I came upon an interesting conversation in our AfroSphere on what sacrifices one is willing to make in relation to being an activist against injustice through utilizing internet resources. In the cyber age where one may feel some (false) sense of security and empowerment, due to the vast numbers of bloggers, web sites and the “supposed” anonymity associated with being a faceless moniker (or avatar), the question becomes once that veil has been lifted: “what is the real level of one’s commitment to their cause(s)?” Terry Howcott makes this point in this way:
“The question then becomes will you tighten your understanding of what activism is – because activism is not a hobby. Activism is specifically defined the doctrine or practice of vigorous action or involvement as a means of achieving political or other goals, sometimes by demonstrations, protests, etc. The use of direct, often confrontational action, such as a demonstration or strike, in opposition to or support of a cause.”
There is indeed a sense that “Activism” within the cyber world is redefining our understanding of and stretching the boundaries of that concept. In my estimation, the above definition used is too limiting and confining to encompass this new phenomenon, however the reprecussions are just as real! There is no doubt in my mind that being involved in “cyber activism” can get you “white-listed”, harassed, monitored, surveilled, intercepted, arrested, interrogated and yes…. maybe even killed? AND I am refering to North America, Europe and not China, Iran nor North Korea. Or am I being too dramatic!? Terry Howcott stated:
“In that light, it’s always possible you might be arrested and it’s very possible you won’t. If you and some friends are out driving tonight and you come across a road that is desolate and no one around – and you see a police officer beating and kicking a Black man who is not responding or fighting back – would you act as an activist and risk going to prison? Or would you think such intervention outside the confines of your perception of activism as a hobby?”
“A hobby?”…. hmmm. I had a recent (minor) experience which opened my eyes to the possibility of being identified through blogging. I had blogged about a course I attended through the organization I work for and I subsequently received a comment from someone who stated that they were applying for a position with that organization…. and wished for us to connect. Now I am not trying to be an “anonymous personality” when I blog, but it showed me that if I had said something negative about my organization, it could have had real reprecussions. I know for a fact that the organization I work for has a media division which peruses the news, internet and blogs daily, for any reference to them.
Now I am not one to fall into the paranoia of conspiracy theories, but if one doesn’t know that ALL so-called “western democracies” do have agencies monitoring websites and blog pages for “undesirable content” (whatever that may mean to them), AND they can very easily identify who you are and where you live…. then you are like “an ostrich with it’s head in the sand”. There are numerous mainstream media stories of non-violent and non-threatening groups like the Quakers and other senior citizens peace activists, who are purposely infiltrated by federal agents and some of their members are even placed on “no-fly lists”. Terry Howcott continues:
“These are critical questions to ask oneself when determining if activist engagement is for you. Activism is acting out a level of integrity and decency. Seeing disenfranchisement and injustice and resolving to doing something about it is activism.”
So my question is what are you willing to sacrifice for “integrity and decency”? Your career? Your finances? Your reputation? Your security? What cost are you willing to pay for helping, enlightening and empowering those of African descent by cyber activism? Look to history, recent history, to get an idea of what road you may be embarking upon. Or am I being too dramatic? Let me end with Terry Howcott:
“The committment to what is right is a risky affair.”
afrospear.wordpress.com 
This post raise some very interesting points. I think it really gives us some things to think about.
It also makes me wonder how safe it is for me to blog under my real name. I kind of feel safe, mainly because I don’t use my blog for political or social activism. I use my blog to discuss some very personal issues as it relates to my life as a black woman with a disability. (I travel to other blogs to do discuss social and political stuff.)
But is it really wise for me to put my first and last name and all that out there. It makes me regret not using an avatar from the beginning. When I sit down and think about how I open myself up to nonsense by being in an uncontrolled environment like the internet, I get a little freaked out.
But I guess for me, having myself on the internet is a little unavoidable. With my speaking and writing, my presence on the web is necessary for the purpose of expanding my reach and marketability as a professional speaker. I guess I just need to practice caution when interacting with anyone, in person or via the internet.
