Embrace the Quirky!
After the morning after, after the night before . . .
I don't feel victorious. I don't feel like we won. I do think that these sentiments are particularly interesting after the early press spin that asked whether Barack was black enough and black people were ambivalent about the answer. Now he's one of us, our hero, our modern day Martin and Malcolm (please people let's really think about what these men did and who they were i.e. not politicians).
A friend's brother said that he's seen more racism on the internet in the last few days than in his whole millennial life, which is interesting in the wake of claims that Obama's win symbolizes a new epoch in racial relations in this country. What I see is power and hegemony at work. The election of a brown face that keeps the capitalist machine going, (not an uncle tom Nader; they all placate those corporations) albeit it a gentler, greener machine (we've been promised) that still does the work of US imperialism.
I wonder how our Indigenous brothers and sisters feel? Is it enthusiasm for the fact that a person of color has reached the white house or is it sadness that a person of color is at the helm of an empire that wrought such pain and destruction among their peoples?
I say person of color deliberately to note that Obama's African American-ness exist in another space than that of other African American's who have sought the nation's highest office (Chisolm, Jackson, McKinney, etc.). He is not marked with the north/south black/white paradigmatic binary we use to understand race in this country. He is not colored by the hallmarks of African American elite society like belonging to a Divine Nine fraternity or growing up in Jack & Jill. His Hawaiian, Midwest upbringing make him an exception to dominate codes of blackness which initially made black people suspicious and ultimately put whites at ease.
It was easier for me when the face of U.S. imperialism didn't look like mine. Will this stem the radical left's radicalness? Will we become complacent because Obama is the new president of the fundamentally illegal, stolen, and pilfered United States? I am worried because as bougie black folk celebrate and rejoice, there are still black people hurting. The "tragedy" in Jennifer Hudson's family captures national attention, even presidential (now) condolences, but how often is that story true for countless other black families living in this country and how often is that story told as one of tragedy rather than a rationalization of stereotypes long held about the black urban poor? Structural racism depends on the exceptions (Obama, Oprah, etc.) to hide the rule that is inequity.
Am I cynical for feeling ambivalent in this moment? I dare not share these thoughts with too many because the retribution is swift. There is no room for quirky black girls casting aspersions at this watershed moment in black history. But I must insist on raising my dis-ease in this moment, my fear for what this may seemingly absolve in the minds of many. And also what might it incite? "Disempowered racist white people can only actually harm people much less powerful than the president elect."
So I pledge to stay vigilant, critical and skeptical. I pledge also to be active, visible, and hopeful for the world I wish to see. It will take more than one man's rise to power to undo centuries old structural oppressions built along the axes of race, gender, sexuality, ability and age. The struggle continues.
Thanks to Summer M., Alexis P., and Ashon C. for helping me think on this and providing pieces of this analysis.
A friend's brother said that he's seen more racism on the internet in the last few days than in his whole millennial life, which is interesting in the wake of claims that Obama's win symbolizes a new epoch in racial relations in this country. What I see is power and hegemony at work. The election of a brown face that keeps the capitalist machine going, (not an uncle tom Nader; they all placate those corporations) albeit it a gentler, greener machine (we've been promised) that still does the work of US imperialism.
I wonder how our Indigenous brothers and sisters feel? Is it enthusiasm for the fact that a person of color has reached the white house or is it sadness that a person of color is at the helm of an empire that wrought such pain and destruction among their peoples?
I say person of color deliberately to note that Obama's African American-ness exist in another space than that of other African American's who have sought the nation's highest office (Chisolm, Jackson, McKinney, etc.). He is not marked with the north/south black/white paradigmatic binary we use to understand race in this country. He is not colored by the hallmarks of African American elite society like belonging to a Divine Nine fraternity or growing up in Jack & Jill. His Hawaiian, Midwest upbringing make him an exception to dominate codes of blackness which initially made black people suspicious and ultimately put whites at ease.
