RACE MATTERS?

RACE MATTERS? IF IT DIDN'T WHY THE CONSTRUCT?


"Why do we need to center a discussion about racism in the white cultural experience? Why do we need to communicate using Western cultural norms? So, we can talk about race, but we shouldn’t talk about race the way a Black person carrying West African culture would talk about it? We should avoid their anger and pain? It would be “better” to talk about it in a way that Western Europeans will be comfortable talking about it?" ~ by John Metta from his article: "It's not about race."

flags of Britain & USA

The question comes from whites. It is an upfront behind your back question that comes up to stave off their participation in the spiritual work of reconciliation between races. It is a defensive one. Why Blacks repeat the question is important to decipher because it too is related to race! On the other surface of the question why does race matter? Why is race so central to life in modern society?

The answer is in our collective histories. Before dialogue, and the spiritual work leading up to atonement a deep study is a prerequisite. However, therein lies a challenge because both sides (black & white) harbor resistance to intellectual exercise. Why that is is steeped in the illusion of the construct of race. - Gregory E. Woods, Keeper of Stories 9.20.16

Police targeting Black boys as sport.

John Metta thought and wrote this article. It is really well done. He laid out cornerstones and made it easy to go into the center of the disparity intelligently. One of the things he said was said with clarity:

"...Why do we need to center a discussion about racism in the white cultural experience? Why do we need to communicate using Western cultural norms? So, we can talk about race, but we shouldn’t talk about race the way a Black person carrying West African culture would talk about it? We should avoid their anger and pain? It would be “better” to talk about it in a way that Western Europeans will be comfortable talking about it?..."

This is fundamental.

I have spent years getting to a level of being and character development to sit where this man sat the lone dark one in a room of whites not ready to get down, but ready to pose separating their head from their heart. Two sided questions are as deadly as a double edge sword. One thing I learned is that white people as well as other races need to heal and grow painfully into being whole in their own circles before intertwining with other circles. In particular, whites need this. - Gregory E. Woods, Sirmiq Aatuq Wisdom Keeper

Fading Away by Henry Peach Robinson, 1858