The____________Faces

                                     

Going back to my junior high school days, I always thought the Washington Redskins, a National Football League team, should change its name. Historically speaking, American Indians have had the weakest political clout in US History. In essence, American policy toward the American Indian has been one of prolific lies. Can you imagine what would happen if Washington called themselves the Washington Black Faces? Think about it: A man with a painted black face dancing around with watermelon in one hand and fried chicken in the other. In reminds me of 19th century minstrel shows in which whites mimicked black culture by making fun of their norms. This was pervasive in the antebellum South.

So, why bring the topic up. A D.C. Council may push the organization to change its name, as noted here.

Revisiting the Color Line

Working Conference Paper: Revisiting the Problem of the Twentieth Century: Will Evangelical and Faith-Based Schools Mend the Color Line in the Twenty-First Century?

In my recent paper, I get to discuss the black and white point of view about segregation.

From the point of view of blacks and their white allies, desegregation needed to happen since segregation not only violated the 14th amend of the Constitution, but separate and equal were deemed wholly unconstitutional in 1954. Hence, as noted by Thomas Jones of the U.S Bureau of Education,  “Inadequacy and poverty are the outstanding characteristics of every type and grade of education for Negroes.” So, the state perpetuated the notion of cyclical poverty and inferiority among blacks. Jim Crow marked decades of institutional problems. However, anti-desegregation whites believed that the matter of education was not addressed in the Constitution. Actors such as members of the Dixiecrat Party viewed it as a 10th amend matter. Democrats and many Republicans held true to this too. Thus according to segregationist, the construct of states’ rights should manifest the will of the majority. I guess the point to ponder is to what extent were whites pro-segregation.

Segregationist whites viewed the race issue as a violation of state sovereignty and a Constitutional matter. I am still unclear about why.

Thought for Thursday: White Privilege by Mrs. Chili

My colleague and friend wrote a great post regarding the Boston bombings and race; I have been thinking about this a great deal, but have yet to share it people. I find it interesting that so many folks assumed that this event transpired under the hand of Arabs. Feel free to swing by her blog and leave a comment regarding her post.

My husband doesn’t have a facebook profile, so as a consequence, he rarely sees the memes that make their way around the web (unless I send them to him, of course).

Yesterday, I came across this one, and I remember thinking (with no small dose of bitterness) that truer words have rarely been spoken.  I’ve been engaged in a couple of different conversations about the use of the word “terrorist,” and about how that word has become synonymous with “Middle Eastern” in the last decade or so, and in the most polite of these discussions, I’ve been accused of being a “guilty liberal” who is afraid of language (which I think is kind of ironic, given what I do for a living, but whatever).

My beloved came home from work yesterday on a tear.  There had been numerous – and patently false – reports that a suspect had been arrested in the Boston bombing case.  Several of those reports indicated that the suspect in question was of Middle Eastern extraction (in fact, seemingly moments after the blasts, there were reports of a Saudi man being detained for questioning (which also turned out to be false) and this lovely little exchange on Twitter – notice the time stamps)

The truth is that we’re just as good at creating terrorists here as we are at encouraging them abroad.  Let’s not forget that James Earl Ray and Byron De La Beckwith were white guys.   Tim McVeigh and Terry Nichols were white guys.  So was Jarred Laughtner.  So was Scott Roeder and Jim David Adkisson and James W. Von Brunn and James Holmes.  So was Ted Kaczynski and Bruce Edward Ivins.

Shall I go on?

The fact of the matter is that one’s national origin has exactly zero to do with one’s propensity to commit acts of terror.  That we continue to allow the kinds of associations that I’ve been seeing (and continue to see) only perpetuates the violence, fear, and hatred.  Stop it.  Stop making assumptions about facts not in evidence.  Stop lumping people together because of how they dress or their accent or their immigration status – and stop others from doing that when you witness it.  We’re better than this; we HAVE to be, or we’re going to destroy ourselves.  If we can’t figure this out, perhaps that’s no less than we deserve.

The Crucifying of Christ by the White South

The image below–”Christmas in Georgia, 1916,” by Lorenzo Harris, and taken from the December 1916 issue of The Crisis (pp. 78-79). The caption reads: “Inasmuch as ye did unto the least of these, My brethren, ye did it unto Me.”

“Christ Recrucified” (1922)

The South is crucifying Christ again
Christ’s awful wrong is that he’s dark of hue
The sin for which no blamelessness atones;
But lest the sameness of the cross should tire,
They kill him now with famished tongues of fire,
And while he burns, good men, and women, too,
Shout, battling for his black and brittle bones.