It was easier for me when the face of U.S. imperialism didn't look like mine. Will this stem the radical left's radicalness? Will we become complacent because Obama is the new president of the fundamentally illegal, stolen, and pilfered United States? I am worried because as bougie black folk celebrate and rejoice, there are still black people hurting. The "tragedy" in Jennifer Hudson's family captures national attention, even presidential (now) condolences, but how often is that story true for countless other black families living in this country and how often is that story told as one of tragedy rather than a rationalization of stereotypes long held about the black urban poor? Structural racism depends on the exceptions (Obama, Oprah, etc.) to hide the rule that is inequity.
Am I cynical for feeling ambivalent in this moment? I dare not share these thoughts with too many because the retribution is swift. There is no room for quirky black girls casting aspersions at this watershed moment in black history. But I must insist on raising my dis-ease in this moment, my fear for what this may seemingly absolve in the minds of many. And also what might it incite? "Disempowered racist white people can only actually harm people much less powerful than the president elect."
So I pledge to stay vigilant, critical and skeptical. I pledge also to be active, visible, and hopeful for the world I wish to see. It will take more than one man's rise to power to undo centuries old structural oppressions built along the axes of race, gender, sexuality, ability and age. The struggle continues.
Thanks to Summer M., Alexis P., and Ashon C. for helping me think on this and providing pieces of this analysis.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Moya on -
thanks so much maia! your words in the space continue to inspire me. So I recant, I'm here, I'm cynical, and that's ok!
My school was like that too with the baked goods; we couldn't have bake sales.
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Permalink Reply by summer m. on -
maia: holyfield.
moya: minus that hygiene stuff, i really dig the Cynics, and have no problem being a "watchdog" for this world we live in.
Moya said:thanks so much maia! your words in the space continue to inspire me. So I recant, I'm here, I'm cynical, and that's ok!
My school was like that too with the baked goods; we couldn't have bake sales.
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Permalink Reply by charing ball on -
So, I saw a quick newbite this morning on CNN that the AIG corporate heads have been having a field day with our tax dollars. This on top of bank leaders, who are suppose to be using the 700 billion dollar financial bailout to free up the credit market instead using our dollars to purchase securities (i.e. Van Goghs, Picasso's and other things that appreciate)
Meanwhile, Kila-delphia, my city (probably best know to you all as philly), is in the thrust of a major financial crisis to the point that our wonderful Mayor (and I mean that sarcastically) is threatening to close libraries, recreation center pools, fire stations, cut curfew and truancy centers and 28 million dollars in other social service programs - this after his campaign promise to raise our dismal 50 percent high school graduation rate. Personally, I feel that some of these things could have been avoided if certain ten year tax abatements and other sweatheart deals for developers of the overpriced condos and High Rise corporate centers (i.e. Comcast), looking to gentrify North Philly, Germantown, West Philly, weren't handed out like candy on Halloween. After nine years of covering these sort of stories with one of our local newspapers and knowning full well that we continue to get the wool - not only pulled over our eyes - but shaved from our sheepish hides, I have officially had enough. Over it!!!!
That's why this election, I voted....or shall I say, I wrote-in Cynthia MckInney name as President. Sure, my boyfriend thought it was a wasted vote. And I knew that in a state with the most restrictive ballot access laws (note: both democrats and republican candidates for office in the state of Pennsylvania are only required to have 2,500 signatures to get on the ballot; for third party candidates, the number is 24,500) that my write-in vote would be counted as a no-vote (another note: if you do not spell a candidates name correctly including middle initial it is throw out). But I had to make a statement - one of my own independence from a system that preaches morality and ethics, but contines to starves families, abuses children and harasses young brothers for doing the same thing, our corrupt leaders have been doing for years at the top.
Like others, I had no intention of sharing my decision with my neighbors - fellow Black folks with visions of Obama as the second coming. Instead I politely nodded at the mention of Obama's name and stuff my face with swedish meatballs at the election-watching party, before my boyfriends family could quiz me any further about my excitement of having our "first Black president." I had learned early on in the day - when the voting machine suspiciously stopped working and I had to call for help from one of the pollworker, who then called over several other pollworkers, who shook their heads and coldly told me that this wouldn't have happen if I had voted for Obama - that going against the Mahogny grain ain't always appreciated. But I just couldn't push that button for him - not in good concious anyway.
