Too Good to Ignore

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Sun, 2008-07-06 23:38

Makwa

Too Good to Ignore

Sun, 2008-07-06 23:38

Makwa

[url=http://resistracism.wordpress.com/2008/07/07/the-remark/]The Remark[/url] by David Mura. I was particularly struck by the closing:

quote:

And of course I need your friendship, need your approval, perhaps even your love, such as it is, such as I sense now it’s become–a kind of bargaining, a silencing politeness if not a smile. Better the old days I did not hear some
subliminal whispering, hidden in the words, sounding alarm.

Mon, 2008-07-07 03:49

WendyL

Thank you, Makwa, for sharing this link.

Mon, 2008-07-07 06:32

oldgoat

May I also add that it's worth a few moments to look at the rest of the site.

Mon, 2008-07-07 06:37

N.Beltov

Social justice activists come across this "silencing politeness" all the time.

"This isn't the place to discuss such issues."

"Not now."

"Think of the children."

"He's been very helpful in regard to Xxx. Let it pass."
__________________________

Just say "No" to racism. Some things are more important than being polite.

Mon, 2008-07-07 06:52

Maysie

Sometimes POC and FN [b]can't[/b] denounce racism, for a whole host of reasons having to with who is in our communities and our families, who our bosses are, and who we literally need to survive. Yes, there are many things more important than being polite, like knowing that your welfare worker will give you more or less information based on how you respond, or don't, to their various offensive and degrading rantings/lectures about your lifestyle. Like knowing that the cops will shoot you if they decide to and that nobody will care, so you need to tolerate their verbal and physical harassment or die, literally. "Just say no to racism", when saying this to POC/FN people, is condescending and preachy.

The linked post is about the pain of that reality, and the cost that it takes on those who must swallow racist bullshit everyday. We see the cost of those who don't act politely. On babble we see it.

For white folks who want to be allies, yes, to speak up against racism every time you witness it is your duty as an ally. The more difficult a situation it is the more vital it is that white allies speak up, and often make themselves targets by moving out of the zone of comfort.

But the post and the link in the OP aren't about white folks. Let's stay on topic.

Mon, 2008-07-07 20:11

Makwa

quote:

Originally posted by bigcitygal:
[b]Yes, there are many things more important than being polite, like knowing that your welfare worker will give you more or less information based on how you respond, or don't, to their various offensive and degrading rantings/lectures about your lifestyle. [/b]

Gosh, BCG - as a onetime, and perhaps future welfare caseworker, who has also at other times been the recipient of some very painful police brutality, not to mention a lifetime of institutionalized racism, I find your comments troublesome.

Dag. Can anyone else on this board find a new way to make me feel ashamed?

I can no longer discover the necessary analytical distance to judge what is going on here, where I am concerned.

I am at a complete loss.

PS: I did find the rest of the post to be very cogent, personal and moving, so I apologize if the initial imagery threw me in such a way that my comment is out of line. I confess that recent conflicts here has brought me to my knees, in a communicative sense.

[ 07 July 2008: Message edited by: Makwa ]

Tue, 2008-07-08 03:43

Maysie

I think we all know that institutionalized racism and other oppressive behaviours and actions, happens via the front line representatives of the state, which includes the police, welfare workers, immigration workers, teachers, soldiers, "peacekeepers", etc. Hell even front line service workers (government or otherwise) such as bus drivers, (government) clerks in offices, any other positions that can exert unprovable discrimination and oppressive power over individuals. We live in a "power over" society, this shouldn't come as a surprise.

In my post I don't mean that everyone in each of these professions is perpetuating systemic oppression 24/7, but the position of (relative) power of these positions over more marginalized peoples can't be denied. Whatever the exceptions to my blanket statements, and they are out there, don't discount what I'm saying.

I'm sure there are great cops out there, for example. I just haven't met any. Oh! My friend met one the other day, but it was because someone had attempted to break into her home, so she understood as a homeowner, in that instant, she "mattered". She's a black woman with two sons, so she gets it hugely.

Makwa, I hope you know by now that of course I wasn't referring to you when. One way that I see to dismantle institutionalized and systemic racism / oppression is the hiring of more people who "get" the power dynamic and work to use their powers for the good of the people they work with and not perpetuate bullshit.

[drift]
This conversation has reminded me, has anyone read "Daughters Are Forever" by Lee Maracle? It's fiction and covers the issue of social assistance workers and power and stuff, from both "outsider" and "insider" perspectives. She's a beautiful and powerful writer. Highly recommended.
[/drift]