Race, Sex, Sexual Orientation - An Intelligent Assessment of Controversy

 

 

This is NOT the past.

 

We, in America, do not teach about marginalized groups in an appropriate way.

The general conception is we've to treat everyone equally and fairly and everything is solved. Everyone gets along happily and everything is fixed.

As idealistic as this mindset is, it is not adequate to truly understand marginalization.

The first issue we run up against is the way that racism is thought of. I read once somewhere that a man visited high schools and found that black and white students consistently talked past each other on terms of race. The white students see racism as discriminatory actions towards others while the black students see racism often as institutional.

And there is our first problem. I'll give you a hint: it's not that the students see racism in different terms.

The man observing these students makes the claim that the black students see racism one way and the white students another. Ignoring that this binary excludes every other possible race, it makes the mistake of claiming that a certain way of thinking belongs to each race. Not only is this statement momentary and will likely change as time passes (not to mention it is a generalization), it doesn't get at why this is the current way these two races view racism.

Frantz Fanon put out the fantastic argument that systems create racism. Trying to fight racism as actions and opinions is futile because these opinions and views of people will continually be created by the systems in society. Destroy the systems, destroy racism. While I don't entirely agree with this paraphrased version of Fanon, it gets at a point. For example:

Some of the school systems in Chicago are based on (either) a tax system or where the student is living, with each place having a different level of taxes needing to be payed (I can't entirely remember). However, the other drawback is that the schools that receive students from low-tax areas are also poorer in quality. That means the ability to move up in society is greatly reduced. Combination of lower education and poverty (and all the frustration that goes with poverty)? Higher criminal rate and antisocial and -cultural habits within the people. And, as you might've guessed, the majority of people located in these areas are minorities.
This system creates people who act out a role which allows the solidification of racism.

And think about it - don't the stereotypes about blacks include poverty, living in a ghetto, being uneducated, and acting unruly? It's important to remember that this system originated in our nation's racist housing situation starting in the 50s (I won't take the time to explain that one here; I'll just take it on faith that your education in life has covered that part of history).

Of course, you could object - that's not a racist institution. It's discriminatory, sure, but along class lines, not race. It was started by racist intentions, sure - but it's motivated by a monetary situation now. Switch out the blacks for any other race or put a mix of races there and you get the same situation. And, for the most part, I would agree. I actually do take the mainstream opinion that race is based upon the actions people take and views people hold. Racist institutions and groups can be formed, but whether that depends upon the group trying to promote racist ends (KKK) or it only requires a system to be founded with originally racist intentions in mind (the previous Chicago example) is not an important debate.

Fine, don't fight it on arguments of racism. It's still a poor system that needs to be reformed. However, we must understand all of this I've just explained to understand why certain racial groups may argue about racism and the changes necessary to combat it in the way that they do.

Which brings us nicely to Affirmative Action. I right now admit I don't believe I know enough about AA to speak wholly intelligently on it. I already know there are different forms of Affirmative Action; and it doesn't work quite like it is generally portrayed in the mainstream (you're black? Get a full ride for college!). Actually, GodlessLiberal did a well done post on AA quite a while back (if you happen to meander over, check out how the guy's been doing; he's been fading in and out of Xanga for a bit now). To summarize, he argued that AA should be based upon class rather than race (again, I stress, I do not fully understand the ways AA works. I'm assuming that GodlessLiberal's descriptions of it are correct. His serves as a good example, regardless, because of the lesson in perspective learned from it). I agree with his argument. This makes sense. However, if AA is based on race in implementation, we have to see why.

Arguing against a staunch black AA defender that AA is an unfair system will not win the person over. As far as they're concerned, you're simply arguing for further suffering in a system that specifically picks out blacks economically. AA should reverse the inherent racism of the system that holds most blacks back. However, as we've already discussed (at least in this specific example of economic injustice situated in Chicago), the system is not racially motivated (though, even in millions of years, with no change to the system, it's unlikely any large amount of blacks will break from this system in a way that will reduce the number of blacks caught in the system. The most likely difference would be to add and trap other races in this system). The argument really should be that the system is abolished, thereby allowing equal economic opportunities, regardless of race.

All that I've just said? That's the amount of unsaid material that happens in our current discussions on race. Now, I'm not entirely sure what types of systems may exist out there for other marginalized groups and how they may work off the top of my head. Since discussions of race and racism are so large and plentiful in our country, however, it's the easiest example. But this is only one side of the coin (if you've made it this far, I'm impressed; we need more people like you who are willing to adapt their mindsets).

Two topics related to each other, this side of the coin is split in half. The first half is representation.

Often, marginal groups will bring up issues that the majority of the country rolls their eyes at and don't understand the fuss over it. The perspective of the marginal group is lacking. You cannot just apply a veil over everyone and expect to treat and see them all the same. As much as I'd like that (and I do agree with the mainstream again and believe that is the goal), reality keeps us from doing so.

The history of marginalized groups is important and must be taught - because it does inform the present. It explains why things are the way they are (think of the Chicago example above).

Last week, there was an article on the front page that questioned whether Miley's possible use of the word Gay as an insult is offensive or not. Hell, why is it even important? Same question we've heard many times before. And it's here that the picture above draws relevance as well: defamation, ignominy, contempt.

There's a reason why when an artform first created and performed by a marginalized group is taken in and performed by the mainstream and majority, some get angry. The artform was born out of struggle and persecution. Its history is often erased. The representation of your suffering is gone.

"That's so gay!"

Around the world, millions of 15-year-old boys and girls will be told they don't exist. And one of the few non-offensive words (faggot, lesbo, pederast, etc.) that they have to define themselves has been reduced to a mere petty insult. When you spend most of your life growing up being told that you're a fad or a phase and that you really can't be gay, this trivialization is more than just a changing of the meaning of a word and insulting to the very personage.

I AM A MAN; I exist: do not deny me.

The other half of this side of the coin is how we view marginal groups. I'll use myself as an example.

I was raised in the suburbs. As a result, most of my tastes, interests, and what I think was formed by what is generally mainstream society. I consider myself a goth, identifying with the sub-culture. I love rap, writing some of my own as well. Reasonable Doubt by Jay-Z is, to me, one of the best albums ever. I was pretty much raised on Bruce Springsteen. Around high school I discovered Black Sabbath - and fell in love. Most of Freshman to Junior year, actually was stuck somewhere between Atreyu, Slipknot, and Cradle of Filth.I consider myself a nerd, loving video games and the such. My ethnicity is German, Haitian, Spanish, Polish, French, English, Scottish, and American. I grew up eating almost always Haitian food. I was raised Catholic and still piously practice Catholicism.

I don't think I need to be the one to tell you that you could racialize pretty much every single one of those descriptions. But, in that context, some of them seem to contradict each other.