Obama voted for the bailout package, the same one that will mean libraries in my city are going to close. I couldn't understand his comment after the Sean Bell decision - the one when he suggested we should respect the judge's decision - what, is he crazy? I wasn't impressed with him as a Senator, especially when he put on the kids gloves in the questioning of Condolessa Rice during the 911 hearings. There are plenty of other examples of policies and belief that I feel I don't share with our President-elect. The biggest one that comes to mind happened about five or six months back, I got into an heated arguement with a friend of mines over Obama's denouncement of Rev. Wright. Most people are unaware of his ties to Philadelphia - the first church he preached at is less then five minutes away from my house. I was outraged by this, however my friend, while agreeing with Wright's critiques on our society, felt that Obama did the right thing. Her arguement was that Obama had to do what he had to in order to get elected. And only after he gets elected, will he be free to deal with "our" issues. What the fuck is that about?
Here's another life lesson: learn to take people at face value! Sometimes folks are what they say they are. And if they are acting like your concerns and your values are not important to them, the by God, there not. Plus, if you think the pressure of getting elected means that you must hide your true beliefs and value, wait until you get in office and have to appease those who will be responsible for your re-election four years from now!!! I'm sorry but putting a Black face on government will not make it better. If your not convinced, look how many corrupted, non-caring Black politicians we have.
No, Change doesn't happen in the top office in Washington. It doesn't happen in Government either. Today, I just left a press conference with our Mayor, speaking out of one side of his mouth about the importance of mentoring programs, and then justifying the cuts to similar youth programs around the city out the other. He too campaigned on the platform on the promise of change in government (also stop-n-frisk). I am reminded that we should never expect - or look to- government to make things better for us. Change happens in our streets, our neighborhoods, our communities. It happens when good people, who had enough, react and come together for the collective cause of changing one's situation. Change doesn't come to Washington - Change happens first, and then Washington - out of its own self-preservation (i.e. re-election) response.
Enough with my ranting. I have read each one of your posting and felt compelled to share my own thoughts. I am very appreciated that there are forums like this available for people like me. I apologize in advance for all the mis-spellings and bad grammar, another reason why my write-in vote probably won't count:)
peace
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Permalink Reply by Moya on
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y'all philly quirks, check the forum for a conversation called philly quirks. I think there are a few qbg's in your area trying to get together.
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Permalink Reply by Lex on -
Hey loves,
Sorry to be so late in this conversation. Summer, Mai'a, Moya, Charing, Tiha, Z all of what you've said resonates with me so deeply and am grateful for everyone's comments, and all of Jessica's love. Saying what I think now would be a little redundant..but let me do 4 things
1. say: Summer, you sure know how to read me. I did go to that election party for the cake...and the music. And I resist identification with this deadly empire that's killing the planet through us. Period. Fine ass first lady or not. Like Mattilda says (i'm paraprhasing) It is suicidal to identify with a system that wants you dead.
This is also a chance to really look at my privilege...what does it mean that my ivy league educated little brother actually seems to have more in common with Barack Obama than the young men who are involved in the street organizations I work with here in Durham ever will? What privilege does my identification with that family reveal? On who's back does it stand?
2. my cynicism is the source of my hope. i think the largely uncritical celebration of the obama moment is very scary because it shows how low people's expectations really are, how completely DISIDENTIFIED so many people have been from the state we live in. and that disidentification makes me believe that the celebration when we create a society and a leadership model that actually gets us free as a loving world...instead of making the empire sexier....the party is going to be that much bigger...and it's not going to stop.
3. i'm attaching what June Jordan wrote 16 years ago after the first Bush era because i think it is very relevant to our conversation, critical, optimistic and because I wish we could hear her talking about this moment now.
4. I agree (again) with Summer that this conversation needs to be shared on a wider level. Fallon just gave me admin privileges on the site that she started during the primaries for black women to voices critiques of the process...I think now might be a time to reinvigorate that site with some of these critiques. What say you loves? Would you be willing to repost some of this brilliance in that more public space?
love always,
lex - Attachments:
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June, 1.3 MB
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Permalink Reply by Kismet on -
Yes! (I'm a fan. Yes, yes, yes.)
