Sunday, January 29, 2012

What do I need to do to be Black Enough?



Perhaps you might think this blog comes a little late because Martin Luther King’s birthday was back on the 15th of this month.  But unlike most folks I think about this man everyday of my life, because he is who I chose as one of my role models for blackhood and manhood.   Because I grew up without a father I wanted to find a person who represented the values that I thought were most important: Education, Spirituality, and Community.  And he has been a role model for civil rights activists the entire world over, having been inspired by the words of great men before him such as Christ, Thoreau, and Gandhi.  Through his example I learned that I couldn’t ever allow society to label me as lazy, stupid, or powerless and that I had to label myself diligent, intelligent, and powerful.  The light of his legacy lives on today in the celebrations we have today of his work, the LGBT rights movement, and even having a black president.  Though today my writing is inspired of the fear that we didn’t get one of the core aspects of his work here in our country: What it really means to be a black american.

I have heard for years the racist comment: "You are the whitest black man I’ve ever met."  I cannot tell you how much that offends me.  And I am not an easy person to offend.  I’ve been in the military for eleven years, lived in environments that care nothing for the sensitivity of their fellow man, been cussed out, abused emotionally from multiple sources, and watched as people look at my white wife and I in disgust.  And by and large none of that has offended me, except for that statement.  For you see the ones who have said it most often are also those who claim to be my closest friends.

However I know that I’m not alone in my feelings concerning how blackhood is defined.  One of my favorite actors Will Smith lyricized some of his own feelings about how black media felt about his music.

Even though the fans went out & bought enough
I guess they think Will ain't hard enough
Maybe I should just have a shoot out
Run up in the bank, bustin', grabbin' all the loot out
Whoop somebody ass, taking my boot out
Right on TV so ya'll can see me
Just ignorant, attacking, actin' rough
I mean, then will I be black enough?

Now Will Smith is a man who like me has chosen values similar to that of Martin Luther King Junior.  So what gives?  Why do people see Ice Cube or Fifty Cent as models of modern blackhood?  I love Biggie Smalls and Tupac, but they aren’t the only models of blackhood today.  Do I really need to be willing to act like a gangster or speak ebonics for people to think of me as a good model of blackhood?  Should I need to listen to rap music, instead of black gospel for folks to think I live within the bounds of my own culture?  Or perhaps this blog should be filled with F-bombs and indignant language to show how hard I am?   No.  I refuse.  I am worth more than that, and I believe my culture has more value than that.

I plan on being one of the few african american fantasy authors, which is entirely outside the realm of the ordinary for my culture, but that by no means means I am acting white.  It doesn’t mean I’m acting yellow like an asian, red like an indian, or green like a soldier either.  It means I am being myself.  A humble black man unafraid of sharing his opinion or his heart.  Recently I was asked the question of what I want my brand to be as a writer.  There was only one answer: Truth.  In what I write and  how I live I hope for that to be my guide.  I may fail that.  I’m certain that Martin Luther King failed that from time to time, because he wasn’t any more perfect than any of us.  But in the end I hope that nobody will say that I was anything less than a noble example of not only blackhood, but humanity.

Speaking of the goal of becoming an author my ROW80 goals for the upcoming week are as follows:
1. Finishing a single scene of “Crimes of the Umbramancer” each day.
     Last week I wanted to catch up, but time didn’t allow for it.  I have only managed to finish a scene each day since last Wednesday.
2. Comment on 10 different blogs in ROW80.
     This goal was modified from what I had before, because I found reading ten ROW80 blogs easy, but commenting a little more difficult.
3. Video games for only twelve hours for the week.
     I kept this goal last week, and I will this week too.  I won’t suffer a poor week due to gaming again.

I’ve failed at my goals in writing in the past because I was afraid, or I procrastinated, or I allowed addiction to run my life.  But no more.  If I am to follow in the footsteps of noble black men before me I have to let truth guide me and the values I’ve chosen to champion even my time management.  Because when I grow up I never want to hear again, “You’re the whitest black man I’ve ever met.”

