Sunday, July 20, 2003
Northern Folk vs. Southern Folk!
After relocating from Ohio to Geogia in 2000, I was certainly not prepared for the transitional change in the kind of people I would eventually meet. Being a freelance writer and journalist, I am exposed to all nationalities, cultures, sexual oreintations, beliefs, opinions and creeds. However, I will mainly focus on just two of those and hope that a flavor of the rest will measure through.
While living in Ohio for 13-years after returning to my hometown (Lima) from traveling around the world during the 80's, I chose carefully to surround myself mostly with people who seemed to be focused, assured, real, down-to-earth and discreet. You see, after my worldly travels, I developed a deep sense of character distinction. In other words, being around and inner acting with people constantly afforded me the gradual ability to eventually quickly tell what a person was really like - most times after having just one conservation with them. But, after returning to Lima, Ohio, I wasn't prepared for the lessons I was going to be taught by the people with whom I worked and became acquainted with, not as friends, but yet, on a friendly basis. The same awakening became eminent when I moved south to the Peach State, but, in a very contrasting or different way.
Even though my exchange during this journey involved several cultures, the main focus will primarily be on the differences of southern blacks vs. northern blacks; and southern whites vs. northern whites. And, the observations that follow were obtained from an inner circle unscientific study group made up of individuals who currently live in Ohio and also Georgia.
While living Ohio, whenever grassroots white people inner acted with blacks, it was usually genuine. Because, northern grassroots Caucasian people prided themselves in being honest about their feelings on interracial friendships and marriages. You didn't have to guess about where you stood. For example, when a white person drove around in a vehicle proudly displaying a confederate flag sticker, the message was clear as far as his/her belief system concerning anyone who wasn't an Euro-Anglosaxon. Fortunately, those types were extremely few; and at least 98% of all grassroots white people in and around the Lima area were genuinely pleasant, cordial and wonderful to communicate with on a friendly basis.
Prior to relocating permanently south, I was warned by several people that "things down there are different." But, what I found out later after settling in, things are not only different; but, the south seems, all together, like a different country. White people in Georgia are friendly for the most part; but, prefer to also maintain a traditional degree of separatism. They set boundaries in relationships with other cultures, mainly blacks; and are not shy about letting us know just what those boundaries may be. As a matter of fact, grassroots southern white folk are commonly refered to amidst southern black folk as racist-friendly. Meaning, they will talk to us only when they have to, they will laugh out a joke with us only when it's absolutely necessary, they show a strained degree of tolerance only because federal laws state clearly that they must, etc. At the same token, those same white people will proudly display confederate symbals on their clothing and vehicles. Many even shave their heads to display a public loyalty to yesteryears southern traditions of segregationism.
Additionally, I have discovered that it is taboo for a southern white people, while in a group setting, to speak to a black person no matter how friendly they are to that black person when they are one-on-one, because they do not want their white acquaintances to be aware of the fact that they know that black person. That is very common here. Another example of southern white traditions became apparent when I went shopping with another black friend in the Miami Circle area of Atlanta. It is a large area where high-end furniture, antique and flooring shops are grouped together. As a matter of fact, some of the doors remain locked and you have to ring a door bell to get in. In other words, they want to check you over first before allowing you to patronize their businesses.
When we went to one shop, the white female owner made it very clear to us that we were not welcomed on our first visit. And when we went back to check on an item, she snapped, "You were just in here, so, leave." In my northern manner of telling people off, I proceded to inform her just how ignorant and stupid she behaved. She replied, "That's okay." She followed us to the door and locked it behind us.
Another white male shop owner saw us coming while the window people were cleaning his shop windows. They held the door slightly open because they were also cleaning the glass door. However, when he noticed us approaching, he literally ran fast to the door to lock it; but, we had already reached the entrance and let ourselves in. I wish that you could have seen the disappointing look plastered across his face.
Another shop had two old ladies as attendents. They were nice; but, when we drove up in our Land Rover and entered their shop, they both greeted us and stood and proceeded to follow us around the shop. But, what was even more noticable, one of them held a cell phone up to her ear as if she was ready to dial 911 at any moment the entire time we were in the shop. However, in the midst of amazing them with my knowledge of antiquaties which included my travels around the world, I also very diplomatically used that opportunity to also give them a much needed lesson on the ignorant and stupid attitudes of blatant racist white people in the south. As we were leaving, the nicer lady without the cell phone apologized and the only thing she could say afterwards was, "We enjoyed your visit; and please come back anytime."
But the diffenence of northern blacks vs. southern blacks hit me like a speeding run-away train when I contacted Atlanta's first black female mayor, Mayor Shirley Franklin, concerning what happened at Miami Circle. You see, she did nothing; as a matter of fact, she never responded.
It is a known fact amongst northern black people that the cohesiveness of blacks in general is not present in the south. Black people can easily be categorized into three social levels. First, there are African-Americans - the proud black person who never fails to maintain the utmost degree of self respect, dignity, intelligence and open-mindedness. Second, there are the colored people - the ones who are oblivious to the fact that the civil rights movement actually took place. They are the ones who still harbor jelly-back attitudes while "yellsa masta"ing white folk all over the place. They are always weak, nonresponsive, still afraid to express an oposing opinion and never take a stand for anything - you know the type, when black and white folk were drinking out of separate water fountains. The last category are niggers - they are the ones who are publicly ignorant, loud, always bad-mouthing someone else, back-stabbers, do not know how to live peacefully with others in a civil environment, always in trouble with the law, close-minded and hopelessly uneducated.
Unfortunately, after living in Georgia for the brief time that I have, it is certainly safe to say that 98% of all southern black folk can easily be categorized as being colored. Mayor Franklin's nonresponse to what happened at Miami Circle is a perfect example of that claim. But, when a true-to-life strong African-American such as Cynthia McKinney dare to take a stand, like Martin L. King and Thurgood Marshall, and voice an opinion against the status quo, colored southern black folk quickly ban together with racist southern white people and vote them out of office.
