Subtle error, or Exactly whose problem are you trying to solve?
On the subtle opposition tip, check this comment to a post at a blog most aptly called Discriminations:
This woman has it exactly backwards. The real problem now is for blacks to extend themselves and the resources of their communities to whites.
Any respectful relationship involves reciprocity. That means each side needs to give and take. I don't mean this as a negative, but blacks have been taking from the white community for 40 years in the form of quotas, income redistribution, etc. Blacks need to start giving to the white community. Blacks need this for their own spiritual and emotional growth.
The author of this article is just dead wrong, and her actions hurt blacks.
If whites really want to change things, here's what they can do. Play sports with blacks and demand to be treated fairly. Go to black churches and expect to be valued. If you are a musician or artist, walk into the spaces that blacks want to segregate and demand that they integrate those spaces.
This is really what is needed. The author of this article is lost in the past, she's dead wrong, and her input is not positive... it's dead negative.
It's time for whites to demand from blacks. This is a sign of respect. The one way relationship of blacks demanding from whites, and whites bowing their heads in shame and giving, is now the dilemma.
If you are white, demand real social interaction from blacks and demand something in return. This will produce positive change.
And, yes, blacks do have things to give in return. The ability to combine the spiritual and the sensual so characteristic of the black church is something that whites desparately need. The machismo and athleticism of black men is something that whites men should emulate. (And black men can learn to soften the machismo a bit.)
Don't patronize blacks. Offer them a positive relationship, and demand something in return. This is the way.
Posted by: Stephen on May 5, 2004 03:37 PM
