Perchance To Have A Dream
THE BLACKNESS THAT BLINDS US
A little while ago, one of the members of an internet board I’m on commented that perhaps part of the reason some of my writing has received some degree of praise was due to western cultural blindness. In particular the idea that any product, no matter how mediocre, published by a person of black ethnicity will be lavished with praise simply because many expect very little from those of black ethnicity. There may be a morsel of truth in this as over the past few years the woke movements in America have elevated and thrust men and women of low intellectual, academic and/or artistic esteem into the roles of demigods simply for their skin colour. Some have done this as a way to seek atonement for the purported sins of their fathers in a bid to assuage their own “white guilt.” Imaginary nonsense that has been milked by race grifters with agency from their corporate media allies, celebrities and politicians who in seeming fits of lunacy, have been cowed into propagating the disease of wokeness far and wide. Theatre performer Clifton Duncan has recounted being offered leading roles in plays simply for his skin colour without any consideration for his talents or skill. He aptly describes this as a soul crushing experience. Sadly, weariness has crept over many hearts as people of black ethnicity in the public sphere, especially in America, seem to be undeservedly celebrated. Libations poured out in the form of dishonest praise and awards to honour these man made deities have done little to elevate them or their respective fields. The reactionary response has been for some to assume that every time anyone of black ethnicity is elevated for one reason or the other it is somehow tied to their skin colour. Not merit. It does seem that some have forgotten that even in the darkest nights of the old republics, brilliance, skill and talent weren’t the reserve of those of caucasian ethnicity. Many rising stars have been strewn across the vast expanse of space and time regardless of culture or race. Contrary to some beliefs, this isn’t a whole new world. Humanity’s horizon both before and beyond us is bejewelled with many bright lights. All shining, shimmering and splendid.
It does seem that some have forgotten that even in the darkest nights of the old republics, brilliance, skill and talent weren’t the reserve of those of caucasian ethnicity. Many rising stars have been strewn across the vast expanse of space and time regardless of culture or race.
Keli.
While significant criticism can be levelled against those who choose to elevate skin colour over merit, it is worthwhile to not fall into the trap of assuming that any praise directed towards those of other ethnicities is purely due to skin tone. This is no different to BLM acolytes who presume that people of caucasian ethnicity have an extra leg up in life due to imaginary concepts such as “white privilege.” Ultimately, quality’s whispers soothingly and gently draw many in while bigoted drones buzz in the background as sanity’s requiem. It will however be remiss if I don’t point out that as is human nature often we choose to elevate those whom we consider different to ourselves. Especially when they seemingly agree with our view points on certain issues. Within American society this is manifest in the constant elevation of known liberals such as Bill Maher by conservatives for simply publicly stating common sense positions on various issues. The ululation that rings out from many a conservative pundit often pours out in floods gushing over banality on their respective spaces. It does seem however that even within American “conservative” circles some haven’t shied away from dabbling in the dark side of identity politics. George Santos, a recently elected representative to New York’s third congressional district, is alleged to have gained notoriety simply by gaming identity politics: Being celebrated for adjectives affixed to him as an individual. The resulting scandal stemming from discovery of his embellished resume has shown that identity politics is a pathway to many abilities. Some entirely made up.
A push off the ledge of the belfry tower of pride should be enough to jolt many awake. Humility draped over as a cape over the shoulders of those willing to embrace it. Our humanity forever a cowl that reminds us we are all as out West as Adam.
Keli.
The recent push with identity politics in what appears to be all facets of life seems to have unearthed a darkness embedded in the American psyche. Some clamour to champion race politics while others writhe in agony at the mere semblance of wokeness. Sadly, overcorrection by some to the outreach of woke preachers has allied many a heart to blindness to the accomplishments of others. Commentators on film and television arts bellow out eulogies at the slightest encroachment by liberal ideologies in the medium. Even when these are relegated to the fringes of said art work, as has been for eons with Hollywood. Martin Luther King in his famed speech makes mention of sitting together at the table of brotherhood. Dwight Eisenhower in his famous last televised address, speaking of America’s role in the world, mentions other nations sitting at a table as equals regardless of military or industrial strength. All held in similar regard. In pursuit of idyllic lives, some have slipped off into a dream like state where there are no equals but staggered classes of human beings. On one hand some have adopted black supremacist ideals while on the other some have fully embraced their personal biases. Each side clamouring for supremacy all the while laying down their dignity as wreaths at equality’s grave. A push off the ledge of the belfry tower of pride should be enough to jolt many awake. Humility draped over as a cape over the shoulders of those willing to embrace it. Our humanity forever a cowl that reminds us we are all as out West as Adam. Created equal. Dark knights forever seeking out a new dawn.
Image credit in order of appearance: Image par Bob Bello de Pixabay ; Image par OpenClipart-Vectors de Pixabay