However, one of the most racist groups in the south, ironically, seem to be grassroots gay white men. We did a random study - nothing as sophisticated as anything scientific - however, discovered a startling contrast of sexual behaviors between northerners and southerners. Northern people, especially in the Lima, Ohio area, like to swing - especially both white men and black men who exclusively prefer white women. Meaning - a lot of married couples enjoy an occasional exploration in discreet partner-swapping or one-on-one with the same sex gender. Most of the swingers, we found, were an astonishing number of white married women and men and a few married black men. But, our study also disclosed that a large number of white married men either had engaged in or fantasized about discreet sexual encounters with the same sex. For example, one very attractive married white male wrote, "That's why most guys go to the gym or enjoy contact sports. Even though I've been married twice and have two sons who I love very much, I still get arroused when I see other good-looking guys at the gym working out. As a matter of fact, that's why most of us go. Hey, it's the same when I wrestle around with my buddies - that's arrousing, too." A very stark contrast from southern gay men, northern gay men (especially in the Lima area) are mostly farmer-Joe rough and masculine - extremely hard to detect.
But, southern white men and women are either gay or straight - no in between. Southern grassroots straight men and women and lesbians all seem to be more easy going, willing to be open-minded, good listeners, pleasant to be around and easy to communicate with. However, on other end of the spectrum, southern gay white men are usually hyper, lispy, limp-wristed, flashy, extremely feminine, weak looking, extremely difficult to communicate with and seem to relish Strom Thurmond's old tradition of segregationism. They are most always too obvious in public places, nonresponsive and seem to pride themselves in a closed-knit bored-to-tears society that excludes anyone who does not look like them.
And, our study proved that grassroots southern gay white men who choose to hide behind marriages and children, are always extremely friendly, open-minded, masculine, but, still exclusive - much like openly gay southern white men. Black southern lesbians are usually always obvious. They are ordinarily very butch, hang out with mostly white guys and assert a noticeable degree of public aggresiveness.
As mentioned above, this is not a scientific study. It, instead, involves years of careful observation, interviewing people on all sides and communicating and comparing detailed documented information from our study group - mixed with personal experiences of racist behavior from both the north and the south. There were several highly intellectually capable people in the group who gathered very reliable and substanciated information. But, in the end, after analizing, filtering and carefully scrutinizing what information that would be finally printed, this is what we unanomously felt was most important.
After relocating from Ohio to Geogia in 2000, I was certainly not prepared for the transitional change in the kind of people I would eventually meet. Being a freelance writer and journalist, I am exposed to all nationalities, cultures, sexual oreintations, beliefs, opinions and creeds. However, I will mainly focus on just two of those and hope that a flavor of the rest will measure through.
While living in Ohio for 13-years after returning to my hometown (Lima) from traveling around the world during the 80's, I chose carefully to surround myself mostly with people who seemed to be focused, assured, real, down-to-earth and discreet. You see, after my worldly travels, I developed a deep sense of character distinction. In other words, being around and inner acting with people constantly afforded me the gradual ability to eventually quickly tell what a person was really like - most times after having just one conservation with them. But, after returning to Lima, Ohio, I wasn't prepared for the lessons I was going to be taught by the people with whom I worked and became acquainted with, not as friends, but yet, on a friendly basis. The same awakening became eminent when I moved south to the Peach State, but, in a very contrasting or different way.
Even though my exchange during this journey involved several cultures, the main focus will primarily be on the differences of southern blacks vs. northern blacks; and southern whites vs. northern whites. And, the observations that follow were obtained from an inner circle unscientific study group made up of individuals who currently live in Ohio and also Georgia.
While living Ohio, whenever grassroots white people inner acted with blacks, it was usually genuine. Because, northern grassroots Caucasian people prided themselves in being honest about their feelings on interracial friendships and marriages. You didn't have to guess about where you stood. For example, when a white person drove around in a vehicle proudly displaying a confederate flag sticker, the message was clear as far as his/her belief system concerning anyone who wasn't an Euro-Anglosaxon. Fortunately, those types were extremely few; and at least 98% of all grassroots white people in and around the Lima area were genuinely pleasant, cordial and wonderful to communicate with on a friendly basis.
Prior to relocating permanently south, I was warned by several people that "things down there are different." But, what I found out later after settling in, things are not only different; but, the south seems, all together, like a different country. White people in Georgia are friendly for the most part; but, prefer to also maintain a traditional degree of separatism. They set boundaries in relationships with other cultures, mainly blacks; and are not shy about letting us know just what those boundaries may be. As a matter of fact, grassroots southern white folk are commonly refered to amidst southern black folk as racist-friendly. Meaning, they will talk to us only when they have to, they will laugh out a joke with us only when it's absolutely necessary, they show a strained degree of tolerance only because federal laws state clearly that they must, etc. At the same token, those same white people will proudly display confederate symbals on their clothing and vehicles. Many even shave their heads to display a public loyalty to yesteryears southern traditions of segregationism.
Additionally, I have discovered that it is taboo for a southern white people, while in a group setting, to speak to a black person no matter how friendly they are to that black person when they are one-on-one, because they do not want their white acquaintances to be aware of the fact that they know that black person. That is very common here. Another example of southern white traditions became apparent when I went shopping with another black friend in the Miami Circle area of Atlanta. It is a large area where high-end furniture, antique and flooring shops are grouped together. As a matter of fact, some of the doors remain locked and you have to ring a door bell to get in. In other words, they want to check you over first before allowing you to patronize their businesses.
When we went to one shop, the white female owner made it very clear to us that we were not welcomed on our first visit. And when we went back to check on an item, she snapped, "You were just in here, so, leave." In my northern manner of telling people off, I proceded to inform her just how ignorant and stupid she behaved. She replied, "That's okay." She followed us to the door and locked it behind us.
