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December 13, 2004 Say it Loud: I'm [insert something] and I'm Proud! Perhaps this is the month of disclaimers. I probably should have done this 11 months ago, but oh well. Better late than never. I need to address a few points on racial dialogue on this web space. Warning: this is incredibly screedy. For starters, I despise the way we discuss issues pertaining to race in this country. To engage in a conversation about physical differences is like partaking in mentally retarded gymnastics. And I'll bet my reference to mental retardation just offended somebody. See what I mean? We are a bunch of politically correct fruitbats. The thing that really agitates me is that we've created such a hypersensitivity to race in America, that nobody can talk anymore. We're all walking on egg shells and tripping over ourselves to use the right terms. And MY GOODNESS the terms we have created. Mandatory "diversity sensitivity" training isn't training at all. It's just a class on memorizing terms. Race aside, you can spend 30 minutes on sex/gender terms alone. I mean male, female, woman, man, transsexual, transgender, for love's sake how many different ways can you say "confused"? Next thing you know we'll be creating special compound words for one-eyed 2nd generation immigrants from Finland. We now have to stop ourselves and ask if one should say Latino or Hispanic or Mexican-American or Chicano? So instead, we just say "they" which is likely to cause even more outrage because under no circumstances should one ever say "they" when referencing a racial group of people. Or so "they" say. Another cultural no-no is to refer to a group of individuals as "you people". This will get you beheaded, especially if you have a Southern accent. This isn't to discount the value in not lumping the vast array of ethnicities into one like when we ignorantly say "Asian" which includes an abundance of different cultures. I say we'd be much better off if we all just went back to Biblical terminology and were known by tribes. Then at least people could simply ask "what tribe are you?" without people being offended. This isn't to let people off the hook entirely for off-color (no pun intended) racial remarks. While yes, there have been many Southern idiots slurring 19th century rhetoric out of their mouths over the years, that reality just reinforces the fact that America has yet to fully deal with the wounds of the questionable building of this nation. And no, I'm not suggesting "respirations" as Cederic the Entertainer once said in the movie "Barber Shop". I am however, suggesting that we pull the politically correct rug from under this dog-and-pony show we call "racial reconciliation" and start being real. You'll notice that in much of my discourse, I often deal in black/white relations. I don't do this to exclude others, but I do this because I think one of the biggest rifts present in America is between black people and white people. That isn't to say that there aren't a myriad of other racial issues on the table, but I think a lot of the strife even between the Republicans and Black Democrats is rooted in some pretty serious stuff that usually gets swept under the rug or blown out of proportion, both of which have been detrimental to politics in this country. I know talking about racial differences makes some conservatives "uncomfortable". Good. God didn't promise us "comfort" in this life. Heh. Now that'll preach. From the time that I started this welog, I've always talked openly and candidly about race, blackness, black people, and beyond. I do so because well, if you hadn't noticed, in spite of what the inept arbiters of racial authenticity may have childishly suggested, I am a black woman. While some people have tried to exclude their cultural background from their work, I find it virtually impossible to go about being a writer and not communicating my ideas from a place of 100% candidness about who I am, what I'm about, and where I'm coming from. Everyone's opinions on the world come from a location and an experience (or lack thereof). Perhaps some aren't accustomed to doing so, but I talk about race very flippantly from time to time and it is a centerpiece of humor in my world. A coping mechanism? Perhaps. But I tend to think that I'm just one of those "say what I think" type of people and I find that we all take ourselves just a tad bit too seriously. Growing up attending predominately white private schools gave me a somewhat sarcastic and comical approach to dealing with misconceptions between races. I can't stand when people walk on egg shells about the subject. Just say what you have to say. If I suggest that black people have a distinct sound to their voice regardless of region or that Samoans are by nature, large individuals, or that white people are the only ones on the