“The Black Christ” (1929)

O Form immaculately born,
Betrayed a thousand times each morn,
As many times each night denied,
Surrendered, tortured, crucified!
That love which has no boundary;
Our eyes have looked on Calvary (135-136).

[Source: James H. Smylie, “Countee Cullen’s ‘The Black Christ,’” Theology Today38/2 (July 1981): 160-73]

 

Color of Christ

Great interview with Edward Blum on Jesus, race, and politics. Blum notes that our depiction of Jesus in terms of color emerged only in the 19th century. Yes, Jesus was a colored man or a man of color.

Is the Party Racist?

This piece has gone around the blogsphere since last week. As I noted on another blog, Powell is being honest and on the mark. I feel and have felt this way about the Republican Party since high school. I disagree with Powell regarding his notion that the party has changed; I think it has been this way dating back to the 1980s when it sought to garner the attention of white religious conservative Americans; the party has expanded its agenda in that — as noted by Powell — it is now way farther to the right regarding economic and social policy (Tea Party). But with the Tea Party all but dead, as noted in the last election, Republicans might seek to move back to the right — that is from the far right; I do not think it is a reactionary party. With the Democrats taking a strong victory during the November elections, the Cold War Republican Party might seek to regain its identity with the likes of a Colin Powell.

Uncle Tom and RG3 as a Cornball Brother

     

It is very odd to hear a white person call a black person an Uncle Tom. This term seems to be cemented among the language of uneducated black people. The last time I was called this, I politely asked that person if he had ever read the book Uncle Tom’s Cabin. After he said no, I went on to give him a brief lecture on the work I read back in middle school. Essentially, a white woman named Harriet Beecher Stowe took it upon herself to research the treatment and condition of Southern blacks. While doing so, the Fugitive Slave Law of 1850 was passed; it required northerners to return all runaway slaves to their masters. Keep in mind that blacks were nothing more than property, though the Constitution did not define blacks in this category until the 1857 Dread Scott case.

In her work, she wrote about a slave named Tom who was so trusted by his master, he was often sent on long independent trips to conduct business. Modern day black folks became very critical of Stowe’s character Tom. Why would a black man who was nothing more than a slave be so loyal to his white master? Some speculate that Tom desired to transform himself into a different person and to a better place; a white place where he was like those who abused other blacks. By 1960 the term Uncle Tom had a place among the vanguard of black intellectuals. With the civil rights movement underway, and a number of blacks graduating from historically black colleges, there was no longer a need to be like white people. Blacks proved that they were superior. Thus, it is here that we see the heightened sense of black on black racism. Though it had long existed. A caste was created among blacks. The lighter (often referenced as “high yellow”) you were, the more beautiful and elite you were. As is the case today among some, black folks are expected to serve their own communities. This is often predicated on those who see themselves as Garveyites. Keep in mind this is a pretty conservative embodiment. People such as myself are often questioned for working in places that do not serve the needs of the black community. Black people who hire white lawyers, white bankers, white dentists are seen as Uncle Toms. Dating back to the days of Booker T. Washington, he argued that if black people do not visit and help black professionals, who will. I will say, BTW was correct at that time. Also, keep in mind that BTW depended greatly on the financial investments of white people in the creation of his school: Tuskegee University.

With the black bourgeoisie emerging from the status of proletarian, you find more and more black people crossing the racial divide. This does not mean the end of racism. As we learned with the election of Obama, the the notion of heightened racism is clear on one hand, yet ambiguous on the other. Society continues to remove the veil of racial myths, only to confront the realities of a world in which race matters. The most recent example is that of Robert Griffin III (RG3), a well-versed and talented NFL player. He is thought to be and is a highly intelligent athlete. Graduating early from Baylor, he elected to apply and enroll in law school. Recently, a controversial sports columnist named Robert Parker made this statement about RG3:

Well, he’s black, he kind of does his thing. But he’s not really down with the cause, he’s not one of us. Parker He’s kind of black. But he’s not really the guy you’d really want to hang out with because he’s off to do something else. Well, because I want to find out about him. I don’t know, because I keep hearing these things. We all know he has a white fiancee. There was all this talk about he’s a Republican, which, there’s no information at all. I’m just trying to dig deeper as to why he has an issue….[ when asked about his hair Parker stated]…Now that’s different. Wearing braids is … you’re a brother. You’re a brother if you have braids on.