Another white male shop owner saw us coming while the window people were cleaning his shop windows. They held the door slightly open because they were also cleaning the glass door. However, when he noticed us approaching, he literally ran fast to the door to lock it; but, we had already reached the entrance and let ourselves in. I wish that you could have seen the disappointing look plastered across his face.
Another shop had two old ladies as attendents. They were nice; but, when we drove up in our Land Rover and entered their shop, they both greeted us and stood and proceeded to follow us around the shop. But, what was even more noticable, one of them held a cell phone up to her ear as if she was ready to dial 911 at any moment the entire time we were in the shop. However, in the midst of amazing them with my knowledge of antiquaties which included my travels around the world, I also very diplomatically used that opportunity to also give them a much needed lesson on the ignorant and stupid attitudes of blatant racist white people in the south. As we were leaving, the nicer lady without the cell phone apologized and the only thing she could say afterwards was, "We enjoyed your visit; and please come back anytime."
But the diffenence of northern blacks vs. southern blacks hit me like a speeding run-away train when I contacted Atlanta's first black female mayor, Mayor Shirley Franklin, concerning what happened at Miami Circle. You see, she did nothing; as a matter of fact, she never responded.
It is a known fact amongst northern black people that the cohesiveness of blacks in general is not present in the south. Black people can easily be categorized into three social levels. First, there are African-Americans - the proud black person who never fails to maintain the utmost degree of self respect, dignity, intelligence and open-mindedness. Second, there are the colored people - the ones who are oblivious to the fact that the civil rights movement actually took place. They are the ones who still harbor jelly-back attitudes while "yellsa masta"ing white folk all over the place. They are always weak, nonresponsive, still afraid to express an oposing opinion and never take a stand for anything - you know the type, when black and white folk were drinking out of separate water fountains. The last category are niggers - they are the ones who are publicly ignorant, loud, always bad-mouthing someone else, back-stabbers, do not know how to live peacefully with others in a civil environment, always in trouble with the law, close-minded and hopelessly uneducated.
Unfortunately, after living in Georgia for the brief time that I have, it is certainly safe to say that 98% of all southern black folk can easily be categorized as being colored. Mayor Franklin's nonresponse to what happened at Miami Circle is a perfect example of that claim. But, when a true-to-life strong African-American such as Cynthia McKinney dare to take a stand, like Martin L. King and Thurgood Marshall, and voice an opinion against the status quo, colored southern black folk quickly ban together with racist southern white people and vote them out of office.
However, one of the most racist groups in the south, ironically, seem to be grassroots gay white men. We did a random study - nothing as sophisticated as anything scientific - however, discovered a startling contrast of sexual behaviors between northerners and southerners. Northern people, especially in the Lima, Ohio area, like to swing - especially both white men and black men who exclusively prefer white women. Meaning - a lot of married couples enjoy an occasional exploration in discreet partner-swapping or one-on-one with the same sex gender. Most of the swingers, we found, were an astonishing number of white married women and men and a few married black men. But, our study also disclosed that a large number of white married men either had engaged in or fantasized about discreet sexual encounters with the same sex. For example, one very attractive married white male wrote, "That's why most guys go to the gym or enjoy contact sports. Even though I've been married twice and have two sons who I love very much, I still get arroused when I see other good-looking guys at the gym working out. As a matter of fact, that's why most of us go. Hey, it's the same when I wrestle around with my buddies - that's arrousing, too." A very stark contrast from southern gay men, northern gay men (especially in the Lima area) are mostly farmer-Joe rough and masculine - extremely hard to detect.
But, southern white men and women are either gay or straight - no in between. Southern grassroots straight men and women and lesbians all seem to be more easy going, willing to be open-minded, good listeners, pleasant to be around and easy to communicate with. However, on other end of the spectrum, southern gay white men are usually hyper, lispy, limp-wristed, flashy, extremely feminine, weak looking, extremely difficult to communicate with and seem to relish Strom Thurmond's old tradition of segregationism. They are most always too obvious in public places, nonresponsive and seem to pride themselves in a closed-knit bored-to-tears society that excludes anyone who does not look like them.
And, our study proved that grassroots southern gay white men who choose to hide behind marriages and children, are always extremely friendly, open-minded, masculine, but, still exclusive - much like openly gay southern white men. Black southern lesbians are usually always obvious. They are ordinarily very butch, hang out with mostly white guys and assert a noticeable degree of public aggresiveness.
As mentioned above, this is not a scientific study. It, instead, involves years of careful observation, interviewing people on all sides and communicating and comparing detailed documented information from our study group - mixed with personal experiences of racist behavior from both the north and the south. There were several highly intellectually capable people in the group who gathered very reliable and substanciated information. But, in the end, after analizing, filtering and carefully scrutinizing what information that would be finally printed, this is what we unanomously felt was most important.
Monday, July 14, 2003
TITLE: Excerpts From My Favorite Inaugral Speeches
With election 2004 infront of us, we are doomed to be bombarded with campaign ads, debates sightings of the candidates in small rural towns where they've never been nor will ever be seen again until they run for something else, babies being kissed, old ladies being hugged, a possible electoral dispute in the State of Florida again, etc. I, however, have decided that I will not read, look or listen to any of it. Feeling a bit nostalgic though, I read all of the inaugural speeches recently of our U.S. Presidents and wanted to share excerpts from the ones I felt were full of thought-provoking idiom.
"When right, I shall often be thought wrong by those whose positions will not command a view of the whole ground. I ask your indulgence for my own errors, which will never be intentional." Thomas Jefferson, March 4, 1801.
"It may seem strange that any man should dare to ask God's assistance in wringing their bread from the sweat of other men's faces... With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds..." Abraham Lincoln, March 4, 1865.
