tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7203362118630944539.post6441226948642711543..comments2023-10-01T09:26:10.794-07:00Comments on She Went to Africa: Talking About RaceClancy Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04389627732063069044noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7203362118630944539.post-27337328007342753902010-05-25T07:29:03.400-07:002010-05-25T07:29:03.400-07:00Ah the innocence of it all!
They are just curious....Ah the innocence of it all!<br />They are just curious...and we know that curiosity sometimes kills the cat.<br />But, I think you handled yourself quite well. It's just that your end of the conversation included an implicit understanding of the history of racial prejudice in the US, and his did not.<br />Maybe a better answer that being shot for saying 'nigga' would have been along the order <br />"it is an insult coming from a white person, and could provoke a fight". That might make for a handy lead in to why it is an insult from a white person and merely slang for blacks to blacks. <br />Then, of course, it's a lengthy and complicated discussion regarding the comings and goings of slavery in the US.<br />But, an interesting, if disturbing perspective on this is that slavery is still alive in many parts of the world, for instance in Africa where parents sometimes sell their children into slavery out of desperation.<br />One final note about the children that idolize gangsterism and hustling. Hustling in particular ends up being a kind of slavery, but in the abstract sense, so does gangsterism. It would be good to try to point out that you are not the 'big man' but instead become trapped in a world that is very difficult to escape from. That you in essence give up your freedom and personal rights.<br />This was an inspiring conversation...an opportunity. Don't shy away from these. You CAN be an ambassador for all kinds of things as you have been with the aids discussions, farming, empowering women, etc. <br />Keep up the good work, and never forget to 'think outside the box'!<br />Love DadPeterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04129528607192144816noreply@blogger.com