dagblog - Comments for "A MESSAGE TO BLACK AMERICA: OUR HISTORY LIES BEFORE US"

Great post, Eric. Big chunks

Peter Schwartz — Tue, 18 Feb 2014 02:02:58 +0000

In reply to A MESSAGE TO BLACK AMERICA: OUR HISTORY LIES BEFORE US

Great post, Eric. Big chunks of it are sublime and touched my heart.

It made me think in new ways, especially when you discuss the relative youth of African-American culture and thus the need to emphasize the future.

At the beginning, I thought of the Black Athena controversy of some years and how disappointed I was (for some reason) when the thesis was largely debunked. I still have the book somewhere.

All that said, I do think your post is marred in places by false and clichéd and thinking--and even by buffoonery. Maybe the latter was intentional minstrelsy...or something...I don't know.

To get to that first, I'm referring to this sentence, among a few others:

Barack Obama has accomplished a feat more gloriously impressive than any man in HUMAN history.

The kindest thing I can say about this is...you're wrong. I'm a strong supporter of the president, and I don't think even he would agree with this even in his most private moments when no one was listening except he, him, and his.

He talked many times on the campaign trail about the "improbability" of what he had accomplished. But saying that is CANYONS away from what you're saying above. Despite your desire for a balanced approach to black history, you've turned Obama into a cartoon figure with this one, outlandish sentence.

Then there's your personal definition of history:

"The often exaggerated, and invariably sanitized account of ordinary men committing unconscionable atrocities in the name of God."

This is silly and simplistic. If this is really what you think history is then, with respect, you know nothing about history. It captures a tiny piece of the way history has been used by those in power, but as a description of history, it's a sad cliché.

Since ancient times, it is true, the victors have written the stories and many historians have been nothing more than hagiographers. But even so, there have always been exceptions. Columbus, for example, who has inspired more worshipful biographies than most historical figures, had at least one contemporary critic who charged him with cruel and immoral acts against the indigenous peoples of the West Indies.

For many long decades, history has been nothing like your personal definition of history. Good grief. There is plenty of excellent, deeply researched, and objective-- to the degree any human being can be--history on all kinds of subjects. Including black history. And where historians fail as they all do, they are followed by legions of other historians who relish ripping them to shreds and correcting their errors.

Sorry to spill so much ink on the negative, outweighed in quantity as it is by the positive. It's just that I found these negatives so jarring that they threatened to pull the whole post out of focus.

Pretty good list.

Peter Schwartz — Tue, 18 Feb 2014 01:19:55 +0000

In reply to OH Boy, There?s a lot of

Pretty good list.

They are fascinating facts,

Peter Schwartz — Tue, 18 Feb 2014 00:31:41 +0000

In reply to Sigh. Howling Wolf was doing

They are fascinating facts, as is the history.

I think PP IS appreciating the history--the way artists "steal" and take from each other and remake material as their own.

I think PP is reacting to what feels like Eric's dismissal of the contribution of white musicians and labeling as nothing more than white folks who ripped off black folks and got rich from their thievery.

In one sense, of course, this is true, but it is untrue to say that white musicians simply ripped off black musicians and contributed nothing of their own to the blend that has become "American music."

Just looking at the origins of jazz, it's true to stay that it's the creation of the African American community and much else has come from that root, as Eric points out. However, early jazz also took a lot from "white" music--principally marches. Blacks took these materials and made them their own.

In short, it's a blend. I think that's PP's point at bottom. I would say, though, that, even though the music has traveled far from its origins and many people have taken it in all kinds of directions, the deepest ROOT is in the African American experience. That's its distinctive flavor.

I hear the similarity...but

Peter Schwartz — Tue, 18 Feb 2014 00:15:01 +0000

In reply to Did you read the part about

I hear the similarity...but also serious differences...including many of the lyrics.

The "here come a flattop" line is distinctive enough, though, that it tugs the rest of the picture into focus as a serious "borrowing."

IOW, it becomes clear that the Lennon song was derived from the Berry song, even though Lennon went to make his song his.

OH Boy, There?s a lot of

Wattree — Sun, 16 Feb 2014 20:10:15 +0000

In reply to Here is the best advice you

OH Boy,

There’s a lot of stereotypical thinking in you comment, and it clearly demonstrates what you think of your own people, if indeed you are Black. You’ve also made yourself look ridiculously predictable. The piece below was written by a Black Republican activist.