Angie, you have nothing to fear from owning your expressions online. Rather, it’s the cowards who live in fear and delude themselves concerning the illusion of anonymity – and whose security is predicated on maintenance of that illusion – who have everything to fear.
Live in the light.
Initially I used my first initial and last name making comments. I was making a comment about my city government, for which I worked and I decided to use my initials only, because any search about the topic my name would have shown up. It would have been possible for me to have been disciplined speaking publicly if found out. My venture into the blogging world, I began to notice some court cases in which a bloggers were being sued by local politicians (they lost) and a blogger who lost his job for his racist language on his blog. What I didn’t understand, the since he was a reporter, how is that he had written all those years with no hint of racism? I was somewhat upset that the blogger firing had been upheld; because then other speech, that an employer would find suspect could be cause for firing. Some blogger quit blogging, because it was a policy where they worked. Later on, I found that some employers search your name on the web to see what you are doing, this is when considering for employment. So any comments you made, web pages with your name, user groups and some e-mails (this is true for mostly earlier mail software) show up during the search.
When I started to blog myself, I decided to blog anonymously, because it doesn’t matter what your content, you still can be at risk. Even at that, I am not sure that someone diligent enough could find my identity and I know the government can.
Asabagna said “What cost are you willing to pay for helping, enlightening and empowering those of African descent by cyber activism?” — This is the million-dollar question undoubtedly one with a multitude of answers. I think I am willing to go as far as circumstance allows me. I think black people have to try and go further to advance ourselves because no one will do it for us. Cyber activism enables us to do that AND to continue living our lives. Do we really want to be left behind? The doubt the answer to that is yes. Which means we need to be active not idle.
Asa, very good questions. Those who simply talk, about other people and each other have absolutely nothing to fear in spreading their names far and wide.
Those who attempt to organize their people and move them in a direction towards freedom, justice, higher consciousness, should expect consequences. They needn’t live in fear, though, if they take precautions that make sense to them.
Should you as an online activist, as a person who is doing things elsewhere that only a fool would advertise, make it easier for you to be surveilled, known, ID’d? Ego demands that some plaster their “real” name across the Internet. How does that serve the greater good? Is it even about that when folks want to be known for this or that?
It is the ideas, the acuity of thought, the imagination, the logic, the heart that counts – not the real name of the person saying it.
As an old soldier in the fight, I never recommend unnecessary exposure for the sake of bravery. There are frontline activists who take the vanguard position, whether making public statements, conducting demonstrations, or organizing actions. There are rearguard people who watch the backs of frontline activists to insure that they are not targeted by the government, slandered by the media, or unduly criticized by the public.
The true strength of a movement is in its “silent majority”- those who gives tactical support and assists in campaigns.
Since writing “Breaking Men’s Minds” in 1977, I have never been able to return to anonymity. But I can live with being “a person of interest to the government” because I am not going to break the law. But, for sure, the government will never forget me.
Pingback: African American (Black) Opinion Blog » Blog Archive » Have Black Bloggers forgotten New Orleans?
Asabagna,
The discussion regarding cyber activism is timely. I’ve been wondering why there has been little cyber activism with African American blogger community regarding New Orleans as an example.
The picture in New Orleans is bad. John McQuaid and the USA Today has recently reported about the need for more than a Band-Aid for New Orleans. Now we learn that New Orleans deaths are up 47%. As John McQuaid notes “The big picture here is still, well, scary.”
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?
With Black Gossip Blogs Replacing Mainstream Media (see Bronze Trinty Post) why are black bloggers not talking about New Orleans and placing “maximum attention” on the fact that American Politicans (including House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn) would rather spend billions on Bush’s WAR rather than rebuild an American city? Would this be happening if the city was middle to upper income city of whites like San Francisco or San Diego?
It seems that we as black bloggers have the power of communications and would rather Gossip, on gossip blogs, rather than engage in a conversation about how to save our people, our American city.
The plight of New Orleans is an American disgrace.
