC to stop the car but I did have to ask him, could it be possible that the driver had his car stolen and recovered and just didn’t get the lock fixed. And do you really think that a car thief is going to dress up like a dr when stealing a car? Yes, he was the butt of many jokes for years to come in the district and can assure you his profiling changed after that stop. Sorry for the rant. Sorry to hear your looking to leave MV.
America has been the best country on earth for blacks. It was here that 600,000 black people, brought from Africa in slave ships, grew into a community of 40 million, were introduced to Christian salvation, and reached the greatest levels of freedom and prosperity blacks have ever known. No people anywhere has done more to lift up blacks than white Americans. Untold trillions have been spent since the ’60s on welfare, food stamps, rent supplements, Section 8 housing, Pell grants, student loans, legal services, affirmative action, Medicaid, Earned Income Tax Credits and poverty programs designed to bring the African-American community into the mainstream. Some people are racist but we in the US as a government and social class are not racist as witness the rise of African –Americans into government, law, education judiciary and virtually all categories of the economy. If our government has hurt the black cause, and it has, it is due to the welfare programs that created a dependency rather than a lift up.
You post vile stuff every day, but this could be the most vile thing you’ve ever posted…yeah this country has treated blacks so well…first, the blacks must have been thrilled to be taken from their homes by force to be slaves…you glossed over the hundreds of years that blacks were slaves in america…you glossed over the 100 years after the abolition of slavery when blacks still did not have equal rights, were still subject to torture, lynching and murder without recourse from the justice system…I could go on and on, but I think you worst thing you said was “No people anywhere has done more to lift up blacks than white Americans”…how about nobody has done more to lift up blacks than BLACK americans…
engelman. You’ve gone and outdone yourself this time. It’s almost as if you’re plagiarizing the Master Race playbook.
This is the most vile and thoroughly ignorant thing you’ve posted yet. And that’s saying something.
The audacity of a serial comment section troll mansplaining and whitesplaing a white savior screed over the voices of actual experts is a really a sight to be seen.
And I’m sure no one has done more for climate change than the oil industry.
I wasn’t going to reply to Engelman but now feel I have to. Maybe Engelman is like most people and lives in the present and looks to the future. If you go back far enough most races and people have experienced horrific atrocities. It’s going on today all over the world. But ask yourself with all out foibles, are we still the best place to live? Look at our border with people literally dying to get in. How many are dying to get out? Ask yourself why then re read Englemans comment. I’m not arguing about the atrocities of the past. But they are in the past. Your past and my past. Learn from them and never repeat them. That’s the true power of studying history.
But they’re not in the past…do you consider George Floyd (and he is just one of countless examples) to be in the past? the man below spent 36 years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit…just got released the other day… https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/man-wrongfully-convicted-new-orleans-rape-teen-exonerated-decades-late-rcna44937 …I’m not interested in ranking our country (“best place to live”)…I’m interested in making it better…
Jonathan, no I don’t and an excellent points. I would like to make it better too. We will continue to have people abuse their power and they must be held accountable. I just don’t think our system today is systemically racist. People yes. As for people being unjustly incarcerated it’s horrific and unfortunately happens too often. We need to do better there too. As I mentioned I was a part of CJ system and like all things there is room for improvement. I’m with you on that.
The above comment has it all. No glossing over of the horrors of centuries of chattel slavery. A blinkered incomplete view of American history. Some white saviorism. Phrasing casting blacks as the “other” . The denial of the existence of racism because some people are able to overcome it. It hits all the notes a white supremacist would need to justify their worldview. If it weren’t so ridiculous it would be offensive.
Mr Holmes. All the suffering and indignity that blacks suffered in the last 150 years is well know and well documented by all people including me. My comment if you read it carefully deals only with what the American people did to restore some equity. You did not answer as to what country did more than the USA for that restoration nor do you contemplate the conditions those generations would have endured if they remained in Liberia or Senegal or Ghana or anywhere in Black Africa for that matter. 45 million people are enslaved in the world today and the majority in West Africa and India.
One last thought before this article gets archived. Just note the lack of comments to what is arguably one of the most important social issues that this country is dealing with. Ask yourself why that is. An article on Alan Dershowitz gets over 100 comments and this topic gets 15. I’m afraid that people are too scared to have an honest dialogue because of social ramifications they may endure. The conversation should be raw, honest, impassioned, gritty, loud, respectful and uncensored. Before understanding why someone thinks they way they do don’t you have to hear them out first? But when it is over there should be no lasting ramifications other than working together for the good of the order. I think everyone is looking for fairness but one’s definition of fair isn’t what another’s is. And that words definition sure does change depending what ideology one subscribes to.
Carl– I responded to andys comment about how great white christians have been to/for black people. I was honest about my feelings about that comment. My comment got moderated.
I got moderated on a few too specifically about my time as a police officer in Newark, NJ. Gave real life experience on profiling whether is was clothing or stolen cars. Grew up in Newark in the 70’s and 80’s and wanted some people who comment hear who never experienced extreme poverty to understand how silly they sound trying to identify with them. It’s comical for people on MV to opine how people have to interact with others in high crime areas for personal survival. It really makes people look silly.