The mainstream (and when I say that this time, I mean the intelligent faction that doesn't make generalized statements about particular races (I'm sure you could think of plenty race jokes for examples)), for the most part, holds the view that race is not attached to culture. As just seen, I'm a decent example of the types of cultural influence that may affect a person.

I actually don't even have a racial identity. I don't see myself in terms of race. Sure, I'm aware that I'm a mixed child. I'm aware that most view me as "black" and that sometimes I'm confused for being mostly Hispanic (or other nationalities). But I don't see race in terms of culture. That makes no sense to me. I recognize my heritage (as listed above) and the cultures associated with each respective culture, and I identify as American and with the American culture. Again, I don't have a racial identity. I would actually argue that race is a socially constructed mechanism for labeling others.

Alright then, why the Black Panthers? Why Afro-centric movements? Why a Latino culture? I remember finding a personal opinion someone had put into Wikipedia under the Harlem Renaissance that both offended me and put the answer quite clearly. Towards the end of the entry on the Harlem Renaissance it's explaining the goals of the movement, particularly in terms of the New Negro and trying to create a unique black culture that would legitimize blacks on the same level as whites of that era. The person who wrote the entry finishes it off with, "But the positive implications of American nativity have never been fully appreciated by them. It seems too simple: the African-American's history and culture is American, more completely so than most other ethnic groups within the United States."

Because the positive implications of American nativity was blatantly clear (or not at all possibly offensive at the time) in contrast to slavery, Jim Crow South, and continual prejudice on many levels from other Americans.

Why might the writer of that quoted statement not understand a refusal of the mainstream culture by blacks?

I believe cultures evolve out of an isolation of specific people (whether voluntary or involuntary) and the creation of rituals, ideals, etc. out of that isolation. America has isolated blacks for years. That is why there is such a thing as a Black Culture.

For those who want that race-blind view, that is problematic. I remember my mother bringing home an Ebony magazine one time. I tried reading the first few pages and stopped. It was too weird. As I said before, I have no racial identity. Having something have meaning out of the concept of being a person of color, as a form of identity, is just weird to me. I wouldn't fit too well into all of current black culture.

But why do these cultures exist? Why might what is considered specific attributes to "blackness" be extolled?

In the case of our example of blacks in America, because of previous prejudice. There would be no Black Panthers if not for prejudice.

And (this is important to understand for those who honestly do believe in a color-blind view of humanity) we cannot simply expect blacks in America to join back into the mainstream culture. For one, they have probably been raised in a different culture most of their lives. Further, racism still exists in America (as we all well know) or, at least, institutions which continue the creation of racism do. These alternate cultures built along the lines of race came into existance due to something. Finally, harking back to the concept of representation - often the mainstream portrays blacks poorly on a consistent basis or doesn't portray them at all (and, yes, that is direly important).

Now, I'm of one of the mainstream opinions. I believe in treating people in a color blind fashion. I believe in associating the culture of a person not with what "race" they are but simply by which culture the person says they identify with (the notion of someone of Korean ethnicity partaking entirely in Irish culture isn't as impossible as some would have us believe, especially if the person was adopted by Irish parents when they were just a baby).

However - this is not realistic in terms of our world. Many people don't see themselves simply as people and identify heavily and strongly with concepts of "race" - for a multitude of reasons which we would do well to know. And while I would argue that the eventual goal is to see marginalized people as simply people rather than in terms of what caused them to marginalized (for example, think of how we see brunettes as people despite a characteristic which does set them apart from others), the history of the marginalized group and what it means is direly important in terms of giving the proper respect to a marginalized group - and understanding that group. In trying to view the world entirely as the same, it often erases the past of marginalized groups and that past does inform the future. A "insert group here"-blind viewing means that equal representation isn't necessary - and in this world, right now, that often means a mainstream dominated by the majority with mindsets thinking that is how the world is. And for many who probably aren't racist, sexist, sexualist, etc. they will still subconsciously think of their world in terms of the majority. I'll save you further examples; I'm sure you can think of others on your own.

I've said twice on here before that race relations in this country were heading toward a complete train crash. I take that back now. We are so talking past each other on issues of race that we couldn't possibly hit, even if we wanted to. Everyone has these different concepts of marginalized groups, for a variety of reasons, and they only understand their own beliefs. Only once we get on the same footing of understanding can we move forward (though quite difficultly) in addressing these issues.

 

 

***note: you'll notice that most of this addresses race (and only in terms of black and white) and touches on sexuality while biological sex (and any other groups) isn't addressed at all. The largest reason for the large focus on race is because of the great attention it has received in our country and, therefore, the familiarity of knowledge with it by most Americans.

This post also makes some pretty generalizing statements and those statements must be understood fluidly for marginalized groups to be fully understood (for nothing stays stagnate). For example, gays and women have less of any type of culture outside the mainstream because they have had less isolation from the majority than those of different races. Another example is that if the concept of looking at everyone as being equal and the same does eventually someday come to fruitation, these concepts will likely become obsolete or must be thought of differently. That day is far, far, far, far off - but we cannot allow our thinking and understanding of concepts to become mired.

Also, the title is an allusion to this Xanga post: http://www.mancouch.com/716194723/race-sex-sexual-orientation-and-abortion/

Me in a nutshell
---
There was one time I was talking with my mother and she was listing off which girls of certain races (in some instances, religions) she would love if I went out with (because this is the type of stuff she does). Either myself or my brother asked about if I went out with Muslim girl. My mother's response was, "No, never. Those people are crazy."

My brother and I are confused.

Actually, to this day, I'm still confused. Now, I know my mother is racist. On multiple accounts, actually. However, while she will wax eloquently often enough on certain fortunate enough souls, usually follows of Islam (or, in her vast understanding, the entirety of the Middle East) are not targets.

Also, I know my mother is capable of decent rational thought. She can exercise that, I swear. Which is why my brain is literally unable to compute this situation. I mean - it just does not logically make sense. As a rational and thinking animal...how do you possibly come up with this? Surely you can't possibly think that a few extremists constitutes a full people, right?? And, further, if I were dating a Muslim, they'd probably be raised in America, right (if you can't get over the concept of the entire Middle East does not equal people of insanity)??

And, yes, I understand that some people don't actually constantly apply reason and logic to their daily actions and thinking and their actions cannot be expected to make sense - but, but - I do. And I cannot understand how you can honestly believe that they're "crazy" without your brain imploding. Yes, illogical thought does that!
---
     "You stopped me because you were so empty, like a cavern impeding in upon itself, and you were so stark a testament of the depth that life was willing to go."
     She looked up at me, then quickly back at her right hand, using the left to push her glasses back up her nose.
     "But shouldn't I be happy?"
     I laughed. "Yes. The greatest part is healing. I just want to be there, though - from the beginning. I want to see you at your most breathtaking and awing."
---
We, as a society, attach such significance to doing what's right and being an upstanding person. Which, to an extent, I find kinda funny. Because we only do it because so many people just never bother.

