I went over the essay and saw some of the videos. Frankly, I hope not to offend anyone but I don’t understand why continental Africans put themselves in these precarious situations, always begging for political, refugee status in countries where people hate them.
Remember Lybia?
Mother Africa is waiting with her open arms wide open , for her own children, African men and women to stop believing that everything on the other side is always better; end the complacency and the self hatred ,and consider her vast God given wealth,her diversity and beautiful land as a place full of potential, endowed with an enormous capacity for economic, political, social and cultural growth.
With God’s help, Africans must show the world that they can.
Asa..Brother you are well-read, all over! Your links began as a trickle and became a flood! I appreciate your sharing…
kolembo…Thanks a lot, and do, drop in anytime. I am just undone by your poetry! (I have linked!)
Sis Ana…“Frankly, I hope not to offend anyone but I don’t understand why continental Africans put themselves in these precarious situations, always begging for political, refugee status in countries where people hate them…Mother Africa is waiting with her open arms wide open , for her own children, African men and women to stop believing that everything on the other side is always better; end the complacency and the self hatred ,and consider her vast God given wealth,her diversity and beautiful land as a place full of potential, endowed with an enormous capacity for economic, political, social and cultural growth.”
No offense taken at all, Sister. But as one of those “continental Africans, I have to say, I truly understand why we put ourselves in such conditions — people do what they know. And to quote Oprah, (which is something I really hate to do most!), “When you know better, you do better.”
On my last couple trips to West Africa, I went, believing as you suggest — and I felt somehow whole again. But I was a lot like my kids when they were small, “Mommy, this is my friend!” Never mind they’d known little, if anything about “from whence those friends came.” I felt exactly as you described, running into those “arms wide open.” But I learned that my being Black, and particularly American, came with some decidedly unloving realities (the reason I’ve not yet written about the “family trip” we took in 2011. It was an eye-opening, and at times, hurtful understanding with which I’m still dealing. I wanted there to be those “ties that bind” — but I discovered some things that I am still working out in my very, crowded head.
A young sister from Burkina Faso at my Ivorian sister’s shop here, said to me one day as she braided my hair, “It must be sad, to not know where you really came from, the customs, beliefs, ritual, etc. She was 100% right. Maybe one day soon I’ll be able to share what I felt — I have to, or stay stuck in my “Black American, privileged unknowing” which does more to divide and conquer us ” continental Africans” from the rest of the diaspora than any-damned-thing else.
Sis Deb, I uttered those words from my inner soul and with profound love, because my biggest dream and heart desire is to see Mother Africa take back her place in History.
Some of the most saddest moments of my life are when I see continental Africans and black people (in the West) suffer.
And frankly, I don’t believe that black people in the West are “privileged” .
Blacks in the West do not really controlled anything and tend to be fooled easily by politicians with their false promises, the false glitz of material things and the nouveau riche Negroes like Oprah , entertainers and ballplayers.
I want to scream every time some black person tell me about Puff Daddy and Jayzee as if I am supposed to be impressed with them. I usually tell them,I do not know who they are.
I hope not to offend and do not envy anyone’s riches but I am not impressed with things like that because many of those people when presented in that manner are only there to distract us from the real issues that blacks in the West have to deal with.
I hope we can continue with this discourse because so many of the blogs are all about superficial topics and not serious matters.
“Sis Deb, I uttered those words from my inner soul and with profound love, because my biggest dream and heart desire is to see Mother Africa take back her place in History.”
Exactly the way I feel, Sis Ana.
“But as one of those “continental Africans, I have to say, I truly understand why we put ourselves in such conditions — people do what they know. And to quote Oprah, (which is something I really hate to do most!), “When you know better, you do better.”
Thanks for the “gentle” correction on this. The brain was already ahead of the fingers, on to my next point, though I was talking about us here in the West I told you, it’s VERY crowded up in this here brain! ). But I think the “people do what they know” thought still applies, continental or Western — because for the most part, many of us put ourselves “in these precarious situations, always begging for political, refugee status in countries where people hate them.” We’ve just been conditioned not to notice.
And while I believe the “When you know better, you do better” also applies, no matter where we are, it is the knowing, it seems, where we get stuck, particularly since for 100s of years, we’ve been told what to know; what to believe; what’s important and what’s not.
“And frankly, I don’t believe that black people in the West are “privileged.”
Neither do I — but I learned, during my time in West Africa, that we are privileged (in the Western sense of the word), but wa-a-y more f*ked-up differently than the way that whites are. And I have to admit that after some time, I begrudgingly, could see the person’s point who told me I was. He said, “Deborah, these people are not nice to you because they like you, they’re nice to you because they want something from you” (read pain for me in that sentence)! I replied, “But I know the limits of my giving, because I know there’s only so much I can give! After that, there’s not shit else to get!”
“Blacks in the West do not really controlled anything and tend to be fooled easily by politicians with their false promises, the false glitz of material things and the nouveau riche Negroes like Oprah, entertainers and ballplayers.
I want to scream every time some black person tell me about Puff Daddy and Jayzee as if I am supposed to be impressed with them. I usually tell them,I do not know who they are.
I hope not to offend and do not envy anyone’s riches but I am not impressed with things like that because many of those people when presented in that manner are only there to distract us from the real issues that blacks in the West have to deal with.”
Again, I totally agree with you — we don’t control shit (even with a society-identified Black man in the White House!) and continue to be fooled by the politricksters, material things and the faux nouveau riche Black folk who’d be shat upon if they tried to act like they were equal (remember when Oprah was turned away from an Hermes boutique in Paris — when she was a hot commodity, no less!).
I’m not impressed with things like that — anymore — Sis Ana. I won’t even lie and say that I wasn’t at one time, because I was. Critical thinking taught me that those things were distractions. But not until I decided to stop ignoring the uneasy feelings that were ever-present, deep in the pit of my stomach, when something just didn’t feel right either when I witnessed, or was presented with it by the mainstream media. It sucks, that at 55, I’m still, as Baldwin suggested, “doing my first works over,” but I am — continually.
Asa..I have to split my comments to address yours. Please know, that as soon as I get back from the store, I will address…:-)
“Frankly, I hope not to offend anyone but I don’t understand why continental Africans put themselves in these precarious situations, always begging for political, refugee status in countries where people hate them.”
The answer to this question for continental Africans is as simple as this: “would they rather be victims of imperialism or victims of capitalism?” The reality is that there are more opporunities for a better survival as a victim of capitalism in the west than as a victim if imperialism at home. No one marches or cries for African victims of imperialism! A critical and honest analysis of Mother Africa leads to only one conclusion: Mother Africa is fucked!
When one just looks at 2 of the “potentially” richest countries on the continent with their oil and minerals, Nigeria and DR Congo, you find staggerring poverty, unbridled corruption, abject exploitation and oppression of the masses, mass rapes and genocide! In the Arab controlled North, Black Africans are treated worse than in Europe or America. Chattel slavery of Black Africans is stilled practised in Sudan and Mauritania, they are treated as second class citizens in the others and were being systemtically exterminated in Lybia during their “revolution”… to the silent consent of the world. In regards to the other sub-saharan countries which are relatively peaceful and somewhat prosperous, whatever benefits from their resources are taken by the greedy and corrupt few and doesn’t make it down to most of the people. So explain to me why would anyone want to “flee” to any of these countries in search of a better life!?
“Sis Deb, I uttered those words from my inner soul and with profound love, because my biggest dream and heart desire is to see Mother Africa take back her place in History.”
My heart also aches for Mother Africa, however I have lost my romantic and unrealistic hope for the future of the continent. There will be no African renaissance or resurgence for the benefit and glory of African people. Chinese and Indian neocolonialism, re-invigorated European and American neo-imperialism, as well as the systematic militarization of the continent via AFRICOM, are just some of the issues facing the continent.
However, these aren’t the major obstacles that are stagnating the continent from taking back it’s place in history once again. It’s the corruption of the traitorous Black African leadership! When the “supposed” best and brightest in each country… the hope for a better future… are the main perpretators of oppression, exploitation and murder on the people, what realistic hope does the continent have? These chosen few, like Esau, quickly and unashamedly sell their souls, as well as the resources and birthright of their people, “for a bowl of pottage”. There is no Nkrumah, Lumumbah or Sankara coming to save the continent! Even if there was one, they would be easily bought… or more easily killed… or overthrown and sent to the International Criminal Court in the Hague to be tried for (made up) crimes against humanity and/or genocide! Even Mandela had to accept and perpetuate this reality: “you kaffirs can have the vote, the illusion of political power, we’ll even give a small segment of you some of the crumbs from our extravagant dessert table, but keep your grubby black kaffir hands off the economic status quo”. So let’s stop blaming the white man for Mother Africa’s ailments! “Physician, heal thyself!”