How to be a Successful Black Republican/Conservative

The following list represents a tried-and-true formula for gaining instant fame and prominence as a black conservative/Republican.

#1. Spend inordinate amounts of media time talking about how much you loathe being called an "African-American" -since hyphenations of any kind are "un-American."

#2. Tell your audiences how sick you are of liberals playing the race card, but make sure your website, book name, documentary title, and T-shirt line CLEARLY identify you as a BLACK conservative/Republican.

#3. Constantly talk about how Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson are race baiters. Obsessively mention Tawana Brawley and the Duke lacrosse scandal, but don’t ever mention Amadou Diallo (the unarmed African immigrant who was shot at 41 times in front of his home while pulling out his wallet to show the NYPD his identification) and Abner Louima (The Haitian immigrant sodomized by an NYPD officer with a bathroom plunger).

#4. Complain about how much you’re rejected and victimized by the black left and how sad you are that you’re always being excluded and called a "sellout."

#5. Remind the conservative base, ad nauseum, how much black people love government handouts and welfare. Don’t mention anything about the fact that the black statistical representation of welfare recipients is virtually equal to that of whites. Also, don’t EVER tell them that the majority of blacks really aren’t poor, aren’t criminals, don’t hate white people, and don’t wait for marching orders from Sharpton and Jackson, et al. Mentioning any of the above could result in fewer book sales, less airtime, or a drastic reduction in donations.

(Note: Never, ever proffer the following questions: ‘Why do blacks who aren’t receiving any government handouts continue to reject the right?’ ‘Why do Asians, Jews, Hispanics and almost every other minority group vote overwhelmingly Democrat?’)

#6. Talk about how Martin Luther King’s dream was a post-racial society, but don’t ever post the clip of him proclaiming, "I’m black and I’m proud!" on any of your social media outlets.

#7. Make fun of Africa and be sure to thank God for slavery.

#8. Publicly denigrate movements like the NAACP, and the Congressional Black Caucus because they’re "racial separatists"-but don’t say anything about conservative organizations designed specifically for Blacks.

#9. When discussing George Zimmerman and Trayvon Martin, ignore everything that transpired up until the point Zimmerman was getting beat up.

#10. Defend Paula (Obama Supporter) Deen, but make fun of Rachel Jeantel every opportunity you get!

#11. Talk about race when it comes to abortion and welfare dependence, but don’t address race under any other circumstances. Sentencing disparities? Police brutality? Racial profiling? Red lining? Glass ceilings? What the heck are those?

#12. Do not discuss substantive issues like recidivism, inmate re-entry, community policing, or high school dropout rates. Instead, blame Obama for all that is wrong with the universe. (This one works like a charm!)

#13. Talk about black-on-black crime, black-on-white crime, but don’t ever discuss white-on-white crime, and especially not white-on-black crime!

#14. Whenever someone asks you about the racist undercurrent on the right, blame liberals. Under no circumstances are you allowed to address racism on the right. Remember: Racism doesn’t exist anymore.

#15. Finally, make certain to constantly go on right-wing media outlets and talk about how black people need to do this and that, but DON’T YOU DARE roll up your sleeves and go into those communities with the sole objective to listen and serve.

About the Author: Vanessa Jean-Louis is a proud member of the solution-oriented Black Republican and Conservative movement. Satire helps her keep her blood pressure down. She yearns to break the monopoly liberals have over minority voters, but realizes conservatives have their part to play as well (you know, the whole personal responsibility thing). She fights for endemic change on the right-not a change in principles, but a change in TONE. Vanessa’s made appearances on FOX, HOT97, BET, PJTV, Breitbart Radio, and Black Enterprise TV. She has contributed to online publications including, "HipHop Republican," and "theGrio." Follow her on Twitter: "Marcus Garvey Girl" @AFRconservative.

I have no idea where this

ocean-kat — Fri, 14 Feb 2014 08:16:45 +0000

In reply to Ocean-Kat, you said: "If a

I have no idea where this inane nonsense about you being equal or superior to me comes from. If you need to claim you're superior to me go ahead. I have absolutely zero interest in discussing that. I thought we were discussing African Americans and whites as groups and how they prosper or don't in a discriminatory society.