I am sure this silly comment does not surprise anyone; as noted above, the notion of “Uncle Tom” in its modern usage is a construct created by black who felt that other blacks were rejecting the notion of being black. We have seen and heard this silly argument for decades. I find it interesting how popular culture has made attempts at burying this phrase — a phrase constructed by black folks themselves. Case in point: The popular 1990s TV sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air pointed out that transcending race does not make a black person any less black or any more white; it makes that person one who can communicate across racial lines without the stigma of being either of superior traits, or inferior traits. Carlton, who best epitomizes the grand notion of Uncle Tom, resembles many of the qualities columnist Robert Parker accused RG3 of having; I find this clip below to best illustrate how TV teaches us that Uncle Tom comments are silly, and are inherently racist.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOY9CbIK9zk

Harding University and Race

My friend and colleague Michael Brown recently published this phenomenal piece regarding the college I attended and its history with race. You can read the piece here: Harding and The American Way.

“Blackness”

I like country music, classical rock, heavy metal, as well as classical music. I used to like rap, but it sucks as of late. I wish MC Ren and NWA were still keeping it real.

I drink fine wines, dine at nice restaurants, and read the Smithsonian.

I communicate well, worked hard in school, and prefer conversations that center around ideas, politics, and theory.

I do not play basketball. But, I am a competitive distance runner and a decent tennis player.

I sport a blazer and a bow tie. But I also wear earrings (yes on both ears).

So, why am I bringing this matter up? A couple of weeks ago, while on a training run in one of Houston’s public parks, a young black man (14 or 15 years old) asked me if I liked white women? I do not know him and he does not know me. Keep in mind that I was stretching and getting ready for a very tough run. I ignored him until I heard him telling the two young black sisters what he asked me. After hearing that, I elected to lecture the brother on the history of Jim Crow and the meaning of being BLACK. I also enlightened him on the fact that I love ALL people.  I asked him: do you like white women? He stated no. I asked why? He told me that white women are too proper. As one can imagine, I was really confused. I turned to him and asked, so what do you like? He stated that he likes girls who are ghetto. My response was one of frustration. I told him that he had just disrespected every black sister I know. That includes my mother. His mother. And the two young black women beside him.

I turned to both of the black women (14 – 16 years old) and stated that your friend does not see you two as being very sophisticated. They both agreed. We went on to chat about race and culture for a bit. Then I realized I needed to run. But this topic brings up a number of troubling  matters. And, not just for the young black brother. I am always amazed at how whites assume blacks should behave. I go crazy every time I hear a white person tell me that they are “more” black than I am. What does that mean? (fill in the blank) Black people are still fighting Jim Crow; however, Jim Crow changed his name to Uncle Tom. There are experiences that blacks feel daily that a white person cannot comprehend. Here are a few examples: Being followed in a department store. Having people move to the other side of the room when you walk into the room. Locking car doors as you approach. Or, reaching for one’s purse. My favorite is when the police (po po) pull you over to ask a stupid question. On a recent trip, I exited the rest room on a plane to the dismay of one white woman. She elected to return to her seat. I heard her husband ask why? She quickly rolled her eyes at me to capture her husband’s attention. Now, I might be reading too much into this, but I suspect I am not.

With the advent of de-segragation, a number of blacks integrated with whites. Hence, the notion of cultural conformity transpired. Well, to some extent. Unfortunately, there seems to be a perception of what black is. And, if one does not adhere to that basic notion, folks start questioning one’s blackness.

Author Alice Walker on Race, Killing, and Treyvon Martin

The Bi-racial Question

Well, the title of this post is very general and lacks a sense of in-depth ness to it. I recently came across this video on the challenges faced by one young lady who is bi-racial in a homogenous society. It is normal to see a bi-racial person here in the USA; in some parts, however, one might suspect a person of interracial origin to be as foreign as an alien (from Mars not Mexico). Hence the looks, whispers, and sense of disdain illustrated toward he/she. I have discussed the matter of European racism a great deal in my AP European History course. I remind students that things are far better here than they are there.

I have given very little thought to the matter of Asia — particularly China. We are all familiar with the historical role of racism in the fascist Japanese state during WWII. But what about China? This video is quit interesting as it showcases the challenges one very talented bi-racial girl faced being both Chinese and African-American.

Are Southerners Racist? Part I

After engaging in a very long conversation with a friend of mine about the South, I have elected to devote my next 3 – 4 post on the topic of the racist South.

1. Are southerners racists?

2. Is the South racist?

Historically, the South has resisted the notion of progressive change; traditionally speaking, the South has not embraced legislation that empowers the poor, gays/lesbians, and blacks. It would not be wholly inaccurate to conclude that southerners’ sense of disdain towards Barrack Obama in 2008 was predicated on race and their racist attitudes.

