The one caused by mainstream America.The secret whisperings of "los morenos " by indigenous peoples from Peru, Ecuador, and Mexico. ~Knowledge is the key~
The oldest fossils were found in Ethiopia. Humanity branched out toward the African west coast, up through Asia,over the Caucusus mountains,down on the east through India,over to Australia.
A quick overview of those who share our DNA. We don't have all the answers and we never will, but we have enough evidence in paleo-anthropology to know that so far "Lucy" is the oldest found female fossil and is our ancestral Eve.
Fast forward to today that is our shared humanity. Our vast diferences then stems from "culture." What is culture, everything you do, how you do it and what you believe in. That is the biggest obstacle that prevents us from "getting along".
Let's put politics aside for a minute. The same spinach you eat here, is the same spinach they eat in Ethiopia, cooked so differently that it's almost unbelievable. The mode of eating is communal, one large platter in the center of the family meal shared by all. No utensils as we know them. Inviting a closeness, that in fact also takes place here but the method is different. We sit on chairs, at a table, we use cutlery, and that spinach tastes quite,quite different!
And so it is- in a hundred different ways multiplied by millions. Amazing that we have even managed to survive this long together. It is correct to say, we are one humanity with different cultural "mores" and value systems. All cultures are valid.
Skin color is not a determinant of personal worth, that now is a social construct. Created under political systems of slaves and masters. That's where the problem lies.
All people of color still claiming Africa as a close ancestral home have to be "debriefed" from the poisonous propaganda of inferiority, and they must take the leadership role and inform others.
When a person says, I am not black, they are really referring to imbedded cultural beliefs about the color "black." It's not the actual skin color. It never was. It is what it represents. The issue of color is not pertinent only here in America, but every where.
In India,darker skinned members of the family as called names such as "blackkbird", etc.
Close you eyes for a moment and imagine a world where everything black was good, beautiful, fruitful and worthy. Now picture everyone white as down trodden, sickly,unintelligent,worthless. Can you see,how poison those beliefs are? How can we change the image,? by cultural adjustments, that are first line contacts, how you speak, and speak of others, whether you are are willing to help others,or whether you show selfishness,and by hard work and restraint.
The thing about "working hard" is not always understood in its context. Hard work does build character,because it requires discipline. But any disicplined pursuit will develop character, and control idleness. These virtues mentioned happen to be a mainstain of people with character all across the globe, but because of the wealth of this country and the system of "welfare" there is a perception that harbors many negative cultural mores, which then gets applied to everyone who is Black whether they are guilty or not.
Need an example? and who might that be? he is getting ready to sit in what I think should be proudly called the EBONY house. Let the world know who built the Capitol. I know am dreaming , but anything is possible now. I am aware of the insensitive jokes, because I heard them on the Spanish radio station, but the joke would be on "them " wouldn't' it? Forward thinking.
Posted By: Marta Fernandez
Friday, December 26th 2008 at 8:49PM
You can also
click
here to view all posts by this author...