Despite all the temptation, humans remain flexible and completely controllable creatures. The most fascinating thing about being human is that once you gain awareness of yourself, you can do just about anything with yourself.

Doing what's right doesn't take much. It might take practice (many years of perfecting), but doing the right thing just once takes no effort but deciding to do it.

The change starts with you, and only you can do it.
---
Got back from the Translating Identities Conference 2 days ago, a conference specifically for Trans issues. It was rather amazing, though I'm drained.

And, in a bit of a related fashion, a girl in a formal suit is to die for.
---
The crazed pacing
With the racing placement
Of a pulsing amazement
That this time may hold attainment
Is a rare occasion
When you've forsaken placin'
Yourself in the line of venture
Yet the stubs are entered
You deftly laugh despite the uncertain pressure
Yet know indefinitely that any quip she mentions
Will attain such frank attention
Your wish for a current pension
Is suspended - ended?
Well, at least for this present session
Pretention suspended
Too nervous anyway for the mask to question
Every aspect of this willed convention
Still concerned that initial intentions
Will change in less time than the last impression
The seats filled empty 'cept the last couple to enter
Your eyes are forward, but your mind is centered
The entire flick upon whether
You should take her hand or wait your measure
You leave the way you entered
Hold the door for her, yet in the car still feel the stressors
Now your hands are shaking
Your mind is racing
To say some bit of conversation
Now her house you're facing
Walk the walkway, bracing
In the end - you're wondering what's been through her mind already

I thought I understood rhyme; Rakim laughs at me.
---
I can understand if you dislike school, but if you're still asking what's the point by around my age, I'm going to start worrying about you (in a non-loving manner). I can understand if you might question people's assumptions on its necessity for you to do well in life, I can understand if you question how they teach it or the system or what they focus too much on and not enough on, etc. but if you honestly don't think there isn't a merit to much of what they teach you...? History is important - if I need to invoke the cliché old saying or have to actually explain why this is so to you, I've lost all respect for you (it's harsh and I'm almost always never firm one way or the other - that should tell you something).
---
I think that wanting - no, needing - to create art and being unable to do so in at least an adequate fashion is more cruel a suffering than 19 (going on 20) years of depression.
---
     Jonathan looked out the window of the moving bus, avoiding focusing on the kids in his background. He'd let Kaz handle that.
     It seemed that's what Kaz had always been better that. Not that he'd stoop to their level, consider himself an equal amongst those dwarf demons. Jonathan wouldn't have been able to tolerate him otherwise. Rather, Kaz knew how to deal with it all, the crushing weight of the raining children this world seemed intent on pouring out. He might be a fan of contraception just for this reason, but his liberal ideals kept him from supporting this possible cure.
     No matter what, Jonathan would probably always respect Kaz for that.
     He watched the local elementary school rise over the hill they were driving up. Jonathan stumbled (while standing in place), completely shocked.
     "Kaz! What are you doing?" he shouted, turning towards his partner. "We stole this bus from that school! We're gonna get caught!"
     Kaz didn't look in his direction for a moment, his eyes intently upon the road. "Relax," he told Jonathan, his voice fixed and transposed.
     Despite this, Jonathan looked like he was about to tear out his hair (his lifelong commitment to growing his beard, however, may have caused him to only rip the hair from the scalp).
     His eyes still fixed on the road, Kaz sighed at his partner's rigid frame. "I checked Mapquest before I stole this. We ought to go back this way to get there. We'll be fine. We're in a bus. No one can stop us now."
     Jonathan's arms slumped. He went to the front seat that didn't have a cretin sitting in it and leaned his head against the window. Someone had stuck their gum into a wedge in the window, another had drawn with a permanent marker on the metal below the window frame. Jonathan shook his head, bitter at the waste of opportunity they were given.
     He breathed heavily, fogging up the window. Kaz was right (as he always was). He took comfort in the murky white he had made the window, a heterogenous mix.

     The precise cleanliness of it was what made it off putting. They said it was so that you wouldn't get sick. The instruments. They'd clean the instruments. Syringes, the trays. He wouldn't be surprised to learn they wiped the pills clean with a cloth, each one individually.
     It's irritating. Dear God - it...is...irritating. That damn squeaking. He'd ask them to stop and they just keep doing it. Oh, it's not that bad - like Hell if you know if it's that bad! It's 'cause they polish those damn floors all the time, always mopping, always waxing. The drone of monotonous squeaking, all day - by the nurses and the doctors. And, if you spend enough time in the place, they convince the patients they should wear their damn rubber shoes as well; and then they squeak.
     The glass was shiny, consistently clear and without smudge. They held that needle over him just to make him squirm, he was sure. "It's for your health." Yeah right.
     He'd sit there at night, unceasingly searching the ceiling for dirt, a cobweb maybe - anything. He had found some, once. In a corner, somewhere.
     It was supposed to kill germs. It was mandatory. "I don't want it!" They tied him down. There wasn't going to be a choice.
     Ohh, God, did it feel so good. He had rubbed it all over him. In a corner, tucked away. Jimmy had asked what he had, had asked, had asked. Full moon, he remembered. Shining so bright. By the pale moonlight he took it out from under the pillow where had hidden it. So refreshing, so nice. Mold, beautiful mold, all over.
     The door had busted open so loud. But he didn't notice. No, not until they grabbed him, forced him down. He tried to eat it, embody it. He'd be different than all of them; he'd have mold in his belly.
     He winced as the needle broke the skin. Bye-bye germs.

I'm a Good Ol' Yankee
Oh, I'm a good ol' Yankee; now that's just what I am
And for the irons of slav'ry, I do not care to stand
Threat against pride and living* has soaked our land in blood
But hear that sor'id bondage? I regret not what I done...

I loves this 'Mer'can nation, land of the free and brave
I loves this Yankee nation, though it may bring my grave
I loves the glor'ous Union, pray never may it part
And, yes, I love ol' Dixie, so I swear upon my heart...

I cried from news of Lincoln and cursed the traiter Booth
I fought Bullrun with fervor as ardor passed with youth
Can't regrow limbs from Gettys, though some be sure's yearning
And I recall the rebel cries as Atlanta was set to burning

Men sewed their clothes with cotton; 'tis dripping with slave blood
For cents men crafted mountains, deep ridges in their "mud"
And then men sat there wond'ring they chased the specter gourd
Said too dumb to weild a gun - until we won the war

I fought for the ol' Union, all 38 good states
Now should I find her broken, I pray my soul too break
United, not divided, I hope forever more
And for this great Republic, I'll gladly see God's door

Oh, I'm a good ol' Yankee; now that's just what I am
And for the irons of slav'ry, I do not care to stand
Threat against pride and living has soaked our land in blood
But hear that sor'id bondage? I regret not what I done...

