"A HN may be indeed annoying and may even do some things that are counter productive/destructive to the liberation of African people. But there are in no way the ones that's really holding the whip. In fact, if the HN gets out of line, massa got a whip for him too. Highlighting and pulling the covers off a HN so that he or she can be exposed is all good. But I'd like to see you give more time to exposing the dirt of the ones that's really using their power to misguide, to destroy, to oppress, to enslave, to shrink African people throughout the world. "
Those thoughtful words were left by a commenter after my previous post. (I think it was Angie who signed as "A") Anyway, I appreciate A's sincerity and concerns, and I honestly think "A" means well. But sorry, I can't leave the house Negroes alone just yet. There will be plenty of time to deal with "the man" later. "In fact, if the HN gets out of line, massa got a whip for him too." That might or might not be true, but I bet massa doesn't whip him or her as hard as he whips us.
Here is the deal, and it's important that black people understand this: I honestly believe that we are the only race of people with such a large group among us who don't want to be a part of the collective. Everything we try to do, and every political, social, or economic movement we try to start, will ultimately be weakened by these individuals. And it will be all because they don't believe that such a movement is necessary in the first place. What's the point they argue, don't we live in massa's house? That whip that "A" talks about was not meant for us. It was meant for those unruly field Negroes.
So before I go jumping all over "whitey" for all the injustice that's taking place in A-merry-ca, I have to look at the house Negroes around me who would minimize said injustice. Because when "whitey" wants to discredit whatever movement we try to start, he will always prop up one of these new Negroes as whitey's exhibit A for why A-merry-ca ain't so bad after all. "House Negro do you like A-merry-ca, do you want us to change the way things are here?" " Oh no massa, why would I want to do that? I love A-merry-ca massa, it sure beats being in Africa. We have a good thing here massa, those field Negroes are just trouble makers"
Ironically, after posting William Jelani Cobb's fine essay about John McWhorter yesterday, I read McWhorter's critique of the latest book by Bill Cosby and Alvin Poussaint-- Come On People-- in today's Philadelphia Inquirer. In his summary, McWhorter agreed with the book on most points concerning some of the solutions to black problems. Solutions, by the way, which I happen to agree with as well. Solutions such as utilizing the educational system to get certain types of well paying jobs; such as computer technician, dental hygienist, mechanics, etc., and creating more minority owned businesses in our neighborhoods. And I agree with McWhorter and the authors of the book that "Blaming only the system...keeps the black poor wallowing in victim hood", and that ultimately, the overall premise of the book is right. If this surprises you it shouldn't. You see someone who embraces the field Negro persona does not "wallow in victim hood". He or she understands that society has put certain things in place that would put them in the position as a victim, but they understand that they have to get past it. They understand that they will get past it by working harder and creating a barrier free environment, so that the field Negroes who come after them won't find themselves in a similar position. The house Negroes, on the other hand, are fine with the status quo; and the only victim in their lives would be their conscience, if only they had one.
"...from my perspective, given the function of ethnic plurality in American society, the future/survival of the Black masses and the Black upper classes are inextricably bound, which is why the house negroes must be brought to the light and talking to white folks about our problems is largely a waste of time." ~~~newgirl448~
Two great comments, two different perspectives. But I think I am siding with "newgirl448" on this one. Because I am tired of that damn whip.
26 comments:
The white powers that be have purposely used divide and conquer strategies to fracture the black community. Exposing those "in the House" and exposing the man with the whip are one in the same.
In McWhortor's article posted on Booker Rising; he, like many who get into Negro bashing, he speaks as if those Jobs are being filled b black people. Many black bloggers have IT careers, I have not seen a dearth of technicians, dental hygienist, mechanics, nurses, bus drivers, ground personnel that guide airplanes to the gate,etc. There may not be enough engineers, but that curriculum is expensive and time wise it it easier to get Bachelors of Arts.
I don't know why these black folks aren't seen. He should come to Philadelphia, travel to Durham or a little city like Chattanooga.
I'm about to leave for work, so I don't have much time to leave a lengthy comment. And I don't really know if there is a need for one anyway, especially since I'm not defending my comment, nor am I offended.
FYI... Yes, A is Angie. Lately, out of laziness, I hit my initial on the keyboard, rather than typing out Angie, the even shorter version of my birth name, Angela.