Carl, there are plenty of non-white Americans who do not live in areas of high crime, and yet they’re still subjected to profiling. When it comes to hoodies, I think you’re making my point. Yes, some gangs dress a certain way. That doesn’t mean you can assume that skin tone + a generic clothing item—an item also worn by white people—should subject someone to additional risk or scrutiny. They have to actually be doing something wrong to warrant that.
That’s what I was trying to say before. When a person with NO record has to make sure he’s anticipating public perception of his every movement and decision, it’s a problem. Meanwhile, his white friend can throw on the same hoodie and no one will blink. That’s racism in a nutshell.
I think you’re assuming too much about what others have experienced in terms of poverty and crime or which side of the issue we grew up on.
You tried, Katie, with the patience of a saint!
Thanks, Jackie. ❤️ I was seriously torn between replying to this thread and watching Only Murders in the Building. lol
I should’ve gone with the second option—where the violence is fictional and the men are intentionally hilarious.
Pretty funny comment from a guy who recognizes we need to talk about race but in the next breath brags that he never discussed race with his own children. And you wondered how I knew you were white? I can’t speak for others but it’s generally not worthwhile to respond to hissy fits, contradicting thoughts, and demands for an undeserved apology. And then there was engelman’s disgusting comment and your directive to reread it? Even he had the sense to say nothing more.
By the way, race and ethnicity are not the same.
Jacki, just admit you are wrong then we can both move on. I’ll take your silence as that admission and as your apology. I am not new to commenting here and have no plans to go away. Interesting that you would want me to now that you know more about me. And Jacki just curious to how many of these talks that black families have about race that you are privy too. All the virtue signaling from the elites is precious.
Jacki, there you go making an assumption about me being white. Why? And my kids friend groups growing up were so diverse it looked like the UN when they all got together. Race only became an issue when adults, namely teachers and coaches, made it one. We never talked about race because it never was an issue. I taught my children to treat everyone the same. I gave them enough credit for them to understand that means no matter what someone looks like or who they pray to. So funny how people on MV think they know what is best for other people while sitting on their island perch. You can use all the buzz words like privilege, fairness, equity, reform but at the end of the day it’s just your guilt. Again, I’ll be patiently waiting for your apology.
Seriously, Carl, maybe consider writing an article titled, “How to tell people ‘I am white’ without actually using those words”.
I find your comments both uninformed and ludicrous, but I gotta hand it to you. Until now, I never heard the “Some of my kids’ best friends are Black” defense, which, btw, doesn’t excuse white parents from discussing with their children the racial issues people of color have to deal with and prepare their children for in this country. And I’m white and still know this to be true.
“I just don’t think our system today is systemically racist.” ~Carl Kelly
https://www.vox.com/2020/6/17/21284527/systemic-racism-black-americans-9-charts-explained
Jacki… I am sharing your comments with my family and we are hysterically laughing at your superpower gift of identifying my race through my posts. I guess I don’t fit into your stereotype of what I am supposed to believe in. Your comments or so telling as to exactly what the problem is.
Car, I’ve been at this a long time. I’ve seen sudden appearances and then just as sudden disappearances of commenters who pour their heart out and then poof. What I’ve come to learn is that people who need to hide who or what they are will disappear pretty quickly when they start tripping themselves up. And they always trip up. You started off this comment thread with a point of view that is inherently white, talking about yourself, not responding to the article I wonder if you’ve even read. Own it. Or not, I don’t care. You made the point of you, you, you ever more pronounced with every comment, contradicting yourself and digging yourself in more deeply. Black parents do indeed instruct their children on how to behave during experiences like a traffic stop. But you seem to have no concept of the reality of the Black American experience except from a limited, racially stereotyped way. Im tired of your obsequiousness and your white mansplaining and that’s why I normally ignore you… and will from now on.
As to your “social contract” with yourself, another fail.
“Black folks have to resurrect hope every day.” I can only imagine.
When you can convince me you’re a Black American, (or recognizably nonwhite) I will apologize. Until then, you’re another white conservative spewing the same old story that fails to recognize the reality for people of color in this country. Bragging about your kids socializing with people of color doesn’t explain why you failed to educate them to the actual realities of being Black while American and feeling proud of your failure. I’ll wait. Lol.
Jacki, most mornings, weather permitting I’m sitting alone on a bench at the harbor between Our Market and Nancy’s having a cup of coffee. I highly doubt your powers of observation will miss me. Stop by and say hello.
Carl, people of all races can form close friendships or become family in a world where racism is still an issue. Sadly, these two realities have found a way to cohabitate. I don’t feel anyone is questioning whether we can get along despite different backgrounds. Race doesn’t have to be the central focus of a one-on-one relationship.
But there’s a broader picture here, too. We’re not always among friends and family who care about us as individuals. Sometimes we’re among strangers who wish us/them harm. Strangers who make that decision in a split second based on society’s assumptions. Some of that harm is racially motivated.
I don’t want race presented to children in a way that drives a wedge between them, but it’s important to give them a working understanding of how situations can play out away from the home. Not all irresponsible behavior is mean-spirited. Sometimes it’s a lack of awareness that one of your buddies could be penalized more harshly for the same actions. If for that reason alone, I think kids with diverse friends should hear the truth about these dynamics.
