Random Thoughts and Musings, Pt. 16

Can Racism Drive Blacks Insane?

While surfing the blogosphere doing some research for the SXSW panel, I came across this post from Manic Lawyer on Francis L. Holland's site. Years ago - I think it was in Kingston with my mother - I came across a book entitled Black Rage. I was about nineteen at the time and was more attracted with the title than the content. After finishing the book in which two psychologists look at mental illness cumulating from everyday black life in America,I found it extremely interesting. It is one of those books that stays with you for a long time. I can understand how constant experiences of racism - not the overt kind, but the insinuations, the everyday interactions you have with people  - that leads you to question whether you are being treated a certain way because of your skin colour or whether you are just being too sensitive, can drive anyone to the brink of insanity.

Yesterday, I got into the elevator in my apartment building with a young white couple. As we all pressed our floor buttons, my floor didn't light up. I pressed the button again, to no avail. The girl says to me in a loud and deliberately slow manner, "why don't you just press seven and then walk down the stairs? If you press five, then you have to walk up rather than walking down." I turned around and looked at her. Bitch, do I look like I'm five? The elevator stopped on my floor and as the doors opened, the girl pats me on the shoulder and says, "See? You don't have to walk." I again gave her a look and shook my head as I exited the elevator. As usual, I thought, do I look stupid or am I just being too sensitive? Should I have punched her out or cussed her? The problem with that is that the person then thinks that you are nuts, calls the cops, etc, and of course has no idea why you are mad because they don't understand why their behaviour is insulting.

It's those everyday interactions that personally drive me nuts. What I don't understand is why some - notice how I said some - white people talk to you like you're deaf and dumb and need assistance. I also don't get it how in such a diverse city like Toronto, there are people who act like they have never had any interactions with black people, or don't realize that...well, just act stupid.

Grey's Anatomy

Okay, the only reason why I watched this episode was there was nothing else on - and I was working so I had my back to the TV. But I have to admit I thought, 'let the bitch die,'  as Dr. McDreamy cried like a bitch. Jesus.

At Least He Was Honest......

Tim Hardaway....Not a Basketball fan at all, so I know little about him. But let's pose the question, would you rather find out that people are racist / sexist / homophobic 'straightup' ala Hardaway, or is it better for people to try and hide their feelings, only to reveal their true selves in a more covert, and insidious manner? No apology is going to do it this time. And is there really a rehab for racist / sexist / homophobic people? Do they get to go to Betty Ford?

Comments

[goblin]

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[inciquay]

Damn Stu! She told you now didn't she? LMBAO @ U Stu

[lainad]

"Overreaction. The woman was only trying to help you.

Please note that the page providing all the support for these black letters I am typing is white. But that doesn't make it racist nor patronising. Chill out, girl!"

Well thank you for clearing that up for me, Stu. I should have asked for the opinion of a white person just to set me straight because you all know more about me than I do myself and hell, I can't comment on anything concerning my life and my experiences without it first being legitimized by a white person. Even your comment was patronizing.Do you usually say "chill out" to your white friends in casual conversation, and "girl" to your female aquaintences, or do you think that's how "we" all speak?

[Stu Savory]

Overreaction. The woman was only trying to help you.

Please note that the page providing all the support for these black letters I am typing is white. But that doesn't make it racist nor patronising. Chill out, girl!

[inciquay]

I feel Black rage almost every day because of just this type of scenario. I've taken to saying in a deliberately slow and soft voice, “don’t condescend to me; I'm Black not stupid!”