On September 28, 2018, I submitted a picture here to Banned of an incident that happened at Ambassador College back in the 1950s - of four early Students at the College who were wearing heavy blackface in a Quartet parody.
Here are the comments that came on the board: Emphasis/bolding is mine:
" let's not go overboard."" It was simply a different mindset than we find today.""blackface in its heyday was morally neutral; "" we can only speculate as to whether these students were honoring or mocking Black America. "" There does seem to be an element of respect involved,mwhich is probably why this custom has been allowed to continue, while acting in blackface has fallen into disfavor.""A different era. ""Blackface, like cross dressing, was once used in theater as a form of comedy. Obviously, times have changed""Personally I don’t care what color you are and if you paint yourself a color of another race! Just like I don’t care if you wear a burqa or hoody or turban or dress or kilt or whatever! It’s your choice. I think context is important though. ""And so if Americans find something “offensive” in Australia or Sweden or wherever it’ll spark “controversy” even though the context like our history or social and cultural attitudes is completely different to yours. For example Mark Knight’s recent cartoon of Serena Williams caused “offense” to some Americans online even though Knight’s reasons for his depiction of Williams and Osaka were completely satisfactory and not racist or sexist at all imho"
........
Addendum: The Governor of Virginia has recanted his admission to being the person in the photo which appeared on his Yearbook Page. Therefore, it cannot be stated definitively that this was the Governor of Virginia in the controversial photo. This does not make the photo - or any photo such as this - any less revolting and racist.
Addendum: The Governor of Virginia has recanted his admission to being the person in the photo which appeared on his Yearbook Page. Therefore, it cannot be stated definitively that this was the Governor of Virginia in the controversial photo. This does not make the photo - or any photo such as this - any less revolting and racist.
The overwhelming consensus of the comments seemed to indicate that, at least among the COG crowd, that the "Blackface incident" at Ambassador College back in the day was really not that big of a deal.
Currently, at the time of this writing, there is a large controversy with Virginia Governor Ralph Northam, who recently was discovered in a college yearbook at 25 years of age wearing blackface in 1984. This was the impetus that has caused me to write this article tonight. The similarities were/are glaring.
There is tremendous outrage that this happened with the Virginia Governor- because the person - back in 1984 who was 25 years of age - became Governor of Virginia. The consensus of the majority of the governing bodies of North Carolina are not giving Ralph a pass over the situation, and neither are the majority of the citizens of the United States of America.
Regardless of whether the Blackface happened in 1957 with Ambassador College - or in 1984 with the Governor of Virginia - it was racist, it was unacceptable, it was wrong, regardless of the time and of the place. Yet, when I look back at the comments that followed my original photo that was sent back in September - and the "apathy" or "acceptance" of such practices at AC - as well as the lack of outrage among the commentators - what does this show? What story does this tell?
Is it going "overboard" to condemn blackface by a religious college back in 1957?
Is it acceptable that it was once a "form of comedy" and that it was simply a "different era" or "different mindset"? Are we excusing the behavior because of cultural reasons?
Has blackface ever been an "element of respect"? Ever? Is this even outrageous to even suggest this?
Is blackface "morally neutral"? Has it EVER been "morally neutral"?
And then there was this comment, which I will repeat again:
"Personally I don’t care what color you are and if you paint yourself a color of another race! "
Is this the general state of mind and opinion of a majority of the ex-members OR current members of the Churches of God? Is there such an apathy to racism and such an acceptance of blatant racism that people are simply neutralized emotionally to racism within the Churches of God? Is it OK not to care?
Personally, when I first saw the comments when they first came out, I was appalled, but I did not re-strike the conversation - until tonight. Because it needs to be brought up back into context in the Churches of God.
It does not matter that this happened in the 1950s when culturally, for a myriad of reasons, there was an abundance of racist activity. It does not excuse the Church for practicing blackface, nor does it excuse any other group at the time for practicing blackface. At this period of time, racist activities including segregation and outright discrimination were widespread within the world and within the Church, as has been recorded in history and reported by this blog over and over again. The Chicago South congregation was especially created for the enforcement of racism within the Church, and racist policies and procedures were widespread within the structure of the Church in nearly every aspect of life, and was widely enabled by Herbert Armstrong - especially because of the racist doctrine of British Israelism which was the foundation of the culture of racism within the Church - a culture of white superiority under the supposed backing of the United States and Britain in Prophecy, supposedly God giving the anglo-Israelites favor over all other races, and the "inferiors" of the anglo-Israelites relegated back to whence they came forth from.
