I’m reconsidering my relationship with white America.
Some of it is based on what I have heard and read. A big part of it is because of what I have
not heard and read.
I’m confused by what people say. I’m also confounded by what people haven’t
said. The space between the loud cries
and silence forces me to reevaluate the assumptions made regarding my place in
rooms where I am the only person of color.
What is being said when nothing is being said?
What does it mean when those who say they love you fail to acknowledge
your rage? What does it say when they haven’t stood in solidarity after you
give voice to promote unity and peace? What
does the silence communicate beyond the desire to stay in the middle?
Don’t get me wrong, I understand and appreciate the
privilege of silence. Standing in the middle established the context for
compromise. It’s empowering to not take
a position. It get it. I support it, but
silence defines the terms involving your place in the room.
Silence is a negation of your voice within the context of
that space. It devalues the substance
behind the pain that challenges you to speak.
What are the terms of silence, and how is ones space in the room
compromised by speaking when silence is demanded?
Could it be that
silence is America’s problem?
Could it be that black and brown people have coexisted with
white America because of a willingness to remain silent? Could it be that white Americans have shared
space with black and brown people while remaining silent regarding their true
feelings involving sharing that space.
If space is the place where power is influenced, who owes
and measures that space? What are the
terms for remaining in space that demands silence, and how does the silence of
those who manage space impact the voice of those limited by the conditions of
space?
This is the overwhelming challenge of black and brown people
functioning within space managed within the context of silence. Silence assumes a lack of affirmation, and, as
such, is ultimately applied as a condition of judgment.
Black people call this being a good Negro. The term Uncle Tom has also been used to state
the condition of doing everything it takes to fit within the culture of white
privilege. The good Negro makes no
waves. The good Negro remains silent to
prevent conflict with those who manage space. Remaining in space managed by
white privilege and power demands silence.
The silence of those within that space is a statement related to the
demand of your silence.
Is silence a necessary condition of unity, and, if so, what
happens to the voice of those screaming to be heard?
Like I said, I’m rethinking my relationship with white
America. Not because I don’t care, but
because of the tension created by speaking.
If silence is demanded as a condition of inclusion, what is lost when
speaking is required as a part of your liberation?
Americans demand silence as an act of inclusion. Those with power control the terms of
silence. So, what happens to the person
who remains silent?
Their voice is lost in the quest to fit into a culture that
demands silence.
Is the desire for silence America’s problem? Is our ability
to get along conditioned by our ability to remain silent?
I may need to remain silent to fit in certain rooms. How can I?
I’m not made that way.
Still speaking.
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