planet who wear shorts and sandals in the wintertime, people get uncomfortable because there I go again, associating certain attributes with race. It's taboo. It's wrong. It's a sin! Right? Admittedly, doing this in the past hasn't led to good things for America, but that's mostly because pride came into the picture. But for the record, there is nothing wrong with certain traits or characteristics being specific to a race of people. In many respects, I think God designed it that way. It's man that corrupted it. I'd rather have people be outright about their bias or misconceptions then try to pander and sugar-coat stuff. At least then I know where they stand. I've never been a very good sugar-coater so I think it better to get stuff out on the table and worry about offending people later. What's "offense" anyway but the result of a society that has told us what is and isn't acceptable. Being "offended" is highly overrated. The only individual worthy of being offended in this lifetime is Jesus Christ because God knows humanity has made an absolute mess and mockery of His sacrifice. Moving along, although it's not on my short list of allegiances, black skin is what I have and dealing out of any other frame of reference is nearly impossible for me. Just as the fact that I am a woman shapes my worldview, so does the color of my skin whether I want it to or not. None of these things however obscure my view of things as a child of God. That said, I love being black. I don't boast in it, but I sure will celebrate it as something that short of bleach and some really whack skin grafting, I simply can't get away from. And I'll add that people should love being whatever God created them to be too. Go ahead. Don't be scared. If you're maroon, you better rock that maroon like it's the best thing since sliced bread. That's right folks; I just unleashed permission for the full exercising of white pride. Ain't no shame in loving the skin you're in so long as it's not an idol or the aspect of ourselves that we worship or think superior to others. We've seen where that has landed this country. I think that opening up the door to speak more frankly with one another will happen when we realize that we all have the bodies we do for a reason. I'm not a fan of superfluous plastic surgery on 22-year-old women who simply don't like their nose. I don't believe God makes mistakes. So in my case, whatever He's purposed me to do on this Earth, He's intended it to be done with brown skin and big eyes (or as they used to teasingly refer to as "Fraggle Rock Eyes"), so I might as well get a matching hat and wear my blackness and big-eyedness in style. You should too. Not your blackness, but whatever inalienable skin color and physical trait you were endowed with. That's right; say it loud. Throw your fist in the air. As Eminem said, "Mosh". Okay, that's twice in two months that I've positively invoked Eminem's name to prove a point. I think that'll be the last one ever in life. I've done all this rambling to say that when you come here, please, I beseech you brethern: let your guards down. I'm fairly relaxed when talking about race and I'm not prone to jumping on white peoples' backs because they said something "racial" that rubbed me the wrong way. From white people, I've heard it all. It's the black people that shock me as of late. We all need to cut each other some slack and recognize the place of honesty many are coming from instead of assuming the worst. That said, I'd like to state a couple of general rules:
Comments Posted by: Jeff the Baptist at December 13, 2004 2:59 PM Hi. I have commented on here before as I'm sure you remember. Before I start, I just want to tell you that I'm sorry for my previous comments on your weblog. It's yours, not mine, so if your opinions don't mesh with mine- that's your business and not mine to negativley comment upon. I just read your last post on race/ethnicty, and I must say I have to agree. Sure, on the street I'm a white lady just like the next one but see me on a Saturday morning at the Synagoge- and suddenly I'm totally different that everyone else and I must be approached with the utmost of care on the subject of ethnicity and religion. Being Jewish is something I'm 100% proud of and I do like to talk or have dialouge about it. I like to answer questions about it... I like to tell people that that's what I am because, like you, I don't think you should be afraid to be what you are. And I also agree that we should cut all the P.C. bull out of our day to day speak. I'm fine with people asking me if I'm Jewish, telling me I look Jewish.. I don't even mind when goyim (non-jews) refer to me as "A Jew". (I don't know why, but so many Jews get offended being called such.) So... while this might be a one time only affiar, I agree with you. And I think it's cool that you speak your mind about it. Say