" I’ve been thinking a lot about how the idea that all racial tension stems from White supremacy is… quite White supremacist in itself, as it denies non-White individuals any agency of our own."
Now that's just effing brilliant Yang. You've turned their "if you say you're colorblind, you're not", "some of my best friends" etc. memes right against them. I love when the Left is crushed at their own game!
Must we come to the uncomfortable conclusion that Black and Asian people have divergent interests? Even though I am a firm liberal, it seems that if the GOP is able to expunge its virulently anti-Asian elements, it could be a natural home for first- and even second-generation Asian immigrants. Excellent article as always! Thanks for your courageous work!
Reading a passage in Booker T. Washington's "My Larger Education" that fits neatly into this post. From Chapter 7 Colonel Roosevelt and What I Have Learned from Him:
"I had dined in the same room with President McKinley at Chicago at the Peace-jubilee dinner; and I had dined with ex-President Harrison in Paris, and with many other prominent public men.
Some weeks after…I was making a trip through Florida…At a little station near Gainesville a white man got aboard the train whose dress and manner indicated that he was from the class of small farmers in that part of the country. He shook hands with me very cordially, and said: ‘I am mighty glad to see you. I have heard about you and I have been wanting to meet you for a long while.’
I was naturally pleased at this cordial reception, but I was surprised when, after looking me over, he remarked: ‘Say, you are a great man. You are the greatest man in this country!’ I protested mildly, but he insisted, shaking his head and repeating, "Yes, sir, the greatest man in this country." Finally I asked him what he had against President Roosevelt, telling him at the same time that, in my opinion, the President of the United States was the greatest man in the country.
‘Huh! Roosevelt?" he replied with considerable emphasis in his voice. "I used to think that Roosevelt was a great man until he ate dinner with you. That settled him for me.’
This remark of a Florida farmer is but one of the many experiences which have taught me something of the curious nature of this thing that we call prejudice -- social prejudice, race prejudice, and all the rest. I have come to the conclusion that these prejudices are something that it does not pay to disturb. It is best to "let sleeping dogs lie." All sections of the United States, like all other parts of the world, have their own peculiar customs and prejudices. For that reason it is the part of common-sense to respect them. When one goes to European countries or into the Far West, or into India or China, he meets certain customs and certain prejudices which he is bound to respect and, to a certain extent, comply with."
Humans Are Racist For Our Own Reasons
Really happy to see your work being recognized and appearing on more and more platforms, Sheluyang.
Your observations are always insightful and your perspective is shared by many. Great post.
Thank you. You are an excellent writer!!
Great writing, both here and in Unherd. Thanks.
So much better to be a cat.
" I’ve been thinking a lot about how the idea that all racial tension stems from White supremacy is… quite White supremacist in itself, as it denies non-White individuals any agency of our own."
Now that's just effing brilliant Yang. You've turned their "if you say you're colorblind, you're not", "some of my best friends" etc. memes right against them. I love when the Left is crushed at their own game!
Honest.
Must we come to the uncomfortable conclusion that Black and Asian people have divergent interests? Even though I am a firm liberal, it seems that if the GOP is able to expunge its virulently anti-Asian elements, it could be a natural home for first- and even second-generation Asian immigrants. Excellent article as always! Thanks for your courageous work!
Reading a passage in Booker T. Washington's "My Larger Education" that fits neatly into this post. From Chapter 7 Colonel Roosevelt and What I Have Learned from Him:
"I had dined in the same room with President McKinley at Chicago at the Peace-jubilee dinner; and I had dined with ex-President Harrison in Paris, and with many other prominent public men.
Some weeks after…I was making a trip through Florida…At a little station near Gainesville a white man got aboard the train whose dress and manner indicated that he was from the class of small farmers in that part of the country. He shook hands with me very cordially, and said: ‘I am mighty glad to see you. I have heard about you and I have been wanting to meet you for a long while.’
I was naturally pleased at this cordial reception, but I was surprised when, after looking me over, he remarked: ‘Say, you are a great man. You are the greatest man in this country!’ I protested mildly, but he insisted, shaking his head and repeating, "Yes, sir, the greatest man in this country." Finally I asked him what he had against President Roosevelt, telling him at the same time that, in my opinion, the President of the United States was the greatest man in the country.
‘Huh! Roosevelt?" he replied with considerable emphasis in his voice. "I used to think that Roosevelt was a great man until he ate dinner with you. That settled him for me.’
This remark of a Florida farmer is but one of the many experiences which have taught me something of the curious nature of this thing that we call prejudice -- social prejudice, race prejudice, and all the rest. I have come to the conclusion that these prejudices are something that it does not pay to disturb. It is best to "let sleeping dogs lie." All sections of the United States, like all other parts of the world, have their own peculiar customs and prejudices. For that reason it is the part of common-sense to respect them. When one goes to European countries or into the Far West, or into India or China, he meets certain customs and certain prejudices which he is bound to respect and, to a certain extent, comply with."
Malcolm X was a great mind, lost too early and with so much still to accomplish. Thank you for carrying on his work and making your own mark.
Thank you for another excellent essay. You speak the truth in a manner that is in depth and undeniable.
You are an incredibly gifted writer. Amazing essay.