The Negro Compromise
“It’s people like you who keep racism alive”
If you’re one of the few black people who happen to operate on divine time as opposed to white time, there’s a good chance you’ve heard these words before.
For the past few weeks, I’ve found myself interested in uncovering the true meaning of that statement, but often had trouble getting past its sheer audacity. Luckily, I had the recent pleasure of watching a lecture from Dr. Joy DeGruy-Leary that gave me some insight.
During the lecture, DeGruy-Leary asks the audience to describe the impact that white [nationalism] has historically had on black people. The audience responds by noting, among other things, the presence of corruption within the justice system, housing market and employment market. Conversely, she asks the audience to list the ways in which black [nationalism] affects white people.
Suddenly, the room is confused and in virtual silence until DeGruy-Leary, herself, is forced to interject with the word “fear.”
She then goes on to explain how a white male once expressed, to her, his fear that he may essentially be forced to bear the consequences of truth someday; that he’ll ultimately be on the receiving end of retribution. An uncommon sentiment, to say the least, it has a tendency to manifest itself in America through an environment where those capable of inducing this fear are met with aggression. The desire to ease this fear, DeGruy-Leary explains, is so intense that its source needs to be “removed.”
As I connect her lecture to my concern with statements like “it’s people like you who keep racism alive”, I’m left to draw the conclusion that, in many white minds, destruction is a justifiable response to fear. In addition, I’m left with the implication that non-whites should be understanding of this dynamic and therefore look to protect their white counterparts from this fear (which, more than likely, involves the subjugation of oneself). By obliging, non-whites will seemingly be able to avoid the hand of destruction. By doing otherwise, however, they’re basically asking to be tormented – hence, “racism being kept alive.”
It’s unfortunate that DeGruy-Leary’s lecture took place in 2005, robbing the audience of an immediate connection, because this nonsense reeks of Barack Obama and the “post-racial” (read: bullshit) theology that he’s ushered in with his presidency.
Before the election of President Obama, I was under the impression that black people had more pressing matters to deal with than their image (e.g. their sanity). Unfortunately, I was proven wrong upon the general consensus that it’d be in the best interest of Obama’s campaign to steer clear of any overtly black politics.
Instead, black people would be called upon to make the shift toward the “universal” concept of being American. This works, because if you’ve ever read a history book, you’ll know that America has absolutely no connection to the advancement of one group of people at the expense of others. This information can usually be found next to the passage about how George Washington won America from the Indians in a 3-on-3 basketball tournament.
Our crops, our President.
Unfortunately, since black people have yet to develop a codeword for themselves like “American” (see: white), they run the risk of actually getting to the fucking point, which is “reverse-racist.” Needless to say, the country can no longer tolerate such instances of racism. It’s 2009, and high time for black people to stop pretending to exist.
Luckily, as black people, we have the innate ability to parlay the rejection of ourselves into progress. This is why, for example, our communities always thrive once the brightest inhabitants move away; why black girls develop impeccable self-esteem after being ridiculed for their hair; or why it makes perfect sense to acknowledge our neglect from presidential candidates and declare them black heroes in the same breath.
/sarcasm off.
With the ascension Barack Obama, I found it truly disappointing to watch the black community – a group with so much on its plate – discard their common sense in exchange for an image; an illusion. And at 22 years-old, I’m quite disturbed by the number of older folks continuously pulling me to the side and explaining what Obama supposedly means for my image as a black male. It’s as if there’s a collective black voice rejoicing in the hope that Obama will charm Uncle Sam into finally removing his foot from our asses. I’m not impressed by it, and the passivity bothers me. I try my hardest to be respectful, but it’s becoming clearer everyday that this “image” is the consolation prize for being offered nothing else. And even that wouldn’t be so much of a problem if the image weren’t so deficient; or at least if so many people weren’t dishonest about it.
In the aftermath of Obama’s election, it’s become popular to play up the vision of a black man leading the United States. Long forgotten, however, will be journey toward his destination. When black kids are told they can now be anything they want to be, signs show that no mention will be made of the cost. Irrelevant will be the fact that this black man had to jump through an assortment of hoops which included the rejection of his racial self, as well as a disconnect from his spiritual base (see: Rev. Jeremiah Wright controversy). Not to mention the separate struggle he had to endure to disprove the notion that he may have been – dare I say it – Muslim. All of which were done in efforts to prove his dedication to “American” (see: white) ideals. Apparently, it’s absurd to think that any of these other things could possibly fall in line with what it means to be U.S. citizen in good standing.
