His article found at http://yourblackworld.net/2012/03/black-news/dr-boyce-so-they-are-telling-us-not-to-re-nig-in-2012-let%E2%80%99s-talk-about-that/ , highlighted an anti-Obama bumper sticker that read Don't Re-Nig in 2012. Clearly this bumper sticker is not just against our president, but is extremely racist. In the article Dr. Boyce notes the bumper sticker is racist, but he then goes on to say that for a large amount of Black people to get up-in-arms about the sticker is unnecessary.
Dr. Boyce I truly appreciate you, your thoughts, and respect you but you lost me on this time.
"But I’m tired of going bonkers every time somebody out there finds something to indicate that there are some white people who hate our guts," Dr. Boyce says in his article. Of course it's expected for Blacks to act in such a manner when racially offended, but it's also appropriate. I understand the idea that sometimes you must pick and choose your battles and the idea that complaining about every little thing may not get you far. But keeping our mouths shut about the little things will make our job even harder when we have to deal with the big things.
We all know there is still racism in America. Every African American has or will face racism at some point of time in their life. It's inevitable. Any minority in any culture will face racism. However, many simple reminders like cause an increased chance of reaching those who aren't as effected or can't relate to other incidences.
The young Black motorist will see this bumper sticker and be able to make the connection and feel offended. But that same person may not be able to understand the importance of the 'fact that there is a smaller percentage of black homeowners today than there was in 1990's.' But presenting both the issues with the same amount of importance can open the eyes of the people in different groups who have different concerns, causing a more unified effort and increased knowledge.
We must be reminded how blatant people can and will be, thus we must be more blatant and not take anything on the chin. Situations like this simply are not okay and ignoring or downplaying such things causes us to lose an opportunity to reach someone else who can strongly be effected by it.
No, racism is never going to go away, but the least we can do is demand respect in our face.
Dr. Boyce, no we can't kill every rat, fly and pigeon in New York City. But if we continue to spread knowledge about this infestation, express our concern and address it, then maybe...We'll maybe our grandchildren won't have to buy as much rat poison and fly traps.
I followed this from your comment on Dr. Boyce's article and I totally agree. I'm tired of being told to just ignore the little things because there are bigger things to worry about. Ignoring the "little" things doesn't make them stop, it makes them more bold and they'll do something worse the next time.
ReplyDeleteThere is a saying I can't remember but the gist of it is that just because someone has a bigger problem than you doesn't solve your problems or make them go away.
At what exact point are we supposed to start caring about racism? When someone calls us the n-word instead of having it on a bumper sticker? When politicians who want to revive Jim Crow are elected? When someone finally manages to assassinate President Obama? What is the line between mattering and not mattering?