I do that in my e-mails often. I guess on this blog it may seem that I'm hiding behind that A. Sorry for appearing to hie. I wasn't. I stand on all of my comments, the ones I feel certain about and even the ones that I am a little uncertain about. I appreciate public discourse. So, I will often make a comment, with the hope that the comments that will follow mine will offer me something to chew on.
Another thing... The only time I post anonymously is when I am too lazy to sign into my blogger account. But even then, I always sign off on my work at the bottom. (Field, I know you know that. I'm just making sure that all those who want to classify me as some kind of blog coward knows that.)
Have a good day. I'll check back with y'all after I arise from the plantation.
Angela Braden
Angie
A
"Exposing those "in the House" and exposing the man with the whip are one in the same."
No argument here about that statement.
hathor, you might be right that we are filling many of these jobs. I think the problem is that given the current economy, it's just not enough. What used to be a nice paying job, is barely "ends meet" money these days. Throw in just one paycheck in the household, kids,and other issues, and what you have is a struggle.
People like McWhorter only want to see what fits their agenda. The problem is much more complicated than that.
Angie, it's all love. I figured that was you, and I know you weren't hiding behind the "A".
I look forward to your response. I know it will be good :)
FN,
I agree, in the article he also throws in his notion of the free market and free trade. Putting people proposals down for wanting manufacturing in this country. He uses those employment examples as an alternative to factory work.
I truly understand the limits those jobs, I have one of them. Even though I have gotten a degree recently, it appears that I am too old to advance. Which made me wonder about those black people that were effected by layoffs in the industry. Retrain? For what?
You are alway competing with the young white males. Being an entrepreneur is not a fit for everyone; if they were, you could wind up with too many push carts.
Baby, I know it's all love. My comment, whether it was frowned upon or smiled upon, made the headlines of the Field Negro's page. I don't have enough sense to be offended. LOL
But Field, I will tell you that I hope the ride or die field negros that post up in this joint don't tear me up all day today. But if they do, I'm a big girl. I can take it. **smile** But they better bring the pain if they do. Otherwise, I'll be yawning much like I did when TruthSpitter call himself coming for me.
Now, I'm really gone. I won't have access to a computer today. I'll be working in the fields until tonight. Catch y'all this evening.
Peace,
A **LOL**
Keep It Coming! well said:
"You see someone who embraces the field Negro persona does not "wallow in victim hood". He or she understands that society has put certain things in place that would put them in the position as a victim, but they understand that they have to get past it. They understand that they will get past it by working harder and creating a barrier free environment, so that the field Negroes who come after them won't find themselves in a similar position. The house Negroes, on the other hand, are fine with the status quo; and the only victim in their lives would be their conscience, if only they had one."
Best Wishes Always,
Marenda
Living Life Abundantly
I don't know any field negroes who "...only blame the system." From blacks who perform direct-service work to black leaders since Frederick Douglas, blacks have had to talk about what they must do to improve themselves.
This is just one of many straw arguments black conservatives borrow from white right-wing radio and tv talk show hosts like Limbaugh, O'Reilly and Beck to rationalize not getting off their asses and helping their own people. mac
Women are not a "race" but I think they suffer from the "house negro syndrome" as well. We don't have a good term coined that I am aware of for the phenomenon but it is equally destructive and effective.
At least blacks do not have any house negros calling for the vote to be taken away from blacks.
Women have always been the most useful "sell outs" to continue their own second-class citizenship.
And then there are the workers who identify with management, against their own best interests.
Mac,
No doubt and it's part of the either/or, black/white, good/bad binary thinking that they learned from their massa and has validated their so-called intelligence because deep deep down they bought the BS hook, line and sinker and are still trying to exorcise their self-hate and feelings of inferiority that were necessary to create the field/house dichotomy.
FN,
These have been interesting discussions. The House Negro that upsets me most is the one who spends his time talking about Black people to White people.
And, I don't believe that's Mr. Cosby. He spends his time in front of Black audiences. It's the House Negros that haven't seen a room full of Black folk for about a decade, and we know who they are. They spend their time denigrating ' those Black folk' to audiences of White folk.
Negro, if you're not willing to come out into the Fields and help on the grassroots level, then why don't you STFU.
I marvel at the Sambos among us who swear, and I told you before about this, FN, they swear that they were birthed, and then, BOOM, there they are, a success in A-merry-ca. Nobody helped them. Nobody gave them a push. Nobody aided them in any way. They were just so ' special' that they achieved everything all by themselves, and made the best pair of boots in the world without any assistance.
