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Rastafari Speaks Archive 1

Re: Skin-Deep Discrimination (Colorism)

One of the key points I am trying to make is that I do not buy it when most people try to peddle themselves as being above many of these issues. Based on my personal experiences and my ongoing observations of what people go through when they really change, I have a fairly good idea what to expect from people who really change. They cannot regurgitate Black Revolutionary Words and Ideas and feel that can fly by I. I do not take their word that they are above many of these issues. With patience and time the truth always comes out.

Of course, Western Leaders and those who follow them, continually distort the meaning of words in an attempt to justify their greed, wars and other corruptions. Ones can always develop to detect and expose their lies. The meanings they give are not necessarily what they are. Many Black Africans speak English and many more are drawn to it because of their idea that it offers them better economic opportunities. It is from here many Black Africans need help, so understanding English (and its innuendos) is important for helping Black Africans. Over time, as more Black Africans become conscious, many will see value in incorporating many more words from our various African dialects to convey meaning.

You asked:
"So, if it is clear that from the time the 'white' project got underway, certain words (and the ideas they were meant to seed in the human mind) had already been corrupted, what is the point in still seeking to find meaning FROM these same sources?"

~ Although I speak and write in English I do not depend on those corrupt white institutions as sources for meaning. The English language was not developed on its own by whites. It is a combination of newly developed words and meanings together with more ancient words that are indigenous to a whole range of cultures. Often their pronunciation and current spelling is a corruption of something that is more ancient, but still we can derive and give meaning based on our own sources and values. You and I communicate our ideas here, and we do so in English. We do understand our meaning. So too, many other people understand my meaning and see the difference to what whites say. I am not corrupted along with their corrupt use of English so I can use it to our benefit.

You asked:
"If we are TRULY seeking meaning, where would be the logical place to start from?"

~ One's self is the place to start. I would say that one needs to get a good definition of/for self - the part of a person that is immortal. This concept of an Immortal self may sound fanciful but that was the key for I. Once one is motivated from there then one is automatically drawn to fresh truths. One can tap into the truths that are relevant for their development as well as the truth in others. The corruption in the world does not prohibit one from finding more and more truths. One can easily see the truth and falsehood in the words and actions of others. But to bring real change one must be able to see truth and falsehood in one's own actions and make the necessary changes from there.

Self is the key, and what ideas of self people have in their minds will determine how they interpret everything around them. If people think their self is their body they operate like there is no tomorrow. They remain overly protective of their physical aspects; they become vain and paranoid. But still if one feels self is their body, it is a place to start to greater discoveries if they have a measure of integrity.

If one feels their self is limited to race, then that too limits them from grasping a universal concept of who they are. Race is quite important in relation to navigating and discerning to realise more of one's self, but self encompasses a whole lot more. Understanding race in these times is the most important aspect to greater self-discovery to include righteousness (thoughts, words and deeds for redress in the right order). One's concept of self must encompass race but not be limited to it. One's concept of self must also encompass universal attributes derived from both masculine and feminine genders.

Once one gets the idea of their self that existed before humans and before the earth evolved, they can capture the essential part of all living things that generate life. They can be in constant touch with the essential part of humans that is always seeking and discerning, the part that evolved into and through different bodies. One can see their relation to every living organism, every chemical, every mineral and the stars. Their ideas of themselves can become bigger than any person or corrupt society. With that knowledge they can cultivate more of themselves by embracing all what they discover to be true from their past and present. They can tap into the essence of our ancestors. Empowered with such knowledge they can be pillars for change in societies. They can speak our Black African truths and have it resonate through everyone.

Being Black African can give immense pride as one discovers that every waking day and night, every dream is filled with symbols and lessons from our ancestors; ancestral lessons that have become timeless and immortal because of the tremendous truths they encompass. Every color, every shape, every word and sound can be a stimulation to remember and/or discover. One can literally grasp and share meaning that is not yet known to others. That is the power from within.

Books can help and other people can help. Realizing the corruption taking place on this earth can be the greatest motivator to search for deeper meaning. But the truth must start from within the individual who is searching and is nourished by the better ideas drawn from others who have discovered. Then one is spun into a life of greater self-discovery and meaning, where integrity is the guide to more and where Black African history is the rod of correction. They can discover their own immortality and fearlessness, to become their own living saviours.

Each individual must start with their own self-examination, although many will have to be motivated by others to so do. They must be encouraged to make the difference with their own lives. If they do that well, they become the better example for others. As Black Africans, we must start by improving our own lives with our own values. Our words and actions must resonate with the timeless truths of our existence. Nothing is more infectious than an example. As much as people are constantly being misled by poor examples, more of us need to become the better examples of life. It should be the only way for people who remember and respect our ancestors.

Messages In This Thread

Skin-Deep Discrimination (Colorism)
Re: Skin-Deep Discrimination (Colorism)
Re: Skin-Deep Discrimination (Colorism)
Re: Skin-Deep Discrimination (Colorism)
Re: Skin-Deep Discrimination (Colorism)
Re: Skin-Deep Discrimination (Colorism)
Re: Skin-Deep Discrimination (Colorism)
Re: Skin-Deep Discrimination (Colorism)
Re: Skin-Deep Discrimination (Colorism)
Re: Skin-Deep Discrimination (Colorism)
Racism, Colorism and Power
Re: Skin-Deep Discrimination (Colorism)


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