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Monday, October 18, 2010

"I'm Special 'Because' I Am Black"

I said to a blogger who always seems to be from the "Tim Wise School of Race Relations".
She thought that I meant it as some weak-ass "I'm Black and I'm Proud" chant of self-affirmation.
But this is not the case.
As with many Black bloggers on the Internet, I grew up as a "token".
As the one (or one of the few) Black(s) in any given class, sport, job, church or activity.
Was I teased or harassed or oppressed?
H-to-the-E-to-the-double-L-No!
I was Elegba all up in Valhalla.
I had to teach white guys 'how' be white and cool.
I had to turn down the girls the white guys would think about as they would masturbate.
I did/do a'ight.

So having never been a victim of oppression - but having benefited from liberal white culture, or White Guilt, or Affirmative-Action, mixed with my innate Black genetics - how could I be expected to have a victim-mentality?
Why wouldn't I feel special because I am Black?
Having done well under conditions which Blacks are often taught are not their own - why would I feel inferior?
If I can do well in my game as well as in your game - why would I acquiesce whenever confronted or doubted?
Since I don't rely on others based on race - why would I fear that someone else is going to do anything to or for me predicated on race?

 "But that's not how the world works.", some might say.
Really?
When was the last time race determined the outcome of your endeavors?
Be honest - could an undesired outcome be the effect of a lack of education, training or social skills?
Could you just be unattractive in a culture which celebrates attractive people.
I'm not just talking about "European Standards" - sometimes ugly is just ugly (and you might be that).
How often does race really play a part in what you are trying to do?
How many times have you benefited because of your race?
All-in-all - if you are equally qualified, has your race really held you back?
Or was it just your culture (or lack thereof)?

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