I would like to pose a challenge to you on the very subject of “Activism” itself.

In my definition a Activist is a person who works to have an external force that is negatively bearing down upon the people of his concern. In accomplishing this change in their behavior the benefit will reign down upon the masses for which the activist is working on behalf of. No doubt in the long history of the African experience in America the need to force change in the system has been the primary need.

Fast forward to 2007. There are many areas with large concentrations of Black people who have either a Black political machine that is to the liking of the Black masses controlling the political reigns of the city/county or at least a favorable (read “progressive”) administration that is in place that has Black representation within the government. In 2007 in many areas “Da Man” is a Black man.

I suggest that in areas in which there is a large population of Black people and in which said political power has been acquired over these municipal assets the “activist” model does not achieve the desired effect. YOU voted the guy into office rather than having lost a bitter battle in which your long time adversary retains control.

In these instances the “activist” model must yield to the MANAGEMENT model. With an activist defined above a “Manager” makes inventory of the resources that he has at his disposal, understands the goals of the collective entity and works to achieve this change by CHANGING THEIR BEHAVIORS and THOUGHTS into a more directed manner.

Where as activism is an external battle, management is an internal one. In building up this management culture – it can be pruned and transplanted to a different area and regenerate for the best interests of the people who are there.

We may disagree about the level of unchallenged, blatant racism that takes place in America in 2007 in which the body of laws that our people have died for are still not able to address but I am sure that you can agree that there is no one stopping us from managing our own people and receiving a different outcome, disintegrating from the whims of the larger society and thus doing for our own selves what is now expected of them?

Ever day, I check my Site Meter to see who has visited my blog and then I go and see what, at their blog, may have prompted the visit. Although people comment anonymously at my blog, I know the country and city in which they live and most of their IP address. Some people blog from work, so I know where they work.

Combined with the information they give at their own blogs and it their comments, it is enough to determine the identify of a person, even without access to Government resources that would automate and speed this process.

So, who am I really hiding from by hiding my address online? As has happened at whitosphere sites like DailyKos, even amateurs with sufficient determination can determine the identity of others online.

So, rather than concern myself with this, I prefer to let people know who I am from the start. The people who might use my information against me already have ready access to it; there is nothing that I can do about that.

Using my real name online is my own statement about what I see as the transparency of individual identity in a highly technological world.

I’ve fled the water canons in of the dictator Pinochet in Santiago, Chile; heard the Contras’ weapons firing from a distance of a couple of miles away along the northern border of Nicaragua; seen my own center-city burned nearly to the ground during the riots of 1970; and been arrested for blocking a military base. All of this information is know to those would naturally be most interested in it. And I have no desire to hide it from the rest of you.

Today, I’ve revealed even more of myself in an essay at MyLeftWing, entitled, “I Am Sometimes Somewhat Color-Aroused.” This is where my ego is on the line, but if it furthers the cause of science by one iota then my battered ego will have to withstand the additional sacrifice.

Have a blessed day.

Have a good day.

Angie

AAPP…. I have always found your comments and perspective insightful. You are always welcome to comment here.

“PS, I’m guilty of not including Haiti, Congo, Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda, the Dominican Republic etc. on my blog. You have made good points. Candidly, Free Slave has too.”

AAPP…. as far as I am concerned you are guilty of nothing. We are all here to expand our horizons and challenge each others perceptions. You have certainly expanded and challenged mine.

NOW…. let’s all take a deep breath and take a step back. We are a passionate people. We are opinionated and sometimes express ourselves in ways that may, if not offend, certainly will rub each other the wrong way. I don’t believe that it was AAPP intent to attack anyone with any of his comments. I believe the same is true for Lubangakene. Differing opinions doesn’t have to mean warring opinions…. although ego can push it that way, if we allow it. To coin a phrase… Angie I’m boring your nickel:

“Peace and unconditional love for all my people!”