Ocean-Kat, you said:

"If a Black man who has been dragged through the pits of Hell and comes out the other side equal to you"

No Wattree I didn't say that, you said that. You posted, "If a Black man who has been dragged through the pits of Hell and comes out the other side equal to you, doesn’t that suggest that all of your Black peers are superior to you? Think about it - you’re running a 100 yard dash and you’re being spotted 25 yards and they’re still competitive."

Its simply not true. African Americans start out "25 yards" behind and they end up 25 yards behind. If it fact Africans started out 25 yards behind and came "out the other side equal" it certainly would suggest that "all of your Black peers are superior." But they don't. All your examples are false or half truths. African American median income, home ownership, and business ownership are all much lower than White Americans. African Americans may be "dragged through the pits of Hell" but they do not "come out the other side equal." They come out far behind.

You claim, "The vast majority of Black people in this country are middle class or above." Since there is no objective standard as to what middle class is I can't argue that. But Black median income in 2011 was $32,339. White median income was $55,412. The % of African Americans earning below $14,999 was 25.6%. Whites earning below $14,999 was 10.9%. African Americans start out 25 yards behind and come out the other side 25 yards behind.

You claim, "In 2002 African American owned businesses accounted for 1.2 million of the US's 23 million businesses" About 5% of US businesses are owned by African Americans. About 12.3% of the population is black. African Americans own businesses at less than half the rate of their population. African Americans start out 25 yards behind and come out the other side 25 yards behind.

You claim, " 47% of Africans Americans own their own homes." Another half truth. Black home ownership is 47% but white home ownership is 71%. African Americans may be "dragged through the pits of Hell" but they do not "come out the other side equal." They come out far behind in every example you picked to illustrate your point.

Flawed information leads to flawed conclusions. The effects of current discrimination and the lingering effect of past racism leave African Americans starting behind white Americans as you pointed out. They do not "come out of the other side equal." They come out of the other side behind. You posted, "Think about it - you’re running a 100 yard dash and you’re being spotted 25 yards and they’re still competitive." I did think about it and I did some research. Whites are spotted 25 yards and at the end of the race whites are still 25 yards ahead of African Americans.

You'd have a much greater effect combating these inequalities by facing this reality than by posting this pollyanna garbage. I don't know who you write your propaganda for but I think the truth would be more effective than your feel good lies.

Okay.

Anonymous PP — Fri, 14 Feb 2014 05:55:03 +0000

In reply to Is that what you got from

Okay.

Ocean-Kat, you said: "If a

Wattree — Fri, 14 Feb 2014 04:10:19 +0000

In reply to As usual when I read your

Ocean-Kat, you said:

"If a Black man who has been dragged through the pits of Hell and comes out the other side equal to you" Flawed information leads to flawed conclusions. The effects of current discrimination and the lingering effect of past racism leave African Americans starting behind white Americans as you pointed out. But they don't come out of the other side equal. They come out far behind as any rational person would suspect."

Ocean-Kat, I think I’m equal to you - at the very least - and one of my first memories in life was of the police coming to my house in the middle of the night, shooting my dog, and dragging my father off to the penitentiary. Thereafter, I went through various juvenile institutions from the time I was 12 years old until I was 19. I was a high school dropout and was shooting heroin at 16, and I finally go arrested as an adult for possession of heroin for sale at 19.

Yet, by 21years old I was married, by 23 years I had a daughter and a son, by 26 years old I had a degree in psychology, and by 32 years old I was an independent paralegal who could write my own (and with the distinction of winning an appeal in an administrative discrimination case that was signed off on by Clarence Thomas). And today, as I look back, my late wife, Val, managed to raise a daughter, Kai, who’s the Regional Vice President of a College and University employee’s union, a son, Eric Jr., who’s a Senior Special Agent with the Dept of Justice, and who was "requested by name" to accompany and provide security for the President of the United States and senior administration officials to countries all over the world whenever they left the confines of the United States - and that was BEFORE becoming a federal agent and he was still in the military.

So I think - no, I KNOW - that in spite of being dragged through the pits of Hell, I’m eery bit your equal, and didn’t come out "far behind as any rational person would suspect," as you suggested. So what do you think accounts for the fact that even though you were spotted 25 yards in a 100 yard dash, I was able to remain competitive? What do you attribute that to? Do you think that if the situation were reversed you’d be able to remain competitive with me? Think about that.