it loud, I'm Jewish and I'm proud. Most Sincerely, Alexis Posted by: lex at December 13, 2004 3:30 PM I'M A WHITE CHICK AND PROUD OF IT! There... is that good? :) I like this post. It is so true... our society is so obsessed with being P.C. that we don't know what the heck is "safe" to say and what is not. God gave me white skin and I was born to a family of 100% Dutch heritage. I'm proud of it! It has been a blessing in many ways. I celebrate being one of many multitudes of colors and/or cultures that God has used to give character to this world. What a boring place this would be if we were all exactly the same... Posted by: Janna at December 13, 2004 3:41 PM I'm skinny and ok with it. Posted by: Eric at December 13, 2004 3:51 PM I've noticed, no one ever says I am American and proud! I am a black man, not just black, but, big, black (not fat though), x high school football playin, college graduate. I look like about half the brothers in the state penn, minus the tattoos but plenty of scars. When I don't smile, which is most of the time, I look very mean and angry, especially when I do not shave. I even scare my own kids. I've been mistaken for Ice Cube or some many times by whites and other non-black people, how and why I have no idea. Yet, it never bothers me. I love who I am and what I look like, I think sometimes it works for me and other times it gets me into trouble. When I walk into a room, I usually get stares, especially in corporate settings. It's kind of funny sometimes. Yet and still I've worked in some of the most high-end creative companies in L.A. and with the most diverse of clients. I say all of this to simply say that I agree with your post and don't just define myself as black anymore but as American. I think the concept of assimilation in this country has been neglected too much and has lead to this Multicultural racial sensitivity crap! I believe racial dialogue needs to begin with this basic premise, we are all Americans, one nation under God. The current concept of race is inaccurate anyway and needs to be abandoned. If you still consider yourself a "hyphened" American, then I suggest going back to live in your hyphened place of origin, but if you are here legally and desire to be a part of this country, you are American, period. Be proud! Posted by: Jerry McClellan at December 13, 2004 5:30 PM What about people who are mixed? They can't be part of a tribe and don't have a singular ethinicity. My husband is a combination of like eight different people groups. Posted by: mj at December 13, 2004 5:48 PM MJ, then be proud of the 'nail porridge' heritage :) Posted by: Andy at December 13, 2004 7:07 PM My fav is "i'm not a racist but when those black people..." Why the disclaimer? Is it for the speaker or the person addressee? I don't LIKE some white people but that doesn't mean I dislike ALL white people. Why do I have to state a disclaimer before I speak ill of a black person's locks? Sometimes I think those who are racist usually start out with that phrase. But then I don't bother trying to read someone's motives. Yes - we are so sensitive. Posted by: sharonb at December 13, 2004 7:38 PM I am a second-generation Finnish immigrant (although I am of the two-eyed variety). Let me know when you come up with that label for us. Posted by: Harry Niska at December 13, 2004 7:49 PM None of these things however obscure my view of things as a child of God. Now, that'll preach!!! Ambra, your post reminded me of dealings with other Christians on campus. I am pretty involved in my campus ministry. So, from time to time I meet with brothers and sisters from other ministries. I get disheartened at times because some of the other ministries have branded my ministry as "the Black ministry." Although our leadership is Black, we have had members of all ethnicities attend our meetings. My overall point is that Christians, first and foremost, should see each other as children of God. Race, riches, and other man-centered identifiers should not trump the Bible. Posted by: Sam at December 13, 2004 8:18 PM I completely agree with Jerry, I am an American and proud of it! My ethnicity, well, let's see...I'm 1/2 Mexican on my bio-dad's side with a little American Indian in there somewhere and my mom's side is some really white nothern European ancestry. My real dad adopted my sister and I when I was five when he married our mom and I went from being a Martinez to a Drake. I remember being in elementary school and hearing these boys talk on the bus about a kid that was hispanic in very racist terms. I was a kid so I guess I can be excused for being happy to have the new name. I was not ashamed of the Martinez part of me, just releived to be free of defending myself from prejudgement on that level. Also, since I did not know my bio dad and that family, I did not have this knee jerk "cultural" awareness or