Perhaps with that background, it should not have surprised me of the apparent apathy and ho-hum, whatever, no-big deal attitudes of those who saw the picture of the Blackface incident at Ambassador College. Perhaps it should have been expected. It does not change, however, the fact of the matter that the racist attitudes of the 1950s were wrong, worldwide, and in the Church. It does not change the fact that racial discrimination within the Church - and segregationist doctrines within the Church - were inappropriate and unchristian in every stretch of the word. It was just as wrong then as we have all come to understand how wrong it is now.
When we look back at the history of the Church, and we see examples of blatant, intentional, unabashed racism within the Church, when we look at the clear white supremacy that was fully enabled within the Church clear up to doctrines of coming segregation in "The World Tomorrow". when we see the clear attitudes of lethargy when it comes to racism then, and apparently, in some cases, even now, it should be a wake-up call. A wake-up call that extends beyond the membership or ex-membership of the Churches of God, a wake-up call that extends beyond even the Governor of Virginia- but a wake-up call that acceptance of stereotyping culture or racist behavior in any form cannot be acceptable in any way, shape or form. The attitudes that were fostered by Herbert Armstrong - a clearly documented pro-porter of racist doctrines and policies and enabler of racist propaganda - only serve to perpetuate an attitude that is by no means morally neutral, but wholly and categorically unacceptable in a morally conscious generation - especially in the society of organized religion.
This picture deserves only condemnation, not rationalization. It's appalling that the response was as lethargic as it was - but I should not have been surprised. This is the culture that we all were told was normal and acceptable.
And for some, probably still is.
These opinions belong solely to the author, SHT
53 comments:
The governor's photo is in a different category than a mere performance in blackface.
Blackface could either honor or patronize black people when adopted by whites. Klan robes, as in the governor's photo, are never an honoring of black people or their experience.
It is the differences, not the similarities, that are glaring between this photo and a photo showing only blackface.
Probably most of the people who commented were white. However, the people who are in the best position to judge whether or not something is racist are those to whom the act was directed, those who were slighted by it and made to feel less than. The problem is that all too often the majority doesn’t listen to the minority.
I believe that as a church with God’s name on it, we should have done better than just reflect the culture of the times. I hate it when people say that the actual WCG child beatings just reflected the spanking culture of the day (They didn’t! GTA’s thesis was a repudiation of Dr. Spock), and I hate it that similar culture-based logic was inflicted upon people of color. People who claim to be ambassadors of the coming Kingdom of God should have been setting a transcendent example, one that represented what will one day prevail.
HWA and the early evangelists and AC students should have been marching along with other Christian and Jewish leaders in Selma Alabama with Dr. King! Photos of that would be my favorites from the ‘50s!
BB
I want to add that the Governor of Virginia has stated he is not the person in the picture - even though previously he stated he was. Therefore, it's only best I state that it is "alleged" that the photo is of him. I've also contacted Gary to change the verbiage "North Carolina" to correctly state "Virginia". That will hopefully be done very soon.
BB said:
"I believe that as a church with God’s name on it, we should have done better than just reflect the culture of the times."
I agree with you 100%. I do think we were all "conditioned" to accept as normal things that were not normal, and are not normal in many more ways than we would care to admit. In our worldview, what HWA said was right WAS right. And that was the end of the story, regardless of whether it was right or wrong. Such as your statement concerning spankings. The Church used widespread discretion of authority in determining what should have been our own individual common sense. Unfortunately, individually, we were viewed to have lacked the intelligence to know right from wrong.
Murder (abortion) gets pretty much a free pass these days while trivial things like racism are considered the epitome of all evil. What twisted TV morals.
The Bible teaches that all people are our neighbors - who we should love as ourselves.
A good principle to follow whether you believe the Bible or not.
Just finished watching the SuperBowl where blacks and whites played together to win together.
One little slip, and it's the Lake of Fire for you- just ask Rosanne or Papa John, and even if you apologize your arse off you're still condemned; something is wrong with that IMO. Meanwhile, we got this guy in the White House that... and nobody gives a rat's behind.