I was first introduced to V.O. Key during my sophomore year of college. Dr. Mark Elrod discussed Key’s Southern Politics and his Theory of Critical Elections. Key contends that at historical points, a balance of power occurred. Hence, social and economic forces were at work and responsible for such political realignment. Case in point: After the historical period in U.S. history known as Reconstruction, Republicans dominated the national landscape except for in the deep South[1]; in the South, the formation of anti-Lincoln/anti-Republicans dominated the scene. Southerners hate for the party and the president who emancipated the American Negro was fervent. Born was the solid South. This period was defined by one in which Southerners used racists tactics to uphold Jim Crow laws by electing only Democrats from 1877 to 1964. The Ku Klux Klan was instrumental in maintaining a state of racist order as a process of subjugation towards black Southerners.

By 1980, a major shift transpired in which Ronald Reagan swept the South and the rest of the nation in a promise of restoring conservatism. Much of this promise was born on Reagan’s promise to reduce the size of the government, and to restore social order brought about during the decades of the 1960s and the 1970s. Again, much of the progress during the 60s and the 70s were aimed at aiding gays/lesbians and racial minorities. Many Southerners today are simply a product of political realignment. Thus, they once embraced Jim Crow policies until federal legislation and the Supreme Court deemed it illegal. Conservatives reacted to the forced political actions of the federal government by seeking conservative candidates who would embrace the ideology of states’ rights. In 1980, Reagan clearly endorsed this position, which was clear by his objection to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965; it was his position that the federal government could not legislate discrimination among civilians.

Though not a new ideological position of Southerners, it was one that many minorities deemed as threatening to their welfare. With the election of Obama in 2008, many Southern whites screamed as though the world had come to an end. Many of Obama’s policies were seen as overly progressive towards liberal ideology; but in truth, Obama has helped (better yet saved) white elites. Though I supported his stimulus policy, many throughout the country did not. Liberals saw it as a testament of serving the needs of the wealthy.  And, with his health care policy still under attack, it is safe to say that Obama has done little to “fully” threaten the traditional base of the new Solid South; a Republican dominated South. One might contend then that race is a major reason in the South’s dislike of Obama. What makes matters worse is that Obama is not just a black man in the White House; he is the product of interracial sex…. A black man and a white woman; he represents the greatest threat to southern ideology.

So, I am not saying the South is a racist institution; I am saying that one must wonder why so many Southerners dislike a president who in theory has very little power.

---

[1] After the death of Abraham Lincoln, VP Andrew Johnson was a southern sympathizer and one who theoretically did not represent the Republican Party. It should also be noted that Grover Cleveland was elected in the years 1888 and 1896 as a Democrat. Republicans would continue to dominate the office of the presidency until FDR.

Tracking Hate Groups

I used the above picture during a week-long summer history institute a year ago; I also use this image in my US history classes to illustrate the notion of American terrorism, religion, and white supremacy during Reconstruction. It seems that many believe the KKK existed before Reconstruction — but that is simply not the case. Whites seeking to recapture the South in the name of God and white supremacy sought to terrorize blacks and sympathetic whites. If you look at the image carefully, it portrays a change of the guard. At one point, blacks were enslaved and thus controlled by environmental factors that worked against them. After the 13th Amendment, blacks were legally emancipated but never fully protected by the 14th and 15 Amendments of the Constitution. If I had things my way, I would seek to posthumously impeach every American president from Andrew Johnson to Herbert Hoover for their unwillingness to enforce the Constitution. I am going to let FDR and Ike after the hook just a bit, but only because there was enough pressure placed on them to act.

Above: Map of American Hate Groups

I am very careful in my classes to illustrate that the KKK took on their  role as racist in the name of Christianity; however, the reality regardless of their justifications was one that does not speak towards Christianity. The United States consist of a number of hate groups. Many of them claim to be doing the will of God. In truth, we as Americans know this is not the case. Moreover, Americans recognize that said groups only undermine the mission and faith of many loyal followers of Jesus Christ. Before 9/11, the worst act of terrorism to take hold on American soil was that of the Oklahoma City bombing. I say this noting that home-grown terrorism by Americans is an issue.

The Flag Topic

A while back, I drafted a post entitled, The Confederate Flag: A Symbol of Culture or Racism. Though I have an obvious point of view regarding this topic, it is safe to say that I have the education to articulate a rather legitimate argument; however, that cannot be said of so many others who have posted a comment on this post. I have been tempted to close the comment box, but have elected to leave it open for comedic reasons. Here are a few examples from either the racist, the troll, the stupid, or the poorly informed.