Their refusal to see that some people are BORN WITHOUT ANY BOOTS AT ALL, is what pushes me towards rage.
There isn't a Black person out here, who has achieved, who doesn't believe in hard work, because how the hell else did WE succeed at anything, you stupid Uncle Remus' YOU!
But, the FN's of the world believe in reaching a hand back, all the while saying, ' Sure, I'll help you make your boots, My Brother/Sister, and don't forget to help someone else make theirs when you get there'.
While our House counterparts will look back, say ' Fuck you, Nigger, get your own, and oh, by the way, I'm taking the damn ladder too.'
Our House folks want to be THE ONLY ONES in the room. And, they have nothing but contempt for Black folk.
I find it very amusing and disheartening that a person of your accomplishments finds time to post a blog discrediting black people based on their position on the field, patio or house...while you work in your plantation job straddling both sides of the fence mind you...yes, I've read your expose in the Los Angeles Times, brother (and I use the term loosely).
In this generation, what, in your opinion, classifies as a "field" negro: someone who wears work attire, mentally being beat down by YT ideoologies day in and day out while donating quality time to that community center, using his formal education to uplift his people, or someone with a thugged-out persona not giving a damn about his people while spewing out his agenda for revolution, for example. And please don't try to identify me. I'm a child of God, and God doesn't judge anyone with labels...except those who question and challenge God's authority.
"I find it very amusing and disheartening that a person of your accomplishments finds time to post a blog discrediting black people based on their position on the field, patio or house...while you work in your plantation job straddling both sides of the fence mind you...yes, I've read your expose in the Los Angeles Times, brother (and I use the term loosely)."
Let me translate that for you. You have yours brother, why do you still care about these black folks? Just take your degrees, your fancy job, and keep getting up.
Using my education to try and uplift my people; check.
Donating quality time to community centers; check. Yep, I think I am a field Negro by your definition.
"I'm a child of God, and God doesn't judge anyone with labels...except those who question and challenge God's authority"
Oh, hi child of God, I didn't know that was you. I am so glad you posted. Hey, could you ask your father to tell another one of his children--George Bush-- to end the war in Iraq for me? Oh, and while you are at it, could you tell him that there are some kids starving in African who could use some food? Thanks!
Wait, one quick question while I have you: Am I a child of God too, or does God just claim certain people?
the education of the talented 10th has always problem. there are 2 things taught in the american style of education. one is textbook facts and opinions. the other is behaviorial racial relationships. to be successful in american education a black person concentrate on the textbook and block out and ignore the behaviorial racial relationship training. that behaviorial training teaches black people that they are not required to provide a service to other black people. if they are put in a position of athority their major concern is to provide a service to the white people first and if there is anything left offer that as a gift to black people. other black people are suppose to be satisfied with your pressence in the position. service to other black people is optional. this behavior is deeply enbedded in the black physch and has to be overcome if we are going to progress in america. if you put black people in charge of an organization, school,or government, once the makeup of the people being served becomes over 60% black the result is disfunctional chaos and misery for the black people. the black people in charge will have no function and nothing to do but blame other black people for the deplorable condition they are in. (bill cosby)the the only thing i have found to address this issue is "the platinum rule"
Seems like you have the same basic philosophy as Cobb(not wallowing in victimhood)?
Poppi
But, the FN's of the world believe in reaching a hand back, all the while saying, ' Sure, I'll help you make your boots, My Brother/Sister, and don't forget to help someone else make theirs when you get there'.
While our House counterparts will look back, say ' Fuck you, Nigger, get your own, and oh, by the way, I'm taking the damn ladder too.'
Our House folks want to be THE ONLY ONES in the room. And, they have nothing but contempt for Black folk.
Bulls eye Rikyrah!
If I can reach one a year I consider that a job well done. Knowledge is Power!
Unfortunately, you don't find out who the Judas is until they had sabatoge your plan of action on an issue.
This has been itching at me, especially considering the part about so many black people not wanting to be part of the collective.
What kind of negros are the people that embarrass the race, namely the people on BET and those like them. Minstrel Negros?