Considering the amount of racially-charged filth that many of us submit to on a daily basis, these kinds of things may not seem like a big deal to most. However, it should be noted that they derive from slave politics. A lack of interest in self-preservation was key if one wished to survive on the plantation. For example, when slaves were permitted to conduct religious services, a white person had to be present in order to assure that no Wright-like figures were “corrupting” the minds of slave population. Sadly, not much has changed since then. Though Barack Obama does represent the increased mobility of black people, he does very little in terms of eliminating our historical subservience. I find it incredibly dangerous that many are exercising selective vision and elevating this presidency as the absolute pinnacle of black success.
When I see what this transgression has done to many of us, it’s like watching a caged animal rejoice in the fact that he now has a bigger cage. While the lion may think he’s inching towards freedom, it never occurs to him that actually leaving that cage is an entirely different story. You’ve increased his mobility as a means of keeping him content, but you would never let this lion walk freely in your domain. Deep down, you know that if this being were allowed to operate as nature intended, it could spell trouble for you; and unfortunately for black men and women, many [whites] hold this same degree of fear toward you – which is probably why you haven’t been treated much better than an animal over the years. From my observation, the infatuation with the image of Barack Obama does little more than further cement the black contentment with captivity.
I can understand why so many of us are quick to take pride in him. I even have to catch myself from time to time. I truly wish I could enjoy the moment; but when this moment is used to dangerously sugarcoat the stark black present and future, it becomes unfortunate protocol on my part to speak against it. Also, it should be noted that I don’t wish for any special treatment from President Obama. Honestly, I don’t expect much from anyone of any color who’s interested in being President of the United States. My true concern is with the fair-weather black symbolism that’s been attached to him. Many of the same black folks who, for months, yelled “he’s not running for President of the NAACP!” were the first ones crying like babies on Inauguration Day over their “Black President.” If you’re simply a fan of his policies or wish to view him as merely another president, then fine. But don’t try to sneak him in through the back door after the dust has settled. And don’t get upset when people have legitimate questions about him. On the campaign trail, Barack Obama avoided black people like the plague, and we loved every minute of it. Do you honestly see nothing strange about accepting the notion that something will never prosper as long as it aligns with you? Can you wholeheartedly say that this is progress? Your progress? If so, where are you going?
That last one was rhetorical…
One of the most powerful things about Barack Obama is that he serves as a blueprint for what the “ideal” black person should be. He speaks well, he’s college-[mis]educated, and a host of other traits most people value. But most importantly, he never rocks the boat when it comes to issues of race. He’s a black man who’s perfectly fine with being complicit in America’s game of half-truths and outright bullshit. In other words, he helps ease the aforementioned fear that DeGruy-Leary spoke of.
Unfortunately, this sucker-shit is being framed as aspirational.
This “post-racial” theology seems to operate on a model where black people get to be black on white terms. It seems to offer one salvation from their “skin condition”, so long as they play by the rules. It’s disappointing to see so many black people relishing in this as some sort of road to equality. If you subscribe to this school of thought, it’s my belief that you don’t even have enough respect for yourself to facilitate the life you claim to desire. The black community can’t even begin to talk about true equality until it develops a collective interest in establishing cultural, economic and political bases. And one of the main reasons these don’t currently exist is because many would consider them inadequate. It’s as if the black collective has conceded that the next man can do more for them than they could ever do for themselves; and this mind-state will never change so long as it continues to be glossed over. But then again, that seems the point of this “post-racial” direction: to stop you in your tracks; to free you from the supposed burden of yourself, therefore enabling you to participate in the common (see: white) good. How convenient, considering their country is in disarray. And what better image than a “lowly” black man inheriting the kingdoms of the world to inspire everyone to get on board? What better figure to take the blame in the event of a collapse?
Not so fast, buddy
The white power structure has simply gotten so sloppy in its actions that it now requires surrogates as a means of quelling international and domestic heat. While it’s clearly desperate, I know that it’s not suicidal.
That said, this victory isn’t mine.
America has never had an aversion toward allowing accommodating black people to bear its burdens or facilitate its prosperity. In fact, that’s exactly what we were kidnapped and brought over here for (::cough::). The only time black people have ever truly been considered a “problem” is when we’ve had the audacity to want to use our power primarily for our own benefit (as any normal human beings would). This audacity is what sparked beatings of runaway slaves; it’s what got Black Wallstreet burned to the ground in 1921; and it’s what got black leaders shot during the 1960s. It’s also the same audacity that will get Obama in serious trouble should he ever decide to make the kind of “change” I can “believe in.” Mercy under the stipulation of self-subjugation is something that has been in place for centuries for black people. It is still alive and well.
