Dominating the news today is the revelation that Rachel Dolezal, President of the Spokane Branch of the NAACP and longtime activist, has been “passing” herself off as Black. She’s apparently not, at least according to her White parents. She just wants to be black.
She has a lengthy history of activism for justice and equality, and, by all accounts, is doing a fine job as the Spokane, Washington leader of the nation’s oldest civil rights organization. A heart for justice issues is usually born from experience or deep compassion and is rarely contrived as a way to advance one’s self in another culture. This makes the revelation, and the underlying decision to pretend, that much more perplexing. Why pretend? I don’t understand. Should Black women be offended or flattered?
Did she think that as a White woman she couldn’t have worked with the Black community to help advance civil rights issues? That’s almost an insult to the countless members of other ethnic groups who marched alongside Blacks in the height of the Civil Rights Movement decades ago to assume that equality only matters to Black folk.
I think her pretending is actually counterproductive to her alleged desire to move others across the nation toward a better understanding of the issues that many minorities continue to face.
Another point of contention for me: Just exactly how was she pretending to be Black? Was she speaking with a certain dialect? Did she live in certain neighborhoods? Was her hair combed in a particular style? Did she eat certain foods? Based on early reports of her revelation, one could presume that she handpicked certain stereotypes and starting “acting” Black. And, of course, if you’re Black, you have to join the NAACP!
The final part that bothers is me is her being "Black" in Washington state. While racial disparities exist everywhere, I'm thinking Spokane isn't exactly the bastion of racial conflict, especially considering when there are still Confederate battle flags flying across many states in the Union.
So, I have a letter for Ms. Dolezal. Perhaps someone can pass it along.
Dear Rachel,
I applaud anyone who wants to help promote social justice and equality. So, please come be “Black” in the South. Be forewarned, it’s probably a little different than being “Black” in the Pacific Northwest but you’ll get used to it. Or not. Anyway, come on. We’re waiting.
Sincerely,
Shay
She has a lengthy history of activism for justice and equality, and, by all accounts, is doing a fine job as the Spokane, Washington leader of the nation’s oldest civil rights organization. A heart for justice issues is usually born from experience or deep compassion and is rarely contrived as a way to advance one’s self in another culture. This makes the revelation, and the underlying decision to pretend, that much more perplexing. Why pretend? I don’t understand. Should Black women be offended or flattered?
Did she think that as a White woman she couldn’t have worked with the Black community to help advance civil rights issues? That’s almost an insult to the countless members of other ethnic groups who marched alongside Blacks in the height of the Civil Rights Movement decades ago to assume that equality only matters to Black folk.
I think her pretending is actually counterproductive to her alleged desire to move others across the nation toward a better understanding of the issues that many minorities continue to face.
Another point of contention for me: Just exactly how was she pretending to be Black? Was she speaking with a certain dialect? Did she live in certain neighborhoods? Was her hair combed in a particular style? Did she eat certain foods? Based on early reports of her revelation, one could presume that she handpicked certain stereotypes and starting “acting” Black. And, of course, if you’re Black, you have to join the NAACP!
The final part that bothers is me is her being "Black" in Washington state. While racial disparities exist everywhere, I'm thinking Spokane isn't exactly the bastion of racial conflict, especially considering when there are still Confederate battle flags flying across many states in the Union.
So, I have a letter for Ms. Dolezal. Perhaps someone can pass it along.
Dear Rachel,
I applaud anyone who wants to help promote social justice and equality. So, please come be “Black” in the South. Be forewarned, it’s probably a little different than being “Black” in the Pacific Northwest but you’ll get used to it. Or not. Anyway, come on. We’re waiting.
Sincerely,
Shay
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