CommentsWOKE 2.0--Truth matters. Facts matter. Context matters. A complete narrative matters. And nuance matters.
The construct of our country's national fabric is no longer akin to a semi-nicely folded cloth, but more like a quilt tied in a big knot, whilst being pulled ever-so-slowly, tighter, by those, often "well-meaning" folks, ironically trying to undo the knot! So, how do we unknot it? What to do and what "knot" to do? (pun intended)
Step One: In order to really address the nation's social-economic, cultural, and legal problems,
we first must know what the facts are...and what they are not. Let us consider these five memes below; they are false. Yet, they are still regarded as truth, as gospel, by many especially during these turbulent times when so many are preaching "truth".
Compassion is the Action!
As so many spring into well-meaning protests, social media blasts, and other avenues for the benefit of a great cause, the greater good, we should take care to have our ends justify the means. The original calling-out the murder of George Floyd were positive, righteous, and fairly effective, as now, all across America, serious police reform is being discussed. In fact, the "chokehold" and "no-knock “warrants are on the chopping block in many cities.
However, some of the "activism" has truly gotten out of hand, leaving the original good intentions, quite muddied. Here is three examples. Of the statues being torn down, they now include anti-slavery pieces, abolitionist monuments, and statues of soldiers fighting
against slavery. What?? Next, regarding the pro-BLM CHAZ zone, where no police were allowed, it enabled the shooting and killing of two black boys. Indeed, those black lives did not matter to CHAZ, as said by one of the parents. Also, note that for being against "walls", they sure had some serious walls around their turf. Thirdly, concerning the often condoned riots, we saw six black people lose their lives trying to defend themselves and their property. Although they were not killed by police, their lives matter just the same. This brings up a very powerful quote I need to share, "When we break eggs, to make an omelet...in the end, there's often a lot of broken eggs, but no omelet."
Hands Up, Don't Shoot!
I must admit, I was surprised to hear this actually was never said by Michael Brown. I had willingly accepted the meme, which became a rallying cry in marches after the terrible Ferguson incident. After hearing it from the "news" so much, I assumed it was true. However, the progressive Washington Post ran an article entitled, "'Hands Up, Don't Shoot' Was Built on a Lie." According to the Dept of Justice, one of the witnesses thought he heard something similar to that wording. However, after questioning others present at the scene, it turned out Mr. Brown never uttered those words, "Hands Up, Don't Shoot" just before he tragically died. Furthermore, the DOJ found that the shooting which caused his death, had been justified.
Whites Own the Institution of Slavery
Fact: Whites do not own the institution of slavery. It was "practiced" on and off through various extremes throughout the entirety of human history. That said, I we can concur the US slave trade was indeed quite brutal because of the horrible conditions of death and disease on the slave ships. However, to speak of a fair and complete view, we must consider other things too.
First, a small minority of slave owners in the US were black. Secondly, people of Sub-Saharan Africa were taken as slaves (in much greater numbers than the US slave traders) by North African, non-black Muslims. Third, in West Africa, especially in what is now Ghana, aggressive African tribes often subjugated weaker ones, selling the conquered to the American colonists. In fact, recently, the government of Ghana publicly acknowledged and apologized for its former role in the Trans-Atlantic slave trade. (I am not sure how much CNN ran that story, by the way.) Lastly, there is concrete evidence that Europeans and those East of Europe were, off and on, enslaved by others such as the Mongols, Venetian traders (from Italy), Byzantine traders, and even Jewish merchants. The word itself, "slave" comes from "Slav", aka the "Slavic" peoples of Eastern Europe. Note that the former country of Yugoslavia contains the word "slav".
All Freed Slaves Quickly Left the Plantation
Surprisingly, the ex-slaves that were treated well the most, were typically the first to leave once freedom was granted to them.
While many left upon emancipation, others stayed with the former master. Oddly enough, some freed slave felt it would be wrong to "abandon" the plantation. I assume, in these cases, there was a "decent" relationship. In fact, many black mothers also took on the role of nanny or even mother, for the "wife of the plantation".
Another reason ex-slaves stayed? Pretend, for example, that you are a newly freed slave. The plantation owner says, "Well, you're free to go now. You're free!" You also have a wife and 3 children. So, where do you go? You don't know anybody beyond the plantation. You don't have a map of the land. Who will hire you? Those who did stay as a freed slave, even if temporarily (provided they were treated decently), had five "advantages" so to speak: familiarity, protection, food, shelter, and a degree of income. However, sometimes the reaction pendulum violently swung the other way. Most former slave masters were terrified the emancipated slaves would return in vengeance, physically harming them or killing them, and/or destroying their property. Although these incidents did happen, they were not very common, fortunately, for the former masters. As said by a former slave, usually, the most punishment a freed slave rendered to the master was a quick departure without saying a "proper" goodbye.
The Conservatives and Trumpsters Run a Systemic Racist "System"
I tend to believe the contrary is true. For the sake of argument let's assume the systems of our federal, state, and city governments are systemically racist, concerning the police shootings and killings of unarmed blacks, Where did they happen? As we all watched the news we heard the horror stories out of Baltimore, St. Louis, Chicago, New York, etc. With casual observation, we see these cities all have quite progressive governments, not just now, but for decades. Therefore, one could postulate, it is these progressive entities which are the "system", in "systemic". One of the solutions was to hire more people of color to reflect the community make-up. As it turns out, in Baltimore, for example, there are many people of color in high positions in the police and government, yet we see little change in the so-called systemic racism. Upon my inquiry about this once at a townhall meeting, someone noted, when people of color act "racist" toward people of color, it's because of systemic "self-hatred" they learned through the years. Well, that is a whole other can of worms. At any rate, there must be accountability on all sides. May our country find the healing it deserves.
(Kevin Suscavage worked as staff with the CA Assembly, originated the "Butterfly Bill," and has pieces found in CityWatch LA, North Valley Reporter, CA Political Review, and the Jewish Journal. He's written about socio-political issues on both sides of the aisle.)
-cw