sense of difference on any level anyway, I was just a kid that wanted to be friends with any kids of any color that were interested in me and nice and had common interests and senses of humor, etc... Now, I just know that racism is real for those that never actually experience it, it's a mistake to down play it. But, I also feel it is equally a mistake to up play the differences and "culture" of certain colors as the starting point of what a person is presumed to be all about. All I know is that there are soldier's dying in Afganistan and Iraq that are from countries all over this world of all different shades that are getting postumus citizenship and their families know that they are now Americans (and really always were - in their natures and souls) and no one can ever take that away and no American worth their salt would ever quesion it. So, yeah, I am proud to be a fellow American indebted to the sacrifices of my newly and always American brethern. Posted by: Autumn at December 13, 2004 8:59 PM God looks at a person's heart, not the outward appearance (ref; 1 Samuel 16:7). And that's what matters most to me. Posted by: Dave in AZ at December 13, 2004 9:09 PM As a Southerner, I'm offended. ;) Kidding...but you did make a couple of references to people in the south. We're all stil Americans, dear, it's not a different country. And there's racial tensions everywhere. Rural North Dakota is just as backwoods and racist as Arkansas. But I understand the people you're referencing with the phrase "Southern Idiots." Posted by: Casey at December 14, 2004 5:15 AM You insist on not annoying me. I find that very annoying. Posted by: P6 at December 14, 2004 5:24 AM I'm Devoutly Agnostic and i'm proud! Hm. Hollow ring to that, methinks. Anyway, re sensitivity, here's a question: Can you make a statement ending with, "... for [blank] guy/girl" with [blank] present (erm, and we're assuming you're the opposite of blank)? Posted by: memer at December 14, 2004 6:20 AM dang it, didn't edit. that should be, "...for a [blank] guy/girl." Posted by: memer at December 14, 2004 6:23 AM I'm a fan of nykola.com and I'm proud! *Helicopter swoops down, federal agents bust through the windows* crap. :( Posted by: Alex at December 14, 2004 6:34 AM Okay, I'll bite. Ambra, what tribe are you? Posted by: Bijan at December 14, 2004 8:07 AM wo shr meigourhen ka shr wo huey shwo yidyar putunghua. yo soy el mas chingon vato y mi vida es loca. je vien de californie et alors on ne peut pas m'appelle le meme chose des autre qui ne sont pas noire. i am i be. Posted by: cobb at December 14, 2004 8:50 AM Jeff the Baptist: You're cracking me up. Lex: Of course I remember you. Glad you're still around. Also glad to hear that people exist who aren't offended by the term "Jew". Apology accepted :-) Janna wrote "What a boring place this would be if we were all exactly the same..." Exactamundo dude. Jerry: I am American and I'm proud, but this post in particular was more geared towards race and culture. MJ: "What about people who are mixed? They can't be part of a tribe and don't have a singular ethinicity. My husband is a combination of like eight different people groups." Then he's a mixture of many different tribes. SharonB: You are probably onto something when you say that the people that always put disclaimers before their statements might have something to hide. As far as saying whatever you think, I'd say the workplace is an entirely different dynamic. I say about 15% of what I think when I'm in the office. My field absolutely demands it. This is why I won't be working here forever. ha. Harry wrote "I am a second-generation Finnish immigrant (although I am of the two-eyed variety). Let me know when you come up with that label for us." And here I tried to think of the most obscure non-blog reader I might've had. Maybe I should've gone with Micronesia as the conutry of reference. For the record, how about the term "Finnigans"? Sam: You are right on point and I know exactly about the plight of which you speak. A litle too well. Dave in AZ: So you're the one responsible for race mixing eh? Well Halleluah I'm glad you're glad too. As a black woman, I can say that we are indeed good people. Casey: Of course you know I have love for the South. Big time, it's my favorite place in the US. And while yes the tensions we speak of are everywhere, they are especially magnified in certain Southern regions for obvious reasons. Just like the Northwest has their i Memer: You mean statements like, "You run pretty fast for a girl" or "You know a lot about football...for a girl" or "Gee, considering that you just pushed a watermelon through a cheerio in the delivery room, you're pretty strong...for a girl". I think you see where I stand on these types of statements. Preference on this is probably specific to the individual, but as a woman, I think that the whole