It’s hard to tear out the roots of racism when the conversation always steers back to whether it exists at all in a modern context and whether it’s worth tackling. You said before that we should just treat each other with respect. Of course. Ideally, we would only discuss such differences in a joyful exchange of culture, corny as that sounds. But we don’t live in that utopia. Some refuse to play by those rules. And we will never get there if we don’t proceed beyond the icky middle step of breaking down why.
If I’m being an honest little storm cloud, I don’t believe we will get there at all. People don’t seem built for unanimous harmony. To me, this is about preventing what we can, when we can. That approach shouldn’t be seen as an attack on previously forged bonds between friends. If I’m friends with someone from a group that’s been demonstrably targeted for anything, I want to push back and protect them.
It’s as simple as needing to right any other wrong. And as complicated.
Yes, Katie and I totally agree. I just take exception to one group of people telling another group of people how to think, vote and act. Especially when they haven’t walked in their shoes. I think it’s condescending to tell people they are victims and only the educated elites know what’s best. I find my inspiration from Thomas Sowell, Condoleezza Rice and FDR. As for judging people based on demographics it’s perfectly acceptable. We know that certain types of people disproportionately commit certain types of crimes according to the FBI. As an example am I going to look for meth labs in Hasidic neighborhoods or known locations of biker gangs known to peddle meth. Are open air drug markets more prevalent in minority cities or affluent suburbs? I think it’s hypocritical of people abandoning cities for their neighborhoods like MV then telling people they are privileged. There is nothing wrong with wanting to live in a better neighborhood but ask yourself why you picked the neighborhood that you chose. And when you honestly answer that question check yourself before making assumptions of other people. I say for all those who really care go raise your family on the South Side of Chicago and be part of the solution. Let’s see how well that would go over by the way. Gentrification is a huge problem. And to quote you it’s complicated. But I am optimistic. I look to Newark NJ for that optimism but that is another Post.
This was a thorough article that balanced a number of thoughtful points.
Unfortunately, my experience with trying to discuss this topic over the years has been disappointing. I seldom have the energy anymore.
To those bored by or overly sensitive to the mention of race, its exploration is always gonna be seen as whining to be countered, even if relevant to the present. People will belittle an idea before a hint of listening has taken place. Not a great way to co-exist.
When the focus is on the past hardships of many European cultures, a multi-disciplined analysis is embraced, even applauded as the mark of an intellectual. (According to others, anyway. I’m not so fond of snooty labels and categories.) In America, the most readily accepted histories are taught to folks of all backgrounds without apology.
It’s only when groups that have been viewed as a minority start to write, speak, perform, or otherwise engage, offering up their journeys to the public, that the objections to clinging to the past or being critical of this nation come out. Usually with anger. I see it everywhere online.
Empathy is a hollow ideal until you feed it something uncomfortable to chew on. Anyone can be compassionate towards those they relate to; it’s more important to sit with an experience you cannot automatically grasp and silence the inner critic. Maybe the experience being dismissed has objective validity; maybe we lack the framework to consider it properly.
That, in my opinion, is an approach best applied to lots of topics, not just race. But it seems especially applicable here. The urge to talk over stories that we should be absorbing is the biggest sign that we still need to hear them.
A Black man was recently arrested for watering his neighbor’s flowers, despite another neighbor telling the police he had a right to be there. We have a long way to go.
If anyone of any background is unfamiliar, I would recommend reading James Baldwin’s work. Or just a collection of his quotes. It’s hard for me to believe that folks could do so without coming away moved, but I’ve been naive before. Often. A lot. Frequently.
Katie, another great book to your reading list, if you already haven’t read it. The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace. Tragic story of a squandered opportunity.
Thanks, I will check this out soon. I haven’t read it but just looked it up and recognized the cover. This was added to my wishlist a while ago and got lost under a pile of mediocre mysteries. I could use a change.
Engelman
Wow
I’m sure that those African Americans brought over on ships to be slaves volunteered to leave their families & home country. I’m sure that the women and young girls volunteered to be raped by their owner, his sons and staff.
Then having to carry and deliver the babies of their rapists (molesters) and raising them.
Oh yeah, most of the welfare recipients are CAUCASIAN
AKA: WHITE.
Also most benefactors live in RED states. They tend to not pay their fair share just like the 1%.
Brenda–excellent post…But andy will tell you it was all ok, because it wasn’t white people who actually went into the bush and captured slaves– it was black people selling their adversarial tribes into slavery. They might even allow that fact to be taught in Florida schools.
And don’t expect him to care about those 2 facts you mentioned.. He will counter that there are more white people than black. He will care about that, even though he stated a while ago that per capita co2 emissions don’t matter– it’s the total number that matters.
As far as red vs blue states getting the handouts, and therefore creating “a dependency rather than a lift upon government handouts” he simply won’t believe it.
It is in fact a bit more complicated than just one sound bite.
so I’ll throw this out there, to try to convince him.
https://www.governing.com/finance/are-republican-states-more-federally-dependent.html
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