This is a relatively short article; so there isn't much to discuss. The author makes a few claims in the opening paragraph; including.
There’s no other way for me to state this. If you are not Black, you cannot say what’s racist and what’s not.
That is a statement that is categorically untrue. She is suggesting that only Black people know what's racist or not. And no, she isn't really describing what happens to Black people. YOU have described what happens to Black people. YOU have written more in your comment than her article. YOU have given a direct example of this in action including a meaningful anecdote that brings the concept to life in a meaningful way. I understand what YOU are trying to say and I appreciate the words and stories YOU bring to the table - but YOU are standing side by side with people who have no vested interest in racial harmony - and you're pushing that on me. Here, let me demonstrate it in action for you....
There’s no other way for me to state this. If you are not White, you cannot say what’s historically true and what’s not. You certainly can’t tell me what’s historically true and what’s not. And it’s actually offensive for you to tell me if what happened to my ancestors was historically true or not.Why? Because History and re-writing history are experienced by white people in ways that are unique to us. We live it everyday, so we know when it’s happening. It does not have to make any sense to you.
Not only have you never experienced your history being re-written, but you perpetrate it, yes you, so how are you going to acknowledge it, when you won’t even admit when you do it yourself? It takes a lot of Blackacity (that’s black audacity) for a black person to try to school a white person about historical accuracy and censorship (a new fancy term for day-to-day historical re-writing). A LOT!I don’t want to hear about your experience with so-called 'erase' (that’s White people re-writing history— which is impossible.) I don’t want to hear how you’re Black and the same thing happened to your ancestors. Spare me.I don’t care. Also, you’re going to be added to the list of people I block…
All you have to do is change the race and tweak the content a little and you have yourself a classic Southern State batshit racist rant. You see? Her discussion was never about good faith information. It was never about putting her world view out there to improve understanding and race relationships. It was about sounding off, in a half-assed way and getting the unfettered support of those who cannot question the flaws in her basic underlying arguments. A flaw so apparent that even two Black folks disagreeing with whether something was racist or not would cause a logic implosion. There is a difference between the sort of writing YOU are doing and the sort of inroads YOU are attempting to make on racism and the work you are defending. I treat everyone with respect and equity - but I reserve the right to call someone out if they're prima-facie an idiot. I do that regardless of skin colour - melanin is not an indicator of insight or intelligence
I have not heard of the red summer of 1919, but I am familiar with the battle of Bamber Bridge. It would make a great article - and I might just write it. Gotta love that random British history. :o)