"Shall the prejudices and paralysis of slavery continue to hang upon the skirts of progress? Calmness, justice and consideration should characterize our diplomacy. I do not mistrust the future. And when the harvests from fields...have been weighed, counted and valued, we will turn from them all to crown with the highest honor the State that has most promoted education, virture, justice and patriotism among it's people." Benjamin Harrison, March 4, 1889.
"The success of a party means littel except when the Nation is using that party for a large and definite purpose. This is not a day of triumph; it is a day of dedication. Men's hearts wait upon us; men's lives hang in the balance; men's hopes call upon us to say what we will do. God helping me, I will not fail them, if they will but counsel and sustain me!" "Woodrow Wilson, March 4, 1913.
"A nation, like a person, has a body - a body that must be fed and clothed and housed, invigorated and rested... A nation, like a person, has a mind - a mind that must be kept informed and alert, that must know itself, that understands the hopes and needs of it's neighbors.... Sometimes, we fail to hear or heed these voices of freedom because to us the privilege of our freedom is such an old, old story." Franklin D. Roosevelt, January 20, 1941.
"Communism is based on the belief that a man is so weak and inadequate that he is unable to govern himself, and therefore, requires the rule of strong masters. We are aided by all who wish to live in freedom from fear.... We are aided by all who want relief from the lies of propaganda... We are aided by all who desire...a voice in deciding their own affairs. We are aided by all who desire freedom of speech, freedom of religion and freedom to live their own lives for useful ends. From this faith, we will not be moved." Harry S. Truman, January 20, 1949.
"The men who mine coal and fire furnaces and balance ledgers and turn lathes and pick cotton and heal the sick and plant corn - all serve as proudly and as profitably for America as the statesmen who draft treaties and the legislators who enact laws. We are summoned to...work with industry, to teach with persuasion, to preach with conviction..." Dwight D. Eisenhower, January 20, 1953.
"We have found ourselves rich in goods, but, ragged in spirit... We are caught in war, wanting peace. We are torn by division, wanting unity. We see around us empty lives, wanting fulfillment. We see tasks that need doing, waiting for hands to do them. To a crisis of the spirit, we need an answer to the spirit. To find that answer, we need only look within ourselves. Until he has been part of a cause larger than himself, no man is truly whole. Let us take as our goal: where peace is unknown, make it welcome; where peace is fragile, make it strong; where peace is temporary, make it permanent." Richard M. Nixon, January 20, 1969.
"A person can be expected to act responsibly only if he has responsibility. This is human nature. That is why today I offer no promise of a purely governmental solution for every problem. In trusting too much in government, we have asked of it more than it can deliver. This leads only to inflated expectations, to reduced individual efforts and to a disappintment and frustration.... Government must learn to take less from people so that people can do more for themselves. Let us remember that America was built not by government, but by people; not by welfare, buy by work; not by shirking responsibility, but by seeking responsibility." Richard M. Nixon, January 20, 1973.
With election 2004 infront of us, we are doomed to be bombarded with campaign ads, debates sightings of the candidates in small rural towns where they've never been nor will ever be seen again until they run for something else, babies being kissed, old ladies being hugged, a possible electoral dispute in the State of Florida again, etc. I, however, have decided that I will not read, look or listen to any of it. Feeling a bit nostalgic though, I read all of the inaugural speeches recently of our U.S. Presidents and wanted to share excerpts from the ones I felt were full of thought-provoking idiom.
"When right, I shall often be thought wrong by those whose positions will not command a view of the whole ground. I ask your indulgence for my own errors, which will never be intentional." Thomas Jefferson, March 4, 1801.
"It may seem strange that any man should dare to ask God's assistance in wringing their bread from the sweat of other men's faces... With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds..." Abraham Lincoln, March 4, 1865.
"Shall the prejudices and paralysis of slavery continue to hang upon the skirts of progress? Calmness, justice and consideration should characterize our diplomacy. I do not mistrust the future. And when the harvests from fields...have been weighed, counted and valued, we will turn from them all to crown with the highest honor the State that has most promoted education, virture, justice and patriotism among it's people." Benjamin Harrison, March 4, 1889.
"The success of a party means littel except when the Nation is using that party for a large and definite purpose. This is not a day of triumph; it is a day of dedication. Men's hearts wait upon us; men's lives hang in the balance; men's hopes call upon us to say what we will do. God helping me, I will not fail them, if they will but counsel and sustain me!" "Woodrow Wilson, March 4, 1913.
"A nation, like a person, has a body - a body that must be fed and clothed and housed, invigorated and rested... A nation, like a person, has a mind - a mind that must be kept informed and alert, that must know itself, that understands the hopes and needs of it's neighbors.... Sometimes, we fail to hear or heed these voices of freedom because to us the privilege of our freedom is such an old, old story." Franklin D. Roosevelt, January 20, 1941.
"Communism is based on the belief that a man is so weak and inadequate that he is unable to govern himself, and therefore, requires the rule of strong masters. We are aided by all who wish to live in freedom from fear.... We are aided by all who want relief from the lies of propaganda... We are aided by all who desire...a voice in deciding their own affairs. We are aided by all who desire freedom of speech, freedom of religion and freedom to live their own lives for useful ends. From this faith, we will not be moved." Harry S. Truman, January 20, 1949.
"The men who mine coal and fire furnaces and balance ledgers and turn lathes and pick cotton and heal the sick and plant corn - all serve as proudly and as profitably for America as the statesmen who draft treaties and the legislators who enact laws. We are summoned to...work with industry, to teach with persuasion, to preach with conviction..." Dwight D. Eisenhower, January 20, 1953.
"We have found ourselves rich in goods, but, ragged in spirit... We are caught in war, wanting peace. We are torn by division, wanting unity. We see around us empty lives, wanting fulfillment. We see tasks that need doing, waiting for hands to do them. To a crisis of the spirit, we need an answer to the spirit. To find that answer, we need only look within ourselves. Until he has been part of a cause larger than himself, no man is truly whole. Let us take as our goal: where peace is unknown, make it welcome; where peace is fragile, make it strong; where peace is temporary, make it permanent." Richard M. Nixon, January 20, 1969.