So Mother Africa is indeed waiting with it’s arm wide open, but certainly not for her own children, who are seen either as a fodder for exploitaion at best or a burden and nuisance to be exterminated at the very least. It’s arms are wide open, inviting and welcoming foreign exploiters and oppressors! Therefore it’s understandably that for their own survival, African men and women have no other choice but to believe and put their hope in Europe, Israel and the West… that everything on the other side is always better… or at least no worse than they face daily at home. A sad and harsh reality!
Asa…Long trip to the store right? Apologize for the delay.
The answer to this question for continental Africans is as simple as this: “would they rather be victims of imperialism or victims of capitalism?” The reality is that there are more opporunities for a better survival as a victim of capitalism in the west than as a victim if imperialism at home.
But isn’t that just being a better-situated victim, rather than not becoming a victim at all? Is that all there is for them, for us? I’m still selfishly wrestling with that after having gone there. OTOH, I understand them wanting to flee, but then again, my selfish self says, “Stay! Fight! I’ll help in any way I can!”
No one marches or cries for African victims of imperialism! A critical and honest analysis of Mother Africa leads to only one conclusion: Mother Africa is fucked!
Can’t dispute that no one marches (or seems to even care) here in the West anymore. I was told outright by the owner of a small, Black newspaper here when I asked him to publish a piece I wrote about France and the “usual suspects” latest recolonization of Cote d’Ivoire: “No, I’m the owner, and I’m a businessman! Don’t nobody care ’bout no Africans in Ivory Coast! Niggas dyin’ right here!” He spoke for many Black folk, I know, but not this one because I care (and I cry sometimes too). You are right, my friend — “Mother Africa is fucked” — but what does that say about us?
Why have we been absent after taking advantage of those more opportunities to survive better? Why haven’t we taken those better survival skills back to her for HER better survival, and ours — as victims no more? As Sis Ana said and I agree, Mother Africa is pregnant with possibilities. Why is it that our alabaster brethren are the only ones willing (by any means necessary)? The answers to those questions constantly swirl around in this head, all of which, IMHO, can be traced back to those same brethren and their allies and how we’ve always dealt with them since we forgot what most of us never knew about “whence we came.”
“When one just looks at 2 of the “potentially” richest countries…you find staggerring poverty, unbridled corruption, abject exploitation and oppression of the masses, mass rapes and genocide! In the Arab controlled North, Black Africans are treated worse than in Europe or America. Chattel slavery of Black Africans is stilled practised in Sudan and Mauritania, they are treated as second class citizens in the others and were being systemtically exterminated in Libya during their “revolution”… to the silent consent of the world.
Can’t dispute any of that either, Man (though we do know that the “usual suspects” were more involved in that Libyan “revolution” than were Libyans). But all of that notwithstanding, I can’t help but be drawn to your very last phrase which offers similar circumstances but different results for Mother Africa and her ebony children. Hitler also exterminated Jews “to the silent consent of the world” (from fellow Europeans to Americans), which in turn became their “Never Again” — and it seems they meant it. Now, particularly since, unlike Jews, we don’t need to take other people’s land to have a better life in a place of our own, what the hell is wrong with us? Admittedly, it’d be hard work to convince our fellow Africans not only of our intentions, but of our own realities as well, but mightn’t it be worth it?
Oh I know, I know – too romantic; not enough answers and way too many questions! I get, and cosign everything you’ve said, but I still can’t help but think (selfishly again) that “we people who are darker than blue” all over the world, are the “best and the brightest” of Africa, which makes me ironically agree with your “Physician, heal thyself!” — just for different reasons.
You can call it “blaming the white man,” friend — I don’t. Because we didn’t just drop from nowhere like they’ve been trying to convince us for centuries, I see it as telling the truth about what our holocaust, along with Jim Crow has done to a once proud, fighting people.
White folk live, day-in and day-out like they’ve hit a home run — never mind that, unlike us, they started on third base. That must be rectified, “by any means necessary”. Unless and until it is, I think “healing” ourselves will continue to be a litany of corruption, poverty and people doing what they know (or are told to know) in order to survive. Maybe not in my lifetime, but I sure do hope that some time, hopefully sooner than later, there are those of us who’ll own our part in this mess of all-around negligence, and resolve to do something about it, because I’m so tired of it being hell to be Black all over.
“But isn’t that just being a better-situated victim, rather than not becoming a victim at all?
Sis Deb, the simple answer is “yes”. Hard to hear huh!? lol! However, as you yourself have related and expounded upon in numerous posts, the common denominator for Black people all over the world is that we are victimized in one way or another. There is no way for us to move beyond this reality unless we control our own resources and can determine how we utilize our wealth for our benefit. Until then… we will forever be “victims” of the imperialists agenda abroad and the capitalist agenda at home. Fact, Africans don’t control their resources nor do they have the power to determine how their wealth is spent. Fact, those of us in the African diaspora also don’t control the resouces or the wealth of our countries or communities.
Don’t get me wrong, this doesn’t mean that we must have a “victim mentality”. Most of us don’t and shouldn’t. As Bob Marley sings in Buffalo Soldier: “fighting on arrival, fighting for survival”. One of the ways we fight for survival… for a better life for ourselves and future generations… is to make our way to a place where we hope there are better opportunities to succeed. My folks did this when they left Jamaica in the 1950′s to England and then Canada. Black people from Africa, the Caribbean, Central and South America… then and now… make this same trek to the West for the same reason. I have a friend from the Congo and one from Haiti who have recently made their way to Canada and the stories they relay to me of their experiences at home is chilling. They came here with hope in their hearts for a safer and more secure life, with better opportunities for themselves and their families. However I can tell you this, every day this hope is stripped away little by little as they face the realities of being African/Black in Canada. Regardless, they are in no way longing to return home.
“OTOH, I understand them wanting to flee, but then again, my selfish self says, “Stay! Fight! I’ll help in any way I can!”
A noble gesture for sure, but most of us cannot help ourselves overcome our own dilemma at home, much less to be offer any real help to our African brothers and sisters in the motherland. One of the small ways I have found to help those who cannot flee, is through an international microfinancing organization called Kiva.
“You can call it “blaming the white man,” friend — I don’t. Because we didn’t just drop from nowhere like they’ve been trying to convince us for centuries, I see it as telling the truth about what our holocaust, along with Jim Crow has done to a once proud, fighting people.”
There is one thing I have learnt about “the white man”. He is happy when we use our time and energy blaming him for our troubles. Here is why: because he don’t give a damn and he knows this only works to his benefit! The more we focus on him and what he did, does and will do, the less time and energy we have to unshackle ourselves from him and make our own way. This is the foundation upon which a “victim mentality” is built.
Now I’m not saying that we should stop telling the truth about the holocaust which “the white man” has perpetrated on us in the past, continues to do in the present and will do in the future. Ignorance for us isn’t bliss… it’s catastrophic! What I am advocating is that first and foremost, our healing will only begin when we start telling the truth about the holocaust we are perpetrating upon ourselves, physically, mentally and spiritually!This is the only truth that will set us free! We also need to be honest with ourselves about how are we making it easy for “the white man” to victimize us… from hoodwinking us with a Black face in the White House to Basketball Wives to Lil Wayne! Then we can take the necessary steps to truly change our current situation… in the diaspora and in the motherland.
“White folk live, day-in and day-out like they’ve hit a home run — never mind that, unlike us, they started on third base. That must be rectified, “by any means necessary”.
Ahhh… there’s the rub! Who is going to rectify this!? Does “by any means necessary” mean we will put our hope in the numerous self-proclaimed white progressives, limousine liberals and yuppie socialists, who claim solidarity with us and our struglges and swear that they have our best interests at heart, to give up their “white privilege”, so we can all start at home plate… or just like them at third plate!? Or does it mean we will once again have the audacity to hope for a change we can believe in and put our trust in “The Changeling” for another 4 years to rectify things!? Or does it mean we pour our hope into the future generations of the our best and brightest men and women, who are being conditioned by their own elders and peers to continue the “litany of corruption, poverty and people doing what they know (or are told to know) in order to survive” … which in reality is the broad road that leads only to our own self-destruction!?
Sis Deb, like you I’m “tired of it being hell to be Black all over!” Like you “I have not enough answers and way too many questions!” But I’m a Buffalo Soldier at heart and I will continue to fight to do what I can. I am also committed and determined to teach my son and daughter to be Buffalo Soldiers too… not just to fight to survive, but more importantly to fight to live a purpose-driven life! To coin a phrase: “When you know better, you do better!” That’s my hope.
“Hard to hear huh!…There is no way for us to move beyond this reality unless we control our own resources and can determine how we utilize our wealth for our benefit. Until then… we will forever be “victims” of the imperialists agenda abroad and the capitalist agenda at home. “
Nope, the question was rhetorical. As sad and horrible as that truth is, I agree with you. I’m trying to figure out for myself right now, what is most valuable to the agendas where I’m concerned, and then, since I control nothing but myself, remove whatever that is from life. Daunting and painful to say the least, but necessary — for me.
