“The hypocrisy is all I can see
White cop acquitted for murder
Black cop cop a plea
That type of shit make me stop and think
We in chronic need of a second look of the law books
And the whole race dichotomy
Too many rappers, athletes, and actors
But not enough niggas in NASA
Who give you the latest dances, trends, and fashion
But when it comes to residuals, they look past us
Woven into the fabric, they can’t stand us
Even in white tee’s, blue jeans, and red bandanas
Assassinations
Diplomatic relations
Killed indigenous people
Built a new nation
Involuntary labor
Took a knife split a woman navel
Took her premature baby
Let her man see you rape her
If I could travel to the 1700′s
I’d push a wheelbarrow full of dynamite
Through your covenant
Love to sit in on the Senate
And tell the whole government …”-Nas, “America”
With Barack Obama bursting through the political landscape like the 2008 Kool Aid Man, a lot has been discussed on television and news media about the level of patriotism in his camp. Most of the claims against him aren’t even worth discussion, but when Rev. Wright got blasted by the media for his “anti-American” sentiments, it provoked a spark in my mind that I haven’t been able to quell yet.
Why should Rev. Wright be patriotic? Why, in fact, should ANY black American be patriotic? This isn’t a loaded question–I expect there can be legitimate answers to that question somewhere. To be honest, I’m a fairly patriotic person by default, as a military brat and a person who is loyal to almost everything I’m associated with. But my loyalty to my race conflicts with my loyalty to the country that molded me, leaving questions lingering in my mind.
The Black American experience is in many ways a unique one because of not only the unprecedented form of slavery that our ancestors experienced, but because are completely disconnected from the land we live on. African slaves were torn from their families, lumped together with slaves from other tribes, shipped to a completely foreign country with a foreign culture, given just enough to stay alive to work harder, discouraged from building family ties, and given a religion used to control them more than enhance their spiritual lives…and when finally freed, their descendants were still prevented from living a completely free life. The entire essence of the historical Black American experience is based on oppression, domination by a White country, and forceful assimilation into White Euro culture.
It has only been in maybe the past 30 years that Blacks have even begun to halfway be treated on level footing with the rest of America, and I’m probably being generous with that estimation. No matter what the laws say, if the people enforcing them still have their prejudices or misconceptions stuck in the back of their minds, domestic “policy” means nothing. So when I heard news show anchors blasting Wright for being unpatriotic, you can imagine the bewilderment I felt in wondering WHY anyone would expect for him to love this country? The surprising thing is that so many of us do have strong feelings for this country, not the other way around. Many Black men and women, including my parents, have worked in the military and served in wars for the country that has historically done little in return for them…given this fact, Black people have to be the most patriotic race in America despite the fact we have rarely been treated as full-blooded Americans.
Of course, the effects of slavery are now a fact of life for every Black American. It’s a rare few who will attempt to revert to the African culture they identify with, mostly because we know nothing aboutit; we wouldn’t even know what tribe our ancestors originated from. Plus, due to the current state of Africa, we’d have to sacrifice the technological and social advances made in America to mimic a people completely different from ourselves.
So why not love the country you’re bound to? To function in America and succeed, one must buy into the American system. In perspective, America is a better place to live, even during discrimination, than most other countries (at least, that’s what we’ve been led to believe). …but need we be grateful for our circumstance when the fact is we’ve been denied equality in the land we’ve called home since we arrived on this piece of land?
Tuskegee Airmen
As mindsets change, younger Black Americans are getting more of an opportunity to succeed and a level playing field. However, you are lying to yourself if you think that this new, more socially conscious environment has made the country a color blind oasis of freedom and democracy. Is it now possible to be successful and Black without encountering an ominous racist wall in the way of your progress? Yes, I think it is. But Black Americans as a whole still have needs that need to be addressed, and in a democracy where 90% of those in power are White, the country has been slow in making our needs a serious issue. We lag behind every other race in most categories of well being, and it isn’t a product of genetics, nor can it only be explained by a clear cut lack of work ethic or morality. When a Black thinker like myself laments the plight of so many of my people, is it difficult to understand the lack of a profound love for this country and its history? On one hand, yes, I love America…on another hand, I hate almost everything we stand for.