"A person can be expected to act responsibly only if he has responsibility. This is human nature. That is why today I offer no promise of a purely governmental solution for every problem. In trusting too much in government, we have asked of it more than it can deliver. This leads only to inflated expectations, to reduced individual efforts and to a disappintment and frustration.... Government must learn to take less from people so that people can do more for themselves. Let us remember that America was built not by government, but by people; not by welfare, buy by work; not by shirking responsibility, but by seeking responsibility." Richard M. Nixon, January 20, 1973.
TITLE: Is The Celebration Of Black History Month Really Important?
Given the choice, I opt not to celebrate Black History Month. Oh, it's not because I've gone "Uncle Tom" or am struggling with the notion of identifying myself with "the" culture. Rather, it has everything to do with what I've experienced and what I observe often within the black community. Comparatively, Black History Month isn't really anymore important than one's own choice to celebrate Christmas. For example, each December, have you noticed how significantly attitudes change? Meaning - shamefully cruel people suddenly change to being nice. Appalling attitudes magucally transform to being over tolerant. Even grocery store clerks seem to not mind when you get in their 10-item express lanes with thirty items. In other words, the bewitching effect of the yuletide aura is amazing! The month of February is no different.
During Black History Month, blacks seem to adopt a temporary facade of unity; while white people seem to mask a charitable pose of open-mindedness only waiting to exhale a sigh of relief for when it's all over. As a matter of fact, Iknow white people who deliberately find an activity to do with another black person in February, but, joked about it later saying, "I've done my good deed for the month." Then a few months afterwards, I've heard those same white people tell another black person a "nigger" joke. As a result, mixed acquaintanceships that do start out good don't last, eliminating any chance for eventual friendships. It's for those reasons why I strongly feel that genuine interracial "friendships" are mythical. However, proof of that is sadly most evident each week on Sunday mornings. It is the most segregated time in this nation.
Blacks, however, are just as bad. From March to January we talk badly about one another, we're still killing one another, we allow our undisciplined children to disrespect our elderly and the property of others, we are still out of control due to illegal drug activity and alcoholisml, we still boast the highest ratio of this nation's prison population, we still talk loud and act ignorant in public places, and we lead in illiteracy above all other races nationally. What's worse, it's too often the case that foot-shuffling bo-jangled grinning blacks who have their names stampled on the doors of corporate offices, feel less and less the need to reach back and help someone else. So, when I step aside and take inventory of black America, what is there to celebrate? Besides, after the month of March rolls in and then out, what have we accomplished as a result of eating a banquet of fried chicken, peppered chitterlings and corn bread while being entertained by an invited famous speaker as he/she echo false hopes and unreachable promises from a podium? After years of singing "Lift Every Voice And Sing...ringing with the harmonies of liberty", it has become a mere formality.
Don't misunderstand me. I enjoy singing, playing music and take pleasure in my spirit being moved by soul-stirring words while eating "soul" food, too. After all, at least the intent is good. But, the problem I have with it all is that the end result is always the same. Nothing changes. Or, maybe it's that I'm tired of being labeled. Or, maybe it's just that I've gotten to the place where I want to be identified simply as a human being and treated in the same manner.
In any case, regardless of my awakening to feeling less jubilant during the month of February, the reality still remains - we as an entire nation of black, white Asian, Hispanic and Native American folk have a long ways to go before we can hold hands in unity with a triumphant feeling that we've all overcome. And, it doesn't matter how often of what week or month we come together for a common cause; nor does it matter whether white people refuse or accept to come together with us for that cause. The reality is that there is much, too much, for black people to do alone, absent outside intervention, within the realm of our own culture. And the problems that face blacks in America today are not going to be resolved by coming together once a year during Black History Month.
But, as far as racial harmony is concerned, a good start for unification would be for each person to make it a matter of habit to invite someone who do not look like them to churh on Sunday morning. Because, frankly, I get enraged whenever I hear someone, whether black, Hispanic, white, Asian or Native American, call me "Brother" but, do not treat me like a "Brother." And, until we can all join hands and genuinely identify one another as "Brothers" and "Sisters" regardles of race, creed, disabilities or personal choices, and change "Black History Month" to something like "America United For Cultural Awareness Month", I feel no compelling desire to celebrate.
Given the choice, I opt not to celebrate Black History Month. Oh, it's not because I've gone "Uncle Tom" or am struggling with the notion of identifying myself with "the" culture. Rather, it has everything to do with what I've experienced and what I observe often within the black community. Comparatively, Black History Month isn't really anymore important than one's own choice to celebrate Christmas. For example, each December, have you noticed how significantly attitudes change? Meaning - shamefully cruel people suddenly change to being nice. Appalling attitudes magucally transform to being over tolerant. Even grocery store clerks seem to not mind when you get in their 10-item express lanes with thirty items. In other words, the bewitching effect of the yuletide aura is amazing! The month of February is no different.
During Black History Month, blacks seem to adopt a temporary facade of unity; while white people seem to mask a charitable pose of open-mindedness only waiting to exhale a sigh of relief for when it's all over. As a matter of fact, Iknow white people who deliberately find an activity to do with another black person in February, but, joked about it later saying, "I've done my good deed for the month." Then a few months afterwards, I've heard those same white people tell another black person a "nigger" joke. As a result, mixed acquaintanceships that do start out good don't last, eliminating any chance for eventual friendships. It's for those reasons why I strongly feel that genuine interracial "friendships" are mythical. However, proof of that is sadly most evident each week on Sunday mornings. It is the most segregated time in this nation.