Lex said:Hey loves,
Sorry to be so late in this conversation. Summer, Mai'a, Moya, Charing, Tiha, Z all of what you've said resonates with me so deeply and am grateful for everyone's comments, and all of Jessica's love. Saying what I think now would be a little redundant..but let me do 4 things
1. say: Summer, you sure know how to read me. I did go to that election party for the cake...and the music. And I resist identification with this deadly empire that's killing the planet through us. Period. Fine ass first lady or not. Like Mattilda says (i'm paraprhasing) It is suicidal to identify with a system that wants you dead.
This is also a chance to really look at my privilege...what does it mean that my ivy league educated little brother actually seems to have more in common with Barack Obama than the young men who are involved in the street organizations I work with here in Durham ever will? What privilege does my identification with that family reveal? On who's back does it stand?
2. my cynicism is the source of my hope. i think the largely uncritical celebration of the obama moment is very scary because it shows how low people's expectations really are, how completely DISIDENTIFIED so many people have been from the state we live in. and that disidentification makes me believe that the celebration when we create a society and a leadership model that actually gets us free as a loving world...instead of making the empire sexier....the party is going to be that much bigger...and it's not going to stop.
3. i'm attaching what June Jordan wrote 16 years ago after the first Bush era because i think it is very relevant to our conversation, critical, optimistic and because I wish we could hear her talking about this moment now.
4. I agree (again) with Summer that this conversation needs to be shared on a wider level. Fallon just gave me admin privileges on the site that she started during the primaries for black women to voices critiques of the process...I think now might be a time to reinvigorate that site with some of these critiques. What say you loves? Would you be willing to repost some of this brilliance in that more public space?
love always,
lex
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Permalink Reply by maia on -
great idea lex. i was thinking the same thought that this discussion deserved a wider audience. i love the 'diversity' of voices and perspectives that shows that we can love each other and respect each other's words without having to agree. thank you everyone.
kismet said:Yes! (I'm a fan. Yes, yes, yes.)
Lex said:Hey loves,
Sorry to be so late in this conversation. Summer, Mai'a, Moya, Charing, Tiha, Z all of what you've said resonates with me so deeply and am grateful for everyone's comments, and all of Jessica's love. Saying what I think now would be a little redundant..but let me do 4 things
1. say: Summer, you sure know how to read me. I did go to that election party for the cake...and the music. And I resist identification with this deadly empire that's killing the planet through us. Period. Fine ass first lady or not. Like Mattilda says (i'm paraprhasing) It is suicidal to identify with a system that wants you dead.
This is also a chance to really look at my privilege...what does it mean that my ivy league educated little brother actually seems to have more in common with Barack Obama than the young men who are involved in the street organizations I work with here in Durham ever will? What privilege does my identification with that family reveal? On who's back does it stand?
2. my cynicism is the source of my hope. i think the largely uncritical celebration of the obama moment is very scary because it shows how low people's expectations really are, how completely DISIDENTIFIED so many people have been from the state we live in. and that disidentification makes me believe that the celebration when we create a society and a leadership model that actually gets us free as a loving world...instead of making the empire sexier....the party is going to be that much bigger...and it's not going to stop.
3. i'm attaching what June Jordan wrote 16 years ago after the first Bush era because i think it is very relevant to our conversation, critical, optimistic and because I wish we could hear her talking about this moment now.
4. I agree (again) with Summer that this conversation needs to be shared on a wider level. Fallon just gave me admin privileges on the site that she started during the primaries for black women to voices critiques of the process...I think now might be a time to reinvigorate that site with some of these critiques. What say you loves? Would you be willing to repost some of this brilliance in that more public space?
love always,
lex
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Permalink Reply by charing ball on
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i wouldn't be opposed to the idea? Only that, since I'm pretty new here, what's the forum?
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Permalink Reply by Moya on
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my cousin put us on his racewire blog. not the best first comment . . . actually it's pretty rough.
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