Jesus people--wake the Hell up. Reality: African American "masses"/Bill Cosby's targets/folks you see on "Cops" and "The First 48" or in a TI video are already marginalized, already kaput. The fate of blacks who are "educated"/middle class/upper middle class etc. is NOT inextricably tied to another group...just as Mitt Romney et all...and even Hillary...only care about the "mass" of white trogeldytes who watch nothing but WWE Raw for votes and nothing else.
In short, while you can zero in on moronic rappers, criminals, athletes with their heads up their asses (I excuse mere eccentricity, i.e. "Agent Zero" Gilbert Arenas, or even Moss and T.O.), 80% of the pastors out there, Ward Connerly, Nig*er Innis, Shay and those of that ilk, karen Hunter and all the gutter/ghetto fiction publishing movers & shakers, Irv Gotti, "New York" & her mama--I'd say that's a small universe of clowns. I exclude people ike McWhorter b/c he is a journalist and essayist and tries at leats to be true to those skill sets and vocations, just as I respect but do not agree with Shelby Steele. I don't put Clarence Thomas in that groups b/c he's isn't evil like Ward Connerly or "Booker Rising." He is clearly mentally ill...and recall the field negroes out there did NOTHING to stop his sick ass, and even supported him and attacked Anita.
There's nothing to be gained by re-visiting the Cosby debate etc, and fostering either stupid opinions from some folks on either "side" because there are no more "sides." We have pissed away the luxury of "sides." Like it our not, therefore, the "Cosbyites" (and don't you fucking hate it that it's come this level of us splitting ourselves into subgroups?!) have "won," have the only stance grounded in reality and the debate should be how we deal with that reality. The key now is to salvage as many young men, women, families, housing opportunities and novel career and educational opportunities we can from the "masses," and leave the rest. It's Noah's Ark time, folks. It's "When Planet's Collide." In that sci fi vein, I see a great piece of the "masses" becoming like theMorlocks in The Time Machine biologically--more so than just the permanent ignorant underclass as in Metropolis. And as in other sci fi stories, note how the jacked up culture of the "masses" has infected the sons and daughters of our middle class, our future who should acting more like Jews and Koreans but wannabe like their cousins running the streets and talking/dressing/acting crazy. White kids in the burbs have that luxury. We don't.
The Cosbyites have won, folks. Get the fuck over your guilt--because that's exactly what it is! We are fighting a two front war--for justice against Mr. Charlie, and an insurgency not by the McWhorters, but by the knuckleheads. What is inextricably tied, accordingly, is not "bourgie" negroes to the poor, defensless masses. It is one front in thewar to the other. We cannot look to Hispanics. And false alliances like black church folk to white rightwingers is a similarjoke. In short, we can't win our war of attrition with Mr. Charlie with all this baggage. With one hand tied behind our backs. Nor can address our own insurgency and save the folks who we must save, with Mr. Charlie ravaging our armies...armies dispirited b/c the soldiers have to constantly explain and deal with problems wrought or originated by racism/history, but kept alive and worsened by our own bullshit trifling culture and excuses.
And as the cherry on top, Donovan just got LUCKY against the Vikings. I'm not a Redskin fan so the Patriot thing came as a relief...
"But, the FN's of the world believe in reaching a hand back, all the while saying, ' Sure, I'll help you make your boots, My Brother/Sister, and don't forget to help someone else make theirs when you get there'."
____________________
I'm feeling you, Rickyrah. Some don't have boots. And some once had boots but lost them: Women who left a two-timing husband or a violent boyfriend and, with the loss of that second income, dropped immediately into poverty. Or how about the black family with a husband or wife who makes a very good income but who gets a catastrophic illness and can't work that job anymore. Such folks need practical help, no sermons, especially from anyone who preaches morality but practices just the opposite.
The good thing is that many brothers and sisters reach back. Some may be conservative, but it's one thing they're not-- sellouts.
And the thugs and criminals haven't won anything. You wouldn't know this from the HNs who visit this blog, but two thirds of black families are doing well. It's that that other third that is mired in chronic poverty and needs help.
field, his is what really bothers house Negroes about the black poor. house Negroes know that, despite all their tap dancing, all their singing on tv, radio and in boardrooms, performing the tunes that massa wants to hear, they are just dangling at the lower of massa's value pole. The black poor remind them that their jobs, their truth worth, to massa is tenuous and that, at any moment, massa's cruel hammer of fate could come down and they (house Negroes) could hear those immortal three words from their white boy Trump-style ("You're fired-boy!") and could find themselves filling out forms at the nearest foodshelf or downtown at the UNEMPLOYMENT line.
