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Re: Re: Rochester's Anti-Racist Movement Visits WHAM
Date Edited: 29 Jun 2008 09:37:14 AM
We are living in a society that give white people privilege in many areas. We living in a society that has a historical context of racism, and I don't just mean enslavement. Racism has, and does continue beyond slavery. It seems that many people choose to forget this, but if we are wishing to work towards equity and justice, we must always remember this. Historically, and continuing today, institutions, and the individuals behind those institutions have ghettoized people of color. How can a person say "no black music awards" or "no BET" and even moreso, how can a person say, "No voting for Obama because he's black"? First of all, most people of color I know are NOT just voting for Obama because he's black, it's because he's an intelligent human being who has continuously acted in an ethical manner, and who has laid down political platforms that seem achievable. Now, I'm not saying, and I haven't heard anyone say, he's perfect. But with a history of white people supporting white privilege, and not caring at all for their constituents who are people of color past voting day, could you really hold is against people of color to vote for Obama because he's black? The hope is he'll finally give a powerful voice against the white power that has been running our country since its independence and before. <br><br>I also would like to take a moment to discuss your statement that awarding mediocrity perpetuates mediocrity. This is not the case! First, a B average is not mediocre, it is an accomplishment for many people. Second, there is a lot of information out about racial and class imbalances between teachers and students, and how this negatively impacts learning for the students, particularly because of a lack of cultural understanding by the teacher. A book that was recently recommended by a respected educator in Rochester is "Black Students, Middle Class Teachers" by Dr. Jawanza Kunjufu. Maybe you'd like to gain a deeper understanding of why a B is not just an accomplishment for anyone, but particularly for Black students in Rochester, whose teachers are 85% white, and overwhelmingly middle class. I hope to be reading it soon myself. We're all learning!<br><br>
You mention that if Lonsberry is wrong for pointing out color, then boycott all separatist Black movements. I haven't heard anyone say Lonsberry is wrong for pointing out color, what we're saying is that what he's pointing out about people of color is wrong. You've just seen this article address race and racism in an excellent manner, you've seen me discuss race and racism, and I don't think these things have been wrong. People who say, "I don't see color!" are frequently just as racist as people like Lonsberry who is spewing it over the airwaves. Pointing out color isn't the problem, not understanding the power dynamics behind racism, not understanding the historical context of racism, and not understanding how one is perpetuating racism is the problem.