actress, Amanda Peet posing leisurely on sofa
"At one time or another, all of us have refused to admit certain truths about ourselves. By engaging in what Psychology 101 calls "denial," we seek to convince others - and ourselves - of our innocence of blame
"This said, it will be proposed here that all white Americans, regardless of their political persuasion, are well aware of how black people have suffered due to inequities imposed upon them by white America. As has been emphasized, whites differ in how they handle that knowledge. Yet white people who disavow responsibility deny an everyday reality: that to be black is to be consigned to the margins of American life. It is because of this that no white American, including those who insist that opportunities exist for persons of every race, would change places with even the most successful black American. All white Americans realize that their skin comprises an inestimable asset. It opens doors and facilitates freedom of movement. It serves as a shield from insult and harassment. Indeed, having been born white can be taken as a sign: your preferment is both ordained and deserved. Its value persists not because a white appearance automatically brings success and status, since there are no such guarantees. What it does ensure is that you will net be regarded as black, a security which is worth so much that no one who has it has ever given it away.
"This helps explain why white conservatives so vehemently oppose programs like affirmative action. They simply do not want to admit to themselves that the value imputed to being white has injured people who are black (Two Nations, p.60)."
Abena Disroe PERFORMING some Jazz Poetry at Westminister Church
No comments:
Post a Comment