 

 

*occupation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8-29-2010 to 8-30-2010 7:54 P. M.

I honestly hate my damn internet sometimes. Stupid thing crapped out and my aim signed off on me. It didn't sign back on and, of course, I didn't notice until 12:30 in the morning and, naturally, you've already gone to bed, Laura. Ay.

Alright, time for a post I had wanted to write for a while now and never got around to.

The largest motivator for it is the (continual) sentiments of rap being crap and that there is no (stunning) artistic quality to the genre. While this largely has to do with the mass public's ignorance towards knowing how to analyze rap (much like literary analysis is something which has to be taught, to some extent), I'm not going to address that here. The songs focused on here are what're usually referred to as "storytelling songs", meaning that they specifically focus on some form of story with a plot and describe the events in detail. I'm focusing on these because, by virtue of what they are attempting to do, they denote talent, and it doesn't take much for the lay-listener to understand and appreciate the song.

I wish I had more, but all I've been able to scrounge up are 8 songs. They come from my own childhood and tastes (hence why half of them happen to be Eminem). Anyway, enough of me blathering.

"My Fault" by Eminem off of The Slim Shady LP
Definitely one of my favorite songs, possibly ever. While Em happens to completely ruin the poignancy of the song with the skit that prefaces it on the album, taken on its own, it's a flawless song.

In short, the song basically surmounts to Eminem going to a party and meeting an ex-heroin addict who confides to him she's thinking about going back into using. Not really concerned, Em offers that she tries 'shrooms instead. Never having had psychedelic mushrooms before, the poor girl (Susan) ends up downing 24. During the course of Susan "tripping" completely over herself, she starts to reveal aspects about herself which she probably never intended to share with anyone at the party (at one point she admits, "I'm 26 years old and I'm not married/I don't even have any kids and I can't cook"). Towards the end, Em flips out and runs to get the friend who gave him the 'shrooms from the bathroom, exclaiming, "Dave! Pull up your pants!/We need an ambulance/There's a girl upstairs talking to plants/Chopping her hair off". The unfortunate end to this song is we just hear Em sobbing and choking out, between tears, "Susan, wake up! Please wake up. You're not dead.... You're not dead! Oh God..."

Admittedly, not the most cheerful of songs. What makes it interesting (and more than simply a possible Don't Do Drugs advertisement) is the growth of the main character. At the beginning, he clears cares very little for Susan at all and even crassly jokes that she only came, "to get laid and tied up/With first aid tape and raped on the first date". He's not a likable character (nor do I think he's supposed to be). So by the time he offers Susan the 'shrooms, we're mostly just groaning in our heads.

By the time we get to Susan divulging things about her past, the character looks more bothered by what he has to deal with than actually concerned about Susan's well-being. We do find out that Susan was abused by her father as a child ("Susan, stop cryin'; I don't hate ya/The world's not against you; I'm sorry your father raped ya/So what you had your little coochie in your dad's mouth?/That ain't no reason to start wiggin' and spaz out!"), which only makes his previous joke about raping her all the more distasteful.

This time in the chorus, the character has gone from apathy towards trying to avoid blame. After the first line he cries, "Whoops!" and then at the end, "It was an accident!"

In the third verse, we have a curious situation where the character is actually referred to by Susan as "Dad". After telling her to be careful, she tells "Dad" to leave her alone and that she's sick of getting her hair pulled, to which he responds, "I'm not your dad". When he's finally done to find the person who gave him the 'shrooms and explains the situation, they respond, "She's gonna die, dude," and he screams, "I know, and it's my fault! My God..."

When we've finally reached the end and he's crying, he's made a complete change in character. It took a tremendous loss, yet the results of his apathy are enough to (probably) make him now repulsed by that apathy.

Like I said, not the most cheerful, yet incredibly well done of a song. And I didn't even touch on the rhyme quality nor the skill of his delivery and voice acting.

"Think I'm Crazy" by Chamillionaire feat. Natalie off of The Sound of Revenge
Wow, I just realized how depressing all of these songs are. Well, you've been warned.

This is another one of my favorites. In part, because it has a more upbeat, computerized sounding beat, it sounds a little more like the commercialized rap that most who've grown up in this past decade are used to. The difference is the content of the song doesn't suck royally.

The entire song focuses around Chamillionaire meeting a girl at this bar. After greeting and exchanging names, they order drinks and start talking. As the conversation goes on, the girl starts to reveal personal information about herself, possibly dealing with a crime she may have committed. As to what any of that is, I'll let you listen to the track for it.

Ironically, for a rapper who hails from the South (and heartily reps it), Cham comes off here (and in other songs, on occasion) sounding more like he was influenced by the Midwest with his fast, muti-rhyme-per-line, clear pronunciation. Packing more lyrics than the average rap listener is used to sifting through, this is a song that manages to tell a story while maintaining intense lyrical quality (rhyme-wise) and enough detail to vividly paint what's happening.

I admit, still, I don't get the ending of the song. Well, I have a theory, but I could totally be off. So I wish you luck with that. It's a song that'll make you think, for sure.

"Stan" by Eminem feat. Dido off of The Marshall Mathers LP
Alright, if you bother to listen to rap, even only on a mainstream level, you've probably heard this song. If not, then you've probably heard the song it samples, "Thank You" by Dido.

The biggest stand out of (and thing that carries this) song is just the amount of talent clearly put into it (and having a nice sounding sample also helps). I particularly love that Em makes enough distinction in his voice that "Stan" and himself sound different during the course of the song. Unlike "My Fault", the plot lacks the complexity. Simply, Em has a fan (named Stan) who writes to him with a level of passion that is obsession. Stan eventually goes so off the edge from Eminem not responding to his letters that he drives off of a bridge with his wife locked in the trunk (stating, "See, I ain't like you/Because if she suffocates, she'll suffer more/And then die too"). The final verse is Em finally responding to Stan's letter (he had simply been incredibly busy), only to realize at the end that he had seen the news report on the car drawn from the river (Stan) a few days ago.

Really, it's just nice to listen to due to the amount of craft it took to make. Plus you have to give credit to a song which was used during the Nas/Jay-Z beef. But it's not quite like the previous two, I think.

"Somebody's Gotta Die" by The Notorious B. I. G. off of Life After Death
Wow, I've got depressing taste (no surprise for those that know me, I'm sure). Another one of my favorites, in part because of it's gritty, 90s type beat. Took a little while for me to get used to, but it's rather calming (which contrasts perfectly with the subject matter).

