These were my reflections after I saw an article that somehow Pharrell "Happy" Williams has repurposed Blackness and made it "new"…somehow. See the following article for details: http://thegrio.com/2015/04/03/the-new-black-wont-save-you-racism/
Again, I'm not a race bater (I don't talk about it much in polite company), but I like to think deeply about particular issues on a critical level. It has been my tendency and my nature, and I have been unsuccessful in resisting my inclination to ponder in this way. So, forgive me if I offend you. Jesus will reward you for it. ;-)
MY MUSINGS
Let's not talk about certain ideas, because talking about the idea gives it power; but ignoring the idea makes it go away….
There are many "truths" that remain true both on the micro and macro levels. Then there are truths that are not scalable. The laws of Physics stop holding true when you get down to the quantum side of things. The above "truth" seems to sort of hold true for individuals dealing with certain types of conflicts in certain circumstances.
For example, select conflicts that happen within confined boundaries like familial disputes within a home environment (we don't talk about Uncle Ben's dark past, etc.).
There are many "truths" that remain true both on the micro and macro levels. Then there are truths that are not scalable. The laws of Physics stop holding true when you get down to the quantum side of things. The above "truth" seems to sort of hold true for individuals dealing with certain types of conflicts in certain circumstances.
For example, select conflicts that happen within confined boundaries like familial disputes within a home environment (we don't talk about Uncle Ben's dark past, etc.).
What if you are the only minority in a particular environment. After working with them for a year or two, you have all gotten to know each other and "race" is no longer an issue between you guys. You continue to thrive in this environment and then assume you have the formula for all other people perceived to be in your situation.
"Let's not talk about race," you say, "because talking about race gives racism power. If we ignore the idea of race, people won't have that to use as a weapon. It worked for me."
"How did it work for you?" asks a curious colleague.
"Well, when I stopped thinking about myself as a victim, everything got better."
"Hmmm…." says the colleague. "So, you're saying that if we outlawed references to 'race' and 'racism' and encouraged people in impoverished neighborhoods and countries to stop playing the victim, everything would somehow 'get better'?"
"Let's not talk about race," you say, "because talking about race gives racism power. If we ignore the idea of race, people won't have that to use as a weapon. It worked for me."
"How did it work for you?" asks a curious colleague.
"Well, when I stopped thinking about myself as a victim, everything got better."
"Hmmm…." says the colleague. "So, you're saying that if we outlawed references to 'race' and 'racism' and encouraged people in impoverished neighborhoods and countries to stop playing the victim, everything would somehow 'get better'?"
Is Redefinition the answer?
So, maybe ignoring the issue is not the answer.
There is a school of thought (I can't remember if it's in cognitive behavioral therapy) that encourages people who are struggling with depression or other forms of negative thought patterns to challenge those limiting beliefs (or "automatic negative thoughts").
So, if your tendency is to think "I'm a loser", this method suggests you challenge that thought with redefinition, or disproving the idea.
I prefer prayer. #teamJesus
Disclaimer: I don't know what the point of this was. Just rambling, I guess. :-p
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