b. medusa 25 April 2007 8:41:13 am
…there were hand written journals & i kept one for about 16 years. last night i looked through the last journal for something i had written years earlier.
but first a word from a blogger i really admire:
The Primary Contradiction
I’m sharing this story with you all not to shame this person nor to start any public battles, but to relate an experience shared by too many people of color in the progressive movement. Anytime we try to hold white allies accountable for their actions, we take a huge risk. Whether that is the loss of a personal relationship, a smeared reputation, or simply the wrath of someone whose ego we have bruised, people of color in all strata of the left have an uphill battle in challenging white supremacy. Good people, you and I have seen and experienced many examples of white ally catastrophe.
and a word from a blogger i just discovered who did a three part series on racism:
Feline Formal Shorts
After all, so-and-so is such a good feminist/lefty/blogger/politico/”ally” that they couldn’t possibly be racist (or sexist, ableist, heterosexist, or what have you) . . . Mentioning race is a problem. Calling attention to your racial differences is a problem. Talking about racial group phenomena is a problem. If we ignore it, then it won’t be a problem any more, right?
finally, the words i wrote so many years ago after years of heartbreaking/disappointing intimate relationships:
its almost scary how easy its becoming to detach myself – physically & emotionally – from fucked up boyfriends. thank god, after all, haven’t i had enuf?
yesterday detachment served me well in separating myself from white so-called activist allies.
i’ll let a blog commenter have the last word:
nanette said (in response to TPC post above)
…Don’t look back or loop back around to give someone time to catch up (unless you want to) – the pathways are all well marked, the bridges built and it’s time for people to find their own ways across them.(emphasis mine – medusa)
