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Originally posted by darling1
the fact that 'we' are not mostly of the same mindset anymore might work to our detriment. i cant help but feeling that too many of us are still waiting for the jacksons and the sharptons of the world to 'save' us, whereas those of us in the 'know' will be politicking for personal interests rather than for the people.
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I don't think anyone can say what 'our' interests are anymore, either. Many people, including/especially ourselves, think in monolithic terms: what is and what is not BLACK, who is and who is not BLACK and BLACK people do this, think this, act this way, like these things, dislike these things, etc. There is nothing wrong with the moving out of monolithic thinking, but the issue arises when you--maybe outside of the 'we' thinking-- seek to educate those inside of the 'we' thinking. We're afraid to do it, because it's difficult and for so long we've been wrapped up that we never sought to find the real reasons why we felt that way all along. Then comes those looking for a photo-op and great soundbites...who are you out to help? Me ('we') or you?
For historical, sociopolitical and economic reasons, we've been out of 'the know'. It was to their (federal adminstrative's) advantage for the people majorly affected by the decisions made on a federal level to be ignorant--then 'we' would never complain or seek to change. So, when the Jacksons' and the Sharptons' come along and say that they are for 'us', it's much easier for us to go along with it because there hadn't been anyone for us since the late 60's/70's.
And now Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson speak for 'us'.
I'm not saying they are terrible people, but ummmm, Al Sharpton, please! Don't speak for me. Ever.
It is high time to figure out how to get people involved (I mean really involved--not that 'I'm a Democrat b/c I'm Black and Republicans hate us bulls###")without being disenfranchised by percieved issues with party lines. Be a Democrat because you understand their committment to increased government participation in public welfare and why that's important. Be a Republican because you understand that 'the least government is the best government' and why that's important. Whatever you decide, just know WHY you know it. Education, education, education!!
And yes, I am a FULL supporter of 'No Child Left Behind'!!!
enigma_AKA