I think it’s a bit arrogant for White Americans to expect patriotism from any of us. But is our loyalty to the land we’ve been living on for generations a part of the greater good, despite what history has dealt us? But maybe most importantly, will things ever get to a point where the words Black and American never oppose each other?
Last but not least–go cop that Nas album! If you love him, you’ll love it…if you don’t, it’s better than you think =]
I THINK THAT..AMERICA DOESN’T WANT “BLACKS” TO GIVE A DAMN ABOUT THIS COUNTRY BECAUSE WE HAVEN’T FOR YEARS!! I MEAN..DON’T GET ME WRONG..ALOT OF US HAVE VOTED AND TRIED TO MAKE A CHANGE..BUT THE REMAINING BLACKS HAVENT’ DONE JACK CRAP TO MAKE A CHANGE!! IF BLACKS & LATINOS OUT NUMBER WHITES..THEN HOW COME WE HAVEN’T TAKEN OVER THE DAMN GOVERNMENT YET?? WHY DID IT TAKE OBAMA TO RUN FOR OFFICE FOR MOST BLACKS TO OPEN THEIR EYES ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT?? NOT SURE* BUT…I AM ALL FOR CHANGE..AND I WILL BE A PATRIOT FOR THIS COUNTRY FOR ONCE!! IF WE DON’T START TRYING TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE NOW..REGARDLESS OF WHO MAKES IT INTO THE OFFICE…WE NEVER WILL!!! GREAT BLOG JIZZLE* AND I KNOW I GOT OFF SUBJECT AGAIN…SUE ME..LOL*
True, the opportunities for Black Americans seem to be increasing quite rapidly, but at the exact same time, so are the opportunities for individuals outside of our race. For this reason, we remain on the bottom. “But Black Americans as a whole still have needs that need to be addressed, and in a democracy where 90% of those in power are White, the country has been slow in making our needs a serious issue.” I think that the fact that there are so many whites holding power is a major issue. They clearly out number us. Think about it, if you have an opportunity to make any and every situation better for you and those you love, then you will do that, regardless of who has to kill time in line. And that’s only natural. But I feel as though these leaders, who we speak so highly of and give so much power to need to reach out to those that are in need. I am not saying that Black Americans need 100% of these leader’s attention, but I am saying that our issues should be just as equal in importance as everyone else’s issues. Some adjustments are way past overdue. The Nas piece gave an interesting twist to the piece. We often hear that youngsters should not model themselves after rap artists, and most times I wholeheartedly agree with this statement. But some artists, Nas for instance, show that not everyone is about money, clothes and hoes. Some artists are intelligent and aware individuals who speak about and bright light to real life issues. He does a great job at spreading the word to society’s young. Awesomely written, again.
We should remain patriotic because this is OUR nation, let us take pride in what we are a part of. In reference to QMoron’s comment. I too wish it hadn’t taken Obama running for president for Blacks to emerge as these heavily political beings, BUT what bad could come of this? If we were conscious and involved from jump then maybe we would not be sitting in some of the situations that we are. But I fully agree, the change is overwhelming and hopefully some good comes out of this process. Better late than never!
I have had heated debates on this topic with co-workers and acquaints,hell even a few friends. I have explained over and over but I guess its hard for some ppl to “get it” when it doesn’t effect them. My co-worker said I was “extreme” when I made the statement “The No Child Left Behind Act” (which was a act established supposedly to help close the achievement gap between whites and minorities) was similar to share cropping ( metaphorically speaking). I try to explain it is hard for ppl to get excited about a government that has continually changing the face of and cleverly disguises share cropping. They then want to call me a conspiracist then I start giving them examples ..lets take how education is funded through property taxes. a school is given allotted amounts of money per student based on the neighborhood a school is in. Bottom line based on the value of a house a school in a rich neighborhood can receive $20,000 per student were a poor neighborhood school can get $5,000 per student. Now during segregation laws were passed for separate but “EQUAL” schools. hmmm now we are desegregated it is legal to have unequal schools??? (jizzle i was writing a blog on this and u made me spill the beans damn u ! lol) look at special education before desegregation not to much was done with it. I remember sitting in my Social Foundation for Education class and learning about certain law makers and politicians stating they didn’t want their white lil girls sitting next to black boys in class …..so what happen they stuck the majority of black males into special ed and now we have a disproportionate numbers of intelligent African Americans in special education…so after years of this are ppl suppose to be excited? I really love that you are in tune with the world around u…and i know u are going to school to be an accountant??? i really wish ppl like u would go into education yea yea i know u wouldn’t get rich but um u would most definitely would make a difference….(again good job jizzle’s mom =)
“due to the current state of Africa, we’d have to sacrifice the technological and social advances made in America to mimic a people completely different from ourselves.”
