Quote:
Originally Posted by ladygreek
I find the turn of this discussion to assimilation and inclusiveness very interesting.
*warning, long rant*
While I did grow up under segregation, it was toward the end when attempts were made to integrate. Notice I did not say desegregate. IMO desegregation is the premise behind separate but equal. While integration plays itself out as together but unequal.
Desegregation would have meant the preservation of one's culture, yet with equal treatment and access to the greater society. We would be a delicious, colorful, healthy salad bowl, not a melting pot.
Integration is just another way to say "if you want what I have, then you must be just like me. But wait that is not entirely possible because your skin color will always be different. So we will just play along and throw you a few bones to keep you at bay."
Personally I always wanted desegregation, because I love being Black and all that entails--good and bad. Others wanted integration. Thus the contention.
In my job, the org (League of Women Voters Minneapolis) bemoans the fact that it can't seem to diversify its membership. But what I have seen is a lot of lip service (which I do think folx are sincere about,) but no real desire to put in the work to truly understand what other races need to be comfortable in the org. Why? Because it would take them out of their own comfort zone. That is where inclusiveness is failing in our society.
So no, I am not one to say WOW look how far we have come, considering the number of years it has taken. Because everyday I feel the frustration of how are we going to get where we really need to be. I do know it won't happen in my lifetime, regardless of the outcome of the last presidential election.
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Why thank you for your "long" rant. I especially like the way you explained integration vs. desegregation. I am for desegregation also although that time has passed of course and I loved your "colorful salad" vs. melting pot explanation. I'll take a colorful salad any day.
Unfortunately this generation of African Americans (and I'm sure there are some exceptions) don't know who they are and really don't care to know.
In working with high school students and even the undergrads currently, I have discovered (and these are just my observations) that this generation is the "We are the world"/I just want to be like everyone else/I have no respect or regard for those that came before me (even though I'm standing on their shoulders)/ I don't really care to learn my history, that's the past/ it's not that serious (because nothing regarding the preservation of our culture is serious)...generation.