_________________________________________________________________________

23 April 2002

MEMORANDUM FOR OFFICER TRAINING SCHOOL SELECTION COMMITTEE
FROM: 92 SFS/SFO
2 E. ARNOLD STREET
FAIRCHILD AFB, WA 99011

SUBJECT: Recommendation for Staff Sergeant Eric L. Wattree

1. I wholeheartedly concur with Staff Sergeant Wattree’s request to attend Officer Training School. He represents the enlisted ranks with the highest standard and will bring that dedication and professionalism to the officer corps.
2. Eric continues to lead a stellar military career; his enlisted performance reports speak for themselves. His leadership and experience, especially in contingency environments, remains a vital asset to our unit and wing. As one of my primary Phoenix Raven team leaders, he’s propelled to the forefront of all major deployments throughout the world. He’s repeatedly secured aircraft and crews, supporting a wide variety of missions, in the most austere and terrorist-ridden environments where security is severely inadequate. The diversity of these missions never limited SSgt Wattree’s capacity to adapt to each situation. For this reason, Eric was selected as our 2000 Outstanding Phoenix Raven Member of the Year and the 2001 Air Force Reserve Component Airman of the Year for the 92d Security Forces Squadron.

3. Whether operating under peacetime or contingency operations, Eric easily assumes control and tackles every situation with meticulous tenacity, a quality highly desired in our Air Force officers. Requested by name, Sergeant Wattree, provided security for presidential Banner missions throughout Greece, Peru and Viet Nam. While deployed to Afghanistan, he flew numerous combat missions in our nation’s pursuit to eradicate terrorism through Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Additionally, he provided round-the-clock force protection for aircraft in other high-threat environments including Uzbekistan, Pakistan and Oman.

4. Sergeant Wattree motivated his personnel during the worst conditions and raised the level of esprit de corps to integrate personnel from other Air Force specialties into a cohesive team. His leadership, integrity and devotion to our Air Force play an integral part in our future leadership. Eric has what it takes to become a commissioned officer and earns my full support to attend Officer Training School.

FRANK HELLSTERN, JR., Captain, USAF
Operations Officer

Is that what you got from

Ramona — Fri, 14 Feb 2014 02:13:00 +0000

In reply to Kind of a contradiction -

Is that what you got from what I wrote? Hmmm. Did I say anything about wanting us to be color blind? I'm all for diversity. (It runs in my family)

But there's no denying there are plenty of people out there who still insist on defining others based only on the parts they can see. Many of them get downright ugly about it. Maybe you have something to say about them?

(Edited to add: Yes, it does sound like I'm color-blind. That's not what I meant. Should have said I'll be glad when it doesn't matter.)

As usual when I read your

ocean-kat — Fri, 14 Feb 2014 00:56:09 +0000

In reply to Oh Boy, I love people like

As usual when I read your post I immediately thought, "What a bunch of bullshit." So I did some research.

http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0104552.html

There is no clear definition of what exactly middle class is or what you mean by the "vast majority." But there is a very clear distinction in the distribution of income between blacks and whites. Black median income in 2011 was $32,339. White median income was $55,412. The % of African Americans earning below $14,999 was 25.6%. Whites earning below $14,999 was 10.9%. I have no doubt that "African Americans are the second largest consumer group in America" since they are the second largest group in America. But since they earn far less money than whites their spending is far less than their population would suggest in a less racist society.

https://www.census.gov/hhes/www/housing/census/historic/ownershipbyrace....

Yes 47% of African Americans own their own homes. That really doesn't tell us anything unless compared with other groups.

In Census 2000, homeownership among White householders was 71 percent, higher than the national rate of 66 percent. In contrast, householders who were Black (46 percent) and those who were Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander (45 percent) had homeownership rates less than the national rate Hispanic householders (of any race) also had a 46 percent homeownership rate, compared with 72 percent for non-Hispanic White.

"In 2002 African American owned businesses accounted for 1.2 million of the US's 23 million businesses" About 5% of US businesses are owned by African Americans. About 12.3% of the population is black. African Americans own businesses at less than half the rate of their population.

You'd have a much greater effect combating these inequalities by facing this reality than by posting this pollyanna garbage.