Blacks, however, are just as bad. From March to January we talk badly about one another, we're still killing one another, we allow our undisciplined children to disrespect our elderly and the property of others, we are still out of control due to illegal drug activity and alcoholisml, we still boast the highest ratio of this nation's prison population, we still talk loud and act ignorant in public places, and we lead in illiteracy above all other races nationally. What's worse, it's too often the case that foot-shuffling bo-jangled grinning blacks who have their names stampled on the doors of corporate offices, feel less and less the need to reach back and help someone else. So, when I step aside and take inventory of black America, what is there to celebrate? Besides, after the month of March rolls in and then out, what have we accomplished as a result of eating a banquet of fried chicken, peppered chitterlings and corn bread while being entertained by an invited famous speaker as he/she echo false hopes and unreachable promises from a podium? After years of singing "Lift Every Voice And Sing...ringing with the harmonies of liberty", it has become a mere formality.
Don't misunderstand me. I enjoy singing, playing music and take pleasure in my spirit being moved by soul-stirring words while eating "soul" food, too. After all, at least the intent is good. But, the problem I have with it all is that the end result is always the same. Nothing changes. Or, maybe it's that I'm tired of being labeled. Or, maybe it's just that I've gotten to the place where I want to be identified simply as a human being and treated in the same manner.
In any case, regardless of my awakening to feeling less jubilant during the month of February, the reality still remains - we as an entire nation of black, white Asian, Hispanic and Native American folk have a long ways to go before we can hold hands in unity with a triumphant feeling that we've all overcome. And, it doesn't matter how often of what week or month we come together for a common cause; nor does it matter whether white people refuse or accept to come together with us for that cause. The reality is that there is much, too much, for black people to do alone, absent outside intervention, within the realm of our own culture. And the problems that face blacks in America today are not going to be resolved by coming together once a year during Black History Month.
But, as far as racial harmony is concerned, a good start for unification would be for each person to make it a matter of habit to invite someone who do not look like them to churh on Sunday morning. Because, frankly, I get enraged whenever I hear someone, whether black, Hispanic, white, Asian or Native American, call me "Brother" but, do not treat me like a "Brother." And, until we can all join hands and genuinely identify one another as "Brothers" and "Sisters" regardles of race, creed, disabilities or personal choices, and change "Black History Month" to something like "America United For Cultural Awareness Month", I feel no compelling desire to celebrate.
Tuesday, July 08, 2003
Title: Opinion on the Supreme Court's Latest Decision Banning Sodomy Laws
I interviewed two Roman Catholic priests concerning the issue of Sodomy. I will keep both of their identities private; however, I harbor a great and deep respect for both men. One is very conservative and lives in Conneticut and I will identify him as Priest #2; the other is very liberal and lives in Australia and I will identify him as Priest #1.
I contacted both priests because I was curious as to the churches position on the matter of sodomy. Priest #1 telephoned me first and gave his opinion and said "God did not destroy the City of Sodom because there were homosexuals there. He destroyed the city because of what some of them were doing. That's where theologians get it mixed up. You see, God created all of us - straight, gay, deformed, mentally challenged, black, white, red, etc. - in His image. Not in His perfect image, but, in His permissive image. In other words, He created each person with a free will and a purpose. And He left it up to us, with a free will, to use what He gave us in the right way. If we act out His will in the wrong way, that causes Him to get angry."
He went on to explain, "Like in the days of Sodom, there are hundreds of thousands of gay people today who live decent lives in loving and monogamous relationships. But, like it was in the City of Sodom, there are also those today who, during gay-pride celebrations, dance in the streets, wear out-landish costumes, act and dress lewdly in front of children, grope and grab the first man they see and kiss and grope each other on public streets in front of children, etc. That is the same thing that was going on in the City of Sodom. That is why God destroyed the city, because they used how He made them in the wrong way. When God sent the angels to warn the people about His wrath, the ones who wanted to be saved, left. And, many of those who left were decent, law abiding gay and heterosexual people - all who loved and worshiped God. Surprisingly, most gay people today are against of how gay people are being portrayed on the news and how these celebrations are carried out. That is why most gay people do not participate."
He went further, and said, "On the other hand, there is the relationship of Jesus and John the Disciple. John the Disciple was known amidst the other disciples as the friend of Christ. But, what that means, is still in debate. However, Jesus also loved John the Disciple so much, that He gave the beginning of His gospels to John the Baptist (who He never met); and gave the end or revelation of His gospels to John the Divine. Simple put, Jesus loved the name "John." He even went further to say that there is no man greater that was born of a woman than John the Baptist. Even in the Old Testament, King David's love for Jonathan was much greater than that of any of the 700 women he had in his harem. And, whenever Jesus and the disciples were together and laid to rest, John the Disciple always rested his head on Jesus' chest. It was a clean, pure, decent, loving, loyal and monogamous (but, open) relationship. And, all of the other disciples honored Jesus and John because of that. What hurt homosexuals today, however, is that theologians have carried the sinful acts of lewd and indecent gay men of Sodom in their hearts down through the ages as a means to teach that homosexuality - as a whole - is evil, vile,and sinful. But, in their ignorance, they missed the reason why God destroyed Sodom. What happened in Sodom, is still happening today. But, we must open up our hearts and minds and stop being so judgmentally ignorant and understand that God created all of us in His image. And, whatever that path that God laid out for us to take in life, we must learn to perform each task set before us with passion, love decently and in the Will of God - not in our own will or the will of man. For example, it is my belief that God created black people so that white people can understand someone beyond what they are used to seeing. God created white people so that black people could know the love of forgiveness. God created straight people so that gay people would know and understand a freedom of fear. God created gay people so that straight people would know God's plan of acceptance and understanding. In other words, we are all a part of God's Divine plan. But, He left it up to us as to how we choose to handle what He gave us and how He created us. So, use it well."
