Tag: Racism

Troubling Times

by inmanb17cedcb09, posted in Bi+/LGBTQ Issues, Current Events, Social Issues

May 1, 2022
   Damn, things seem really frustrating, disheartening, confusing, and downright scary these days. On the international news front, we’re witnessing terrible, heart-wrenching examples of death, suffering, and carnage being wrought by Vladimir Putin’s vicious, bloody, unwarranted invasion of Ukraine.  On the domestic side here in the United States, bitter divisions in politics and society have gotten so bad that it often seems virtually impossible to get anything done. Despite it being the 21st century, we’re seeing far too much intolerance, prejudice, ignorance, and hate throughout the nation, and what’s even more disturbing is how many social conservatives are pushing for policies that actually worsen these problems.
   Think about it. In numerous states, there are social conservatives trying to pass laws that knowingly hurt the LGBTQ (Queer) Community, a community that was already suffering. A 2021 survey conducted by the Trevor Project of nearly 35,000 LGBTQ youth (ages 13 to 24) found that 42% had seriously considered suicide during the previous 12 months. That number rose to 52% for Transgender youth. Only one in three indicated that they lived in an LGBTQ affirming home. Yet despite evidence such as this, numerous Republicans are working hard to pass laws that would clearly hurt Queer kids instead of helping them. And what’s worse is that these laws will almost certainly increase LGBTQ suicide rates.
   There’s also been a move by many conservative Republicans to make a big deal about critical race theory and wanting to ban it from being discussed in schools. Well for one thing, it’s clear most of these individuals don’t even know (or don’t care) what critical race theory actually is because it’s a theory that is dealt with at the post graduate education level and not K through 12. But it seems that many Republicans are using the attack on this term to go after general discussions about race relations in American history classes. This effort by conservatives is extremely dangerous because in order to learn from past mistakes, people need to look at American history honestly (warts and all), and that clearly has to include race relations. There’s a lot of truth to the old adage: those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it. The brutal reality is that racism and other forms of prejudice (like that which is aimed at the LGBTQ Community) are still widely prevalent today, and as a result, it’s that much more important to include honest, frank discussions about such issues in school.
   So the thing is: we need to speak up and educate others about what is going on and what we can do to try to make things better. People should stand up for open-mindedness, tolerance, and be honest about America’s history and current situation, not stick their heads in sand ignoring the problems. We should all strive to make things better.

Time For Washington DC To Change Its NFL Team’s Nickname

by inmanb17cedcb09, posted in Current Events, Social Issues

7-8-20
   I’m going to admit that personally, I’ve never been into watching football or the like. Just not my thing, but I realize that it’s a big deal to many people. A way to escape everyday life and enjoy yourself. And that is definitely important.
   What I’m talking about here is the Washington, DC football team’s nickname.
   Folks, the term “redskin” is very insulting and racist against Native Americans. Just look at history to see how the word has been used in the past as a derogatory, racist slur. In the 18th and 19th centuries, it was known to be used by white Americans, or Europeans, who were hunting Native Americans in order to kill them, often collecting scalps as proof. Add to that, all the other betrayals, abuse, violence, and suffering Native Americans have had to endure since Europeans began arriving on North American shores and anyone should be able to see how wrong and hurtful it is using this term as a professional sports team’s nickname.
   It is way past time to change it.
   To find a nickname everyone in the community can support and get behind. Maybe have a naming contest where people can submit ideas. Turn the process into a fun, unifying event.
   However it is done, Washington needs a new nickname for its NFL football team.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/a-brief-history-of-the-word-redskin-and-how-it-became-a-source-of-controversy/2016/05/19/062cd618-187f-11e6-9e16-2e5a123aac62_story.html

https://www.esquire.com/news-politics/news/a29318/redskin-name-update/

https://www.npr.org/sections/codeswitch/2013/09/09/220654611/are-you-ready-for-some-controversy-the-history-of-redskin

Here’s Why Removing Confederate Statues And Changing Some Brands Is Needed

by inmanb17cedcb09, posted in Current Events, History, Social Issues

6-19-20
   Some people seem to think that the movements to remove Confederate statues from city parks or change brand names and images (like Uncle Ben’s Rice) is going too far.
   Well, it’s not going too far. And it’s not changing history either.
   It’s about being honest about the past and striving to make things better for all.
   Let’s go back in time for a bit.
   Since the founding of the United States, slavery had been a festering issue that was creating frustration, anger, and division. During the 1800s, as territories became states, there were bitter arguments and clashes over whether they would be a free or slave state. The South was worried that if too many states became free, the balance of power could shift in that direction, eventually threatening slavery itself.
   The Missouri Compromise of 1820 was part of the effort by the American government to maintain a balance of power between the free vs slave states by admitting Missouri into the Union as a slave state and Maine as free. This was done to try to prevent war.
   But the slavery issue continued bleeding and dividing the nation.
   When Abraham Lincoln, who was against slavery, became president, tensions boiled over. Southern states’ rights advocates decided to secede creating the Confederacy. They clearly did this in order to preserve the disgusting institution of slavery.
   So even though a Southern soldier might have gone to war with the idea that he was fighting for his home, he was also fighting to preserve slavery.
   Slavery.
   A horrible institution treating human beings as property. That is ultimately what Confederate soldiers were fighting for.
   Slavery.
   Something else to consider with regards to Confederate statues. Many were erected by white Americans with white supremacist attitudes as part of their efforts to quash Black Civil Rights movements.  This is also why the Confederate flag was included in multiple Southern state flags.  It was part of the campaigns by racist white Americans to oppress the African American population. To keep Black people “in their place.” That is truly sick when you think about it.
   Now, think about this: statues in city parks should honor people, movements, or organizations that the majority of the current population can agree deserve such treatment. Considering this country’s history, that is certainly not Confederate soldiers or the Confederate flag.
   That is why it is definitely time for change.
   A city park is not the place for a Confederate statue, and no state flag should include the Confederate flag. It’s the 21st Century folks!
  As to brand names and images like Uncle Ben’s Rice or Aunt Jemima Pancake Mix, they need to be changed too because they are based on grossly demeaning, racist stereotypes that were used by white Americans with racist attitudes in their desire to keep themselves in charge.
   It is time for positive change.
   Let’s learn from the past so as not to repeat the wrongs that have been done.
   We must embrace our diversity and be more accepting, understanding, tolerant, and supportive of everyone.

https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/aunt-jemima-millionaire/