And the Patriots won again... what a bunch of crap- no wonder Dr Bob has such disdain for football.
Blackface barber quartet was probably nice family fun and entertainment drawing crouds in britain also at the time when white was a dominant feature in everyday life.
Should racism be a point of discussion today? ABSOLUTELY.
Does pulp media tag photos to headlines that are not connected? (as if kkk at virginia uni was the intention of a barber quartet at AC.) Absolutely.
Was young prince Harry wrong in wearing a nazi uniform at a private student party some years ago? Probably. Is he widely known as a nazi? No. (Except in conspiracy circles)
Was barber quartet kkk? Absolutely not.
Should that performance be repeated now? Not with todays connotations.
Did I play Al Johnson records at my grandparents house at the holidays as a kid?
Oh how I love you, how I love you deeeear old Sally.........
Can racism be benign everyday behavior instead of only evil cross burning and violence? Oh yes it is.
Do 1 year old kids know the difference between a black face and a white face? Oh yes, they are naturally wired to see that difference.
Are 1 year old kids racists? Depends on your definition.
Is US society and individuals more racist than sweden or luxemburg? Oh yes it is.
Nck
Let me see if I can understand your position, 7:33. Are you saying that we’re only capable of working on one problem at a time, so therefore we ought to allow hateful racists to have free reign until abortion has been stamped out?
Also, you are wrong about abortion getting a free pass. One of the very few good things that President Trump is doing is stacking the Supreme Court to overturn Roe vs Wade.
When I was a kid, black people were still being lynched, without the benefit of trial by a jury of their peers. In case you didn’t notice, that is also murder, and thank God that it has largely been controlled! So, the priorities are not as twisted as you seem to think.
more self righteous indignation from SHT.
things were done in the past that would never be acceptable today, and on the other side of the coin, things are done today that would never have been acceptable in the past.
of course, you will never pass up an opportunity to trash the COG.
members of The Church still live in the world, and whether we like it or not, are influenced by the world...we say and do things that, if we were perfect, we would never say or do....we laugh at things that, if we were perfect, we would never laugh at...we think things that, if we were perfect, we would never think.
bottom line is, we grow, we do better tomorrow than we did today...
but as long as you can find something in the past to be outraged about, it will negate everything, as far as you are concerned.
I'm glad that you have a perfect, unblemished past.
Another pressing question is if it is possible, for a religion claiming Universality and Transcending time, to see that their behavior is time bound, plain wrong or locally influenced.
History has shown that this is not the case!
Suppose in a world of unity under the United Nations when all is peace. Would the United States apologize in sackkloth about calling a local event "The World Series."
Will SHT's great grandchildren running for office publically and in obvious shame, rip their great grandfathers pictures from the picture book, where he is proudly showing off his new "fossil fuel driven shevvy?"
Of course not we think! Until "the Vortex" hits Houston in two decades and the Gulf of Mexico freezes over.
Now concerning race relations today, "the race Vortex" is now all over (instead of localized) and it is starting to inspire many people for the good and the bad. I may be mistaken though but I did think I saw a black person in a car driving from the Midwest over Utah to California. So my observation must be true.
Perhaps Al Jolson was one of the first to introduce black culture into the mainstream, perhaps it was all bad and racist. Perhaps we should all hug!
nck
The Governor of Virginia would certainly qualify for a position in the cog world. Imagine what the top qualification is. Position open for the best liars with a straight face, apply now.
The church should not reflect the times, but be a light to the world.
The, "There are greater evils" should not be used as an excuse to do nothing.
When in doubt as to what to do, shouldn't we ask ourselves, "What is the most loving thing to do here?" rather than looking for some obscure passage from the OT and then read into it the racism that you want find?
What we have today is reverse discrimination. Blacks have hijacked todays popcorn movies. The star of the rebooted Star Wars franchise is a black man. Black woman Michael Burnham is the face of the new Star Trek Discovery TV series. We have a black spiderman in the still showing Spiderman - into the spider-verse. The Flash and Supergirl series is over represented by blacks, even though they only make up 13% of the US population.
How long before Superman or Batman is a blackman?
11:16
If the COG’s didn’t claim to be the ONE TRUE CHURCH, the only church that knows God, it wouldn’t be that big of a deal. BUT, they DO claim that.