Priest #2 responded, and said, "I found Priest #1's opinion very interesting. I'd be happy to give you not my opinion on the matter, but rather, what I believe to be the truth as taught by the Catholic Churh since her beginnings. Priest #1 is right, there is a difference between homosexual orientation and homosexual acts. In the first case, one has a predominant sexual attraction to persons of the same sex. What he or she does with that same-sex attraction makes all the difference. I beleive that most people with this orientation find it a burden and a struggle, and I have great compassion and sensitivity for them. The latter case is different. A homosexual act is (as the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches) intrinsically disordered and sinful. At the same time, however, we can't forget that if a heterosexual person engages in a heterosexual act before marriage, that act is also sinful."
Priest #2 said further, "I'm not sure I follow or agree with Priest #1's words. God allows certain things; for example, He allowed Hitler to do what he did, He allowed Adam and Eve to sin, He allowed the Romans to kill His Son, Jesus, etc. But, by allowing things, God does not necessarily make them happen. So, to say that God creates homosexual persons, is tricky. There is NO evidence to show that homosexuality is determined by a gene or some physical cause - none at all. It is most likely a person's environment (and especially the role of the father) that can do the most to shape a person's sexaul orientation. So, God allows all of this to happen, but, just as He does not make a child to be born blind or deformed, He does not make homosexual persons, per se. Both are contra nature, and therefore, disordered, but, the person with the disorder is not blamed for that disorder. The Catechism does not go into detail about this matter, but, it is helpful in that it contains all the teachings of the Catholic Church. I think that the Supreme Court's decision was, at best, very bad law adn a bad precedent. At worst, it is the beginning of some socially disastrous consequences for our country. But, things like this make me pray more, so I can't complain."
My response to Priest #2 was as follows: "Thank you for responding so quickly. I have never written about the subject of homosexuality and do not believe that I ever will. Like you said, it is a tricky area. I think, however, that the jury is still out on what it all really means. And, it is for that reason why 99% of all men who have these feelings choose to hide them and/or will never admit to them. And, some will even go as far as denouncing the life-style as evil and sinful to mask what they are really feeling inside. I've learned that, for them, it's a protection mechanism for self-preservation. And, I do not blame those who choose to do that. Because, society - especially our churches - are ignorant to the mysteries of the true translations of the gospels; and only know what has been handed down to them through the ages by men who lived misserable lives, therefore, wrote laws to assure that modern men would be destined to suffer the same fate.
I went further to share with Priest #2, "I do not trust old or new translations of the gospels, because they are nothing more than another mans' opinions as to how we should think, act, live, etc. I have learned, instead, to trust what God reveals to me in my heart through prayer and fasting. This is partly why, after learning of the Supreme Court's decision, I asked Priest #1 in Australia to telephone me about the matter. And, he did. It was an enlightening conversation. Maybe, and maybe someday soon, God will also direct me to write more about the subject. But, until He does, I will leave the matter alone and hang on to what He's already revealed to me in my heart."
I said further, "Cocnerning your comment about there is no direct evidence that would support a gene-link to homosexuality, you are wrong. As a matter of record, there is. An acquaintance is a physician and practices in the State of Georgia. He stated that there are several detailed studies that were just released to the AMA just last year that definitely shows a vast difference in brain structure that identify homosexuality and heterosexuality and can now be identified in fetuses even before they are born; and doctors can tell a parent now whether their child will be either homosexual or heterosexual. After learning about this, I contacted one of my resources, a research doctor at the Common Wealth Medical College in Richmond. And to my amazement, he verified what my doctor-acquaintance disclosed to me. As a matter of fact, he went further and went into more detail and stated that many parents, who had the testing done on their unborn fetuses and found the gene to be present, had abortions. That is the down side. As a matter of fact, there was a movie made about the subject which starred Faye Donoway."
I went further, "I agree with you, however, that the decision that the Supreme Court passed down will probably have devastating consequences. Because, many gay people will probably not use that decision to educate the public in a positive way. In fact, when I see gay men and women dancing in the streets dressed in out-landish costumes, it sickens me to no end. It reminds me of what I read in the Bible concerning what also happened in the City of Sodom and why God had to destroy the city. But fortunately, those few do not represent the majority of homosexuals who are living decent, lawful and monogamous lives and serving in all realms of our society world wide in governments, medical fields, education and the military."
I interviewed two Roman Catholic priests concerning the issue of Sodomy. I will keep both of their identities private; however, I harbor a great and deep respect for both men. One is very conservative and lives in Conneticut and I will identify him as Priest #2; the other is very liberal and lives in Australia and I will identify him as Priest #1.
I contacted both priests because I was curious as to the churches position on the matter of sodomy. Priest #1 telephoned me first and gave his opinion and said "God did not destroy the City of Sodom because there were homosexuals there. He destroyed the city because of what some of them were doing. That's where theologians get it mixed up. You see, God created all of us - straight, gay, deformed, mentally challenged, black, white, red, etc. - in His image. Not in His perfect image, but, in His permissive image. In other words, He created each person with a free will and a purpose. And He left it up to us, with a free will, to use what He gave us in the right way. If we act out His will in the wrong way, that causes Him to get angry."
He went on to explain, "Like in the days of Sodom, there are hundreds of thousands of gay people today who live decent lives in loving and monogamous relationships. But, like it was in the City of Sodom, there are also those today who, during gay-pride celebrations, dance in the streets, wear out-landish costumes, act and dress lewdly in front of children, grope and grab the first man they see and kiss and grope each other on public streets in front of children, etc. That is the same thing that was going on in the City of Sodom. That is why God destroyed the city, because they used how He made them in the wrong way. When God sent the angels to warn the people about His wrath, the ones who wanted to be saved, left. And, many of those who left were decent, law abiding gay and heterosexual people - all who loved and worshiped God. Surprisingly, most gay people today are against of how gay people are being portrayed on the news and how these celebrations are carried out. That is why most gay people do not participate."
