In the UK there has been a furore on the issue of racism. A. Suarez vs Evra. B. The alleged issue of John Terry vs Anton Ferdinand. And after 18 years the parents of Steven Lawrence finally got partial justice for the racist slaying of their son. We have indeed come a long way from the “lynch mob” (* you can google the historical term ), but have we?
Its often said by certain black people that no other race can appreciate racism unless they are black. Is this true? Let’s examine this closely. In my humble opinion, racism is not necessarily about race, creed or colour. It is more about power and mind-set.
Let us look at history. For example in over 200 years of the slave trade, manipulation of Black Africans by European Super-powers was essentially about superiority of technology and the effectiveness of the “divide & rule” concept of separation. Afterall, before the advent of Europeans on African soil, we had proud African empires such as the
Songhai dynasty,
Mali and
Benin to name a few. These empires subjugated neighbours and sold them freely in the sub-saharan trade routes. All the participants in these matters were black, can this then be racism?
These differences were latterly exploited by Europeans in pitting African against African to achieve their aim of superiority control. They may have despised the indigene population or thought them beneath them, but is that racism or prejudice?
Secondly, let’s examine briefly the Jewish question. A horrid era in the white European history. We all know what the Germans did to the jews in this period. Looking closer at the issue, was it about colour, race or creed? Jews were known for their tenacity in trade, excelled in the world of finance, were and are intelligent and pretty much looked like their German oppressors. Could we determine then that it wasn’t about colour creed or race and perhaps about power? I believe you can only oppress other if you have the power and mental fortitude to do so, or you are misguided. Hitler’s Germany believed the Jews to be abhorrent essentially because of a misinterpreted historical believe about Jesus and Christianity and his death. The Jewish community are equally powerful today and walk tall in the lobby of the most powerful nation in the world (USA). The power base of the Jew was perhaps a more reasonable reason for such massive devastation of a people. They were a direct threat. For, how can you hate a race yet covet their art, artistry, intelligence??
Most people assume that racism is about colour.
Beg to differ. The vitriol experienced throughout the world is usually about POWER.
This does not necessarily mean the majority against the minority as in the Lynch Mob case of Steven Lawrence. The minority usually hold power in a twisted but little understood issue of who holds the power.
In a way, do we all not make prejudicial choices?
What we should all be looking at is: What everlasting damage did slavery cause all those that shared the same skin colour. Ironically, the damage is a two way issue. The oppressed and the oppressors. Africans in their many guises today have had to live with the mental legacy of the Slave trade. One cannot underplay the level of damage as expressed by the late Robert Nestor Malley: “ emancipate yourself from mental slavery, none but us can free our mind” To me, this is the real issue. The legacy of the slave trade was not about colour, it was about power. Blacks must fight their internal demons that unconsciously blocks their mental capacity to overcome most obstacles they face.
Getting back their personal power is the priority.
Blacks need to be the boss of themselves. Know that when you are faced by a perceived racial slur, know that it is about arresting from you, your power. Even when it is from someone who you have thought unable to disempower you.
Your fortunes are yours to claim. It is an issue of risk and reward. What are you willing to risk to empower yourself? Ask yourself,
have I given up my right to be the boss of me?
My current bug-bears:
1. When sexual orientation is likened to race or skin colour.
2. Why does a white person abuse the colour of a person when there is an issue. Is it to inflict presupposed superiority complex?, please, how misguided!
3. How can you oppress others when you have felt the pangs of oppression yourself? ( Israel – Palestine question )
Remember: running water is a life giving source. One we cannot live without.
This article is of my own thoughts and experiences and I do not represent any group or parties. Bismillah Alhamdollilah – mercy be upon his name.
