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In honor of the illustrious career of Helen Thomas who was forced to “retire” after making comments about Israel, I am reposting this blog. This is strictly about power. Blacks are collectively slandered, figuratively and literally dragged about the political landscape, wrongfully persecuted and there is scant recourse or repercussion. Take a lesson:

1.       Value education – “ A mind is a terrible thing to waste”. Remember that old United Negro College Fund slogan? Nothing has changed.

2.       Learn to deal with each other –Some real value came out of the Jews ghetto experience (and pre-integration Black life). I’m not saying it was pleasant or that all Jews love each other. However, Jew on Jew violence is not of great concern, Jews patronize each others businesses and once Jews “make it” they don’t flee their neighborhoods and disparage each other like crabs in barrel.

3.       We need to own our shit and should be running SOMETHING. Can you say hip-hop??? Or maybe we just need to stop selling each other out to the highest bidder.

4.       Memorialize (remember) the pain of our ancestors and subsequently be reparated for past wrongdoings. I don’t know what form they (reparations) should take but we’ve been shamed into not speaking out. “Never forget” is how the Jews keep the Holocaust ever present in both their minds and ours. Yet, many pretend (or maybe have no idea) that slavery has no modern day effects. Two words – institutionalized racism.

5.       Maximize our small numbers into larger collective power. The AIPAC (American pro-Israel lobby) is among the top five most powerful in the U.S.  Do you have any idea how much money we give to Israel? Check it out. We need to form and/or hold accountable organizations and institutions that staunchly defend OUR interests.

6.       Make it untenable, indefensible and impossible for anyone to call you nigger, nigga or any variation thereof. We know very well that if you utter anything that could be remotely construed as anti-Semitic there will be hell to pay (see Helen Thomas); and from many different quarters. You know why? Collective power. When it comes to Black people, folks are emboldened to say and do whatever they want. It’s because WE haven’t kept them in check. And, no power means no one else is (or willing) to check for OUR interests.

7.       And finally, we have to learn to stand united behind broader ideas such as those expressed herein. You probably don’t agree with everything I’ve said or maybe just the way I’ve said it. Nevertheless, petty differences have distracted us from the big picture for far too long.  Orthodox, Conservative or Reform, most Jews agree that the unjust persecution of Jews is  not to be tolerated.

Don’t hate – emulate.

Just the other evening I was speaking with a non-Black friend when I took the opportunity to inject some racial humor. It might surprise you to learn it was at the expense of Black people (yes, Your Black Friend has a sense of humor). It wasn’t mean spirited per se but let’s not kid ourselves, when it comes to Black people, there’s plenty of material. Anyway, I felt comfortable so I didn’t think it would be an issue. But in hindsight, I think she was afraid to laugh (it was funny) and instead decided to “check” me on my race-centered perspective. Her method was to ask: why I care so much about race? Another common variation of this question is: why does everything (with you people) have to be about race?

 Hmmm…I can see why you might think that given that I wrote a book offering opinions on questions about Black people. But consider for a moment that this book couldn’t have been written without the material provided in the form of actual questions. And I’m okay with questions as long as they’re honest and lead to some understanding.  With me, it’s all about honesty, understanding and equality. But the equality part is missing – and that’s why I care.

That led me to ask her: Why don’t you seem to care? Melting pot, Black President, crossover hip-hop, blah, blah, blah. None of that has led to equality – race is still a hang-up.  Don’t believe me?  Have a look at the progress being made in our drug sentencing laws. That’s an outright acknowledgment of bias against Black drug users. And while you may not care about drug users, it is illustrative of the way we have yet to go before we get to equal. And I’m sure you would care if you (or someone in your family) were treated differently based on their status (gay or disabled). I care about that too. But it so happens that I’m Black (something I wouldn’t hide or change) so I also have a stake in the equal treatment of Black people.

Each of us has a right to expect equal treatment. I mean ladies c’mon – perhaps one day we’ll be worthy of earning a dollar for each dollar a man earns. And since you know things are NOT equal – why don’t you care? We see people losing their minds over the treatment of animals (see Michael Vick and PETA) and we have environmental activists defending the planet. Isn’t your fellow man worth so much more consideration? Why aren’t YOU willing to go to the mat to ensure that all people are treated equally? I keep saying, the quicker we get to equal, the sooner those who have a stake in division are made irrelevant; AND the sooner you’ll get Black people to stop complaining – okay, so that’s not going to happen (it’s a joke people). But seriously folks, I do wonder why people don’t seem to care – more. 