Viewed this way, we can easily understand why house Negroes hate the very thought of the black poor, brother or not. Wouldn't you hate someone who reminds you that you're a sellout with a Sugar Daddy (massa) who could that Baby Ruth from your mouth at any second?
Stay in the field. Blessings. mac
Hey Field. I have to disagree with newgirl448 on not talking to white people. The truth is that most of the political struggles that black people overcame happened with the help of certain white folks who were awakened to the evils of racism (LBJ), or even more simply for political gain (Lincoln freed the slaves, but it was more for a strategic advantage in the civil war than anything).
Keep taking and white people will eventually listen. When you get loud enough, they have to.
djtyg:
With all due respect, I am not a separatist,and by all means talk to all the white people you want. There have of course been white people in the darkest days of this country's history with the goodness and the courage to stand up for what is right. My point is that when we talk to white folks or anybody else it is from a place of powerlessness (economically, politically, and socially) and so they can pick and choose when, where, and whether they will listen. The LBJ's, and RFK's, and Lincolns show as much compassion as their political interests will afford. They will only move beyond that point when you as a group have the power to force that move. That is not because they are inherently evil, but because those are the politics of power in any ethnic plurality, including america. You either-as a group-need to be able to take something away from a sucker or give something to him. That-and not the largesse of nice white people who are finally willing to listen-is how you advance and protect your people.
"Liberal" Connecticut Democratic Senator Chris Dodd is runnin for President and says he's representin the people and says he’s fightin for minority issues like housing…
Dodd said: “Studies show minorities get high-cost mortgages more than whites do regardless of credit scores.” If that’s news to white people, then I’m afraid to ask what else they don’t know….
Now, can someone please, PLEASE tell me how come he's runnin around the Senate tryna help Bush close down a Federal program that's helped hundreds of thousands of Blacks and other minorities achieve first time homeownership? Dodd is supporting the Bush administration’s move to eliminate downpayment assistance programs forever. According to the GAO, the move to get rid of downpayment assistance programs will bar bout 40% of African-American homebuyers from using Federal Housing Administration insured loans.
How do ya expect a woman living in government housing to move into her own home and start building wealth? The only way for her to break the chain of poverty is to get a mortgage and her own home, and the only way to do that for poor folk without rich parents and trust funds is to seek downpayment assistance. Eliminating downpayment assistance is just another way to put Blacks into a modern day sharecroppin system on the apartment renting plantation.
Luckily, Civil Rights champion Rep. Maxine Waters demonstrated REAL leadership in securing a bill in the House to protect this program. In the Senate, Senator Dodd is the one holding EVERYTHING up. Sign this petition and call Senator Dodd now. For more information on this issue, see below.
Here’s the background. Downpayment assistance programs allow nonprofits to assist home buyers in providing the minimum down payment required for Federal Housing Authority (FHA) loans. Shutting down this program will effectively destroy the nonprofits seeking to help first time home buyers achieve their dreams of home ownership. From 2000 through 2006, more than 650,000 buyers got their down payments through nonprofits. HUD Secretary Alphonso Jackson believes with the recent foreclosures occurring because of subprime loans, an increased number of borrowers will seek downpayment assistance and place enormous fiscal stress on the FHA. However, Secretary Jackson is overlooking the fact that if downpayment assistance programs are shut out, even more borrowers will be FORCED into predatory loan agreements and subprime loans. The reality is, downpayment assistance programs are needed more than ever now, and to remove the program is to put families onto the street and to keep an entire segment of the population continually renting from landlords.
Write or Call Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee Chairman Chris Dodd to tell him:
"Please do not shut down the downpayment assistance program. This program helps hundreds of thousands of disadvantaged families across the country achieve the American dream of homeownership."
Banking Committee Contact:
534 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
P: (202) 224-7391
F: (202) 224-5137
U.S. Senator Chris Dodd Contact:
448 Russell Building | Washington D.C., 20510
Tel: (202) 224-2823 | Fax: (202) 224-1083
Wow! jhow thanks for this info and the contact numbers. I am calling right now.
If I learned anything from Thomas Shapiro's Hidden Cost of Being African American...it's how homeownership breaks the chain of poverty by creating opportunities to build wealth
Frankly...some liberals want to pander for votes, but when it comes to providing the tools necessary for owning our own assets, they prefer to keep us on government dole
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