PS, Thats my point! That was the point of the post “Black bloggers having New Orleans back.”

Angie, Thanks for your comments. I never attacked others for the lack of writing about New Orleans. I’ve already said I cannot force anyone to right anything.

If people are hyper about two words, ACTING WHITE, that’s their issue not mine.

You are right my encouragement and challenge were “interpreted” as an attack by Free Slave. I didnot attack,
I stand by my original comments.

“Black bloggers need to stop Acting White regarding New Orleans.”

It was not an attack on anyone. it was a broad statement about all of us.

My intent was to challenge those who would read the post.

In many ways this conversation sounds like the conversation at DailyKos when white bloggers felt under attack by Francis Holland. He was not allowed to post after a while. Should I expect the same?

I explained it when I wrote, “New Orleans was a top issue for many whites for about two months, they gave hundreds of millions of dollars to the Red Cross and then the concern faded, like homelessness, AIDS and other ‘for the minute issues. Many middle class to upper middle class black folk seem to be doing the same thing. The issue of New Orleans is not as important anymore. Only during the anniversary of Katrina hitting New Orleans do black folks blog about New Orleans. It becomes the hot topic for the moment.”

The Afrosphere is growing, yet it can improve. The 2 words ACTING WHITE is not an attack folks. for those that think it is I still say – Whatever!

I found this quote over at Booker Rising. I just wanted to share.

I’m shocked and stunned by the dialogue that we were exposed to. I’m really confused at this point. How is telling another grown a** man to “man up” productive for our cause. WTH I just don’t understand.

To me those words were clearly used to provoke anger and angst. Now, how in the world are we going to work together if we want to insult each other for not being in agreement? Tell me that. Help me understand. Please!

I may be new to blogging outside of my blog. But I’m not new to black bullsh** and hatred. How do we expect to build the community if we take time to tear others within our community down?

Another nickel…

Angie, all we ask is for your ‘honest” opinion here AND you don’t have to be “asked” to express it. All are welcome here to share their perspective on any topic which we are discussing. Your opinions are valued.

Acting white is in my opinion expecting all black people to have the same experiences, same opinions, same responses, same outrage, same love, same hate, and same convictions about all subjects that have to do with anything black.

Sadly, we as blacks have found it necessary to try to force all of us, who happen to be black, to hide our diversity and pretend that we all are one people, with one experience, and one single idea of what is black.

The thing I like about blogging is the diversity of people and opinions. In my opinion, the very atmosphere of Skeptical Brotha’s site is quite different from the discourse that flows from Field Negro’s site. Rikyrah writes about issues that she ranks as important to her, and Francis writes about what’s important to him. But I appreciate them all. I do not an will never expect these brothas and sistahs to write and post articles about the same thing. They are different people, with different interests, and different goals.

I know AAPP is frustrated. I would be if I was in NO. But he/we cannot expect every single blogger to experience the same fire that burns within our hearts on the issues that stand right in front of us.

I have a certain level of passion about African American fathers and their daughters, disability issues, blacks with disabilities, and African American health and wellness. That’s what I’m called and drawn to write about. And since I’m drawn to write about it, I do. Would I like for others to do so? Yes, but until they do, I keep on writing with the hope that I change the world with the words that flow from my heart and mind to my computer server and out to the world wide web.

It would be unfair to indict others for not sharing my outrage about what it is like for me to live as a triple minority in this country. It is my job to enlighten and educate others about my plight.

Black folks all over this country are dying and becoming disabled due to health and wellness issues. Trust me brothas and sistahs, the health disparities in the African American community should be on the top of the list of what we blog about if we’re going to start ranking what’s most critical to our people. But I don’t see much talk about AA health issues. I see a lot of talk about health care plans, but very little conversation about personal responsibility and lifestyle choices. But I don’t accuse black bloggers of acting white. I just think that we are uninformed. and I think that maybe it’s my call to write about it. That’s why I started the health and wellness blog.