Right on my friend! Branching off topic this reminds me a lot of my thought on the long time multi-racially support “GO BACK TO AFRICA” campaign. We are no longer an African people, as “African-Americans” have been molded to fit into the white democratic system. Our loyalty to this country is blinded by internal racism thrown at one another and our socio-economic surplus on the lower spectrum. What most people don’t realize is that the American Economic System is the foundation of every other component that makes this country “work.” Money makes the world go ’round, and like the lyrics of one of my all time favorite songs “People make the world go ’round.” People have been conditioned to love money beyond a reasonable doubt. With 90% of the Power (which is based on economic–I’d love for anyone to differ) being white, Whitey wants his money a lot more than Nigga does. Whitey is used to his money and does not want Nigga to take it away from him. Whitey will always be Niggas master because Whitey created Niggas own perception of low self worth. Whitey introduced Nigga to a God using the Devil’s handbook. And yet Blacks, have to be some of the most God loving mother fuckers around! Blacks loyally fight for this country (bred to be Massa strong armed Nigga), probably are the best of soldiers….but in all likelihood hold a low percentage of high rankings in contrast to Lieutenant Whitey. Back to what I was saying, we as Black people have a love-hate relationship with this country, because we believe…this is the best way of life. We have been molded to think that way, as has most of the world! So fuck patriotism, Happy 4th of July let’s BBQ in this bitch and pour out some liquor (for you knowledge cravers: this originates back to Africa when tribes used to pour out wine and beer for the spirit deities a ritual known as libation) for our ancestral slave predecessors who fell more harshly to victimization than we ever will. Ugh ok so I’m thinking way too much and babbling. Absolutely wonderful write…..Thanks because you know I requested… as I am sure many of your other “fans” have!
GO JIZZLE GO JIZZLE GO!
I get discrimination from a different angle, so I relate but never will be able to in the same way, and I’m completely aware of that. I proudly serve my country but I do recieve that “your country doesn’t proudly accept you” part. I feel a bit conflicted at times because I am damn proud to have been born and raised here, yet at first glance, some people assume otherwise and I am sometimes treated differently. Over time though, having dealt with this since I first moved away from home. I’ve realize that this “change” has taken so long because we still have incredibly racist people influencing the younger generations in their families. There are still those older people that were NOT for integrated schools, and still call Black Americans, “colored,” or still live in some small town that still lives ass backwards, not realizing how much has changed, there’s numerous reasons for the delays. It has taken this country THIS long to begin to weed that out of the minds of our youth. People are finally starting to break from what was passed on from one generation to the next and it’s going to take another 50 plus years for us to make even greater progress with this. I think that’s mostly because it just takes one person in each family to say “No, you know what I DON’T agree with that,” and they make a change or an effort to change that. They choose to raise their children with different ideals and it such a slow process. I too feel torn at times with my pride for this country as well as my discontent with it…in the same token I do proudly serve my country, because if I didn’t, who would? For as many of us that stand up to do such a thing, there are three times as many that scoff at the idea and view us as the enemy, not just for my lovely tan but also because of the uniform I put on everyday like they put on their t-shirt and jeans…but that’s a whole other topic :]
i think one main problem is the gap between social classes in the african american society. there is a disappearing middle class and no bridge between the upper and lower classes and i think when most people think of government they always see dollar signs along with it. i think many people feel they can’t afford to make a change, that the only people who are heard are the wealthy. maybe if we can get the lower class to unite and create one big voice instead of worrying about the individual small ones, that may be ignored, a change can come,… well hopefully
So this was great. The entire blog, very eloquent. Nan Prophet the Poet, you’re very knowledgeable.
It’s blog like these that should have been printed in middle school / high school american history classes — minus any profanity lol
Instead we were fed half ass information. Yes, we know about the Civil War, The Gulf War, WWI & WWII, blah blah blah but those crackers failed to mention the different times the American gov’r has used conspiracy of silence. Some things never change…..and it began with us, the slaves.
