Thanks for that. Funny and true and straight to the point.
Reminded me of something Margaret Kimberley wrote in the Black Commentator a couple of years ago:
"Paranoia is usually the reserve of conspiracy theorists of every political stripe, fans of science fiction, and Black people. We are given a pass because of the horrific treatment meted out to us throughout American history. Slavery, lynching, the Tuskegee experiment and COINTELPRO give us paranoia rights while others are mocked and dismissed for expressing their suspicions of malfeasance by the powerful. But other Americans would be better served if they acknowledged their own need to question authority and to doubt the benevolence of their leaders
[...]
Because the times are ripe for all thoughtful men and women to be suspicious it might be helpful for democracy if all Americans tried to think like Black people. Everyone should start slowly. It isn’t necessary to dwell on the increased likelihood of a mortgage denial or police brutality. Just ask, “If I were Black, would I believe that terror threats always take place when Bush’s poll numbers drop?”"
Thanks for that. Funny and true and straight to the point.
ReplyDeleteReminded me of something Margaret Kimberley wrote in the Black Commentator a couple of years ago:
"Paranoia is usually the reserve of conspiracy theorists of every political stripe, fans of science fiction, and Black people. We are given a pass because of the horrific treatment meted out to us throughout American history. Slavery, lynching, the Tuskegee experiment and COINTELPRO give us paranoia rights while others are mocked and dismissed for expressing their suspicions of malfeasance by the powerful. But other Americans would be better served if they acknowledged their own need to question authority and to doubt the benevolence of their leaders
[...]
Because the times are ripe for all thoughtful men and women to be suspicious it might be helpful for democracy if all Americans tried to think like Black people. Everyone should start slowly. It isn’t necessary to dwell on the increased likelihood of a mortgage denial or police brutality. Just ask, “If I were Black, would I believe that terror threats always take place when Bush’s poll numbers drop?”"
http://www.blackcommentator.com/77/77_freedom_rider_trust_pf.html
-w.
P.S. Bill MaHer!