I’m in no way disagreeing with your first-hand observations, nor am I trying to be noble. I’m just saying I’m tired of playing a game with folk that’s obviously rigged from the word , “Go.”
“…most of us cannot help ourselves overcome our own dilemma at home, much less to be offer any real help to our African brothers and sisters in the motherland. One of the small ways I have found to help those who cannot flee, is through Kiva.”
I’m going to play Bill Clinton here for a minute, and ask, “What exactly does “our dilemma at home” mean? That some of us have, while others of us do not — even though we could help them? We’ve descended, it seems into some Darwinian, “survival of the fittest” that I didn’t know growing up. My grandmother’s farm in SC fed, not only us, but others on the island who did not have. That woman “jarred” more shit than the law allowed! She had 19 children (I call them “shifts”) and as each shift reached maturity, they came through my mother’s house in the city (she was the oldest), as a spring-board of sorts, to wherever they chose to land. Some landed successfully, some did not. But it was never for want of someone being there to assist. My aunt’s hog we rode to keep us entertained in “the country” during the summer (she was a first-shifter), became bacon, ham-steaks, pork chops and cracklin’ for all during the lean winter (and youhad to ride it, or be forever chided for your fear). And no one was ever turned way when they needed food, or help. But later generations proved not so felicitous — we’d fallen for what ” we were to know. I’d just like to return to that. Whether I’m able to offer any “real help” or not, the rest is up to those whom I’ve tried to help, IMHO.
While I find the micro-loans of Kiva commendable, don’t you find it strange that it was not a creation of the diaspora who needed it most? I know that doesn’t matter to most folk, but I tire of “white savior” mentality, especially when we are thoroughly furnished and fully equipped these days, to help out our own people.
“He is happy when we use our time and energy blaming him for our troubles. Here is why: because he don’t give a damn and this works to his benefit! The more we focus on him and what he did, does and will do, the less time and energy we have to unshackle ourselves from him and make our own way. This is the foundation upon which a “victim mentality” is built.”
Even though I believe integration was the worst thing that could have happened to American Blacks (this, from someone interracially married to an Italian-American, society-identified white guy), I have o think and say — would that Martin and Malcolm believed as you do. I grew up during the Civil RIghts movement, and I promise, it wasn’t just a time of “victim mentality” (though there was plenty of “act-right-so-you-can-be-accepted” mentality, which often amounts to the same thing) — there was more,and I was glad.
“However, first and foremost we need to begin by looking in the mirror and start telling the truth about the holocaust we are perpetrating on ourselves, as well as identifying how are we making it easy for him to “victimize” us… from hoodwinking us with a Black face in the White House to Basketball Wives to Lil Wayne!”
Totally agree, and what I was trying to express previously when I asked, “What does that say about us?” — none of which should make it “easy for him to victimize us” — seeing as his shit stinks just as much, if not more than ours (in trying to wean myself from network TV, I’ve taken to watching NATGEO Wild (particularly “The Dog Whisperer,” cuz I love dogs) and the “ID” channel, because it’s a dramatization of true stories (No shit! I just couldn’t believe how the depravity continues, so I looked up the cases online — and they’re true! *shudders*).
“Ahhh… there’s the rub! Who is going to rectify this!? Will we wait for the numerous self-proclaimed white progressives, limousine liberals and yuppie socialists, who claim solidarity with us and our struglges and swear that they have our best interests at heart, to give up their “white privilege”, so we can all start at home plate… or just like them at third plate!? Or do we once again have the audacity to hope for a change we can believe in and put our trust in “The Changeling” for another 4 years to rectify things!? Or do we look to our best and brightest, who are being conditioned, mainly by their own elders and peers, to continue the “litany of corruption, poverty and people doing what they know (or are told to know) in order to survive.”
No rub. As I said earlier, “by any means necessary.” But it should certainly be us rectifying it. No, we shouldn’t wait on those liberals, particularly since they’re no different than the conservatives where Black folk are concerned. And no, we’ve surely had enough Black politicians like the Changeling, peddling the “audacity of hope” and “change you can believe in” — some for longer than you’ve been alive (which speaks volumes for having a Black face up in there, versus having a committed Black person up in there)l No again, to those conditioned, “best and brightest.” After all, if you’re paying attention, they’re pretty easy to spot. There are plenty more “best and brightest” who’ve not been conditioned, though they might not look like, nor act like what we’ve been told to see as “acceptable.
“But I’m a Buffalo Soldier at heart and I will continue to fight to do what I can…That’s my hope.”
I believe you, and your hope is, for lack of a better word, “noble.” I think they have a much better chance of fulfilling your goal for them, given their firm foundation.
But I learned that my being Black, and particularly American, came with some decidedly unloving realities (the reason I’ve not yet written about the “family trip” we took in 2011. It was an eye-opening, and at times, hurtful understanding with which I’m still dealing. I wanted there to be those “ties that bind” — but I discovered some things that I am still working out in my very, crowded head.
Sis Deb, in your time, I am very interested in hearing in more depth what you learned from your family trip to West Africa. I went on a pilgrimmage there in 1998 and it literally changed my life! I came away with some eye opening realities myself. It was a wonderful experience and I hope to take my family there one day. The journey did a lot to empower and enlighten me mentally and spiritually.
However I came away with these 3 realities:
1. I am not African, although I am of African heritage
2. Although I was welcomed with “wide open arms” as a brother from all I came in contact with, it was if I was that half or step brother… i.e. same father, different mother… lol! Sure we had ties that bind… but the cord was so long that we weren’t bound too closely or tightly, if you know what I mean…
3. It was so evident that I didn’t know where I really came from, the customs, beliefs and rituals of my ancestors. This realization, which was so clear to me while I was there, was difficult for me and made me the most sad.
Nevertheless, I came to terms with these realities. It didn’t cause me to see myself as separate from my African brothers and sisters, just different. This realization has led me to work that much more to reach out and bind myself closer with them. I realize that instead of making these differences an obstacle to unity, we can strive to compliment each other which makes us stronger in the end.
Asa…Yes, overall it was a wonderful experience for me, and most importantly my now-grown sons! Despite the “hurtful understandings” which I’m still processing, I have never felt before, the way I felt when that plane first, stopped in Dakar for a layover and I could see that African Renaissance Monument (despite the controversy, it moved me), and then touched down in The Gambia. You already know how naively romantic I am about the Continent, so you know when I was surrounded by faces that looked like mine — I was full. And yes, I felt enlightened and empowered, both mentally and spiritually, which meant an awful lot to this once-Baptist, then Catholic, now in-spriritual crisis Black woman, particularly because the feeling had everything to do with a final feeling of “place,” and nothing at all to do with organized religion.
Ditto to all three of your realities! After having gone, I realize why I always say, “I am a Black woman of African descent.” And yes, I do know what you mean about not being bound too closely or tightly — even though I wanted it to be different. The realization also made me most sad. I’m still working on my often, too emotionally invested self, coming to terms with those realities (sliding quickly toward 60, it takes a little more time I guess! ).
“It didn’t cause me to see myself as separate from my African brothers and sisters, just different. This realization has led me to work that much more to reach out and bind myself closer with them. I realize that instead of making these differences an obstacle to unity, we can strive to compliment each other which makes us stronger in the end.”
Truer words have never been spoken! I am different, but the same. So, very important in my continued reaching out, it’s important that I tell them the truth and keep my word, always, so as not to make the difference an “obstacle to unity.” I believe your “strive-to-compliment” goal is powerful! It makes room for our differences but, as you say, it strengthens the whole of us as well — I like it!
This old curmudgeon came to the dance late, Asa — but I’m here, and I’m glad I am. I don’t want to be a part of making Africa a carbon-copy of the West; I want to help heal her (and myself, after all the mental gymnastics of white supremacy), because I really do believe, “When you know better, you do better” — and I know so much better now. I’ll post more about it soon, I’m sure (I’ve some wonderful photos and videos to share as well!).
It is such a blessing that those beautiful kids (how are they??) have a head-start on loving who we are. It’ll keep them, when they need it most! Regards to your wife and again, thanks for posting the links.
“I’m going to play Bill Clinton here for a minute, and ask, “What exactly does “our dilemma at home” mean? That some of us have, while others of us do not — even though we could help them?”
It simply means here in the diaspora most of us aren’t able or equipt to overcome the everyday struggles which grinds us down, much less to help others at home or abroad. It simply means that most of our “best and brightest” are more focused on “getting theirs”… not on “getting ours”.
