Julius-
I am SO weary of this topic! The only thing I am REALLY uncomfortable
being called is white (even though momma was as white as they come on the
outside). I have always been lumped with the coloureds or darkies. As I
think I have expressed many times before on this culturally diverse list is
that *I* can hang in just about any hood 'cept the white mans. And that
doesn't mean I think all white people are prejudiced against us. But when it
comes right down to it I am usually on the defensive when I am amongst white
people. How many times have I been the situation groovin on some music
somewhere and some white guy calls me _________ (insert YOUR favorite
derogatory name here), only to be corrected by some other white guy who
informs the first that I am "high yella" or "injun" or "..." Lately here at
work one of the guys has taken to calling me "brown factor". It is just the
latest in a very long line of names I have been called throughout my life.
For the most part at this point they just roll or bounce right off of me,
but deep down YES it still does hurt. I find this level of ignorance still
very prevelant here in the deep south. They always seem to wanna push the
envelope just as far as they can. Ultimately I continue to worry for my
children who have also felt the hate from some kid a school who was raised
by morons, that people who are different from you, should be made fun of or
singled out in a negative way.
Recently I had the chance to work with the Black Enteretainment Network
here in New Orleans and while I would love to tell you of ALL that happened
on this gig, I think it better to be silent about it for now (too many
pending issues still). I will tell you, however, that for the first time in
my life I felt a real racial undercurrent directed at me (as well as most of
the other local people, mostly whites) from a predominantly black "core"
crew. I am trying to believe that it was because "they" work together alot
and that all of us New Orleans folk are "outsiders". But there was some real
feelings that were not good there. The comedians, dancers, and other talent
on the show were the exact opposite of all this. With them I felt part of
the group and warm with. I had a phone call from alot of them after I left
the crew telling me how much they missed me on the crew and that things were
really different since I left.
I am blessed to have so many friends from so many backgrounds. Eveeryday
I see walls that come down and love spreading it's wings. I believe that
indeed "change gonna come", but for now I find prejudice even within myself.
Even though it is born of a defense mechanism within me, I am ashamed of
that. One thing I am sure of though, the bigot white man is outnumbered by
all of the darktown society throughout the world (with people like Joni
being in *THIS* number). I pray I do not offend anyone with my honest
feelings here for it is not my intention. I only choose to share this with
you guys so you can see the depth of hurt and confusion that hate causes
people. It is so tragic that *we* have to classify ourselves as any group
other than mere brothers, one and all.
As one,
Michael
NP-Love On A Saturday Night-Jack Neilson (the demo version)
Julius wrote:
> *I* take no offense to being referred to as "Black," Wally, but Paz might.
> ;-) However, I generally capitalize the term. I have issues with
"colored"
> and "negro" though...but that's just me. I not sure what you're asking
with
> regard to the term "African-American." A euphemism for what? If a Black
> person is Canadian they would probably be an African-Canadian. I believe
> most Jamaicans are Black. One would probably refer to European-Jamaicans
> for differentiation, when necessary.
>
> I just read Sherelle's post on this thread and am amazed at the
> synchronicity of our views on Joni having soul. Thanks for your thoughts,
> Sherelle. Very well stated.
>
> - -Julius
