When I farm I often have times that are quiet, times where I am doing repetitive tasks or things that allow my brain to wander. A year ago I often thought about how everything is connected. About how fungi create massive networks across my farm sharing nutrients from one end to another. About ways of interacting with the world and nature. However, more and more often I’m finding myself thinking about what is going on in the world. About the lives of black people and the things people are saying about them. I have been mulling over the words I read and the arguments being made. I have weighed these things against what I have learned about black people while I was growing up.
I have wondered if others have learned the same things. Which brings me to this post… What have I learned about black people.
I have learned that black people are not credible. There are millions of people who have been saying there are wrongs that need to be addressed since before I was born, but who needs to listen. No matter the standing of the black person making the claim it is likely false. If, for some reason, you are not black then there is something wrong. Perhaps they’re unpatriotic, suffering from white guilt, or young and entitled. Thus, not representing the average hard working citizen just trying to make a living.
I have learned that black people are criminals who cannot listen. This is why they are being killed and why there is so much black on black crime. When black people get together or organize they are likely gangs, marxists, terrorists, a threat to society looking for a chance to riot and loot.
I have learned they are lazy, just looking for a handout and extra advantages instead of having to actually work hard to make their own way.
I have learned that history that involves people who are black is not important. If we added any more then that might be revisionist, as if their contribution to the creation and maintenance of a country was minor.
I learned there is not a problem with racism and if for some reason someone is discriminated against they probably had it coming since they use names that are not “traditional” or any of the aforementioned.
I have learned that black men do not take care of their children.
I have learned that if I want to hear positive things about black people I must actively search them out.
I learned black people are racist if they try and support each other and the things they create. When they choose to hang out together they are self segregating
These things are being said or argued, either implicitly or explicitly, sometimes with the qualifier; but not all of them. How can you tell which one is which and do you even care to find out? These are the things being said about people. They say no child is born racist but if that child grows up consistently hearing these things what are we teaching them. I was a child and I grew up and these are the messages I received not just with clear words articulating these arguments but also the media, entertainment and stories to reinforce them. So here I am pondering what I have been shown wondering if these are what others have been shown. I think about how these thoughts, ideas, and arguments change peoples behaviors toward those that are black. I think if this is the message most people or some people believe and those people go to run businesses, become doctors, get voted into office, or serve in any capacity how can they not have at least some bias?