But, of course, we all know that isn’t so. Except the COGs.
FFS
I dont know about modern cog. In the past they claimed that they were the only church that God knew. (and worked with)
Not the other way around.
Nck
That is bladphemy.
Superman is a jew. So if he is represented by a black man at least a Falasha from Ethiopia should be cast.
Next tie we'll have superman running instead of flying.
This weekend I saw Carmen at the Met. Many Asian soldiers this time. Sound quality was excellent, matching the singing.
Nck
5:35 ~ Black people have always excelled in the entertainment field. The examples you cited do not indicate reverse discrimination. Those who invest millions of dollars in motion pictures are simply trying to make the best saleable product, films that entertain and earn top dollar.
There is no such thing as reverse discrimination today. That was twenty and thirty years ago when affirmative action was relatively new and in its prime. If you feel as if you are the victim of reverse discrimination, you are probably just no good at your job.
Regardless of what color someone may paint themselves, it is certainly better than the likes of Malm, Pack, Thiel , Flurry , Weinland et al, who are definitely SHIT FACED!
Years ago, nck, our French teacher used to grade our test papers at the Met. Our English class, senior year of high school, got to see Romeo and Juliet at the Globe Theatre replica in Stratford on the Housatonic in Connecticut. That was a somewhat interesting field trip, although as a young rock n roller, and race fan, Shakespeare would not have been my first choice in entertainment. Fortunately, I really didn't miss out on the best of the rock events of the day, because the really good quality sound systems didn't come into play until several years later. I also got to spend a lot of time at the drag strips of Southern Calif. both as a fan and as a bouncer during the golden era of NHRA drag racing before it went all corporate.
Still, wouldn't it have been awesome to be able to have seen Jimi Hendrix in summer of '66, performing as Jimmy James and his Blue Flames with a young Randy California later of Spirit as second guitarist?
BB
5:35 AM - What we have today is reverse discrimination. Blacks have hijacked todays popcorn movies. The star of the rebooted Star Wars franchise is a black man. Black woman Michael Burnham is the face of the new Star Trek Discovery TV series. We have a black spiderman in the still showing Spiderman - into the spider-verse. The Flash and Supergirl series is over represented by blacks, even though they only make up 13% of the US population.
How long before Superman or Batman is a blackman?
The only way you think this is by assuming blacks are not full human beings. God sees all of us as humans, you do not. Most likely you view blacks as inferior mud people. Why not narrow race selections to Italians, Germans, Finns, etc. to what they can represent in the acting world?
"I may be mistaken though but I did think I saw a black person in a car driving from the Midwest over Utah to California."
Knew that stopover in Moab was a bad idea.
Your race is your extended family. Put your family first.
Anon 4:06 PM, I assume you are referring to the human race. Bravo!
if theres any doubt about why God should be so enraged at the children of israel, such that He should only spare a tenth of them by the time of Christs Return (as it is Written), one need only look at the many ways they try to justify their sins against their fellow man to understand that God is justified in punishing them for their self righteous ways...
when you add self righteousness and hypocrisy to your list of many sins, instead of contrition and repentance theres little hope of escaping punishment...
c f ben yochanan
and for they what like to parrot the excuse that that photo was just a reflection of the times, i would remind you that to this day some sporting teams still stubbornly cling to racist sporting team mascots, and, many people in this nation are getting caught on video behaving in a racist manner, and, of course, unarmed blacks are so commonly gunned down by police that its very likely the incident will be caught on video...
c f ben yochanan
Lost ya in Escalante and caught up in Kanab again. Its Grand there in "the Promised Land".
Nck
Yes Live would have been awesome. I was in Woodstock close to Stratford some years ago. But that would have been England. My uncle had these excellent Jimmy Hendrix, the Doors concert tape spools from before the cassette recorder. Hours of headphone entertainment while roasting chestnuts on an open fire.
On Essaouira Morocco they still celebrate Hendrix visit there. (was it the gandja or the sea or the spirit of the times?, all was peace, except for Nam and Afghanistan was just a stopover to get a new wool jacket and hat)
Nck
“There is no such thing as reverse discrimination today.”