premise behind the "for a girl" logic is faulty. Alex: I think you might be a bigger fan than even I. Bijan: I'm from the Big-eyed, thick hair, loud mouth tribe. Cobb: Leave it to you to go tri-lingual. So what does you being from California have to do with the labels/names we give you? Posted by: Ambra Nykol at December 14, 2004 9:52 AM I always wondered why I was classified as "Caucasian." Aren't those people who live in the Russian Caucus (or however it is spelled)? My people aren't from there..they're from Western Europe. So shouldn't I be called a Western European descendant? Or maybe just "a white person...LOL. Posted by: Diane R. at December 14, 2004 9:59 AM Yup people keep calling me caucasian. I'm not from the Caucus region of Russia. My family is irish, scottish, english, and german. Oh and fruitbat of course. Got a little bit of everything on my mother's side. Various parts of my background have designated period of harmless cultural celebration. Saint Patrick's Day is of course when the Irish celebrate their Irishness with drink, song, parades and lots of green. It is also when the Jews, Greeks, Asians, and anyone looking for a feast day to get out of Lent celebrate their Irishness with drink, song... We scots usually confine our scottishness to various Highland games spaced about the country at random intervals. For some reason this involves dressing up in plaid skirts like overgrown catholic school girls and then tossing logs and bales of hay around. Oh and knives, swords, liquor, and bagpipes are also necessary. Sheep and sheepdogs are optional, but traditional. Posted by: Jeff the Baptist at December 14, 2004 10:29 AM Methinks I recall a hilarious exchange on the sitcom, 'twas the Jeffersons. They were hunting in Vermont, you see: Old coot, with rifle: We don't get many of you people up here... George: YOU PEOPLE? What do you mean by that? Old coot: Dry cleaners. Posted by: Brian Crouch at December 14, 2004 2:25 PM I think you may've misinterpreted my mumblings, Ambra. It was "...for a [blank] guy/girl." That is, you have to fill in the "blank." Mebbe you fill it in with, "white," "black," "tall," "fat," "big-eyed" or whatever. But the point is it's all well and good to talk about keepin it real an wot not (Chappelle's Show flashbacks hitting right about now), but how many of us can really end a sentence that way when a person who fits that description is within earshot. I'm guessin sensitivity is a natural, normal human filter. *Devil's advocate goes for smoke break*
Posted by: memer at December 14, 2004 2:29 PM Just call me American.
Posted by: Sarah of WA at December 15, 2004 9:49 AM Oi. I've actually and the conversation with various friends on several occassions. I actually had a tense moment just yesterday when a [black] friend and I were studying for our final in our Ethnic Studies class. I forgot what I said exactly, but we were on the "African-American Review" and I said something offhandly and EVERYONE at the table froze to see what would happen. Thankfully, we just sort of continued on, but I hadn't said anything offensive about anyone or anything, it was just the wording. It shouldn't have to be like that... I was once talking to another friend of mine about racila issues and she was offended when I used the term "African-Americans" saying that most black people prefered being called "black." Shocked me; taught me not too try too hard to be PC all the time. Posted by: Holly at December 16, 2004 7:04 PM |
 "...playful philosophizing" Dan Leroy, National Review Online
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... just offended somebody. See what I mean? We are a bunch of politically correct fruitbats.
I'll have you know that I'm a fruitbat and that offends me. Now I need to go echo locate out of this cave and find my next meal with my incredible sense of smell.
I'm just one of those 'say what I think' type of people
Same here, then I got involved with someone who doesn't share these expressive values. Took her a little while to beat it out of me but she did, at least when she's around. Or maybe I just made her callous and cynical. Either way I'm getting my wings pummelled a lot less lately.
I don't boast in it, but I sure will celebrate it as something that short of bleach and some really whack skin grafting, I simply can't get away from.
*Insert Michael Jackson joke of choice here*
Okay, that twice in two months that I've positively invoked Eminem's name to prove a point.
Careful speak his name three times and he shall appear.
Seriously it would be nice if people could honestly talk to each other about being from various backgrounds. My girlfriend is Jewish and trust me, there is a major Jew-fruitbat cultural divide too. I think its our big ears and nocturnal habits, plus they use a lot of Yiddish. Oh well, at least all fruit is Kosher so I have that going for me.