Since, we as black folks, are so diverse, I think it is quite possible for each of us to write about a variation of different subjects, and still translate our love for black folks all over the world. And if from time to time we want to pool our minds, resources, and blogs to attack a particular issue together, then that’s great too.

Just a thought… AAPP, encouraging others to write about NO is one thing. But attacking others for not writing about it is another. I think that your frustration caused your encouragement to be interpreted as an attack. Well, at least that’s how I interpreted it. I understand that you are mad. If I was in NO I would be mad as hell. But please understand that we have not forgotten about you guys in NO. We still have your back.

I’m not trying to incite an emotional debate or offend. I’m just offering my nickel on the subject.

And yes, I know that no one asked me for my opinion. But I just felt compelled to throw my thoughts in on this thing, hoping to understand and to be understood.

Peace and unconditional love for all my people,

Angie

No, but it sounds like a good book to read. Thanks for the info.

FS- And, if by man up, you mean to be callous and insensitive?

No, It was a figure of speech. It had deeper meaning from the “surface” meaning not callous and insensitive, but rather a comment to urge you to check your thin skin. You have acknowledged your thin skin, so… it is what it is.

FS- I don’t want to be a your kind of “man” if it means to be like men have too often been: crude, ignorant, blind, bullies.

Ouch, where did that come from? You can be any type of man you want to be. I have no control, nor do I want any control over, any mans manhood. You take two words, too far. You have issues

FS- Are you being manly/is that what’s happening here? You’re teaching me how to be a man?

No, I can’t teach you how to be a man, I assume you are already one. Interesting thought though.

FS- In response to my disagreement with you, I’m ‘acting white” and NOW, need to “man up.”

Never said you were Acting White, but I did suggest that you needed to MAN UP. but hey, your comfortable with your thin skin. As I said previously, end of the conversation.

FS- And whites “joining” the AfroSphere?! Hadn’t heard about that one.

There is a opinion poll and discussion on the AfroSphere Forum about progressive whites joining.

Progressive whites already have their exclusive blogs and websites. But hey, that just one man’s opinion.

We can agree to disagree on this issue. Without just being disagreeable. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, I’ve been enlightened by them.

I consider this the end of our collective diatribe on ACTING WHITE.

Peace

AAPP I agree with you that:… “Writing and giving opinion is what blogging is all about. It’s ones personal diary or collective diary of things that are important to one person or a group”. This what I believe is the primary strength of cyber activism. This exchange of information and opinions in regards to one’s personal interests. Although there may be other pressing issues and struggles regarding those of African descent that may resonate more with me and therefore capture my interest and time, having some one like you who brings or reminds us of other realities…. those that are important to you, i.e. New Orleans, is a good thing. Pianki brought up the issue of what is happenning in Haiti, reminding me/us of another atrocious situation which has been largely forgotton, not only by the mainstream (white) media, but more importantly by the Afrosphere.

We can all understand why these and similar issues concering those of African descent, do not hold the interest of the mainstream (white) media. But what I don’t understand for example, is why a white Irish pop star advocates for issues relating to poverty in Africa and uses his celebrity as a vehicle to attempt to initiate change, while within the Black/Afrosphere, there is little discussion or utilization of internet resources to address these and similar issues…. especially from the North American side of the AfroSphere! So I feel your question in regards to N.O:

“My question is, Where’s the Outrage? why are so many black bloggers not reporting about New Orleans? Are the majority of black bloggers becoming just like the main stream media regarding New Orleans?

Not only on N.O. though. Why are the events and struggles of the peoples of New Orleans, Haiti, Congo, Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda, the Dominican Republic etc. not discussed more within the Afrosphere? Why isn’t there constant activism within the Afrosphere on these issues?