I’ve heard about quotas based on race, gender, sexuality, religion, etc and am of the opinion this is a form of “reverse discrimination” that exists today ie rejecting job applicants who are white, male, heterosexual, Christian.
Re: BB
"Still, wouldn't it have been awesome to be able to have seen Jimi Hendrix in summer of '66, performing as Jimmy James and his Blue Flames with a young Randy California later of Spirit as second guitarist?"
Yes. In 1970 the Labour Party in England was defeated by loss of the vote of the 18 year olds. (babyboomers)
This all happened because the government pulled GTA from the air.
http://www.asecondlook.info/personal/2016-pirate-ships.htm
(Well,............ I mean the 24/7 broadcast of American culture and propaganda through popular culture and expecially music and youth culture. As my thesis is: the World Tomorrow sponsored the most significant cultural revolution to hit North Western Europe in order to usher in the American Empire and the EC as its vassal state within the Empire.)
And now crazy Trump is dissolving that Union of Mind and Institutions, what is he thinking.
nck
I work a lot with major companies, and none of them have human resources policies which require the rejection of white, male, heterosexual Christians who might apply for employment. In fact, questions regarding sexual orientation or faith are no longer even asked. The laws simply require that all candidates be seriously and equally considered, and that the work force reflect the make up of the surrounding community.
Back as recently as the ‘60s and ‘70s, there were nods and winks by employers, landlords, and institutes of higher education as they made not too subtle efforts to keep minorities out, even if they were over-qualified as compared to their white counterparts. That was unjust, and wrong.
In recent decades, one interesting phenomenon has come into play in the field of education, and it is not based on discrimination, it is soley a byproduct of natural talent and work ethic. Asians as a group outqualify virtually all other ethnicities. If anyone is currently being negatively affected by quota guidelines, it is the Asian people. There are academic papers which suggest that If admission to colleges and universities were soley left to test scores and gpa, Asians would totally bust the system. So, if the net effect of affirmative action and quota guidelines is unfair or discriminatory to anyone, it is to the Asians. These days, in the upper echelons of every field, whites benefit from affirmative action as much as any of the groups that rednecks have traditionally complained about.
BB
Pulled GTA from the air? The main reason English babyboomers listened to Pirate Radio was the rock n roll, not GTA! If I recall correctly, John Lennon was far more influential upon boomers than GTA.
The only namecheck of GTA by a British rock band of that era came from the Bonzo Dog DooDah Band’s “The Intro and the Outro”, in which they lyricised “Garner Ted Armstrong on vocals....”
It was a novelty song, and I would just bet that nobody but I remembers either the song or the band.
BB
Yes BB.
I spent an entire paragraph describing what I meant!
Nck
But, nck. It was no longer American culture by that time. We were in the midst of the second British invasion, and British guitarists were literally teaching their American counterparts. Deep Purple, the Kinks, Black Sabbath, Uriah Heep, Humble Pie, Jethro Tull, David Bowie, Status Quo, the Who, the Stones, Genesis, Traffic, Wings, 10CC, Led Zeppelin, ELP, ELO, Jeff Beck, Rod Stewart and Faces, Savoy Brown and Fleetwood Mac. The Mods, and Carnaby Street were a huge influence on international fashion. Bands from other parts of Europe were also emerging.
Oh well, we could debate this forever. Nothing happens in a vacuum.
"Is there a job a white man didn't get yesterday?"
At the time 70 percent of british households would have been considered poor by americans an could only dream of a lifestyle with central heating, washing machine a car.
Btw did you mention any "black" bands besides black sabbath.
Everything revolutionary in Europe happened later than mostly assumed. (Since it started as a youth culture).
The Feast at the time was in a "world tomorrow" like area, including monorail.
Nck
1} nck
I really like the string of band you mention. It is how WCG got entangled with the todays icons of a revolutionary period.
I hope you enjoyed Earle's article that I submitted for cultural purposes.
Why did I mention the relative poverty of the british (northern europeans)(as defined by lack of central heating, washing machines and one black and white tv per household) in the late sixties? Because then we are touching the topic of "free market capitalism" or "the unseen hand, that directs all."
In a way I regard (former marine) GTA as the "commodore Perry" for the British Isles.
