Coffee and Rape: A Matter of Complexion?

my hands by rainwriter jones

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I recently had a conversation with an elder who I've known for several years. As we talked, she spoke of her travels to Antigua, and the beautiful, dark skin of the residents. I watched her eyes glaze over as if revisiting a past she was never a part. She spoke of rape: Rape of females by many different ethnicities which caused our Black skin to be the hue it is now. She also spoke on how we as Blacks have forgotten what it was like; the atrocities we suffered as a people.

Are ethnicities of blended races created by centuries of rape?

This conversation was very troubling to me on many levels. Why would she bring up this topic at this late juncture in her life? Why does she speak like this, and then associate with those she deems as the oppressor? Is she correct in her assumption that as a culture, we were created from acts of violence?

This isn't the first time I've had conversations with elders who seem to fixate on the past wrongs of history. The old folks recall things not only from their past, but that of an entire culture. Maybe they're venting years of pent-up frustration in their own circumstance: Trying to "clear the air" so to speak, before their own demise?

I do believe that the further removed we are from slavery and outright racism, we have a tendency to "forget" the miseries of antecedants. In a previous blog post you may recall my watching the characters across the street that hang out without purpose. It is quite clear they haven't a clue, nor a care, as to what happened 400 years prior. But these are not the only kindred which I feel have lost their way. It's as if there's an ancestral genocide in progress. Our fragmented roots being further broken by not only distance, but time. I met an African several years ago who told me that American Blacks don't remember their past. I have a tendency to believe him.

So what are my thoughts on this topic? I feel as though we were created not only by the violent acts of a few, but through mutual consensual encounters. Not downplaying the rape aspect by no means, but not using this sordid fact as the sole means of our existence.

But we all have our own opinions, our own way of viewing life. Looking at it with a skewed perspective serves no purpose, but creates this negativity that I can better do without. I'm from this time, and not that of those who have come before me. Their experiences greatly differ from mine. I know the people who raped our ancestors are long since dead, and not to make these abuses the primary focus of the present.

Remember, be humbled, and continue your journey...

rainwriter jones

Yes, Dear Harriet: There's Cream in that Coffee!

Life in the multi-cultural family is an interesting one. Yesterday I went to the community center with my grandson, nephew, and Mother. We had a lovely time playing in the park with the other children, taking pictures, and spending time together. At the end of our visit, we entered the center to cancel the membership of my elder daughter. I have been friendly with one of the staff members there, so I thought I'd introduce my family to her. I received a slow, dissecting look on her part at my relatives: Trying to make heads or tails at our relationship towards each other. We range from very dark to very light in our complexions, yet, we are family just the same. She was even bold enough to ask my nephew "does he (my grandson) belong to you?" At that point, I eased out of the office thinking that this woman was a total idiot. She had imparted me with information that she was involved in an interracial relationship, so I thought she was "down." Needless to say, I won't be dealing with her ass any longer! In another instance, I've had someone straight up ask me what my grandson was "mixed" with. Lord have mercy! I answered her matter-of-factly just to let her know that I wasn't fazed with the question, but amazed that she would ask it.

My family is comprised of many ethnic groups, and it's always laughable to see folks' reactions when we're all together. Black, White, and Asian. Some of us with only the one ethnicity: Others a beautiful blend. But...we're family just the same. We were never taught to differentiate between races like some people do, but to judge the character. With this said, I do believe there still is an underlying racism embedded within our society. Little nasties like this often arise when the economy is bad, folks are struggling to pay their bills/keep their jobs, and they've got to find someone to place all their troubles.

Interesting how my little interracial family can cause such a stir. I'm proud to stir up the pot!

rainwriter jones

Ethnicity Within The Black Community

Light-skinned versus dark-skinned.  This war is centuries-old, beginning back in the days of slavery.  Thought of as resembling their owners because of their shade, the fairer-skinned slaves worked in the house while the darker ones toiled in the fields.  First initiated by Whites, a tradition carried on by Blacks. 

I was born in the time of "two hospitals."  There were only two hospitals which delivered Black babies in Seattle.  Though segregation was not openly practiced, there definitely were color lines wherein Blacks were not allowed to cross.  A quiet separation of Whites and Blacks.  Only a small amount of White doctors took Black patients.  The others simply didn't admit any into their practice.  That was a mere 50 years ago.