(As an aside, when you say “I’m going to play Bill Clinton here for a minute…” does that mean you’re gonna play “devil’s advocate”? …lol… just asking…[:o)
“There are plenty more “best and brightest” who’ve not been conditioned, though they might not look like, nor act like what we’ve been told to see as “acceptable.”
You may be right, I just don’t see it. Which leads into your next question: “While I find the micro-loans of Kiva commendable, don’t you find it strange that it was not a creation of the diaspora who needed it most?” No I don’t. That’s the rub! Direct me to one international microfinancing org. developed and administered by our “best and brightest” to assist in the development of those in the motherland and/or diaspora and I’ll support it first and foremost! I’ve searched. Btw… I’m not saying that there aren’t those of us who are committed to making a difference, they are numerous examples out there that can be found, but they are the exception to the rule. Which leads into your next statement: “I know that doesn’t matter to most folk, but I tire of “white savior” mentality, especially when we are thoroughly furnished and fully equipped these days, to help out our own people.” What you refer to as the “white savior mentality”, in this case I see as a “by any means necessary” senario.
You speculated above: “would that Martin and Malcolm believed as you do”. Both Martin and Malcolm had come to the realization before their murders, that these issues were much deeper than simply just a “Black vs White” or even a “civil rights” issue… which is why the time had come for them to die! Even Malcolm had stated that he was willing to work with anyone, regardless of color or religion, who had the same goals in our struggle for human rights! Although I would be the first to argue that Kiva is not the only… or even the best solution to the issues surrounding development in Africa, I would also argue that they are doing something beneficial in that regard. I support any positive endeavours which benefits our people from wherever and whoever it comes… taking into account at what cost of course when it comes from our “alabaster brethren” (btw… this term had me on the floor laughing).
“We’ve descended, it seems into some Darwinian, “survival of the fittest” that I didn’t know growing up.”
This statement is too true! The experiences you described growing up were similar to what I experienced in Jamaica when I was growing up. My grandparents, who were financially better off than most in their siblings, paid for the education of all their nephews and nieces, from elementary school through high school. Tuition, uniforms, books, bus fare and lunch money. They would also regularly take in to live with us, a girl or boy from a poor family in the area to help with the house work and other chores, and pay for all their education too. They further financed the emigration of not only my mother, but also all their nephews and neices who went to “foreign” to go to school and/or seek better opportunities. They also never turned anyone away who needed food or clothing. All that being said, my grandparents weren’t perfect and had their own colonial conditioned classist prejudices, but they instilled in all of us the Buffalo Soldier mentality that failure was not an option. They equiptted all of us not only with the tools to succeed, but with a living example that it is our responsibility to do for others who were less fortunate than us. I don’t see that commitment or practice among our people anymore. Futhermore, I never, ever heard them or my parents blame the white man for anything, although they experienced some ignorant shit at their hands… at home and abroad. However, they were quick to take it to them when they had to though…lol! I also have those memories! This was the environment I grew up in and the values they instilled in me.
“This old curmudgeon came to the dance late, Asa — but I’m here, and I’m glad I am.”
This made me laugh too! Sis Deb, you didn’t show up late, you came just in time! Your opinions and perspectives are valued! I appreciate you taking your time to share and discuss them. Also, regardless of your age, you have a young and energetic spirit, I’m sure you’ve been told that before… lol! Btw… I hope all is going well with your health issues.
The kids are healthy and doing well. They are a blessing to us everyday.
“It simply means here in the diaspora most of us aren’t able or equipt to overcome the everyday struggles which grinds us down, much less to help others at home or abroad. It simply means that most of our “best and brightest” are focused on “getting theirs”… not on “getting ours”.
You know, that’s one of the premiere reasons I’m grateful to have had the chance to go . It showed me that it didn’t take nearly as much as I thought to help! When the family joined me, my sons met a young kid (I say, “kid,” cuz he was the same age as my oldest) outside the hotel one day (he was actually one of the few “official guides” for the place, and he told them that, up front). He also had his best friend with him (around the same age), whom he was grooming to also become an “official guide.” The four of them immediately clicked which helped make the trip that much more memorable for the because they went all over the place with them!
Anyway, we were all together one day and the kid showed me his business card so I could put his info in my phone (I get a Gambian sim card when I go — cheaper to make local calls). He didn’t give it to me to keep, cuz he didn’t have many. I asked why didn’t he just get some more? He said, “Because they cost 100 Dalasi.” My colonized mind caused my mouth to blurt out, “Well that’s not much!” He respectfully replied, “It is to me and my family” Immediately, I felt like the privileged fool I probably sounded like (considering how little they manage to live on). I said, “Well, yeah, you’ve got a point. His parents live in a rural village away from the tourist area where he works during season as a tour guide. He shares a compound bar the hotel with his younger brother and sister and some other extended family, taking some of the money he earns back to the village for his parents and helping the extended family in the compound where he lives during season. Since I’d already been “warned” on my second trip, about “these people” wanting something from me (usually money), my antennae now, were twitching. But he never asked for anything.
Before we left, the sons said, “Mom, you can make that business card” (I’d made some for the oldest son before)! And when I got home, I did. It didn’t cost me anything but the price to mail them back. I’d already had some left over from before just sitting unused. The printer already had ink and I had nothing but time and an idea of how they should look. They turned out really well! I’d not told him I was going to do it, so when he got them in the mail, he emailed me from the little internet cafe near the hotel, very surprised and so very grateful that I’d thought enough of him to do it. I felt good, that in a small way, I’d been able to help him make a little more money because not only could he hand out more cards to the tourists, they could keep them and refer him to anybody else they knew coming there “on holiday.”
I agree that many of us in the diaspora aren’t able or equipped to overcome the everyday struggles that grind us down — but I don’t think it’s “most” of us. Like Kiva, there’s an awful lot of small things we can do too Asa. But you’re right, a lot of our “best and brightest” are focused on “getting theirs”… not on “getting ours.”
“You may be right, I just don’t see it.”
Depends on what you’re looking for I guess. If you saw my two knuckle-heads walking toward you, like Rev. Jesse, you’d probably think from their appearance, they were out to do you harm. But nothing could be further from the truth. Don’t get it twisted, they’re by no means angels, but their hearts are pretty much in the right place.
“Direct me to one international microfinancing org. developed and administered by our “best and brightest” to assist in the development of those in the motherland and/or diaspora and I’ll support it first and foremost!”
Touché! However, there is a Ghanaian guy now living in DC who works for the Geek Squad at a Best Buy, who collects donated old, slow/unused computers and refurbishes them in his garage and then sends them to the school children in his small village back home (I saw the story on a CNN show called “African Voices” on one of my trips to the Gambia. Funny, they don’t broadcast it here in the States!). Not as international as Kiva, but definitely worthy of our support. I don’t know jack-shit about fixing computers, but he sure inspired me to get my old laptop rehabbed for a nursing student who works at the hotel by day and goes to university at night!
“What you refer to the “white savior mentality” in this case, I see as “by any means necessary”
You certainly have a point there. Unless and until we get our shit together, people will have to keep doing whatever’s necessary. One of my main aversions (aside from very little “saving” on our end) is exactly what you mentioned, “taking into account at what cost of course when it comes from our “alabaster brethren” — call me a pessimist, but there’s always a cost (the term just popped into my head one day )!
“They equiptted all of us not only with the tools to succeed, but the example that it is your responsibility to do for others. I never, ever heard them or my parents blame the white man for anything, although they experienced some brutal shit at their hands… at home and abroad. However, they were quick to take it to them when they had to though”
Same here, except for the last part. My grandparents always made sure we knew the things the “buckra” (a Gullah word for white man) did and how they dealt with them — as a means of survival more than anything else I think. It was imperative that we recognized it when we saw it, and knew how to maneuver around it instead of confront it — because confronting made violent repercussions certain. The got older I got, the more I cast off the “maneuver around it” shit. My mouth often got me in more trouble than anything else, once wherever I shot it off, and again when my Mama found out!
“Sis Deb, you didn’t show up late, you came just in time! Your opinions and perspectives are valued! Also, regardless of your age, you have a young and energetic spirit, I’m sure you’ve been told that before”
Now that I think about it, you’re probably right, because I certainly wasn’t ready when I was younger (too tied up in this system of ours), and thank you for that. I certainly appreciate the opportunity to share them here (I wear them out around this joint! ). Your “give-as-good-as-you-get, thought-filled, observations and conversations always make me think — from a different point of view — providing me with a more well-rounded approach to working through the many thoughts swirling around in this head. And yes, I have been told that! (lol)
Thanks for asking. I’m doing well and the numbness in the hand is almost completely gone! Glad the family’s doing well and blessings right back a you!
Again, Brother—thanks.
Very interesting! I need time to go over it and then I will reply.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHzYsj8rZp0
Saludos…
Hadn’t seen this blog around.
