I recently read an excellent interview of Chris Rock in New York Magazine, by Frank Rich, and in the interview Mr. Rock made a very interesting observation that I had not heard before nor considered. Here’s what he had to say: (and I condense his comments a little)
“Here’s the thing. When we talk about race relations in America or racial progress, it’s all nonsense…To say that black people have made progress would be to say that they deserve what happened to them before. So, to say Obama is progress is saying that he’s the first black person that is qualified to be president. That’s not black progress. That’s white progress. There’s been black people qualified to be president for hundreds of years…The advantage that my children have is that my children are encountering the nicest white people that America has ever produced. Let’s hope America keeps producing nicer white people.”
And I agree…not to say that there have never been any nice white people. Of course there have. But it is safe to say that we white folks started it and we’re going to need to be a whole lot nicer if we want this country to end up with the “Good Christian” outcome that we think America and all Americans deserve…at least that’s the way I see it.
Merry Christmas! And on Earth, peace, good will to all!
Because what possible alternative could make any better sense than that?
And you too, Merry Christmas
Thank you for this goodwill post… I hope Mr. Rock meant to say “Bit it is safe to say that …white folks started it and (white folks are) going to need to be a whole lot nicer…” Otherwise with the “we white folks” it continues to perpetuate the exclusiveness that is the core problem. Peace to you and seasons greetings as well.
And I hope what EVERYONE remembers is to include the word “some” in front of the adjective “black” or “white” every time. Otherwise, they are self-identifying as racist, and part of the problem themselves, rather than the solution.
That is a good point as well. How people speak and listen (or don’t) does effect things.
I’ve been guilty of forgetting to use “some” when I complain about what “men” have done. Yes, our language matters and it’s too easy to let it devolve into hate speech. Children pick up on that and it shapes their thinking quickly in the wrong ways.
I was once told the Netherlands was in the “Stone age” when it came to “race relations”. I didn’t react very well and used the US as an example. That wasn’t entirely fair, but it was effective. I love the US, hope ya’ll doin’ ok, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Sincerely, Onno.
Continuing to enjoy your viewpoints and observations And certainly looking forward to your passion in 2015. Oh, and Happy Holidays to you and your family on the Christmas Day. M 🎄
No. “We” white folks didn’t start it. Some white folks in the past started it. While half of my ancestors are light-skinned, I bear zero responsibility for the sins of those past peoples, and feel zero guilt over it. Nor should I, or anyone with ancestors who are 100% light-skinned.
Actually, some folks now no longer considered white, or “Anglo” also started it. Some peoples of Hispanic origin would now call those brown-skinned peoples Latinos while others Hispanic, but they were from Spain.
That is, if the “it” we’re referring to is the enslavement of black Africans in the New World.
I agree with the spirit of what Rock said. It’s insightful, which is unsurprising, given the source. Let’s all hope America not only produces “nicer white people”, but that these people manage to get into positions that effect change. And let’s also hope we get more nice people of other skin shades. We could use them, too.
Oh, good grief. Forgot to add: Merry Christmas! 🙂