Nas really captured what the title of this song zeros in on in his own song "Affirmative Action" (It's sickenin', he just finished biddin' upstate/And now the projects is talking that somebody gotta die shit/It's logic - as long as it's nobody that's in my clique). The song starts with Biggie sitting in his apartment, daydreaming. This is interrupted by a knocking on the door. As he checks it, he finds out one of his men have been shot. As B. I. G. puts in, "I open up the door - pitiful/Is he in critical?/Retaliation for this one won't be minimal". The song goes from there.

Exceeding the level of detail that Chamillionaire employed, Biggie manages to drag entire rhyme schemes on (and on) while not being vague at all about what's happening. This is easily demonstrated within the first verse (I'm interrupted by a doorbell/3:52 - who the hell/Is this?/I gets up quick, cocks my shit/Stop the dogs from barking/Then proceed to walking/It's a face that I seen before/My nigga Sing, we used to sling on the 16th floor/Check it/I look deeper/I see blood up on his sneakers/And his fist gripped a chrome four-fifth).

Unfortunately, I can't tell you anymore about this one without ruining it for you. If you trust my word, try it out. It's fantastic. If you don't...keep reading, I guess.

*Spoilers* (highlight the text)
Basically, most of the song is as I've described it. It's the ending that's the real clincher. I can't help but feel the song is some form of message. Of course, Biggie seems to destroy this idea with most of the entirety of the rest of the album. Or maybe I just haven't figured out how to interpret The Notorious B. I. G. yet. Either way, towards the end we continue to hear Biggie's thoughts. As they get ready to carry out the hit, he reflects, ""Slow down/Fuck all that planning shit/Run up in they cribs/And make 'em catch the man 'n' shit/See, niggas like you do ten year bids/Miss the niggas they want/And murder innocent kids/Not I/One nigga's in my eye/That's Jason/Ain't no slugs gonna be wasted/Revenge I'm tasting at the tip of my lips/I can't wait to feel my clip in his hips/Pass the chocolate/Thai/Sing ain't lie/There's Jason with his back to me/Talking to his faculty/I start to get a funny feeling/Put the mask on in case his niggas start squealing/Scream his name out/Squeeze six knuckles shorter/Nigga turned around holding his daughter". As the song fades out, we hear everyone who was involved scream at each other to scatter as the rain falls around them. And through all of it is the cries of the baby, up until the last few seconds of the song. Depressing, yes. But incredibly powerful and, for the most part, unexpected.

"Kim" by Eminem off of The Marshall Mathers LP
Okay, I'll admit - this one is in no way, shape, or form for everyone. It's my extremist nature indulging itself.

If you're not familiar with Eminem at all, Kim is the name of Mr. Mathers' ex-wife - and their issues and frustrations are rife, especially during this time. If I'm not mistaken, Em finds out his (then) wife cheated on him. Like most people, he was probably incredibly angry; he may have wanted to hurt her, possibly kill her. Like most people, he didn't kill wife, even if he had wanted to. Unlike most people, he chose to write a (very graffic) song about the feelings he was experiencing and going through (killing his wife).

Like I said, it's not for everyone - but it has its merits, I will always argue.

For a song which is for the most part simply a screaming tirade about his wife's unfaithfulness, it comes through the most clear when he almost confusingly exclaims, "I hate you! I hate you! My God, I hate you! Oh my God, I loved you.... How the fuck could you do this to me? How the fuck could you do this to me?!?" Granted, one might argue, that such a sentiment could have been reached simply in that line alone while the ere mentioned rant and list of grievances serve as fluff for a song ranking at 6 minutes and 18 seconds.

On the other hand, you might note that the premeditated "murder" of this woman is crucial to understanding just how deeply emotionally the character is strung and that cannot be realized unless so vivid in arbitrary detail the event is described before the final death.

Then again, you could always point to that as a reason Em should visit anger management before someone actually gets hurt.

Really, the reason this song sticks out so much is there aren't many like it. And the reason it doesn't get lost in the pile of other violent and graphic music out there is because this isn't senseless or, even, pointless and mindless violence and hate. And we can't forget that, to some extent, through out the track. For as the chorus kicks in and the smooth singing about (albeit in a very bizarre way) the way the main character loves this woman who has caused him so much harm contrasts the hoarse yelling of the emotional maniac, it seems the sanity lies in that basic fact about the whole awful ordeal - and while it shouldn't justify anything he proceeds to do, comically, ironically, and oddly enough our humanity (of all things) empathizes with him.

"Brenda's Got a Baby" by 2Pac off of 2Pacalypse Now
Here's one that near to every has heard before or heard of. Much like "Stan", it has a lot of cultural importance (except this time for black youth in the ghettos of the 90s dealing with the crack epidemic as well as Hip Hop). It's kinda one that you just ought to know of.

Now, that being said, ironically I think this one is incredibly weak lyrically (no wordplay and simple at-the-end-of every-line-only rhyme). It's saving grace is the story it tells. And it brings up some fantastic points that sting emotionally when you hear them.

Quick run-down: Brenda is lured into having sex at a ridiculously young age for the sake of comfort. As a result, she gets pregnant. The boyfriend, only interested in sex to begin with, leaves immediately. The family for the most part ignores Brenda all the time, so she immediately tries to hide the pregnancy (She tried to hide her pregnancy/From her family/Who didn't really care to see/Or give a damn if she/Went out and had a church of kids/As long as when the check came they got first dibs).

Ignored by the family, she ends up having the baby on the bathroom floor. Subsequently, the parents get angry because a social worker keeps coming around after the whole affair and they're losing money. So, Brenda decides to leave. She tries to sell drugs but gets robbed. So, she goes into prostitution. "So she sees sex as a way of leaving Hell/It's payin' her rent, so she really can't complain/Prostitute found slain/And Brenda's her name - she's got a baby".

This is definitely one of the songs on here with a less sadistic main character, so hopefully that helps a bit.

"Murder Murder" by Eminem off of The Slim Shady EP
Great title, no? This actually is far removed from the concept of "Kim".

If you didn't know, Eminem's first album was the majoridly positive (particularly in comparison to his later works) Infinite. After it being a commercial failure and critics saying his flow sounded like he was imitating Nas and AZ, he ditched trying to make an album based around what others wanted to hear and came up with his alter ego persona, Slim Shady. As you can probably guess, The Slim Shady EP (a precursor to The Slim Shady LP) is the beginning of Eminem's more foul material.

In light of all of that I just said, "Murder Murder" would've fit rather nicely in the gangsta rap genre that has (admittedly, sometimes obnoxiously) dominated the rap genre for so many years (at least during the 90s, at the very least in the underground rap world). This isn't to say that this song is entirely about guns, bitches, and money. Rather, it's more in line with Slick Rick's "A Children's Story".