Yes, it does talk about slavery in our textbooks but it does not go into depth as far as what the ULTIMATE GOAL was. As time went on, it made sense. Why they didn’t want us educated, why we were segregated, why we were brainwashed….and they want me to fight for this country? Be patriotic? ha.
What have they done for us? We helped build this damn country. Most modern day tools were invented by blacks. That was the main reason for bringing us over….to do their dirty work and for them to reap all the credit and revenue. So, again, what have they done for us?
Its amazing how the less fortunate ones are the FIRST to get on the front line for this country and this country is VERY traditional and RACIST. Who else you know can MAKE the law and BREAK the law? Granted, I dont believe I could go back to Africa and maintain considering what I know about technology and the influence it has on my everyday living. However, that doesnt make me love this country just because I reside here. I hate our beliefs and I hate what THEY make us stand for as Americans (in general)…..
And everybody think Bush and his daddy fucked us up….smh Bush GRANDADDY fucked us up when he was smugglin Adolf Hitler ammunition for the Nazi era. So, this aint just started — these crackers been doing foul shit. FUCK AMERICA.
I’m sorry if im all over the place but this blog hit home and I kinda got upset….Good blog, as usual…..keep ur head to the sky!
so, i as i sit here and i digest the words that you wrote, im trying to search within myself to see if i can completely agree or disagree and the more i think about the past, the present, and even the future, i find myself in the grey area. So, i must first go on the record sayin that i agree with you in the sense that this is artifically our homeland and that we dont have to be “patriotic”. Now, after that point, i stand at a crossroads. I am…to a certain extent “patriotic”, my two older brothers have served in the military, one in the navy the other in the army reserves, and the one that is in the army is going off to serve his second stint out there. also, the army was my aspiration at one point, until i realized that women cannot serve in the infantry or go on special ops, but that is a totally different discussion.
Back onto my critic, i had to read this twice to get a clear grasp and to completely form my opinion on it, and the question that stands out most to me and that i repeatedly found myself drawn to were the two final questions that u stated at the closing of your blog…((which was great by the way))…i believe that, after seven or more generations have been lived out on this land, that America is as much our homeland as it is the white Americans, were both races not brought here by boat, i dont recall anyone other than the native americans being here before the White americans stumbled upon this land. However, i digress. So, after working the ground for a few decades and growing and raising children on this land, i have come to accept that this is as much my homeland as it is theirs. So, the loyalty for the land, lends to the patriotism that one should have for it. Yes, history has not been kind to the Black American people, we had to fight our way to where we are now and we are still not standing on completely equal ground with the White Americans….and yet, there are still the Black Americans who choose not to do anything, NOT to go to work and NOT to get the education, NOT to cross the language barrier and become bilingual and trilingual as the White Americans have. No, the black american wants to complain, wants to demand retribution for something done in the 1700s. The slaves of that time that became free, did they want the help and the pity of the white people? no, they wanted to prov that they could do it on their own, and yet, by standing there, by doing nothing to better themselves, the Black people are sitting and wondering, “well why should i care? This is not my homeland” ….yes this is your homeland…tell me, what do you know of the African culture, have u even visited over there? seen it with your own two eyes, and im not talkin about the specials seen on television. And yet people say “I want to go back to my homeland”…i was born here, my mother, my grandmother, my brothers and sisters…my great great grands. So yes, this is my homeland…it became my homeland after i was brought here n the black people flourished….but then again, i digress. So, of course America is not perfect, and of course we have a long way to go, but remember, as far as elections go, how many african americans do you see voting? more voting, more change, a black vote is a full vote, not half a vote any longer, use the power that you have been given to make a change, but once again, i digress. But change can occur, if one truly desires to make it happen, get up and make a change, no change in the past ever came through complacency and just making a statement. Make a statement, stand by it and then act on it. American culture is based on the past and enriched in the present, so what about the future? Everyone has a fight to make in their own day, a point to make in their own time, the opposition between black and american are as deep as you want them to be, i choose not to make it a priority when i do what i do and when i achieve everything i am meant to achieve. So, in conclusion, yes am i black, and yes, i am patriotic, because at the end of the day, mixed or not, this is my homeland. ……great blog tho! i enjoyed reading it and i encouraged my friend to read it as well.