1. listen up, daniel lynch, lemme teach you a thing or two, the south, your whole theory that the wet backs and porch monkies have it worse that we do, its a load of crap, have you ever been to the south? have you ever seen whats its like to raise a family here? this is poor, most of them swet backs get jobs in construction and stuff, taking away from us, matter of fact if bush had any good sense they’d come up with a bill that would send all them “immigrants” is the word you used, i use intruders, job takers, they will just do the same thing they did with their pathetic excuse of a country to ours, use everything up then move on, i say we need to build, not a fence, but a fortified wall, mounted guns and everthing, and ship all of them back, first one that puts out any lip gets a 10 cent bullet between the eyes, i would rather pay for that than pay their freakin taxes, then shoot em as they head toward the wall, thats exactly what i think, and i think if you gotta problem with it then you can just go join em if you love em so much!

2. This one here is my favorite: l know I’m late to the party but this author is horribly ignorant. You’re an educator?

3. What about the 1000 black confederate soldiers who fought under the stars and bars?The only lie here is that the civil war was to end slavery. the civil war was brought about because of excessive taxes. Pretty much the same reason the revolutionary war was fought against England. All wars a really about money and or power. There are no higher ideals, only greed that powers the nations war machines.

4. i would just like to say that i do not believe the rebel flag is about racism. the civil war had nothing to do with whites agaisnt blacks, it was the north and the south. as far as i’m concerned if you live in the south you shouldn’t discriminate against the confederate flag just because you think its racist. i wear a lot of rebel flags and i am not racist by all means, so just because you fly a rebel flag does not mean you are against the black race.

5. First off we might have lost the war but you got to think the south has changed we still fly rebel flags. The whole reason why we rasict is cuz the niggers dont know how to shut up and part of it was when we had black slaves. and were nothing like the nazi so carl why dont you shut up and when you open your eyes and read more about the history then you can critisize us. And to let you know i am a southren and i am racist and i fly the rebel flag.

Obama, Race, and America

Two great lies exist that many Americans are unwilling to deal with. 1) Whiteness tells us that race and diversity does not matter; we should be colorblind in a world that sees race. 2) Blackness tells us that it is okay to be aware of race, however, we must elect to ignore it in order to keep the peace. Obama is dealing with the matter of blackness as he heads into a re-election season. Below is an excerpt about Randall Kennedy’s new book on Obama and Race

Interview Highlights

On why Obama’s election didn’t change racial issues significantly

“I think that there were some people who had, you know, a sort of an unrealistic view, a millenarian view, as if everything was going to be different. But racial conflict is deeply embedded in American history. And so it was unrealistic to think that one election or, frankly, even two or three or four will erase something that is so deep and that is so pervasive in American life — namely the race line.”

Racial Politics and the Obama Presidency

by Randall Kennedy

On how Obama has addressed the needs of African-Americans

“I don’t think that anybody can reasonably say that he’s neglected the needs of the black community. You know, the president’s an important person, a powerful person, and he is certainly not above criticism. And sometimes, at least in my view, I do not think that he has pushed hard enough a progressive agenda that would be helpful to those further down on the American socioeconomic ladder.

“At the same time, those who criticize the president from that vantage have to recognize that the president is in a dilemma. He’s caught in a dilemma, and he faces very powerful opposition. And so it’s not that he’s been neglectful. He’s — I think he’s been trying, but he’s up against powerful opposition.”

On the challenges the U.S. must still overcome

“As important as the presidency is, that’s not the only thing to take a look at in determining the racial health of the United States. If one takes a look at levels of impoverishment, if one takes a look at levels of incarceration, if one takes a look at the gap in life expectancy, in morbidity at … many levels, it is still the case that people of color are beneath others — particularly white people — in our society.

“The fact of the matter is we still — even with Barack Obama in the White House — we still live in a pigmentocracy, and it’s going to take more than having a black first family to change that state of affairs.”

On the Wilder or Bradley effect — when voters say they’ll vote for an African-American candidate, then don’t

“Among political scientists, there’s a lot of debate as to whether that actually was a true phenomenon, or whether that was … just sort of a figment of peoples’ imagination. My own sense is that there is some of that. After all, one of the great things that’s happened over the past half-century or more is that racism [and] racial discrimination has been ostracized. It’s not a good thing. It’s not a cool thing. It’s an ugly thing, and people know that.

“And even when people have biased views, they keep it to themselves or they’ll cover it up. So one of the things that Barack Obama has faced is detractors, opponents, enemies who [are] opposing him, at least in part, because of his blackness, but they would never say so. So they seize upon something else. Oh, he’s a Muslim. Oh, he wasn’t born in this country. Those are covers, sometimes, for racial discrimination. And then, of course, sometimes it’s the case that we hide our views from ourselves. We know that we’re not supposed to be racially biased, and we don’t want to think of ourselves as racially biased, so we tell ourselves a different story.