So I understand the intent of your statement: “Black bloggers need to stop Acting White regarding New Orleans”. Your explanation of this statement is what I thought you had meant: “New Orleans was a top issue for many whites for about two months, they gave hundreds of millions of dollars to the Red Cross and then the concern faded, like homelessness, AIDS and other ‘for the minute issues. Many middle class to upper middle class black folk seem to be doing the same thing. The issue of New Orleans is not as important anymore. Only during the anniversary of Katrina hitting New Orleans do black folks blog about New Orleans. It becomes the hot topic for the moment.”

But again, let’s STOP and ask ourselves if this is truly the scenario. This is where the weakness comes in. There are those who do write and advocate constantly within the Afrosphere on these issues but it may not be within out frame of reference or interest. For example, I find that African bloggers from these countries or regions do write about those issues because they that is what is important to them. Unless we take the time and energy to seek these out, and unite in support for each others causes, then we become blinded by our own focus on the issue(s) which interest us. Then the overall impact of the statement: “Black bloggers need to stop Acting White regarding New Orleans”, becomes an unfair indictment. We all therefore need to be careful. Our frame of reference, especially to what is out in the Afrosphere, may be limited.

Let us all remember this though: that is what discussion and debate is all about! This leads us back to the strength of cyber activism. Enlightenment…. which should lead to more knowledge and understanding…. and not necessarily unity of ideas and purpose. It’s a paradox, for although it is by “words” that we communicate and exchange ideas…. we can’t get hung up on “words”. A statement is just a moment…. a unit of thought. I would say we all need to be careful not to judge and/or indict each other based on a “phrase” or how we communicate a point in an overall idea.

Are you being manly/is that what’s happening here? You’re teaching me how to be a man? Have you ever read bell hooks’ “We Real Cool: Black Men and Masculinity? You should check it out; it has wonderful insights about how confused many black men are about who they are as men, what makes them men, how we refuse to feel our feelings.

In response to my disagreement with you, I’m ‘acting white” and NOW, need to “man up.” Hmmm…who’s uncomfortable with disagreement? You are deeper than that, AAPP. Really.

This thing about acting white is most interesting to me, because the ones who make the charge are the ones, typically, engaged in the practice. Unbeknowst to them.

And whites “joining” the AfroSphere?! Hadn’t heard about that one.

I thought I was talking with grown folks and grown folks know how to be real with each other. I didnot know that you had such thin skin. The ACTING WHITE comments were broad comments about the need for black bloggers to have more conversation (blogging) about New Orleans. I stand by my comments, including the ACTING WHITE comments..

I thought the AfroSphere would be a place where one could feel comfortable discussing issues. I don’t want to get into a pissing contest with you, We can agree to disagree regarding this particular issue of ACTING WHITE.

On another note, I understand that there is a conversation about having progressive whites join the Afrosphere – WHAT!

Now that’s ACTING WHITE too.

After all, we are them, aren’t we?

The assault on black sanity is not an exclusively white endeavor. A number of black folks I’m finding need to, because of a weak identity or ego or other reasons mysterious, constantly pit themselves against other black people and identity themselves as “real-er, mo’ black, authentically black,” while casting their “opponents” as less black or non-black blacks.

This is a very insecure person who needs to do this. And its understandable in the context of the racism/white supremacy we confront; this is why I advocate therapy for ALL people of African descent, particularly those of us who put ourselves out there as thinkers, or leaders.

We need to look courageously into our depths and heal from the disease of R/WS and all the other stuff we haven’t dealt with. If we don’t do this work, we will harm others as well as ourselves. Our intentions and execution will be shackled everytime by our failure to confront our inner demons. A half-free black person, drunk on their fake-liberated status, is dangerous. They never learned how to listen, never learned that freedom is a process in all of their euphoria in talking and walking like a free black person. But they are only half-free and you can tell this by how much of a ruckus they create.

If you really want to free the slaves, free yourself first (then keep on freeing yourself every day) and then set an example that the others can follow. Don’t leave the freeing of yourself half-done and punish other people for it.