Good stuff!
http:kolembo.wordpress.com
I want to add these excerps from Aime Cesaire. I will comment after.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWrk9488094
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6tBrVDNW1s
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dG8rvp0BmOg
I went over the essay and saw some of the videos. Frankly, I hope not to offend anyone but I don’t understand why continental Africans put themselves in these precarious situations, always begging for political, refugee status in countries where people hate them.
Remember Lybia?
Mother Africa is waiting with her open arms wide open , for her own children, African men and women to stop believing that everything on the other side is always better; end the complacency and the self hatred ,and consider her vast God given wealth,her diversity and beautiful land as a place full of potential, endowed with an enormous capacity for economic, political, social and cultural growth.
With God’s help, Africans must show the world that they can.
Asa..Brother you are well-read, all over! Your links began as a trickle and became a flood! I appreciate your sharing…
kolembo…Thanks a lot, and do, drop in anytime. I am just undone by your poetry! (I have linked!)
Sis Ana…“Frankly, I hope not to offend anyone but I don’t understand why continental Africans put themselves in these precarious situations, always begging for political, refugee status in countries where people hate them…Mother Africa is waiting with her open arms wide open , for her own children, African men and women to stop believing that everything on the other side is always better; end the complacency and the self hatred ,and consider her vast God given wealth,her diversity and beautiful land as a place full of potential, endowed with an enormous capacity for economic, political, social and cultural growth.”
No offense taken at all, Sister. But as one of those “continental Africans, I have to say, I truly understand why we put ourselves in such conditions — people do what they know. And to quote Oprah, (which is something I really hate to do most!), “When you know better, you do better.”
On my last couple trips to West Africa, I went, believing as you suggest — and I felt somehow whole again. But I was a lot like my kids when they were small, “Mommy, this is my friend!” Never mind they’d known little, if anything about “from whence those friends came.” I felt exactly as you described, running into those “arms wide open.” But I learned that my being Black, and particularly American, came with some decidedly unloving realities (the reason I’ve not yet written about the “family trip” we took in 2011. It was an eye-opening, and at times, hurtful understanding with which I’m still dealing. I wanted there to be those “ties that bind” — but I discovered some things that I am still working out in my very, crowded head.
A young sister from Burkina Faso at my Ivorian sister’s shop here, said to me one day as she braided my hair, “It must be sad, to not know where you really came from, the customs, beliefs, ritual, etc. She was 100% right. Maybe one day soon I’ll be able to share what I felt — I have to, or stay stuck in my “Black American, privileged unknowing” which does more to divide and conquer us ” continental Africans” from the rest of the diaspora than any-damned-thing else.
Thank for reading, and thanks for your critique.
Sis Deb, I uttered those words from my inner soul and with profound love, because my biggest dream and heart desire is to see Mother Africa take back her place in History.
Some of the most saddest moments of my life are when I see continental Africans and black people (in the West) suffer.
And frankly, I don’t believe that black people in the West are “privileged” .
Blacks in the West do not really controlled anything and tend to be fooled easily by politicians with their false promises, the false glitz of material things and the nouveau riche Negroes like Oprah , entertainers and ballplayers.
I want to scream every time some black person tell me about Puff Daddy and Jayzee as if I am supposed to be impressed with them. I usually tell them,I do not know who they are.
I hope not to offend and do not envy anyone’s riches but I am not impressed with things like that because many of those people when presented in that manner are only there to distract us from the real issues that blacks in the West have to deal with.
I hope we can continue with this discourse because so many of the blogs are all about superficial topics and not serious matters.
“Sis Deb, I uttered those words from my inner soul and with profound love, because my biggest dream and heart desire is to see Mother Africa take back her place in History.”
Exactly the way I feel, Sis Ana.
“But as one of those “continental Africans, I have to say, I truly understand why we put ourselves in such conditions — people do what they know. And to quote Oprah, (which is something I really hate to do most!), “When you know better, you do better.”
Thanks for the “gentle” correction on this.
The brain was already ahead of the fingers, on to my next point, though I was talking about us here in the West I told you, it’s VERY crowded up in this here brain! 
). But I think the “people do what they know” thought still applies, continental or Western — because for the most part, many of us put ourselves “in these precarious situations, always begging for political, refugee status in countries where people hate them.” We’ve just been conditioned not to notice.
And while I believe the “When you know better, you do better” also applies, no matter where we are, it is the knowing, it seems, where we get stuck, particularly since for 100s of years, we’ve been told what to know; what to believe; what’s important and what’s not.
“And frankly, I don’t believe that black people in the West are “privileged.”
Neither do I — but I learned, during my time in West Africa, that we are privileged (in the Western sense of the word), but wa-a-y more f*ked-up differently than the way that whites are. And I have to admit that after some time, I begrudgingly, could see the person’s point who told me I was. He said, “Deborah, these people are not nice to you because they like you, they’re nice to you because they want something from you” (read pain for me in that sentence)! I replied, “But I know the limits of my giving, because I know there’s only so much I can give! After that, there’s not shit else to get!”
“Blacks in the West do not really controlled anything and tend to be fooled easily by politicians with their false promises, the false glitz of material things and the nouveau riche Negroes like Oprah, entertainers and ballplayers.
I want to scream every time some black person tell me about Puff Daddy and Jayzee as if I am supposed to be impressed with them. I usually tell them,I do not know who they are.
I hope not to offend and do not envy anyone’s riches but I am not impressed with things like that because many of those people when presented in that manner are only there to distract us from the real issues that blacks in the West have to deal with.”
Again, I totally agree with you — we don’t control shit (even with a society-identified Black man in the White House!) and continue to be fooled by the politricksters, material things and the faux nouveau riche Black folk who’d be shat upon if they tried to act like they were equal (remember when Oprah was turned away from an Hermes boutique in Paris — when she was a hot commodity, no less!).
I’m not impressed with things like that — anymore — Sis Ana. I won’t even lie and say that I wasn’t at one time, because I was. Critical thinking taught me that those things were distractions. But not until I decided to stop ignoring the uneasy feelings that were ever-present, deep in the pit of my stomach, when something just didn’t feel right either when I witnessed, or was presented with it by the mainstream media. It sucks, that at 55, I’m still, as Baldwin suggested, “doing my first works over,” but I am — continually.
Asa..I have to split my comments to address yours. Please know, that as soon as I get back from the store, I will address…:-)
“Frankly, I hope not to offend anyone but I don’t understand why continental Africans put themselves in these precarious situations, always begging for political, refugee status in countries where people hate them.”
The answer to this question for continental Africans is as simple as this: “would they rather be victims of imperialism or victims of capitalism?” The reality is that there are more opporunities for a better survival as a victim of capitalism in the west than as a victim if imperialism at home. No one marches or cries for African victims of imperialism! A critical and honest analysis of Mother Africa leads to only one conclusion: Mother Africa is fucked!
When one just looks at 2 of the “potentially” richest countries on the continent with their oil and minerals, Nigeria and DR Congo, you find staggerring poverty, unbridled corruption, abject exploitation and oppression of the masses, mass rapes and genocide! In the Arab controlled North, Black Africans are treated worse than in Europe or America. Chattel slavery of Black Africans is stilled practised in Sudan and Mauritania, they are treated as second class citizens in the others and were being systemtically exterminated in Lybia during their “revolution”… to the silent consent of the world. In regards to the other sub-saharan countries which are relatively peaceful and somewhat prosperous, whatever benefits from their resources are taken by the greedy and corrupt few and doesn’t make it down to most of the people. So explain to me why would anyone want to “flee” to any of these countries in search of a better life!?
“Sis Deb, I uttered those words from my inner soul and with profound love, because my biggest dream and heart desire is to see Mother Africa take back her place in History.”
My heart also aches for Mother Africa, however I have lost my romantic and unrealistic hope for the future of the continent. There will be no African renaissance or resurgence for the benefit and glory of African people. Chinese and Indian neocolonialism, re-invigorated European and American neo-imperialism, as well as the systematic militarization of the continent via AFRICOM, are just some of the issues facing the continent.
However, these aren’t the major obstacles that are stagnating the continent from taking back it’s place in history once again. It’s the corruption of the traitorous Black African leadership! When the “supposed” best and brightest in each country… the hope for a better future… are the main perpretators of oppression, exploitation and murder on the people, what realistic hope does the continent have? These chosen few, like Esau, quickly and unashamedly sell their souls, as well as the resources and birthright of their people, “for a bowl of pottage”. There is no Nkrumah, Lumumbah or Sankara coming to save the continent! Even if there was one, they would be easily bought… or more easily killed… or overthrown and sent to the International Criminal Court in the Hague to be tried for (made up) crimes against humanity and/or genocide! Even Mandela had to accept and perpetuate this reality: “you kaffirs can have the vote, the illusion of political power, we’ll even give a small segment of you some of the crumbs from our extravagant dessert table, but keep your grubby black kaffir hands off the economic status quo”. So let’s stop blaming the white man for Mother Africa’s ailments! “Physician, heal thyself!”