In short, the track is about the main character's attempt at armed robbery that goes wrong at first and just gets worse and worse. Now, that I have admitted that this song would have fit within the gangsta rap genre is slightly ironic, particularly if you know the background of Marshall Mathers. Looking back, him saying, "Left the keys in the van with a gat in each hand/Went up in Eastland and shot a police man/Fuck a peace plan; if a citizen bystands/This shit is in my hands," is kinda comical. But rap has never really been all that much about being truthful (despite whatever they may brag and boast) - it's about telling a story and making the listener believe it. The more intelligent rappers just happen to tell a worthwhile story. Believe me, this is one of them.

While, for the most part, removed from the type of material Eminem would later release as his staple, this song does a pretty decent job of getting behind the mindset of the armed robber and his motivation.

This song has some really just fantastic lines which really bring the point across. "Here's your lifespan/And for what your life's worth? This money is twice that/Grab a couple grand and lay up in iceland/See, I'm a nice man, but money turned me to Satan/I'm thirsty for this green so bad I'm dehydrating/[...]But I ain't set to flee the scene of the crime just yet/'Cause I got a daughter to feed/And 300 dollars ain't enough to water the seed".

Honestly, I've already revealed the entirety of the song. Just go and listen to it. The only other thing worth mentioning (plot-wise) is the ending. While he boarders between being comical and serious throughout the entire song, this sets up a feeling that while the entire thing feels unrealistic, there is a level of dark satire, sarcasm, and seriousness to the entire thing (strengthened by the hook - but I'll get to that). This is perfectly capped off at the end when he finally gets stopped and arrested. As he surrenders, he exclaims, "It wasn't me!/It was the gangsta rap and the peppermint schnapps!"

Finally, what I really love about this song is that it screams 90s rap. From the beat, to the scratching, to the sampling. And it's utterly fantastic. The hook is utterly perfect. It first samples 2Pac from (probably) "Outlawz" ("All I see is murder, murder - my mind state) and then Swifty from a track off the EP called "No One's Iller" ("Makes it too late for cops in trying to stop the crime rate"). The 2Pac sample is repeated with then (I'm afraid I don't know the origin of the sample) an, almost, mindless shouting of, "Murder Murder! And kill, kill, kill!"

The song isn't subtle - and yet does a fantastic, artistic job of conveying its message. I love it.

"Meet the Parents" by Jay-Z off of The Blueprint²: The Curse
I just heard this one today and, at first, I wasn't going to post it. Jay tends to write with a (very thick) vagueness which is unsuitable for the type of storytelling I was trying to get at with these songs. Not that it doesn't work for him. He usually has so much damn word play and beautifully subtle double meanings that it more than makes up for the lack of utterly specific details. A fantastic song which falls under this is "D'evils" and, were it story telling as I'm talking about here, I would totally include it. I take back what I said in my review of Reasonable Doubt, that song tramples far beyond your normal expectation for a song.

However, I'm not talking about that one here. I won't say much about this, because it kinda gives away the plot. And, relooking over it, I think there may be deeper metaphores (even if simplistic) that are lurking right under the surface. This is largely based on the last line. Anyway, you listen to it, tell me your thoughts. I dunno what to make of it yet.

And on a final note, I need a few rappers to do a track. I doubt anyone out there writes? I'm not sure where I'm gonna find anyone to collaborate with. Ay.

Hope you're all doing well.

I'm a few days late to commentary, ought to be asleep by now, and utterly unsure of what more I could honestly say that would sway anyone. It seems my emotional or angry posts come off more as serving for me to rant about an issue than make any further impact on anyone. So here's to ramming the head against the wall until it cracks (the head, that is to say).

I don't think it would be news to anyone to hear that Proposition 8 has passed in the eyes of the court. Nearly all of those I'm subscribed to have written about it (which is why I love you all dearly).

I could write about how it wasn't fair; I could write about how the tyranny of the majority was exactly what James Madison and Alexander Hamilton wanted to avoid when they suggested a Republic for our government; I could focus on many other things related Prop. 8, I'm sure. But I'm not going to.

Rather, I'm going to get at the root of an issue we often dance around and offer poor answers to because, without an answer to this dilemma, we cannot properly look at these idea of justice and equality or our equality movements of the past the same way again.

It is American culture to have a view of universal truths and equalities. Many of our campaigns and our ideals must have that idea intact. While we tolerate different ideas (you can be and identify with the KKK or Nazi party), we do put forth that certain ideas are correct or right. We do not necessarily give every idea equal "correct" status. Racism is wrong - that is a American ideal, despite whatever anyone else may say. Racism is not tolerated, and, despite its prevalence and the pervasive nature of it, you cannot hope to do much with a public attitude of racism, and we would consider it an injustice to stain our laws with it. Thus, we've made it future policy to keep it removed (first instances of "activist judges"). No judge today would approve it (certainly not without backlash).

Most people would agree with the above.

Then we get gay equality (some would probably ask I put equality in quotes here). Obviously, not all of us agree with it. And I know my gut reaction would have been, "To each their own." The fact still remains that, unless there is a foreseeable harm to other people, there should be no law restricting. Even if a certain group disagrees. That's how our laws have always worked (in an ideal sense). Skipping the full explanation of how such a stance changes nothing of the current environment, I'll jump to why we cannot hold that view ("to each their own") and hope to view equality and, further, our past in the same way that we do.

We would like to say that simply you can disagree. Fact doesn't change that you disadvantage millions by keeping them as second class citizens. Granting rights that others enjoy to tax paying citizens is, technically, equality. But it loses the luster when we can't claim it as some universal right, doesn't it?

However, the fact is, if we wanted to say that it's "up to you", the fights to end slavery and to segregate this nation become not a matter of right vs. wrong but simply that our ideal is to treat every citizen the same. Not because it is right but because for functionality (or maybe just 'cause, if you think the country could function with differing classes). The second you decide to say that something is not a matter of moral right or wrong, you can't give a speech on the "evils of segregation" because - hey, your belief in segregation is just as valid as my belief in integration. And as difficult as it would realistically be to keep public opinion as such, even if the whole of the public decides to integrate the U. S., we cannot say to those who want segregation that they are really wrong. If our ideal is still equal treatment of each citizen, then they are only wrong based on that ideal. Morally, they are not incorrect.

Obviously, we as a people don't function like that. We (I'll be so brave as to say the majority) want to decry racism and sexism. We want to say it is wrong and we as a people won't stand for it. That was the point behind the Declaration of Human Rights - that it is universal and obvious that certain rights are just morally right and deserve to be given because to deny and to act as if any other idea on the matter is legitimate is wrong.

But when it comes to sexualism, we become a little more divided. So I will argue that we cannot simply give it a "To each their own" and must come to an actual conclusion of the morality of homosexuality. Because if there is one thing the opposition can blather truthfully in the concoction of their other string of lies, it's that, if gays are accepted by the majority (which they will be because the fact becomes clearer and clearer with each new generation), there will be a confirmation of the "gay lifestyle" (please, please, please, please sense the sarcasm in that) by the majority. So we need to decide preemptively if that is a fine pursual.