Back in the 60s, there was a definite color line:  a division between dark-skinned Blacks versus light-skinned ones.  Our darker brothers and sisters were often color coded:  being treated as though they were less worthy of the benefits fairer-skinned Blacks received.  There were even names associated with being of a darker hue (of which I will not mention here).  And of course, there's the matter of "good" hair versus "bad" hair.  I have two children, both of which state that the same old tune is still playing on the Victrola.  After all this time, it's hard for me to believe this is true. 

What is trying to be "White?"  What is trying to act "Black?"  Do you think if Obama was dark skinned that he would have won the election?  Your thoughts...

Debating With Self...

rainwriter jones

It's A Matter Of Race...

I woke up this morning to a feeling that I've had all along in regards to the health care battle here as of late. While I was pouring myself out of bed, President Carter said everything I had thought, but didn't want to admit in that racism is driving the resistence to President Obama's health care initiutives. The public outcry against government spending by certain groups is just a cover up for a much deeper, insinuous feeling that a Black President should not lead our country. There will be this "arms folded" style resistence with any plan presented before these right-wingers; refusing to discuss and/or negotiate like a democratic society should, but instigate an uncooperative spirit amongst their constituents. Can I go as far as say ilicit hate amongst the masses?

It left a pit in my stomach knowing that someone else had the same impression but they, like me, didn't want to broach the topic...fearing it would stir up what was perceived as a long-buried race issue. Seeing as though this was spoken from the mouth of an Ex-White House employee creeped me out! With him being in the know, he's quite aware politicians sheninagins, and how the Republicans have played upon the fears of a group of citizens which do not want President Obama to succeed. They will throw any obstacle in front of him and his administration to assure that he fails.

My problem with these so-called protestors is that all hell has been breaking loose since the last 8-year term with Bush as our President. Where were they then? Weren't the same problems present during the Bush administration? And why is there all this ruckus now? Why can't they trust that we are heading in the right direction? And if they feel we are not steering a clear course, why can't they negotiate, sit down at the table, instead of disrespecting the highest office in the free world? You know why: it just hasn't been spoken until now.

This is only the tip of the iceberg. It goes beyond the fact that President Obama is Black, but into the deep-rooted fear of change to the status quo. From those who were empowered by the mere color of their skin, and not by any gains they had made through perserverance and hard work. It frightens me every time I see a "rally" wherein the angry disenfranchised are wielding hateful signs, all behind the rabble-rousing of the many Joe Wilsons who spread mis-information to these simple-minded protestors.

I was a child of the 60s, and caught the tail end of the civil rights movement. I saw the riots, and hate, the destruction. But...I also saw the gains, and have directly benefited from the sacrifices my forefathers/mothers made. So I could be "here." "Here" is anywhere I want to be: without restriction because of my brown armor. With the social environment in the state that it's in, I think there's going to be more b*llsh*t before things get better.

Peace...

rainwriter jones

United We Stand? Not So Hidden Racism in the U.S.

As you probably know by now, I'm not a politically-inclined person. Not saying that I don't keep up with what is happening here in the U.S. and around the world, but I don't follow every bill or legislative act on a daily basis. But, I've been watching a troubling trend here lately. Masked racism. Yes, these words from someone who is quick to befriend anyone no matter what their race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, etc. As long as someone treats me well and with respect, we're good to go.

What's troubling me? The fact that there is an underlying element that is attempting to not only undermine the policies set forth by our President, but his presidency as a whole. Not seeking to offer useful alternatives to them, but arguing and hell raising. But what do I see with my observant eye? It's not about the politics whatsoever. It's about the man!

I see it, don't you? The latest "protest" is the pulling of their children from school because they don't want them to hear President Obama's speech. Totally disrespectful to the Office. Now tell me the truth. Even when ex-President Bush was at the depths of his presidency, would they have pulled their children from the classroom when HE was making a speech? Absolutely not! Because President Obama is Black, he is not afforded the respect of his Office. This has not happened to any other Democratic president since before I was alive. Even in the 60s and with President Kennedy's policies. Although some did not agree, their children watched his speeches out of respect for his Presidency. The divisive attitude of these groups is despicable.

I may not agree to all the policies of ANY President, Obama included, but there needs to be a respect given to anyone who assumes the Office. And at the end of Obama's presidency when nothing gets done after all the rabble-rousing they'll stand proudly and say, "We told you it wouldn't work!" Of course it didn't, because YOU did all you could do to stop it through your disruptive practices!

rainwriter jones