So Mother Africa is indeed waiting with it’s arm wide open, but certainly not for her own children, who are seen either as a fodder for exploitaion at best or a burden and nuisance to be exterminated at the very least. It’s arms are wide open, inviting and welcoming foreign exploiters and oppressors! Therefore it’s understandably that for their own survival, African men and women have no other choice but to believe and put their hope in Europe, Israel and the West… that everything on the other side is always better… or at least no worse than they face daily at home. A sad and harsh reality!
Asa…Long trip to the store right?
Apologize for the delay.
The answer to this question for continental Africans is as simple as this: “would they rather be victims of imperialism or victims of capitalism?” The reality is that there are more opporunities for a better survival as a victim of capitalism in the west than as a victim if imperialism at home.
But isn’t that just being a better-situated victim, rather than not becoming a victim at all? Is that all there is for them, for us? I’m still selfishly wrestling with that after having gone there. OTOH, I understand them wanting to flee, but then again, my selfish self says, “Stay! Fight! I’ll help in any way I can!”
No one marches or cries for African victims of imperialism! A critical and honest analysis of Mother Africa leads to only one conclusion: Mother Africa is fucked!
Can’t dispute that no one marches (or seems to even care) here in the West anymore. I was told outright by the owner of a small, Black newspaper here when I asked him to publish a piece I wrote about France and the “usual suspects” latest recolonization of Cote d’Ivoire: “No, I’m the owner, and I’m a businessman! Don’t nobody care ’bout no Africans in Ivory Coast! Niggas dyin’ right here!” He spoke for many Black folk, I know, but not this one because I care (and I cry sometimes too). You are right, my friend — “Mother Africa is fucked” — but what does that say about us?
Why have we been absent after taking advantage of those more opportunities to survive better? Why haven’t we taken those better survival skills back to her for HER better survival, and ours — as victims no more? As Sis Ana said and I agree, Mother Africa is pregnant with possibilities. Why is it that our alabaster brethren are the only ones willing (by any means necessary)? The answers to those questions constantly swirl around in this head, all of which, IMHO, can be traced back to those same brethren and their allies and how we’ve always dealt with them since we forgot what most of us never knew about “whence we came.”
“When one just looks at 2 of the “potentially” richest countries…you find staggerring poverty, unbridled corruption, abject exploitation and oppression of the masses, mass rapes and genocide! In the Arab controlled North, Black Africans are treated worse than in Europe or America. Chattel slavery of Black Africans is stilled practised in Sudan and Mauritania, they are treated as second class citizens in the others and were being systemtically exterminated in Libya during their “revolution”… to the silent consent of the world.
Can’t dispute any of that either, Man (though we do know that the “usual suspects” were more involved in that Libyan “revolution” than were Libyans). But all of that notwithstanding, I can’t help but be drawn to your very last phrase which offers similar circumstances but different results for Mother Africa and her ebony children. Hitler also exterminated Jews “to the silent consent of the world” (from fellow Europeans to Americans), which in turn became their “Never Again” — and it seems they meant it. Now, particularly since, unlike Jews, we don’t need to take other people’s land to have a better life in a place of our own, what the hell is wrong with us? Admittedly, it’d be hard work to convince our fellow Africans not only of our intentions, but of our own realities as well, but mightn’t it be worth it?
Oh I know, I know – too romantic; not enough answers and way too many questions!
I get, and cosign everything you’ve said, but I still can’t help but think (selfishly again) that “we people who are darker than blue” all over the world, are the “best and the brightest” of Africa, which makes me ironically agree with your “Physician, heal thyself!” — just for different reasons.
You can call it “blaming the white man,” friend — I don’t. Because we didn’t just drop from nowhere like they’ve been trying to convince us for centuries, I see it as telling the truth about what our holocaust, along with Jim Crow has done to a once proud, fighting people.
White folk live, day-in and day-out like they’ve hit a home run — never mind that, unlike us, they started on third base. That must be rectified, “by any means necessary”. Unless and until it is, I think “healing” ourselves will continue to be a litany of corruption, poverty and people doing what they know (or are told to know) in order to survive. Maybe not in my lifetime, but I sure do hope that some time, hopefully sooner than later, there are those of us who’ll own our part in this mess of all-around negligence, and resolve to do something about it, because I’m so tired of it being hell to be Black all over.
“But isn’t that just being a better-situated victim, rather than not becoming a victim at all?
Sis Deb, the simple answer is “yes”. Hard to hear huh!? lol! However, as you yourself have related and expounded upon in numerous posts, the common denominator for Black people all over the world is that we are victimized in one way or another. There is no way for us to move beyond this reality unless we control our own resources and can determine how we utilize our wealth for our benefit. Until then… we will forever be “victims” of the imperialists agenda abroad and the capitalist agenda at home. Fact, Africans don’t control their resources nor do they have the power to determine how their wealth is spent. Fact, those of us in the African diaspora also don’t control the resouces or the wealth of our countries or communities.
Don’t get me wrong, this doesn’t mean that we must have a “victim mentality”. Most of us don’t and shouldn’t. As Bob Marley sings in Buffalo Soldier: “fighting on arrival, fighting for survival”. One of the ways we fight for survival… for a better life for ourselves and future generations… is to make our way to a place where we hope there are better opportunities to succeed. My folks did this when they left Jamaica in the 1950′s to England and then Canada. Black people from Africa, the Caribbean, Central and South America… then and now… make this same trek to the West for the same reason. I have a friend from the Congo and one from Haiti who have recently made their way to Canada and the stories they relay to me of their experiences at home is chilling. They came here with hope in their hearts for a safer and more secure life, with better opportunities for themselves and their families. However I can tell you this, every day this hope is stripped away little by little as they face the realities of being African/Black in Canada. Regardless, they are in no way longing to return home.
“OTOH, I understand them wanting to flee, but then again, my selfish self says, “Stay! Fight! I’ll help in any way I can!”
A noble gesture for sure, but most of us cannot help ourselves overcome our own dilemma at home, much less to be offer any real help to our African brothers and sisters in the motherland. One of the small ways I have found to help those who cannot flee, is through an international microfinancing organization called Kiva.
“You can call it “blaming the white man,” friend — I don’t. Because we didn’t just drop from nowhere like they’ve been trying to convince us for centuries, I see it as telling the truth about what our holocaust, along with Jim Crow has done to a once proud, fighting people.”
There is one thing I have learnt about “the white man”. He is happy when we use our time and energy blaming him for our troubles. Here is why: because he don’t give a damn and he knows this only works to his benefit! The more we focus on him and what he did, does and will do, the less time and energy we have to unshackle ourselves from him and make our own way. This is the foundation upon which a “victim mentality” is built.
Now I’m not saying that we should stop telling the truth about the holocaust which “the white man” has perpetrated on us in the past, continues to do in the present and will do in the future. Ignorance for us isn’t bliss… it’s catastrophic! What I am advocating is that first and foremost, our healing will only begin when we start telling the truth about the holocaust we are perpetrating upon ourselves, physically, mentally and spiritually! This is the only truth that will set us free! We also need to be honest with ourselves about how are we making it easy for “the white man” to victimize us… from hoodwinking us with a Black face in the White House to Basketball Wives to Lil Wayne! Then we can take the necessary steps to truly change our current situation… in the diaspora and in the motherland.
“White folk live, day-in and day-out like they’ve hit a home run — never mind that, unlike us, they started on third base. That must be rectified, “by any means necessary”.
Ahhh… there’s the rub! Who is going to rectify this!? Does “by any means necessary” mean we will put our hope in the numerous self-proclaimed white progressives, limousine liberals and yuppie socialists, who claim solidarity with us and our struglges and swear that they have our best interests at heart, to give up their “white privilege”, so we can all start at home plate… or just like them at third plate!? Or does it mean we will once again have the audacity to hope for a change we can believe in and put our trust in “The Changeling” for another 4 years to rectify things!? Or does it mean we pour our hope into the future generations of the our best and brightest men and women, who are being conditioned by their own elders and peers to continue the “litany of corruption, poverty and people doing what they know (or are told to know) in order to survive” … which in reality is the broad road that leads only to our own self-destruction!?
Sis Deb, like you I’m “tired of it being hell to be Black all over!” Like you “I have not enough answers and way too many questions!” But I’m a Buffalo Soldier at heart and I will continue to fight to do what I can. I am also committed and determined to teach my son and daughter to be Buffalo Soldiers too… not just to fight to survive, but more importantly to fight to live a purpose-driven life! To coin a phrase: “When you know better, you do better!” That’s my hope.