Understanding that this is a debate over whether gay people can be confirmed by our sense of a universal morality, I'm not going to address any religious texts, etc. While (being Christian) I would argue there is a means for biblical inclusion, that's not the concern here.

It's a simple question: what does the presence of homosexuals, bisexuals, asexuals, transsexuals, intersexes, and the many other that fall under transgendered do to you?

Assuming that morality is based upon the harm inflicted (as in the examples of murder, theft, lying, cheating, abusing, etc.) - how do the above people harm you?

And I've heard the accusations - apparently we like to drink, do drugs, and have tons of sex. I've done none, by the way (other than the wine every Sunday). I've heard the argument that "it's a violent sin" (you know, us wanting to rape those angels and all). And yet our stereotype is...that we're weak and "pansies".

And, of course, if you just let go of those stupid "it's a fad" ideas and that we're capable to "convert", you'd realize we've been here for years and some of us have been crucial to what you enjoy today.

We aren't child molesters (I've had too many come out to me at 15 to believe that tripe and the out teachers at my school are some of the best role models I've ever had) and there are just as many of us molested as any straight person (I'll go on record and say I wasn't; there, theory foiled).

And you ought to realize that we cannot alter sexuality (so stop guarding your kids like we'll snatch them; if they turn out gay, we didn't do anything to them, and you've just got to accept the fact). Believe me, there are some days I wish I could. I seem to have a disposition towards gay women, and it drives me insane. But that's the nature of sexuality. Whether you want to accept the fact or not.

I could go into a diatribe about why would we want to go through half the crap we do when people are struggling with the idea of having to brace this world and society as a new sex (the bravery of the Trans community will never cease to amaze me) - but I won't.

I think I've made my point. Tell me how holding my boyfriend's hand will destroy you suddenly. In a country that has allowed gay marriage for more than a year now, when will the sky fall in? Or, better yet, how about those other countries who have had it longer. But let's forget these fantastical consequences and focus on the real and personal - how will I hurt you (for I already know from experience I will not hurt myself)?

How are homosexuals, bisexuals, asexuals, and transgendered hurting anyone?

Because I can't keep quiet in the face of stupidity...heh, no matter who listens....

First, why is it we continually seem to look towards Beauty Pageant contestants for leaders? Ignoring my own professed beliefs...I think the past couple have been compelling reasons not to bother!

That could go into many other beautiful arguments and theories but for another day.

The other thing that pisses me off - two idiots (I do not use this lightly) on Revelife decided to make the claim that Christians were a "hated" group. News flash - just because someone doesn't agree with you, doesn't make you a hated group.

Ever been to a white supremacy website (check out Jew Watch if you're direly interested)? Their entire argument is that they believe in the freedom of others - but God forbid those minority groups work in the system and happen to come out on top of the majority. "The majority people in each nation deserve better." Essentially - you can live, so long as I get representation and what I say is considered right - only me.

Hmm, so that's what makes a hate group. It couldn't possibly be that people find the ideas utter ludicrous.

Forgive, this might totally be out of place for me here, but I'm bisexual and half Haitian. I honestly don't know how I got the idea in my head, but somehow I thought I had a better idea of hate and discrimination.

Let's look at the hate crime statistics recorded by the FBI for 2007.

52.2 percent were motivated by a racial bias
16.4 percent resulted from religious bias
16.2 percent resulted from sexual-orientational bias

Well, seems the religious beat us. Of course, it's not exactly mandatory for local law enforcement agencies to record hate crime information (http://www.boxturtlebulletin.com/Articles/000,004.htm). You don't possibly think that some states could give a damn less about what queers get killed, do you? Without hate crime punishments within a good deal of states still? No, not at all possible.

Well, now, let's break this down, shall we? According to the FBI, of those committed in anti-religious bias,

68.4 percent were anti-Jewish
9.5 percent were anti-other religion
9.0 percent were anti-Islamic
4.4 percent were anti-Catholic
4.3 percent were anti-multiple religions, group
4.0 percent were anti-Protestant
0.4 percent were anti-Atheism/Agnosticism/etc

Hmm...so, combining the Catholics and Protestants...that's 8.4% anti-Christian hate crimes. (you know, versus the 68.4% anti-Jewish ones).

Now, breaking down the sexual-orientation in a similar fashion,

59.2 percent were classified as anti-male homosexual bias
24.8 percent were reported as anti-homosexual bias
12.6 percent were prompted by an anti-female homosexual bias
1.8 percent were the result of an anti-heterosexual bias
1.6 percent were classified as anti-bisexual bias

So, even will our less than accurate numbers (for those who have gone unreported who were gay, etc.), considering there was a .2 percent difference between the religious and sexual-orientation people victim to hate crimes, there was about 89.8% more people victim of a hate crime with anti-sexuality bias than those victim of hate crimes with a anti-Christian bias.

Wait, wait - Christians are a hate group?

Heh, forgive me if I'm a little confused - who has the right to marry at the moment? Better yet - who has legal benefits given by the State that I don't have?? Want to talk about housing situations? How they're fucked as a result of anti-racial discrimination that we're still feeling the affects for? Or how about that if my name were Jamal, I would have 50% less of a chance of being hired (http://books.google.com/books?id=9I7ExPk-920C&pg=PA226&lpg=PA226&dq=Black+names+job+employment&source=bl&ots=r6Wsam1HvT&sig=eNcRkSPD3dnOAAA6kAP2jhQuvgE&hl=en&ei=L2T3SfeAD6WsNaOLoLYP&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=8#PPA226,M1) than if I submitted an application with my actual name?

Hate group? Are you kidding me? I'm floored! No, I'm insulted. I'm flabbergasted. In this country, you have the audacity to complain that just because your ideas are opposed, you feel you're hated? Perhaps you should recheck your ideas.

I believe in free speech; I believe in it because only in open dialogue can we further in progress. This is the perpetuation of idiocy.

 

 

 

 

 

In other news, gay Iraqis are dying by torture: http://www.boxturtlebulletin.com/2009/04/26/10950#comments
In Uganda, people still push for jail-time for life for being found to be gay: http://www.boxturtlebulletin.com/2009/04/24/10921#comments
Antisemitism is on the rise again in Europe: http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/883342.html
I'm still able to find pictures like this online:
 (http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://patdollard.com/wp-content/uploads/nigger-make-up.jpg&imgrefurl=http://patdollard.com/2008/07/theyll-call-me-a-nigger-mccain-and-hussein-have-begun-nastiest-presidential-battle-in-decades/&usg=__0olbGA313rc2GpCXQ49eW0QRcU0=&h=290&w=400&sz=29&hl=en&start=2&um=1&tbnid=tcQhMM3UuJfgtM:&tbnh=90&tbnw=124&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dnigger%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26um%3D1)
Many still don't understand sexism when faced with it.
And for way too "comfortable" an amount of people, I'm still a nigger - and I'm still a faggot

What's that other negative word people call me for being Christian? Oh, right - there is none

 

I once stated on here that race relations in America were heading towards a train crash that most seemed to be conveniently oblivious to (with no further explanation of what I meant, of course). Well, maybe a train crash was a bit dramatic, but that they are confused and screwed up, I would certainly be willing to argue.

