two nights ago, i stood on stage. after having negotiated multiple contradictions, i hope that the message i delivered hit at least one heart and one soul.
mental stimulation if you please. . .
plus. . .
plus. . . the finale for the night. . . a booty shake contest
is the solution to. . .
and this. . .
(exhale)
why keep adding to the problem?
1 comment:
The day I found out about this event. The first question in my mind was... Who is sponsoring it? I got the answer right away. How? A group of males walked into a space held for a student organization(comprised of a majority female board and general body) and asked to make an announcement. I had not previously met these men but they had a confidence and boldness (maybe arrogance is more fitting) that demanded attention. They did not introduce themselves to anyone around them or announce in advance (to my acknowledge) that they would be present. In the end they were allowed to show up unannounced, have the floor, socialize for the sake of recruitment,(in my eyes) and do so without objection or thought from others occupying the this space(again from my perspective). They had not engaged in previous events, event planning, and or collaboration to any significance that I am aware of. When general members of this organization did not show interest after announcing the event, a new tactic was taken on. "Are you coming to the event? cause you know Trish is performing, you gata support her." Later in the day/week I over heard... "HAhahah no one wants to go... just tell them Trish is performing that gets them, hahaha." It was interesting at the least and outrageous at the most. From my perspective. We build trust and friendship which leads to community and conscientious orientations, through celebration of shared culture, history, and experience. Then hegemonic (male) groups come into that space and are allowed to exploit it in the name of community. It's not the specific event (although I choose not to attend) or the fact that this group was a bit manipulative or operates with manipulative tactics. (in my eyes) It's the fact that a group of men can come into space and exert that power, in a setting such as this. It's a slap in the face on one level and prime example of how a perpetuation of "similar" systems I thought we were trying to get away from still exist. And my heart did fall a bit know that a sister would be involved in that, especially the same sister I look to for guidance, inspiration, and understanding. Not from a judgement stand point but more from a "huh" (scratches head) perspective. Though! Though! Though!
I do recognized the difference between truth and fact...and have a working idea of NEGOTIATION that we all go through including this sister in particular, again not judging just trying to make sense, since I've thrown "common sense" out the window. In a sense I have constructed my identity off of her and other like minded sisters, which has put into question my post adolescent early adulthood ideologies.(which is a positive, to keep questioning)
"Hall way discussion". Why is Obama constantly elevating and praising Lincoln. Lincoln no more wanted freedom for blacks than a confederate general. He didn't "free" blacks because he cared nor did he want them in America. He wanted to preserve the union and that's it. But here we are two hundred years after his birth with a black President praising Lincoln for his present opportunity in front of the world.(not to mention the first lady has a degree in sociology and minor in black studies) So why perpetuate the hegemonic history of Lincoln for the white majority and continue to distort the identity and self esteem of young blacks? NEGOTIATION?
I dont know if this helps or hurts but the intent is to share and hopefully foster something positive :?
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