As the CIA waged a war of culture. GTA represented modernity aswell as a conservative voice AGAINST the youth culture of the day (counterrevolution) WHILE AT THE SAME time through the sponsorship of the Pirate ships Ushering the Revolution ushering the American Empire of "free markets" and the accompanying system that Trump is currently bashing.
Why did I make a funny about "and the black bands" except "black sabbath"?
Because the "Great immigration" from the former colonies and empire had only just set in.
Bringing about another societal revolution.
2} nck
So the doubling (in size) British and European WCG Churches brought in the children of the former civil servants of the empire embracing modernity and youth, dynamic religion while at the same time adhering to conservative principles with their young families. Offering the illusion of another empire, both the American Empire aswell as the "Kingdom of God".
The revolution of the sixties completely bypassed this group. While BB fully embraced it by leaving the fold.
Then the new group of converts from the former colonies brought another wave of international culture breaking up the former rigid structures to this day all under the tones of the music groups you mention.
Why did I mention the "monorail". Then I urge you to look at the 1939 New York footage of the "World of Tomorrow" fair.
RCG/WCG fully embraced modernity (especially the possibilities of modern communication and transport) while at the same time speaking to a conservative crowd countering the culture revolution, while at the same time ushering in that revolution by embracing and even pioneering modernity through its vision of the World Tomorrow and setting apart of 10 percent of ones income to be able to enjoy that even to a certain extent for its members and sponsoring American "propaganda" radio stations ushering the new world for the entire youth culture in Europe.
Now why do you think Radio Luxembourg was so popular? The only high wattage radio and tv station carrying the World Tomorrow program was right in the middle of the most important American battle stations in West Germany awaiting the Soviet invasion through the Fulda Gap.
We agree a 100 percent on the topic of music and revolutionary change. Most of the Operas I attend ARE ONLY ABOUT revolutionary change and social (in)justice. Try and look at it that way next time you hear me mention one of those terribly boring arias at the Met.
In the eighties it was Casey Kasem that set the tune on radio and the World Tomorrow was set to be carried on the revolutionary change of "commercial television". After only a brief stint of the WTM on television (instead of radio) the Soviet Empire collapsed under its own weight and American economic military pressure. Just months after that event WCG changed its mission statement completely and stated that its mission "to warn the world" had been fulfilled.
Now did I change the topic from race relations to media. I don't think so. I have been speaking here about revolutionary societal change, the fact that the distinction between "black music" or "white music" or "Latin music" did not exist in Europe, only American music and a longing to belong to a greater empire of peace instead of being submerged by an empire of evil.
Now good bye friends around the world, until next time, this is nck for banned and the counter culture.
nck
Since when is racism trivial?
I hate when people point to one wrong and then act like something else ISNT wrong just because they identify more with one than the other. One doesn’t negate the other.
I listened to the Caser on KRLA AM when I was a young Embarrassing College Student. One interesting thing about Casey Kasem is that he was an Arab, which was kind of an anomalous cutting edge type thing for top 40 radio of that time. But, what a talent! He did impersonations on one of the Late Shows on TV, and his Peter Falk was right on!
In the ‘80s, one of the DJs on KIIS FM made some insensitive remarks after having played the Bangles’ “Walk Like an Egyptian”, and Casey called in to reprimand him.
American Top 40 was a great show!
BB
I am a black man and it is hard to sit back and watch this conversation as an assumedly predominant non-black group of people discuss this. :)
The human race might be your distant family, but your RACE are closest relatives. Put your inner family first.
I would welcome hearing the black man and woman point of view - speak up and let us know what you think.
I always thought the USA was very hypocritical in how it blasted Apartheid while not fixing its own race problems.
3:27: So we’re bombing? Don’t just sit back, enlighten all of us here! What are your perspectives?
the reason why racism against blacks and brown people in this nation persists can be summed up in this one Scripture:
"Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil." Ecclesiastes 8:11
God is very longsuffering, but indeed He will ultimately make an utter end (as it is Written), as history has shown us...
c f ben yochanan
the reason why racism persists is, besides the very few truly evil people, a greater systematic pattern of cultural racism. So yes blackfaced barbershop is truly fun entertainment and there was no intention whatsoever to chase people of color of the grounds while yelling insults and making them trip over barbed wire, yet in the greater scheme of things it was part of this greater systematic pattern.