 

The first thought you would probably have is that I’m talking about racism (and, if that is the case – in our American minds, white on black racism). However, I am not. Where to start?

 

Simplistically, I am of darker skin. On a more complex level, I would be labeled half black and half white. Truly, I am multiracial. My mother was born and raised in Haiti. Her grandmother was from the lighter side of the country, her French heritage clear upon her. My grandfather was from the darker side, a mix of Haitian and Spaniard. My father is European, for the most part – his lines run from England to Poland to Scotland to Germany.

 

But if you were to talk to anyone, they would generally call me black. I am reminded of the time in elementary school that my mother made a fuss over what race the school marked me down as; the secretary wanted to simply check African-American and be done with it; my mother insisted that’s not what I was.

 

Yet in America, it doesn’t matter whether you’re really from Nigeria rather than born and bred here. No, it won’t always even matter if you happen to be Japanese instead. You’re not white – racism will follow you. In that sense, I am black. People will see me as that and I shall be treated accordingly. I have no qualms with this. I understand it and take it. My skin is dark.

 

Even still, I have never understood most demonstrations and protests in justification of being black. I have studied and followed the history in America, yes – I know well slavery, done projects on it; one of my favorite time periods is the black civil rights movement; one of my favorite speeches is I Have a Dream. I’ve been subject to racism (though I doubt no one hasn’t been or isn’t well aware of it). Even before I faced it, a favorite movie in my household is Roots. I knew of racism since I was born.

 

There was a problem, though. I’m middle class. The majority I’ve always known is white because that was what my classmates were for the most part. In fact, as I got older, the less racism I faced and the more my skin became an irrelevancy. I know better, so I’ve often wondered in awe how you could view someone who was different as the same as you so easily – my greatest acceptance (when it came to my skin) was from the majority. Other races for me were the many types of Asian. And while I have a deep love for rap, I’m a complete metal head, while my all time favorite artist happens to be Bruce Springsteen (taken from my dad, I admit). It was a white rapper who interested me in genre first, and Big Pun made me realize that my own windings among rhyme and alliteration were hardly anything in comparison. I consider myself a video game nerd. Some of my closest friends were the techies working backstage at the concerts (I have since become one since applying for a job in college, I am happy to report). My list of girlfriends has been Caucasian (if only for the reason I had little other choice, given my raising). And I have a fierce love for the gothic subculture; I remember listening to a spoken word poet listing the ways the majority stays complacent, shutting out the problems of the world; she lists the indignity of Columbine being placed on rap and video games; and then she cries, “Go back to your ‘goth’,” and I wanted to shout objection; did you forget they targeted us after Columbine just as much as the previous two?

 

So am I any less black? Will I be viewed and judged differently? In the days leading up to the primaries for the Democratic Party, some of the “black leaders” said that Obama didn’t share with other blacks in America that history of slavery and was, therefore, different from them.

 

One of my “brothers” happens to be a Jew. Of my “sisters”, one happens to be blue-eyed and the other a mixed Hispanic.

 

I don’t know (nor understand) a “black” culture. I don’t understand what the green, black, and red colors of an African continent does for an American like myself, nor would I suppose it make much sense, if I considered my own heritage.

 

So you’re probably thinking – are you criticizing black people? Is this some type of perverse racism and you feel the need to separate yourself from black people? Are you really this bored?

 

America is characterized as a people of no color. In my mind, that has always meant that we were a people despite our differences. As I viewed the statue of Thomas Jefferson in Washington, I stood in the shadow of a man who shaped our nation – of which I was just as much a part of. This man may have not been Haitian, but he was certainly me. With every word of the Declaration of Independence, he was crafting my beliefs and my future.

 

I may not have ancestors who suffered the pains of slavery in America, yet I view with pride the abolitionists who spoke out against it and the slaves who wove their own culture into the American fabric.

 

I am a child of Western thought. The Greeks laid out the idea of a free government and the Romans crafted a form of what would be our own, someday. To those minds I owe and I make no mistake of it.

 

I did not find alienation in the women’s civil rights movement and I use the words of Jane Addams and Sojourner Truth often enough.

 

I wasn’t hosed down during the 60s, but it is one of my favorite times to study. It was those people who paved the way to the acceptance I receive today. It was a moment when we said, “We might have inherited many problems, but at no point can we not overcome them.”

 

When I think of America, the words, “Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand/A mighty woman with a torch…/‘Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!’ cries she/With silent lips. ‘Give me your tired, your poor,/Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,/The wretched refuse of your teeming shore./Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,/I lift my lamp beside the golden door!’” grace upon my lips, heaving with the spirit that must have infected the many who came to our land.

 

The Grapes of Wrath, for me, didn’t describe a strange people or a landscape I didn’t know. I read with dislike the internment of Americans with Japanese ancestry. I rejoiced at the discovery of Stonewall. I sat with solemn acknowledgement at what the two Marches on Washington (1963 and 1979) meant for us as a nation.

 

In short, every facet of American history defined me. We never got it right everytime – indeed, our grievances are many. But I take pride in what we have done. And I don’t understand why any person would isolate themselves to one position based on their heritage. Perhaps I’ve been too swayed by the words of King, but unification is the only route in my mind. I characterize myself as an American first and foremost.

 

There is no “black” culture but only what of our culture was taken from people of color. I will identify myself as a German (among other things), I eat everyday now with chopsticks (something I always wanted to do since a kid), and I proclaim loudly, “In the future days which we seek to make secure, we look forward to a world founded upon four essential human freedoms. The first is freedom of speech and expression…. The second is freedom of every person to worship God in his own way…. The third is freedom from want…. The fourth is freedom from fear…”, “It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us — that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion…— and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth”, and “Yesterday the greatest question was decided which ever was debated in America; and a greater perhaps never was, nor will be, decided among men. A resolution was passed without one dissenting colony, ‘that these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States.’”

 

And, perhaps, most importantly, I believe deeply in that Latin saying – e pluribus unum.

 

So what am I, America? Should I cling to an identity – whether that be black or Haitian or German or male – and define myself by it, letting no others share it?

 

What am I, America? Should I find connection in only those like myself? Should I see my history only from those eyes?

 

What am I, America?

 

I thought I was American.