“Hard to hear huh!…There is no way for us to move beyond this reality unless we control our own resources and can determine how we utilize our wealth for our benefit. Until then… we will forever be “victims” of the imperialists agenda abroad and the capitalist agenda at home. “
Nope, the question was rhetorical. As sad and horrible as that truth is, I agree with you. I’m trying to figure out for myself right now, what is most valuable to the agendas where I’m concerned, and then, since I control nothing but myself, remove whatever that is from life. Daunting and painful to say the least, but necessary — for me.
I’m in no way disagreeing with your first-hand observations, nor am I trying to be noble. I’m just saying I’m tired of playing a game with folk that’s obviously rigged from the word , “Go.”
“…most of us cannot help ourselves overcome our own dilemma at home, much less to be offer any real help to our African brothers and sisters in the motherland. One of the small ways I have found to help those who cannot flee, is through Kiva.”
I’m going to play Bill Clinton here for a minute, and ask, “What exactly does “our dilemma at home” mean? That some of us have, while others of us do not — even though we could help them? We’ve descended, it seems into some Darwinian, “survival of the fittest” that I didn’t know growing up. My grandmother’s farm in SC fed, not only us, but others on the island who did not have. That woman “jarred” more shit than the law allowed! She had 19 children (I call them “shifts”) and as each shift reached maturity, they came through my mother’s house in the city (she was the oldest), as a spring-board of sorts, to wherever they chose to land. Some landed successfully, some did not. But it was never for want of someone being there to assist. My aunt’s hog we rode to keep us entertained in “the country” during the summer (she was a first-shifter), became bacon, ham-steaks, pork chops and cracklin’ for all during the lean winter (and youhad to ride it, or be forever chided for your fear). And no one was ever turned way when they needed food, or help. But later generations proved not so felicitous — we’d fallen for what ” we were to know. I’d just like to return to that. Whether I’m able to offer any “real help” or not, the rest is up to those whom I’ve tried to help, IMHO.
While I find the micro-loans of Kiva commendable, don’t you find it strange that it was not a creation of the diaspora who needed it most? I know that doesn’t matter to most folk, but I tire of “white savior” mentality, especially when we are thoroughly furnished and fully equipped these days, to help out our own people.
“He is happy when we use our time and energy blaming him for our troubles. Here is why: because he don’t give a damn and this works to his benefit! The more we focus on him and what he did, does and will do, the less time and energy we have to unshackle ourselves from him and make our own way. This is the foundation upon which a “victim mentality” is built.”
Even though I believe integration was the worst thing that could have happened to American Blacks (this, from someone interracially married to an Italian-American, society-identified white guy), I have o think and say — would that Martin and Malcolm believed as you do. I grew up during the Civil RIghts movement, and I promise, it wasn’t just a time of “victim mentality” (though there was plenty of “act-right-so-you-can-be-accepted” mentality, which often amounts to the same thing) — there was more,and I was glad.
“However, first and foremost we need to begin by looking in the mirror and start telling the truth about the holocaust we are perpetrating on ourselves, as well as identifying how are we making it easy for him to “victimize” us… from hoodwinking us with a Black face in the White House to Basketball Wives to Lil Wayne!”
Totally agree, and what I was trying to express previously when I asked, “What does that say about us?” — none of which should make it “easy for him to victimize us” — seeing as his shit stinks just as much, if not more than ours (in trying to wean myself from network TV, I’ve taken to watching NATGEO Wild (particularly “The Dog Whisperer,” cuz I love dogs) and the “ID” channel, because it’s a dramatization of true stories (No shit! I just couldn’t believe how the depravity continues, so I looked up the cases online — and they’re true! *shudders*).
“Ahhh… there’s the rub! Who is going to rectify this!? Will we wait for the numerous self-proclaimed white progressives, limousine liberals and yuppie socialists, who claim solidarity with us and our struglges and swear that they have our best interests at heart, to give up their “white privilege”, so we can all start at home plate… or just like them at third plate!? Or do we once again have the audacity to hope for a change we can believe in and put our trust in “The Changeling” for another 4 years to rectify things!? Or do we look to our best and brightest, who are being conditioned, mainly by their own elders and peers, to continue the “litany of corruption, poverty and people doing what they know (or are told to know) in order to survive.”
No rub. As I said earlier, “by any means necessary.” But it should certainly be us rectifying it. No, we shouldn’t wait on those liberals, particularly since they’re no different than the conservatives where Black folk are concerned. And no, we’ve surely had enough Black politicians like the Changeling, peddling the “audacity of hope” and “change you can believe in” — some for longer than you’ve been alive (which speaks volumes for having a Black face up in there, versus having a committed Black person up in there)l No again, to those conditioned, “best and brightest.” After all, if you’re paying attention, they’re pretty easy to spot. There are plenty more “best and brightest” who’ve not been conditioned, though they might not look like, nor act like what we’ve been told to see as “acceptable.
“But I’m a Buffalo Soldier at heart and I will continue to fight to do what I can…That’s my hope.”
I believe you, and your hope is, for lack of a better word, “noble.” I think they have a much better chance of fulfilling your goal for them, given their firm foundation.
But I learned that my being Black, and particularly American, came with some decidedly unloving realities (the reason I’ve not yet written about the “family trip” we took in 2011. It was an eye-opening, and at times, hurtful understanding with which I’m still dealing. I wanted there to be those “ties that bind” — but I discovered some things that I am still working out in my very, crowded head.
Sis Deb, in your time, I am very interested in hearing in more depth what you learned from your family trip to West Africa. I went on a pilgrimmage there in 1998 and it literally changed my life! I came away with some eye opening realities myself. It was a wonderful experience and I hope to take my family there one day. The journey did a lot to empower and enlighten me mentally and spiritually.
However I came away with these 3 realities:
1. I am not African, although I am of African heritage
2. Although I was welcomed with “wide open arms” as a brother from all I came in contact with, it was if I was that half or step brother… i.e. same father, different mother… lol! Sure we had ties that bind… but the cord was so long that we weren’t bound too closely or tightly, if you know what I mean…
3. It was so evident that I didn’t know where I really came from, the customs, beliefs and rituals of my ancestors. This realization, which was so clear to me while I was there, was difficult for me and made me the most sad.
Nevertheless, I came to terms with these realities. It didn’t cause me to see myself as separate from my African brothers and sisters, just different. This realization has led me to work that much more to reach out and bind myself closer with them. I realize that instead of making these differences an obstacle to unity, we can strive to compliment each other which makes us stronger in the end.
Asa…Yes, overall it was a wonderful experience for me, and most importantly my now-grown sons! Despite the “hurtful understandings” which I’m still processing, I have never felt before, the way I felt when that plane first, stopped in Dakar for a layover and I could see that African Renaissance Monument (despite the controversy, it moved me), and then touched down in The Gambia. You already know how naively romantic I am about the Continent, so you know when I was surrounded by faces that looked like mine — I was full. And yes, I felt enlightened and empowered, both mentally and spiritually, which meant an awful lot to this once-Baptist, then Catholic, now in-spriritual crisis Black woman, particularly because the feeling had everything to do with a final feeling of “place,” and nothing at all to do with organized religion.
Ditto to all three of your realities! After having gone, I realize why I always say, “I am a Black woman of African descent.” And yes, I do know what you mean about not being bound too closely or tightly — even though I wanted it to be different. The realization also made me most sad. I’m still working on my often, too emotionally invested self, coming to terms with those realities (sliding quickly toward 60, it takes a little more time I guess!
).
“It didn’t cause me to see myself as separate from my African brothers and sisters, just different. This realization has led me to work that much more to reach out and bind myself closer with them. I realize that instead of making these differences an obstacle to unity, we can strive to compliment each other which makes us stronger in the end.”
Truer words have never been spoken! I am different, but the same. So, very important in my continued reaching out, it’s important that I tell them the truth and keep my word, always, so as not to make the difference an “obstacle to unity.” I believe your “strive-to-compliment” goal is powerful! It makes room for our differences but, as you say, it strengthens the whole of us as well — I like it!
This old curmudgeon came to the dance late, Asa — but I’m here, and I’m glad I am. I don’t want to be a part of making Africa a carbon-copy of the West; I want to help heal her (and myself, after all the mental gymnastics of white supremacy), because I really do believe, “When you know better, you do better” — and I know so much better now. I’ll post more about it soon, I’m sure (I’ve some wonderful photos and videos to share as well!).
It is such a blessing that those beautiful kids (how are they??) have a head-start on loving who we are. It’ll keep them, when they need it most! Regards to your wife and again, thanks for posting the links.
“I’m going to play Bill Clinton here for a minute, and ask, “What exactly does “our dilemma at home” mean? That some of us have, while others of us do not — even though we could help them?”
It simply means here in the diaspora most of us aren’t able or equipt to overcome the everyday struggles which grinds us down, much less to help others at home or abroad. It simply means that most of our “best and brightest” are more focused on “getting theirs”… not on “getting ours”.