“So we’re sincere — we really believe that the way we’re acting has nothing to do with bias. We really believe that. If … you put us under truth serum, we would say, ‘No, this doesn’t have anything to do with bias.’ But, in fact, it does.”

Source

Moving from Jim Crow

When I meet folks such as the individuals pictured above from the era of forced integration, particularly during 1950s and 1960s, I often wonder if they ever changed or if they raised their children the way they were raised? I am sure I have attended school with some of their children. I am sure I have met individuals in public who hold the same beliefs as those pictured above. I can tell stories of friends I had as a boy who played with me at the park, but were not allowed to stay at my house. Or, whose parents would say hello and smile at me, only to talk about me later due to my race.

     

Above: That was then…                                                 Above: This is today.

Then again, I also have attended school with folks raised by the likes of Elizabeth Eckford (pictured above); we all recall her; she is most noted for the picture that captured her anger at the Little Rock Nine for integrating Little Rock Central. Today, Ms. Eckford embraces love and just. She can be found speaking to young people about the importance of love and the beauty of diversity.

Black Women are “Less” Attractive? by New England Private School Teacher

The post below was written by a friend and a colleague of mine who teaches at a New England independent day school; she is very active in matters regarding the faculty, gender, and race. And, being a female faculty member of color, offers an important point of view below; her post in many ways relates to my current project regarding the vanishing identity of people of color in independent schools. This is a great post to share with many of you who follow my academic interests.

An article in the magazine claimed that it’s a scientific fact that Black women are less beautiful than women of other races. Its author, Satoshi Kanazawa, is notorious for hiding behind pseudoscience to promote discredited racist and sexist ideas. In giving these ideas a platform, PT’s editors dehumanized Black women and girls everywhere. After widespread public outcry, they removed the article from their website. But that alone won’t erase the damage they’ve done by validating these discredited ideas — the editors need to apologize, explain how this happened, and let us know that it won’t happen again. Please join me and my friends at ColorOfChange.org in demanding they do so immediately: http://act.colorofchange.org/sign/psychtoday?referring_akid=1987.1172257.Zepmlc&source=taf

Kanazawa’s article is flawed from top to bottom. Using a flawed dataset from an unrelated study of teenagers, he draws the obviously false conclusion that Black women are “objectively” less attractive than women from other racial groups. Kanazawa has a long history of hiding behind pseudo-science to express racist and sexist views. He once wrote an article asking “Are All Women Essentially Prostitutes?” and another suggesting that the US should have dropped nuclear bombs across the entire Middle East after 9/11 because it would have wiped out Muslim terrorists.

So why does Psychology Today continue to give him a platform? Black women must constantly face both subtle and explicit messages that they are valued less than women of other races — messages that are especially damaging to Black girls. Now they’ve served as launching point for yet another attack, this time in the name of science. To undo the damage it’s done, Psychology Today needs to explicitly reject Kanazawa’s ideas. Please join me and my friends at ColorOfChange.org in demanding that their editors apologize, explain how this article was published in the first place, and tell us what they’ll do to ensure that this won’t happen again in the future. It takes just a moment: http://act.colorofchange.org/sign/psychtoday?referring_akid=1987.1172257.Zepmlc&source=taf

Thanks.

Additional resources:

1. http://creativeseven.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/satoshi-kanazawa-article.pdf

2. http://jezebel.com/5786394/the-illustrious-career-of-a-crap-psychologist

3. http://colorlines.com/archives/2011/05/satoshi_kanazawa_is_a_scientific.html

4. http://www.racialicious.com/2011/05/17/how-to-debunk-pseudo-science-articles-about-race-in-five-easy-steps/

Ally Bank Commercial, Race, and Power

Marc Lamont Hill, former Fox News analyst and a current Associate Professor of Education at Columbia University, once stated this about power:” Power is held by white heterosexual males.” This topic recently emerged on a teachers of color chat room regarding who makes decisions in America. It was noted that folks of color, who do not represent what affluent whites in power often seek, continue to be invisible. But those who are present, are folks of color who look like them, behaves like them, and who attended the same type of schools as white males in power. Thus, making people of color less of a threat to offer any semblance of change. One commentator noted that ” if this set of rules were violated, than America’s institution might see diversity. But until then, it must be white, Protestant, and heterosexual”.

Following that up, we were directed to this Ally Bank commercial in which a black man has power. However, it was noted by a few, that this black man is a safety net; he is a safe representative of those that will and hold power. Some folks like to use the ugly term Uncle Tom. There is nothing more egregious than one brother or sister calling another brother or sister an Uncle Tom. Better yet, I recall being called this once; I asked: So, who is Uncle Tom and do you know the Etymology of the phrase? I had to define Etymology. Yes, this brother got a long history lecture. The video is funny, I must add.

