Being Black in America Part II

Being Black in America

Today I want to bring another example of Layla F. Saad’s book, Me and White Supremacy; Combat Racism, Change the World, and Become a Good Ancestor.

First I like to talk about her title. She says, “Me and White Supremacy . . .” as if that might cause people to turn away. The very fact of her being a white supremacy challenger is enough to give her a pass! Yet that is all right, she says, because the people who will turn from her title are not inclined to give her the time of day, at least not at this time.

I’ll talk about the rest of the title next time.

Then I just want to bring one idea: “You and Tone Policing.” This is a much-criticized hinge. It includes people who speak too harshly about being black or are too conciliatory in saying what is wrong.

People with this ability, “are expected to cater to the white gaze–the white supremacist lens through which people with white privilege see BIPOC–and the comfort level of a person’s white fragility when talking about racism,” she says.

But the act of speaking out against white fragility is seen as a crime of come-uppance.

We look to Serena Williams. She was called on for “verbal abuse” after she called the umpire a thief! Yet she was compared to black and white players (male) who have done much worse and not been censured for it.

Seeing her speak to the tennis authority in this way was a fact!

What Serena should have done is speak up even more forcefully and with vigor in her own defense, not being shut out by someone with more authority that she had.

Looking Further

Think of these comments to women and men who want someone to speak more kindly: “I wish you would say what you’re saying in a nicer way.”

Or the comment, “I can’t take in what you’re telling me about your lived experiences because you sound too angry.”

Both these and other comments say that the person who is being tone-silenced is aware of being given no court to say what it is that bothers her. She is effectively told to tone-silence her comments.

But that is unfair and unfathomable. She must have her say in the way she wants to say it! It is for the person who is listening to her to adjust her hearing so she can hear what the person is asking her to hear.

Then just maybe the opportunity to offer to sit with her, listen to her, and hear her, arises.

Pledge for South-East Presidency in Nigeria

Some of the people looking for a south-east presidency in Nigeria are seeking someone who will stand out from the crowd. They want someone who will be ready to rule.

“Coalition of South-East Presidency 2023″ is ready to mobilize and sensitize “the people to be prepared.” All these groups are prepared to support their people in the fight for the highest position in the land.

Is there such a person? Not yet!

And maybe we just need a president who will be the leader for all the people!

Help for Me

I need help with figuring out how to upload pictures. I used to do it easily with pictures from websites. But now all the pictures say JTIF, or they exceed the limit of what I can do.

All help is welcome!