(As an aside, when you say “I’m going to play Bill Clinton here for a minute…” does that mean you’re gonna play “devil’s advocate”? …lol… just asking…[:o)
“There are plenty more “best and brightest” who’ve not been conditioned, though they might not look like, nor act like what we’ve been told to see as “acceptable.”
You may be right, I just don’t see it. Which leads into your next question: “While I find the micro-loans of Kiva commendable, don’t you find it strange that it was not a creation of the diaspora who needed it most?” No I don’t. That’s the rub! Direct me to one international microfinancing org. developed and administered by our “best and brightest” to assist in the development of those in the motherland and/or diaspora and I’ll support it first and foremost! I’ve searched. Btw… I’m not saying that there aren’t those of us who are committed to making a difference, they are numerous examples out there that can be found, but they are the exception to the rule. Which leads into your next statement: “I know that doesn’t matter to most folk, but I tire of “white savior” mentality, especially when we are thoroughly furnished and fully equipped these days, to help out our own people.” What you refer to as the “white savior mentality”, in this case I see as a “by any means necessary” senario.
You speculated above: “would that Martin and Malcolm believed as you do”. Both Martin and Malcolm had come to the realization before their murders, that these issues were much deeper than simply just a “Black vs White” or even a “civil rights” issue… which is why the time had come for them to die! Even Malcolm had stated that he was willing to work with anyone, regardless of color or religion, who had the same goals in our struggle for human rights! Although I would be the first to argue that Kiva is not the only… or even the best solution to the issues surrounding development in Africa, I would also argue that they are doing something beneficial in that regard. I support any positive endeavours which benefits our people from wherever and whoever it comes… taking into account at what cost of course when it comes from our “alabaster brethren” (btw… this term had me on the floor laughing).
“We’ve descended, it seems into some Darwinian, “survival of the fittest” that I didn’t know growing up.”
This statement is too true! The experiences you described growing up were similar to what I experienced in Jamaica when I was growing up. My grandparents, who were financially better off than most in their siblings, paid for the education of all their nephews and nieces, from elementary school through high school. Tuition, uniforms, books, bus fare and lunch money. They would also regularly take in to live with us, a girl or boy from a poor family in the area to help with the house work and other chores, and pay for all their education too. They further financed the emigration of not only my mother, but also all their nephews and neices who went to “foreign” to go to school and/or seek better opportunities. They also never turned anyone away who needed food or clothing. All that being said, my grandparents weren’t perfect and had their own colonial conditioned classist prejudices, but they instilled in all of us the Buffalo Soldier mentality that failure was not an option. They equiptted all of us not only with the tools to succeed, but with a living example that it is our responsibility to do for others who were less fortunate than us. I don’t see that commitment or practice among our people anymore. Futhermore, I never, ever heard them or my parents blame the white man for anything, although they experienced some ignorant shit at their hands… at home and abroad. However, they were quick to take it to them when they had to though…lol! I also have those memories! This was the environment I grew up in and the values they instilled in me.
“This old curmudgeon came to the dance late, Asa — but I’m here, and I’m glad I am.”
This made me laugh too! Sis Deb, you didn’t show up late, you came just in time! Your opinions and perspectives are valued! I appreciate you taking your time to share and discuss them. Also, regardless of your age, you have a young and energetic spirit, I’m sure you’ve been told that before… lol! Btw… I hope all is going well with your health issues.
The kids are healthy and doing well. They are a blessing to us everyday.
God bless you and your family!
“It simply means here in the diaspora most of us aren’t able or equipt to overcome the everyday struggles which grinds us down, much less to help others at home or abroad. It simply means that most of our “best and brightest” are focused on “getting theirs”… not on “getting ours”.
You know, that’s one of the premiere reasons I’m grateful to have had the chance to go . It showed me that it didn’t take nearly as much as I thought to help! When the family joined me, my sons met a young kid (I say, “kid,” cuz he was the same age as my oldest) outside the hotel one day (he was actually one of the few “official guides” for the place, and he told them that, up front). He also had his best friend with him (around the same age), whom he was grooming to also become an “official guide.” The four of them immediately clicked which helped make the trip that much more memorable for the because they went all over the place with them!
Anyway, we were all together one day and the kid showed me his business card so I could put his info in my phone (I get a Gambian sim card when I go — cheaper to make local calls). He didn’t give it to me to keep, cuz he didn’t have many. I asked why didn’t he just get some more? He said, “Because they cost 100 Dalasi.” My colonized mind caused my mouth to blurt out, “Well that’s not much!” He respectfully replied, “It is to me and my family” Immediately, I felt like the privileged fool I probably sounded like (considering how little they manage to live on). I said, “Well, yeah, you’ve got a point. His parents live in a rural village away from the tourist area where he works during season as a tour guide. He shares a compound bar the hotel with his younger brother and sister and some other extended family, taking some of the money he earns back to the village for his parents and helping the extended family in the compound where he lives during season. Since I’d already been “warned” on my second trip, about “these people” wanting something from me (usually money), my antennae now, were twitching. But he never asked for anything.
Before we left, the sons said, “Mom, you can make that business card” (I’d made some for the oldest son before)! And when I got home, I did. It didn’t cost me anything but the price to mail them back. I’d already had some left over from before just sitting unused. The printer already had ink and I had nothing but time and an idea of how they should look. They turned out really well! I’d not told him I was going to do it, so when he got them in the mail, he emailed me from the little internet cafe near the hotel, very surprised and so very grateful that I’d thought enough of him to do it. I felt good, that in a small way, I’d been able to help him make a little more money because not only could he hand out more cards to the tourists, they could keep them and refer him to anybody else they knew coming there “on holiday.”
I agree that many of us in the diaspora aren’t able or equipped to overcome the everyday struggles that grind us down — but I don’t think it’s “most” of us. Like Kiva, there’s an awful lot of small things we can do too Asa. But you’re right, a lot of our “best and brightest” are focused on “getting theirs”… not on “getting ours.”
“You may be right, I just don’t see it.”
Depends on what you’re looking for I guess. If you saw my two knuckle-heads walking toward you, like Rev. Jesse, you’d probably think from their appearance, they were out to do you harm. But nothing could be further from the truth. Don’t get it twisted, they’re by no means angels, but their hearts are pretty much in the right place.
“Direct me to one international microfinancing org. developed and administered by our “best and brightest” to assist in the development of those in the motherland and/or diaspora and I’ll support it first and foremost!”
Touché! However, there is a Ghanaian guy now living in DC who works for the Geek Squad at a Best Buy, who collects donated old, slow/unused computers and refurbishes them in his garage and then sends them to the school children in his small village back home (I saw the story on a CNN show called “African Voices” on one of my trips to the Gambia. Funny, they don’t broadcast it here in the States!). Not as international as Kiva, but definitely worthy of our support. I don’t know jack-shit about fixing computers, but he sure inspired me to get my old laptop rehabbed for a nursing student who works at the hotel by day and goes to university at night!
“What you refer to the “white savior mentality” in this case, I see as “by any means necessary”
You certainly have a point there. Unless and until we get our shit together, people will have to keep doing whatever’s necessary. One of my main aversions (aside from very little “saving” on our end) is exactly what you mentioned, “taking into account at what cost of course when it comes from our “alabaster brethren” — call me a pessimist, but there’s always a cost (the term just popped into my head one day
)!
“They equiptted all of us not only with the tools to succeed, but the example that it is your responsibility to do for others. I never, ever heard them or my parents blame the white man for anything, although they experienced some brutal shit at their hands… at home and abroad. However, they were quick to take it to them when they had to though”
Same here, except for the last part. My grandparents always made sure we knew the things the “buckra” (a Gullah word for white man) did and how they dealt with them — as a means of survival more than anything else I think. It was imperative that we recognized it when we saw it, and knew how to maneuver around it instead of confront it — because confronting made violent repercussions certain. The got older I got, the more I cast off the “maneuver around it” shit. My mouth often got me in more trouble than anything else, once wherever I shot it off, and again when my Mama found out!
“Sis Deb, you didn’t show up late, you came just in time! Your opinions and perspectives are valued! Also, regardless of your age, you have a young and energetic spirit, I’m sure you’ve been told that before”
Now that I think about it, you’re probably right, because I certainly wasn’t ready when I was younger (too tied up in this system of ours), and thank you for that. I certainly appreciate the opportunity to share them here (I wear them out around this joint!
). Your “give-as-good-as-you-get, thought-filled, observations and conversations always make me think — from a different point of view — providing me with a more well-rounded approach to working through the many thoughts swirling around in this head. And yes, I have been told that! (lol)
Thanks for asking. I’m doing well and the numbness in the hand is almost completely gone! Glad the family’s doing well and blessings right back a you!