He went further, and said, "On the other hand, there is the relationship of Jesus and John the Disciple. John the Disciple was known amidst the other disciples as the friend of Christ. But, what that means, is still in debate. However, Jesus also loved John the Disciple so much, that He gave the beginning of His gospels to John the Baptist (who He never met); and gave the end or revelation of His gospels to John the Divine. Simple put, Jesus loved the name "John." He even went further to say that there is no man greater that was born of a woman than John the Baptist. Even in the Old Testament, King David's love for Jonathan was much greater than that of any of the 700 women he had in his harem. And, whenever Jesus and the disciples were together and laid to rest, John the Disciple always rested his head on Jesus' chest. It was a clean, pure, decent, loving, loyal and monogamous (but, open) relationship. And, all of the other disciples honored Jesus and John because of that. What hurt homosexuals today, however, is that theologians have carried the sinful acts of lewd and indecent gay men of Sodom in their hearts down through the ages as a means to teach that homosexuality - as a whole - is evil, vile,and sinful. But, in their ignorance, they missed the reason why God destroyed Sodom. What happened in Sodom, is still happening today. But, we must open up our hearts and minds and stop being so judgmentally ignorant and understand that God created all of us in His image. And, whatever that path that God laid out for us to take in life, we must learn to perform each task set before us with passion, love decently and in the Will of God - not in our own will or the will of man. For example, it is my belief that God created black people so that white people can understand someone beyond what they are used to seeing. God created white people so that black people could know the love of forgiveness. God created straight people so that gay people would know and understand a freedom of fear. God created gay people so that straight people would know God's plan of acceptance and understanding. In other words, we are all a part of God's Divine plan. But, He left it up to us as to how we choose to handle what He gave us and how He created us. So, use it well."
Priest #2 responded, and said, "I found Priest #1's opinion very interesting. I'd be happy to give you not my opinion on the matter, but rather, what I believe to be the truth as taught by the Catholic Churh since her beginnings. Priest #1 is right, there is a difference between homosexual orientation and homosexual acts. In the first case, one has a predominant sexual attraction to persons of the same sex. What he or she does with that same-sex attraction makes all the difference. I beleive that most people with this orientation find it a burden and a struggle, and I have great compassion and sensitivity for them. The latter case is different. A homosexual act is (as the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches) intrinsically disordered and sinful. At the same time, however, we can't forget that if a heterosexual person engages in a heterosexual act before marriage, that act is also sinful."
Priest #2 said further, "I'm not sure I follow or agree with Priest #1's words. God allows certain things; for example, He allowed Hitler to do what he did, He allowed Adam and Eve to sin, He allowed the Romans to kill His Son, Jesus, etc. But, by allowing things, God does not necessarily make them happen. So, to say that God creates homosexual persons, is tricky. There is NO evidence to show that homosexuality is determined by a gene or some physical cause - none at all. It is most likely a person's environment (and especially the role of the father) that can do the most to shape a person's sexaul orientation. So, God allows all of this to happen, but, just as He does not make a child to be born blind or deformed, He does not make homosexual persons, per se. Both are contra nature, and therefore, disordered, but, the person with the disorder is not blamed for that disorder. The Catechism does not go into detail about this matter, but, it is helpful in that it contains all the teachings of the Catholic Church. I think that the Supreme Court's decision was, at best, very bad law adn a bad precedent. At worst, it is the beginning of some socially disastrous consequences for our country. But, things like this make me pray more, so I can't complain."
My response to Priest #2 was as follows: "Thank you for responding so quickly. I have never written about the subject of homosexuality and do not believe that I ever will. Like you said, it is a tricky area. I think, however, that the jury is still out on what it all really means. And, it is for that reason why 99% of all men who have these feelings choose to hide them and/or will never admit to them. And, some will even go as far as denouncing the life-style as evil and sinful to mask what they are really feeling inside. I've learned that, for them, it's a protection mechanism for self-preservation. And, I do not blame those who choose to do that. Because, society - especially our churches - are ignorant to the mysteries of the true translations of the gospels; and only know what has been handed down to them through the ages by men who lived misserable lives, therefore, wrote laws to assure that modern men would be destined to suffer the same fate.
I went further to share with Priest #2, "I do not trust old or new translations of the gospels, because they are nothing more than another mans' opinions as to how we should think, act, live, etc. I have learned, instead, to trust what God reveals to me in my heart through prayer and fasting. This is partly why, after learning of the Supreme Court's decision, I asked Priest #1 in Australia to telephone me about the matter. And, he did. It was an enlightening conversation. Maybe, and maybe someday soon, God will also direct me to write more about the subject. But, until He does, I will leave the matter alone and hang on to what He's already revealed to me in my heart."
I said further, "Cocnerning your comment about there is no direct evidence that would support a gene-link to homosexuality, you are wrong. As a matter of record, there is. An acquaintance is a physician and practices in the State of Georgia. He stated that there are several detailed studies that were just released to the AMA just last year that definitely shows a vast difference in brain structure that identify homosexuality and heterosexuality and can now be identified in fetuses even before they are born; and doctors can tell a parent now whether their child will be either homosexual or heterosexual. After learning about this, I contacted one of my resources, a research doctor at the Common Wealth Medical College in Richmond. And to my amazement, he verified what my doctor-acquaintance disclosed to me. As a matter of fact, he went further and went into more detail and stated that many parents, who had the testing done on their unborn fetuses and found the gene to be present, had abortions. That is the down side. As a matter of fact, there was a movie made about the subject which starred Faye Donoway."
I went further, "I agree with you, however, that the decision that the Supreme Court passed down will probably have devastating consequences. Because, many gay people will probably not use that decision to educate the public in a positive way. In fact, when I see gay men and women dancing in the streets dressed in out-landish costumes, it sickens me to no end. It reminds me of what I read in the Bible concerning what also happened in the City of Sodom and why God had to destroy the city. But fortunately, those few do not represent the majority of homosexuals who are living decent, lawful and monogamous lives and serving in all realms of our society world wide in governments, medical fields, education and the military."
