Revised an article I wrote in honor of Juneteenth:
In today’s racially charged climate where riots are labeled “peaceful protests” and critical race theory is being taught in schools, many have realized slavery and racism sell. BLM, politicians, Hollywood and “woke” black influencers rake in the money while promoting a theme of victimhood.
The never ending mantra of white privilege is critical to insure indoctrination into the critical race and anti-capitialist theory. Race-baiters have one mission and it’s to pass on the struggle. This agenda strives on the ever-present invisible hand of oppression that must linger over minorities. The permanent struggle ensures fresh generations of victims. The simple act of being black makes one a party to a massive crime that continues to claim lives. Like a drug, the struggle is addictive and there are pushers on every corner.
As long as people can profit off black pain/trauma, there is no need to write a new script or blaze a new trail. To take it on one step further, who in the black community is ready for this? As a race we are defined by our history, we are mired in the past. Our communities are shaped and governed by those who wish to keep us labeled as victims. Imagine what would happen if blacks did not have racism and the ever present “struggle” to define our path. What if racism did not exist?
Or perhaps this isn’t the right question, because racism does exist. I think the real question should be, “What if blacks resisted those whose agenda rests on racism as a crutch, but instead used the knowledge of its existence as a honing stone – as many successful blacks have – to sharpen their life skills to cut down the weeds of oppression?”
The history not taught with critical race theory is the fact few blacks saw themselves as victims by any means. Like Job in the Bible, they never said, “Why me, Lord?” Nor did they accept that their current situation was permanent. Instead they were thankful for what they had, strong in faith, and willing to fight and die for what was right. These blacks would be the ones who would withstand abuse, free themselves and others. The ones who faced down dogs, and water hoses, who marched miles in their Sunday best in the name of freedom.
Ironically, it is that same struggle for freedom and equality that seems to ensnare “woke” activists, BLM and so-called influencers. For them the struggle is real and they are “authentic blacks” or “real” allies.
Being black has long stopped just being about skin color. It is now a commodity which can be measured in words and actions as well. Those who utilize the struggle need to control the black commodity in order to justify their actions.
What if the black community and our allies refused to play along? What if blacks stopped defining ourselves by our struggle and racism? What would that look like? How many people are afraid to branch out from the approved behavior regulated to our race?
How many children are listening to critical race theory and letting racism fester in their own hearts? How many people will allow their rights, including voting rights, to be controlled by a few for their “own good?” If these negative influences were removed, and blacks were allowed to just be, what would we be?
Even though we are generations removed from slavery, the wound remains fresh; and until we can strike a blow hard enough to wake millions from a struggle-induced coma, we will continue to stagnate as a race. At the same time a handful of the chosen few will continue to represent and simultaneously repress millions of blacks for a political agenda cloaked in the armor of the struggle.