So the intention and even the outcome might have been great fun and may also have even been perceived as such by people of color. Still it is racism of the benign kind of which all people will have to repent at one time.
To insert the picture of the kkk however in relation to a barbershop quarted I regard as as a huge insult and may even pay back one day an eye for an eye with examples from the christian fold, since I do not care since I do not regard myself as a christian. Only as part of a greater systematic pattern of christianity within my particular society of which most consider themselves atheist not realizing that everything in their being and acting is actually culturally christian.
nck
There is a lot more racism against whites than there is against blacks. There is a ton of evidence to support that, but lazy and complacent people will never look for it.
I am the anonymous black guy from before :) I don't speak for all blacks, but I will speak for myself.
Honestly, I am usually very tolerant and kind of stick to "your thoughts and words don't harm me IF I don't let them, but your actions could and I may not have much control." My views may not be agreed upon by others in the black or even non-black communities
The world is choke-full of "-icims": you are white, I am black; you are Mexican, I am American; your are poor, I am rich etc. Heck, even among the blacks here in America, there is still some divisions regarding on how light or dark skinned you are, how you are integrated in non-black social circles etc. In black Africa, it is all about tribal/ethnic differences.
A few decades (or even years ago), black-face was not normally considered offensive as it is today. If someone used it back (when society was OK with it for some purposes), I personally don't see a point in vilifying them today ... unless they still hold on to other views/actions that are currently being considered offensive. Who knows; a few years from now it may be considered offensive to do stuff like, maybe, refer to "Mexican food" or even "Chinese food". Is there coming a time when "appropriating" Cinco de mayo, St Patrick's day, etc becomes a social faux-pas? What about a non-Hawaiian native wearing those colorful shirts or even the flower Leis? What do we do then? Each one of us goes back and has to defend all the times they did these now-offensive things? Imagine all the pictures and comments you have put out on social media. Should they come back to haunt you?
Think about your days back in the armstrongism religious extremes: women were placed lower than men, blacks were placed lower than other races, worldly-churches were beneath us etc. How would you feel if your feet were held to the fire today because you once believed in these things? In as much as it wasn't 100% ok back then outside the cults (or even to some inside the cults,) it was the norm for insiders. Now we have been enlightened to be more accepting, should we be vilified for our beliefs and actions then?
So, in summary, I think blackface had a place and purpose in society back then. Some used it positively, others used it negatively. Unless someone continues to espouse bigotry to this day, we should not hold what they did in their younger days over them especially if the context back then was different. A simple acknowledgment and apology like "yes, I did these things back then but now I understand they are wrong and inconsiderate and have no place in our society. I am sorry for my actions back then but I am now a different person"
should suffice.
I keep being tempted to go back to Monument Valley and shoot some nice drone footage, but drones are a no-no in national parks and the wind gusts at this time of year are problematic anyway.
The last time I was at the Four Corners a gaggle of native children asked to touch my hair. I don't usually care for that request, but I got the impression the opportunity doesn't come along that often for them.
"but I got the impression the opportunity doesn't come along that often for them"
Oh man, RSK I love you man, that is so funny and real.
When I wrote what I wrote I also had in mind that "Who is America?" episode by Sacha Baron Cohen on the Mosque in Kingman Arizona.
Drone images great. Try Valley of the Gods.
nck
am i the only one what sees the irony in this person's post...
Yes, I can see it. Against all rules of 500 years of institutionalised, systemic and systemalised racism, this person is calling and labelling members of the thrifty, intelligent, imaginative and inventive white race, "lacy and complacent".
What's next........white men can dance???
Nck
For the kind people who never experienced prejudice I'll elaborate further
"Lazy" being a common racist label for black people, "complacent" for asians.
So on a deep and intelligent level the post is hilarious, worthy of professors and human right defendors in the faculty dining room or the locker room after a day of hard work and blowing of steam.
Or ot could be a disgruntled red neck on the receiving end of life.
Or a teen without much real life experience, to whom I wish a better and brighter future than his current understanding of society.
But indeed, the irony is grand from a positive perspective.
Nck
my point was the poster claims theres a "ton of evidence to support that" "there is a lot more racism against whites than there is against blacks", states people are too lazy and complacent to look it up, yet the poster neglects to cite a single reference to the "ton of evidence"...
c f ben yochanan
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