Quote:
Originally posted by Eclipse
I think the problem with this letter and urban legends like the root of the word "picnic" is that it allows us to see things in a greater conspiracy type format. This, imo, helps to somewhat absolve people of their personal responsibility. I also think that as a people who have frequently been marginalized out of history, we should care if it accurately protrayed.
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Exactly, Eclipse! Well said!
During the 90s (particularly in the pre-Internet times), the Africentric/pro-black movement was in full swing. Both factors was ripe for anti-black rumors to run amuck (Troop and Snapple is owned by the KKK, Liz Claiborne and Tommy Hilfiger told Oprah that their clothes were not designed with black people in mind, etc. etc.).
The Willie Lynch letter happened to be the biggest rumor that was spread in the 90s. Like Eclipse indicated, if we take such rumors as gospel without researching for ourselves if it is in fact true and authentic, then there never will be racial harmony because we buy into too many unconfirmed conspiracy theories.
In short, we as Black Americans need to do our homework and research information and stop being so naive when it comes to race based rumors.