As USA Today reports “Hurricane Katrina’s tragic aftermath lingered for at least a year after the storm abated, boosting New Orleans’ death rate last year by 47% compared with two years before the levees broke, researchers reported Thursday. Doctors say the dramatic surge in deaths comes as no surprise in a city of 250,000 mostly poor and middle-class people who lost seven of 22 hospitals and half of the city’s hospital beds. More than 4,486 doctors were displaced from three New Orleans parishes, creating a shortage that still hampers many hospitals, says a companion study released Thursday. The indigent suffered the brunt of the health toll from the 2005 storm. The Medical Center of Louisiana at New Orleans, two hospitals that made up the city’s safety net for the uninsured, were severely damaged. Charity Hospital, oldest and best known of the two, remains closed.
There are things that are going on in America that are an Assault on Black Sanity. Black bloggers need to stop Acting White regarding New Orleans. We need our AfroSpear Think Tank to address Katrina and make it part of our Black Agenda. The brothers and sisters of New Orleans need and deserve black bloggers unified help.
Yes it’s going to take the Field Negro, Jack and Jill’ Politics, The Free Slave, people from The Electronic Village, BygBaby’s, brothers and sisters from Canada, Bronze Trinity, and so many other black bloggers from around the AfroSphere to bring more attention to the plight of our people, who have been displaced, dislocated and disoriented by a system of local, state and federal governments who seem not to care.
Black bloggers such as AfroNetizen, Black Agenda Report, Black Agenda Blog, Black Commentator, Booker Rising,Dogon Village, Dell Gines, Jack and Jill Politics, Mirror On America, Republic of T, Field Negro, Acting White, Skeptical Brotha, Native Son, Where’s the Outrage?, reid report, Prometheus 6 and a number of black bloggers have been covering New Orleans on a regular basis.
Don’t you think it’s time we as black bloggers become more Active and make a collective effort to keep New Orleans on the front page of Black America’s thinking and action, if not all America’s mind?
Do you think black bloggers need to keep talking about New Orleans, the Good, the Bad and Ugly?
Should we hold politicans accountable in the 2008 election for not truly helping to rebuild the families of Katrina victims? Should we be blogging more about our New Orleans brothers and sisters?
—–
So my question is what are you willing to sacrifice for “integrity and decency”? Your career? Your finances? Your reputation? Your security? What cost are you willing to pay for helping, enlightening and empowering those of African descent by cyber activism? Look to history, recent history, to get an idea of what road you may be embarking upon. Or am I being too dramatic?
—–
No, brother Asabagna, your not being too dramtic. There are critical vocal points for black bloggers to be involved in activism in the cyber age. New Orleans in my opinion is one of them. But that’s just my opinion. I could be way off base.
Asabagna,
oops, sorry for mispelling your name.
AA can you explain what “Black bloggers need to stop Acting White regarding New Orleans,” means.
Free Slave,
New Orleans was a top issue for many whites for about two months, theu 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. I bring it up because it what I observed. It’s just one mans opinion. I could be off base. What do you think?
AAPP,
The whole, accusing people of ‘acting white…’ or whatever is so played out. Just make the case, man, just make the case.
I think a lot of black folks regardless of class, were and are concerned about New Orleans. But what are we going to do about it? We’re not writing enough on our blogs about it; is ‘writing about it more,’ the answer? Or do we have to do more? What?
“If, the whole, accusing people of ‘acting white…’ or whatever is so played out. Just make the case, man, just make the case.”
—-
FreeSlave, The first step to self-improvement is self- criticism.
As you know, probably better than me, “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. I cannot say to any blogger what they “should” write about. Bloggers write about what interest them. However from time to time, bloggers can nudge each-other to “do the ‘write’ thing” about issues that impact our communities. Yes, writing about New Orleans more, is part of the answer.
The other part is active work inside New Orleans.
Let me be clear, for the past 7 years I have professionally and personally worked in New Orleans. I do my work both in a paid role and a volunteer role. Therefore the topic of New Orleans is both personal and important to me. It’s as important as the war on Iraq as far as I’m concerned.
Which, by the way, many black bloggers seem to limit conversation about as well.
I’m reminded a few months ago Jill of Jack and Jill Politics wondered why black bloggers were not posting about the War on Iraq. She nudged – some of us. I respect her for it.
