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Re: HOW DO YOU WHITE 'RASTAS' STOP OTHER WHITE PEO
Posted By: three_sixty In Response To: Re: HOW DO YOU WHITE 'RASTAS' STOP OTHER WHITE PEO (Bantu-Kelani)
Date: Wednesday, 14 December 2005, at 1:12 p.m.
"But I must know exactly what white liberal people do to destroy the system of White Supremacy (racism). You may post a list, a couple of things you do, simple or not… I think it is a good way for black people to now the contributions you make, there is no need to be defensive about that."
* Greeting Bantu Kelani.
I try to engage others when issues come up in regards to race and white privilege and add a perspective that I know is lacking from many white reasonings on these matters. I try to attend functions that are gauged towards issues concerning Africa and attempt to challenge the assumptions that many white liberal (good intentioned) have in their quest to help situations. I find that if ones are really willing to help, they are quick ot put down their defensiveness and listen to take a more effective approach. There are some who just want to defend their image as a "good person" - and often times this ego thing gets in the way of productive works. I attempt to offer my skills and abilities to organizations and individuals who are working towards the goals of African self-determination as well as beginning to use my connections in the community to open up opportunities for fundraising/awareness for the same.
I have attempted to bring more African perspective literature and books into places I have worked before and have pointed teachers taking such texts into their white schools to foster a greater appreciation for African culture. I feel this is one of the greatest things to do in breaking down the misconceptions that many are indoctrinated with about Africa and Africans. For example, when one learns of the glory of African civilizations and sees the root of many things that are now a part of western civilization - the narrow views tend to be blown wide open. I find that many times ones are very excited when this new perspective is introduced.
"These are immediate, basic, and personal things a white 'Rasta' should do:
1. Raise questions to other white men and women.
2. Let black people know exactly how the questions are understood.
3. To not lie to black people
4. To not withhold constructive information from black people."* agreed.
"You should reach out and learn the words and actions of white people and/or White supremacist (racists) so we may know what they are doing and saying, it’s like reading a organic copy of Yurugu. We have a lot of good reason to keep an eye on white people and/or White supremacist (racists). Do you think the damage cannot be undone in this way?"
* yes. i have been attempting to deconstruct the white mindset by starting with the assumptions, prejudices, racism that i was raised with and looking at that in the context of the perspective that i have been nurturing in more recent years(knowing also that I have much work to do in thes areas as well). i find that when i speak ones that i can sight familiar patterns of thought and am able to more effectively engage them - it is useful to know ones own patterns of racism to effectively be able to engage it with others.
"And...
5. Constantly sending the white 'Rastas'/the experts in humanist approach inside the white community because they have a general Afrocentric (humanistic) understanding..."
* i don't think i am an expert by any stretch. i don't know ones who are and i don't even know if they exist. i think what we can hope for is OPEN-MINDED ones who are willing to engage these issues with fellow whites and are able to navigate the territory without falling into the traps of self-righteousness and chosen-ness which tend to close off the lines of communication within the community. we will always need to be humble enough to know that we are at a severe loss and blindspot to really have the answers, and i feel that it is THIS mindest that can be very effective because it fosters the ability to point ones to the truer perspective of the sufferers.
give thanks.
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