Race, Sexuality, Literature, and Professor Carson’s Frustration

A colleague and a dear friend who teaches English in the cold state of New Hampshire, invited me into her class as a guest speaker recently. As she noted on her blog:

Carson Skyped into my classroom again this morning.  I invited him to come and give some background and context about Jim Crow and segregation to my freshmen as they read To Kill a Mockingbird…. I recognized that a big missing piece for my students and To Kill a Mockingbird was likely the aspect of culture; as mostly white, mostly affluent, mostly liberal Northerners, most of us have never really had to consider the legacy of segregation and racism in our everyday lives, and I think that understanding those things is crucial to really appreciating the gravity and importance of this novel.  Carson did a great job of laying the groundwork for the students’ understanding of the CULTURE of the country – not just the South, but the whole of the US – from Reconstruction on, and I think they left the class feeling like they understood a little better the way that culture informs the characters in Lee’s book….I could probably have done a decent job covering the material that Carson taught my kids this morning, but I was particularly grateful that he was willing to get up early (we’re a time zone ahead of him) and beam himself into my classroom.  I think that it’s important for my students to hear a lot of different voices.  I admire Carson’s knowledge and adore his style, and I’m grateful and honored that he agrees to share his time and talent so freely with me.

I am always honored when others, but especially highly intelligent and dynamic individuals such as Mrs. Chili, invite me to participate in a class discussion. In truth, and like so many of us my age who are not teaching this work, I have not read this book since 8th grade; however, because it is such a profound work of literature, it is one that few forget. Yet, one individual took a punch not only at Mrs. Chilli and other English teachers who teach this novel, but at the significance of Black History Month. Of course, I am sure you are wondering how one created such a juxtaposition. Well, this person “named” Cal writes:

You’re kidding, right? TKAM was written for white suburban northerners; it was largely designed to make them feel good about themselves. The book simultaneously explained southern whites in a self-serving manner while reassuring northern whites that goodness, they were so much better than the average small town southerner–and certainly good enough to appreciate Atticus Finch.

There are all sorts of reasons why your class doesn’t appreciate the book, but it’s not because they aren’t white southerners.

As for them not appreciating the legacy of segregation and racism; good lord, they’ve had it preached to them every February for nine years. They get it. They just don’t like the book much. Oh, well.

I think it would help if English teachers didn’t treat it like a religious text to be worshipped.

I felt both a moral and academic obligation to respond to Cal’s comment. Thus, in return, I stated that his point is interesting but highly flawed in its analysis. Let us start with black history month — or as he called it, preachy February. In a world that sees and adheres to the greatness of whiteness, blacks have had to embrace a “sense” of societal servitude in relation to the notion of second class; I am not talking about Jim Crow here; I am talking about the element of not being relevant in a white mainstream society. Thus, black folks created specialized literature to showcase why black is not heathen, but significant. Magazines such as Jet, Essence, and Ebony demonstrate that there is a community making progress and one that has achieved much — even in a world that still view the plight of black folks as ghetto. Sure, Cal can deny this — but in the end, he and others subscribe to this thought, too.

Seeing that many white folks are not reading the literature of black folks above, blacks found ways to break into the mainstream TV viewership. Shows like the Cosby Show told whites to back off. Stop typecasting a race due to perception. Blacks are educated and have a sense of moral value. February offers some attention to explaining black suffering, which often accompanies a corresponding emphasis on black redemption via a sense of being Afrocentric.

I have yet to meet an English instructor that used this work as the gospel. That is usually reserved for William Shakespeare. But, Cal clearly missed the point. The work teaches us about love, compassion, courage, and a sense of morality. Atticus Finch, the protagonist in the book, was a lawyer teaching folks in the deep South how to be and act human. He put his life on the line for honor, knowing that most people in Alabama might want him lynched. He represented the fact that there were good white people in Alabama. Many suspect that he represents Harper Lee’s father, a man she looked to for moral guidance in a world missing it.

It is a work about competition between white men and black men. Seeing that white male heterosexuals hold power, white men felt threatened by black men, especially sexually. Thus, they created the idea that black men were animals looking to rape white women. Hence, the white race cannot survive if such predators are allowed to compete for this resource…a white female. Cal, you missed the boat.