What did Martin luther King say, “I have moved to break the betrayal of my own silences and to speak from the burnings of my own heart, as I have called for radical departures from the destruction of Vietnam, many persons have questioned me about the wisdom of my path.”
Black folks involved in cyber activism “could” have both Iraq and New Orleans as part of a regular conversation. I thought I made the case about New Orleans, however, you appear to have taken one line about “Acting White” as a cause for concern – Although I don’t agree with the concern, its real to you – for whatever reason. I dont discount your concern.
Don’t take it personal, and for me “Acting White” is not played. There are a whole bunch of folks, including many ethnic groups Acting White in America. It is also part of the nomenclature of America.
I stand by my comments, to be more specific, “if we AfroSphere bloggers could, but refuse to write about real issues impacting African Americans , we are just another DailyKos – we are just “Acting White.”
If, the words “Acting White” are played out to you, that’s OK. Yet the fact of the matter is, in America today, there are still house negros’ and field negros’, there are still the Clarence Thomas’ of the world who Act White and refuse to address black issues. These House Negro’s believe they have arrived. Yet, they are nothing more than slaves, because they have not freed themselves of the need to “act white.” But that is just my “Opinion.”
What did Harriet Tubman say, “I freed a thousand slaves I could have freed a thousand more if only they knew they were slaves.”
Pingback: African American (Black) Opinion Blog » Blog Archive » AfroSphere Challenges
Pingback: African American Political Pundit » Blog Archive » AfroSphere Challenges
AAPP,
How many slaves do you think you’ll free by accusing them of acting white?
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.
Free Slave, Great concepts. It too bad that you have such thin skin. Two words ACTING WHITE has you not addressing the real issues of my post. You didnot like those two words; ACTING WHITE. So I guess you really won’t like these two words; MAN UP.
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.
AAPP: I actually like having thin skin because it allows me to sense/feel things more. And, if by man up, you mean to be callous and insensitive, I decline your invitation. 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.
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.
Lubangakene and AAPP, I find this discourse interesting because it shows the strength and weaknesses of cyber activism…. as I see it.
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.
FS- Have you ever read bell hooks’ “We Real Cool: Black Men and Masculinity?
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
Asabagna. Very thoughtful comments on the strength and weaknesses of cyber activism. Thank you for your post and comments. I agree with the comments 100%
Here’s my opinion on this matter…
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
“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.”
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.
Um… I failed to read through all the above comments before I posted my previous comment. I actually wish that I still had not read all of the comments. But now I have, so I’m so inclined to toss another nickel in this discussion.
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…
“The world is complex and human experiences in that world are infinitely so. Arguing about how to structure the world, make decisions and create policies requires a presumption of good faith and a constant battle against the impulse to merely stereotype, label, and condemn. The last pillar of moderate politics is thus a recognition of complexity. Riding alongside that recognition is a principle, a commitment to debate under a presumption of good will. Pulling
off these debates can be excruciatingly frustrating and difficult. Error and backsliding will be common, as nearly everyone will occasionally succumb to the temptations of arrogance and shoddiness that we so easily attribute to others. But for our own good — individually and communally — I think we have an obligation to try.” —Jason Steck, webmaster of Militant Moderates
I found this quote over at Booker Rising. I just wanted to share.
“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.”
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!
“But please understand that we have not forgotten about you guys in NO. We still have your back.”
PS, Thats my point! That was the point of the post “Black bloggers having New Orleans back.”
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.
“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?”
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!”
Asa, I’m sorry for the language in one of my above posts. I know that this is a no foul language zone. I usually don’t make use of such harsh words. So, please accept my apology. Also please remove the post if you see fit. That’s what I would prefer.
Have a good day.
Angie
Angie, apology accepted although it wasn’t really necessary. If you don’t mind, I would prefer to keep your comment. You make some very valid points.
Have a blessed day.
I’m one of those people who uses his real name online. Why? I’d really like to publish an autobiography at some point and, if so, I won’t do it anonymously. As I discuss more of myself with people online and in other contexts the details of my experience become more known, and I share them because I think it helps to explain the nature of my advocacy. I’m discovering the nature of my advocacy as I go along.
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.
asabagna:
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?
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