Unfortunately, however, many of us seem to be under the impression that we’re going to tapdance our way out of this condition, so long as we continue to “go-along-to-get along.” Some like to refer to it as “playing the game.” However, I can’t help but ask: who’s really winning this game? Granted, this road has had its minor benefits. You can look back on several occurrences and take solace in the fact that, because of them, you won’t be totally excluded from the gains the country makes. However, through becoming overly-invested in the habit of begging for inclusion while neglecting self-determination, you’re really not much different from a slave who’s waiting for his master’s scrap. It never even bothers many of us that we have little-to-nothing of our own creation, so long as we’re thrown the occasional bone. But eventually, we’re going to have to turn the corner and deal with the fact that freedom isn’t free.
For those who begin to realize this fact, it’s unfortunate that many will have to face accusations of being “racially divisive”, “reverse racist”, or whatever other terms are typically thrown around whenever black people begin inching towards, what I like to call, “the wrong kind of equality.” Everything is fine when one’s concept of equality revolves around trivial things, like being able to live in a traditionally-white neighborhood. Take an interest in nation-building, on the other hand, and suddenly you’re a monster. God forbid black people have a stake in black communities, as white people clearly have a stake in their own (whether they choose to articulate it in that fashion or not).
Especially disturbing is when I have to witness black nationalists being likened to their white counterparts; particularly since one side is driven by the need for liberation, while the other appears to thrive off subjugation. The comparison often operates under the false assumption that, in order to obtain the things we desire, my peers and I are sick enough to not only fathom, but carry out acts similar to those suffered by the world at the hands of European forces (Freudian projection?). For the record, I have no personal interest in enslaving, robbing, killing, or even mistreating anyone. I do, however, have an interest in the true progress of my people (not to be confused with white-sanctioned black “progress”). If that’s what’s “keeping racism alive,” fuck you AND Obama.
"Before the election of President Obama, I was under the impression that black people had more pressing concerns than their image (e.g. their sanity)."
More pressing concerns than image? Black people? Have you been paying attention as closely as you would have us believe? Ever since I can remember, our biggest worry was looking bad in front of white people. As a child, my mother, strict disciplinarian that she was, would let few things slide. But if we embarrassed her in front of white people, good luck sitting down for the next week.
That said, please re-visit this article ten years from now. I promise you, your outlook will be, well, let's just say clearer. I know you think I'm dead wrong now because you know everything (so did I at 22), but trust me, nothing is as black and white as it seems to you now. NOT…ONE…THING.
You seem intent on keeping your outrage of our past alive. I get that. No, really, I do. The past is a fine place to visit, but it's a horrible place to live. You can't do a thing about what has happened in the past. How could you? It no longer exists. But you (and Barack Obama, surprisingly enough) have endless possibilities in the present. It seems to me that it's easier to get black people riled up about past wrongs than it is to encourage them to do something about the present.
It's ridiculous to hitch all our hopes onto another person, any person, because the only person who can TRULY help you is you.
I understand your self-imposed obligation to enlighten the masses. Not only that, I applaud it. It means you care about things outside of yourself. And I agree that much of our existence in America has been negative. Oh, but there is so much about our history that is rich, glorious, and satisfying.
Every now and then, it would be nice to hear about some of that. If we must focus on the past, inundate us with its beauty and power. It's there. You only need to look.
I'll close with this: we don't believe that we deserve. And that is why we don't have. Not because somebody won't give it to us or because they're putting up obstacles between us and our desires.
We don't believe…that we deserve.
1@S. McCoy
about the "more pressing concerns" comment, i was being sarcastic. i'm trying to say that we do have more pressing concerns, but unfortunately, things like image have taken precedence.
as for the rest of your comment, I agree with you for the most part. but i don't feel like the past has to be discounted in order to focus on the present. my feelings aren't necessarily about rewriting the past or stirring up trouble just for the sake of stirring up trouble. black people have been falling for the same tricks repackaged for far too long. given that, my commitment to understanding the past is crucial for my future. the arrogance of being "progressive" is doing us in, in my opinion.
wow this was deep he has been tap dancing double time
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