Well here I am (in Denver, CO) at the start of another new year! Blessed to be healthy, employed, in my right mind and living in a land and time of opportunity. As usual I am filled with hope and anticipation for all the good that is to come. Last year was full of wonderful surprises (e.g. the explosion of P90X, increased book sales, travel abroad, relocation and amazing new friends both international and cyber). Thankfully I have a short memory when it comes to things one might consider negative. Plus, I keep them in proper perspective as opportunities for growth. As we create our circumstances, surely there is a lesson in everything and everyone we encounter.

I have nothing profound to say and no groundbreaking resolutions. My “list” doesn’t change much from year to year but I do have an ever-increasing understanding of how better to accomplish my ends. Everything great in my life flows from and is determined by my ability to:

Live authentically; create and prepare for the opportunities that are coming my way; let go of those things and people that are not in my interest; cut myself some slack and trust that all things work for my good – even when in the moment I can’t see how.

My wish for you, the world and myself is that this be our best year ever. Seek the highest in yourself and others and all things are possible.

Habari Gani? Perhaps you’ve heard of Kwanzaa? It’s a relatively new (1966) weeklong celebration created to (re)-affirm seven principles in the lives of African-Americans. I don’t specifically set out to celebrate Kwanzaa anymore than I did Christmas. However, I do understand the importance of tradition/ritual and strive to live in their spirit year-round.

Christmas has interesting origins (and adherents) and has mostly devolved into the season of spending. The birth of Christ is supposed to be the reason for the Season but many don’t acknowledge or want you to mention Christ…lest you offend. That may also be true of Kwanzaa given the Founder and context under which it was created. Depending upon whom you ask, creator Dr. Maulana (Ron) Karenga is a hero or a villain. You can read all about how Kwanzaa came out of the Black Nationalist movement and was originally intended to subvert Christmas for African-Americans (the horror). Or you may focus your energy and attention on what it means in the minds of those who celebrate the holiday, just as you do with Christmas.

I choose the latter. There’s nothing wrong with expressing the spirit embodied in both of these holidays. You don’t have to be a Christian to celebrate Christmas any more than you have to be in love to embrace Valentine’s Day. The principles of Kwanzaa are FOR but not against any particular group.  Anytime people are willing to set aside differences and support one another is a reason for celebration. Encouraging and allowing each to express in their way (as long as it doesn’t harm) has the potential to benefit us all. And at the very least it’s a chance to eat different grub, wear colorful attire and learn something new. Extend your holiday season!!

Legislation is effective to a point but it usually happens AFTER the people have spoken. Thankfully there are more people who believe or at least behave as though we are beyond racism. They’re not intentionally malicious when they ask questions or occasionally misspeak. They wouldn’t even begin to know how to keep you down. And while it’s great that legislation brought civil rights, a lot of people came along grudgingly. That’s not ideal but it’s fine (for now) since we’ve made it to a promised land of sorts.

The holdouts that finally joined the movement, at least in spirit, caved to peer pressure. When everyone around them was swept up and they saw the tide turning they conceded defeat, at least in public. It was no longer okay publicize their ignorant ways. This is what is needed today. For the rational among us to bring a wave of peer pressure to bear on those who would disturb the racial peace we seek.

When someone tells a racist (or any phobic) joke, they must be called out. In a given situation I use any means, including lies, to let a person know that their words are NOT okay with me. I’ve claimed to be Muslim, gay, and half-anything I can get away with to make my point. For example:  “My mother is Japanese and I don’t appreciate the statement you just made”. It’s very effective. People are a lot less bold when they realize someone in their presence finds their behavior objectionable and is willing to speak on it. Even if it doesn’t change their heart, it gives them pause and they WILL think twice before spouting hateful remarks in unknown company.

For a “non-colored” person, it is all the more important for you to do because you may truly be seen as a peer. And for a person of color, you might think it’s okay because it’s not about your group. But you can believe that the bigot who thinks it’s okay (because there are no Japanese around) has thoughts about your group that slip out just as easily when it’s “safe”.

Perhaps it is my nature and because I am genuinely offended that I thoroughly enjoy doing this. I can’t know your thoughts but your outright bigotry will not go unchecked around me. It may at first feel scary to you but remember, silence and inaction is akin to assent. Your silence sends the message that it’s okay with you. It’s not okay with me and I’m happy to let you know it…in the nicest way of course. And since some people feel especially emboldened on the Internet, I want to give you an opportunity to practice peer pressure on a man proud of his ignorance. The following is an email I received on my website. I can’t make this stuff up. I forwarded it to the ADL and Klanwatch but maybe you’d like to let John know how you feel:

John <donkerman69@gmail.com>

 I have always wondered why do Niggers smell like rank ass? This subject has always perplexed me. Do they never shower? Are those cornrows pulled too tight? Tell those stinky bastards to go buy some deodorant. Please shed some light on this subject.  

Sincerely,

John Ruger

Klansmen and Youth Corp Activity Director