Recently I began getting more involved in participating in Google+ communities, and so far it has been an enjoyable experience. There are some truly unique and brilliant minds in these communities, but as always where there's good bad is never far to follow.
After viewing the image to the left, in one community, I decided to like and share, and chaos ensued.
Whoa, what had I started? All of this over a Malcolm X quote (addressing Blacks nonetheless). It was then that I noticed that I'd shared the image in a "Thinkers" group, instead of the African American group I intended to. The irony was funny, but since the message was received negatively, by most, I thought it important to stand by the post and it's message.
Firstly, the post/quote was specifically addressing Blacks/African-Americans/P.O.C so for anyone nonP.O.C. to be offended would be ridiculous. The post was never intended to place blame on any one group, but simply to point out the power of self-awareness.
There, of course, were those who neglected the message altogether and decided to play the blame game when it came to the responsibility of slavery.
Yes, Africans sold/traded Africans into slavery, but of course, they were not aware of the cruelty that awaited on the west of the ocean; however, this does negate the fact that Africans were also kidnapped by Europeans and placed into slavery. Furthermore, the effects of the institution of slavery are still present in today's society seen through the American legal and political systems. If anger towards a group could be excited by a simple picture or quote then it is time to address those linger feelings and label it appropriately as the racism that it is. It may be alarming at first, but relax plenty of racists are not aware of their racism.
The humour of the situation aside I was left wondering why does Slavery make some White people so angry? Not uncomfortable, but angry. Although a common misconception, the African-American community is not looking for a pity party from any group. What we desire is for (White) America to finally and collectively acknowledge that Slavery still plays a part in the mechanics of American racism. Maybe then America as a whole could finally work together and build a truly united country. I know, it seems like a long shot but hey I'm an optimist.
Until addressed, White anger will continue to be a prominent issue of (Colored) America and unbridled anger represents a danger to us all.
