Buzz of the Day
I got something in the mail today about all the black history events that are going on at the local library. One particular thing stood out to me. They were talking about the abolition of slavery and to contemplate the challenging legacy of slavery in America. The legacy of slavery. There is definitely one, whether we choose to accept it or not. I don't believe it should be a built-in excuse, but it can't be totally disregarded either.
What is my responsibility as a black man? I consider myself a productive member of society. I pay my taxes, give pedestrians the right-of-way. I even laugh at jokes that ain't funny just to be polite. What else is required of me?
I know as a Christian, I am to walk in line to what the Holy Bible teaches. I am supposed to share the gospel to those around me. My plan is to prepare for eternity and not this momentary time on earth.
But while I'm on earth, what should I be doing. As a black man?
I feel a HUGE responsibility to be civil. To show people that a black person knows how to act. To speak in grammatically correct sentences. I don't want someone to not give a black person (or any minority for that matter) a chance because I skewed their image. I want people to not look at me as a black person whom they respect, but a person that they respect. At the same time, I want them to know that I am black so they give a black person a second look when they are considered for a second interview. I don't want people to think that I'm the only black person who has sense, because I am not. There are many who have much more...much more.
I feel a responsibility to my community as well. To my young (and old) family members. I want to be a positive example to people. I want to teach younger generations their history. I want them to know that 50 years ago, we couldn't even vote! I want them to know that the world has changed, but not as much as we think. I don't want them to feel the pressure of racism, but I do want them to feel the responsibility of representing an entire race. Right or wrong, it is their reality. I want them to be proud of what our ancestors fought for. To be grateful for the sacrifices that were made. The sacrifices that continue to be made on a regular basis.
Chris Rock had a very controversial stand up routine when he talked about the difference between "niggas" and black people. People were up in arms. Sometimes, white people are quick to call someone "white trash." They are basically saying that to separate themselves from a particular behavior. Many times, these same people throw all black people in the same pot. For some reason we are all the same. I carry that with me every-single-day. It's hard enough being a human being with all the different emotions and things we have going on. Imagine feeling like if you do one thing that is "questionable," you set your entire race back.
I wish the feelings I have were not true. But they are. People are wondering very often if am I the exception to the rule, or if I am an example of how many people are if you just give them a chance.
Explicit Language Below (But Very Funny)
nice post. Was a good read.
ReplyDeleteI tend to think you would act civil no matter what your race is, because that's the type of man you are.
ReplyDeleteThis is just a thought, haven't really completely reviewed it, but here goes:
The conundrum comes when you think of the reason you feel this huge responsibility to prove something about black people. Not only do you need to prove that you're well mannered and civil for your own self image, but you also need to do it to enhance the image of all black people. People have stereotypes of minorities, and these stereotypes need to be demolished. The only way to do this is to come into contact with these prejudicial people, and prove them wrong and make them understand.
Doing this on your own will never be possible. By default, the way in which other black people act will affect your image, as a black man, to the rest of the world. In other words, not only are you acting this way because you understand that it helps other people of your race. You may also be acting this way because you realize that the way in which other people of your race act affects your image too.
Jen, thanks for the comment.
ReplyDeleteNathan,
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate your insight. Stereotypes are a part of life, for all people. But we don't have to feed into it. I feel the responsibiiity to carry myself a certain way b/c I know right from wrong. It doesnt change. There's a saying, "Know better, do better." Life has never been fair, but I will continue to fight the good fight. I'm actually gonna step up the fight!