Here is Mrs. Chili’s response. She discusses the geographical point, which I failed to do:

I think it is absolutely reasonable to think that my students’ being mostly white, mostly affluent, and mostly Northern DOES have an effect on their ability to really appreciate the concepts that TKaM is asking us to consider.  When one is not presented with a thing, one doesn’t have to really think about it.  I am not ever in a situation where I have to worry about where my next meal is coming from, for example, so I never have to think about being hungry in any meaningful sense.  When we’re healthy, we do not consider the workings of our bodies; when our cars are working properly, we never think about all the things that have to happen to get us from one place to another.  It’s only when something is amiss that we start to think about how – and whether – things are working.  That my students don’t have a baseline for experience with issues of race and race relations IS  significant – if one has no experience with something, one cannot be expected to understand it without guidance and education.

I disagree with your claim that the novel was written to make white Northerners “feel better.”   On what, exactly, are you basing that assertion?  My own experience with this novel would tell me that it was likely more intended for the white Southern reader, actually; it seems pretty clear to me that the novel’s purpose is to inspire some self-critical thinking on the part of people who might share some beliefs and assumptions with the people of Macomb – that’s certainly the effect it had on ME, and it’s that thinking that I try to inspire in my students.

Carson said everything I could have about Black History Month.  I don’t think you’re correct in thinking that the students have been indoctrinated or preached to; in fact, I invited Carson into my classroom specifically BECAUSE my students didn’t know what Jim Crow laws were.  It’s a mistake to assume that people know things they may not know.

Finally, I’m offended by your implication that I ‘worship’ this novel – or any novel, for that matter.  I see these texts as touchstones – guides by which I can lead myself and my students through a more rich, diverse, and complex way of thinking.  Everything is up for discussion; nothing is sacred, and I resent your implication that I – or anyone else – hold any of these books above scrutiny.  To do that is antithetical to everything that every good teacher does.

Cal, you really DID miss the boat.

The Rooney Rule: A Case for Affirmative Action in Institutions

With the Super Bowl complete, I have been impressed with the lack of conversations regarding Mike Tomlin’s race. In many ways, I am not surprised now that black American head coaches have represented a total of five teams in the Super Bowl over the past four years. Of course, Tomlin coached two of those teams. As an ardent defender and supporter of affirmative action, I am amazed at how many people fail to realize that Tomlin is a product of such a system. Tomlin, though clearly qualified, was granted a “chance” to be a coach thanks to the Rooney Rule — a policy similar to that of affirmative action.

It was President Lydon B. Johnson that instituted affirmative action legislation via an Executive Order to cut back on discrimination. Much of this policy was aimed to provide opportunities for both women and minority populations. It should not come as a surprise that those who oppose affirmative action the most…are those that will power. And hence, seek to protect such power. Liberal defenders of affirmative action have long noted that white heterosexual males are the greatest critics of affirmative action programs. Many, who are self-described conservative Republicans, find that any type of programs engineered by the federal government, works against the will of the people. That will, of course, notes that state and local governments should make such decisions; yet, it was in part implemented to limit the degree of discrimination at the state level. Conservative Christians operate off a notion of color-blindness. Some will tell you that Jesus Christ does not see race, thus nor should American society. But in the end, it seems almost racist to deny that different races exist, and that one’s race can and does depict his/her plight. Christ, of course, often noted the plight of both Jews and Gentiles.

While various different groups argue that affirmative action is reverse discrimination, liberal advocates believe that it promotes a more egalitarian society. Tomlin is a great example. The National Football League, for a long period of time, had been the target of racists arguments (i.e., being accused). Organizations such as the NAACP pointed to the fact that black players were a dominant reason for the success of the NFL, but blacks could not be found in key front office positions or as head coaches. Dan Rooney, owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers and chair of the NFL’s diversity committee, enacted the Rooney Rule. This rule states that all NLF teams must interview at least one minority candidate when a vacancy is available. Unfortunately, many teams do not adhere to this policy. Dan Rooney clearly made a great call with Tomlin. Maybe other institutions will follow the Steelers in actively seeking to promote diversity.It would be nice to see all institutions operate this way. In the end, maybe many institutions would reflect what the world looks like.

But, diversity is not simple. As noted before by Pearl Kane and Alfonso Orsini’s work, The Colors of Excellence:

People of color, be they African-American, Native American, Asian, Middle Eastern or whatever ethnic group, have spent years discovering their roots, developing a keen pride in their heritage, and accepting who they are. So don’t expect the current crop of prospective faculty to fit into your conservative profile. Many of them will not, and, frankly, I don’t think they should even try! Is that shocking? Is that unacceptable to you and your clientele? Then, perhaps, diversity is really not for you. If a turban or a dashiki pants suit offends, then so will diversity! Diversity by definition implies that the status quo will be upset.