Please leave your comments about my thoughts in the space below.  Tell me if there are things folks have said to you which have offended you?  What you want your brand as a writer to be?  Or if you totally disagree with what I’ve written tell me that too.  I love reading and responding to comments.  Thanks for reading!




Here are some links to other ROW80 blogs!  Enjoy!

28 comments:

  1. That is a difficult post to comment on:) Not because I dont whole heartedly applaud your aspirations but because as an old woman I'm nervous of how language changes and I might unwittingly give offence -

    I have been offended many times about my middle class background - if a working class background 'likes' me I'm one of them! - no I'm middle class (not to be proud of it seems!)

    My accent -too posh! so 'hey you're not a bit stuck up'! why should how I pronounce English put me in a box

    Now I do appreciate that these are trivial compared to real intolerance - mere pin pricks - the 'whitest etc is prob a compliment although it hurts - the assumptions will never change or at least in my 6+ decades of life they haven't the words only , change. Education and assimilations do help on that front we move foward slowly but foward - but in the end and I am sad abnout this it always comes down to them and us.

    I used to travel - I loved the vibrancy of all cultures when they are allowed to be - assimilation shouldn't mean forgetting ones culture it should as you say be about being part of humanity - your generation I'm sure will move it foward further - and all my best wishes go with you

    Look to Africa's rich fantasy folklore - this genre shouldn't be outside the realm of normal - wonderful stuff there:)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Alberta, you are right. In the classical sense it isn't meant as a curse, but a compliment, but still I would like to be seen as I purport myself to be, instead of the label that someone else chooses to place upon me. I love your comment, because it reveals how common the problem is. I see nothing wrong with being proud of the fact that you have worked hard to become part of the middle class. Thanks for your comments and your suggestions too!

      Delete
  2. This is excellent. May I share it with my students? Of course, I will have to put my name on it and pretend that I wrote it...:) Ha, no- I will, of course, give you full credit. I'd like, however, to share a segment, starting with your second paragraph, at "I have heard for years the racist comment: 'You are the whitest black man I’ve ever met'" and going to "But in the end I hope that nobody will say that I was anything less than a noble example of not only blackhood, but humanity." Would that be cool?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Of course you may share it Amy! I'm sure I'm not the only person who has felt this way and perhaps it might help one of your students. Share with my blessing.

      Delete
    2. It is on my syllabus for next week. Thanks.
      BTW, I am wondering if you ever get tired of the word, "articulate"? It seems to me that phrase is seldom used to describe anyone other than an African-American, and usually a male. Whenever I hear it, it seems to be code for, "I'm surprised that black guy sounds rather educated."
      I also have noticed how many white people will start a sentence with "I'm not racist, but" and finish the sentence with some of the most racist crapoola that I have ever heard.
      We have made progress, but we have a long, long way to go.

      Delete
  3. Jayrod,
    Sometimes the world we live in can be very cruel - most often when people believe that they are being kind. You are so articulate! You are not like other Black people! You are so smart! You seem like such a hard worker! These statements all subtly imply surprise at what should be basic human characteristics. To say them with the tone in which they are most often spoken implies our inhumanity as Black people or the surprise that we are human after all. When we ascribe to personal or professional development that is "nontraditional" we are told, "Good for you!" As if we are reaching for the impossible. Nothing is nontraditional for us to do. We are humans. We are creative, thoughtful, intelligent, good and bad - just like anyone else. I find that when people tend to marginalize me as an adult that I simply have to do the thing that I seek to do for myself. A positive by-product is that when I am done, I have shown people that I can do the thing I set out to do. What they do with that information is their own. I only have time to be me - I don't have time to be who other people want me to be. Just a thought.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This is so true, Curious. Far too often we allow our eyes to be clouded by race, sex, religion, and gender rather than recognizing our common humanity. Thanks for your thoughts!

      Delete
  4. I don't think of people in terms of race, nationality, political or religious affiliation, etc. I think of people as people, and if they are nice to me and others than I like them, and if they are not than I don't. People are too caught up with race. The reality of the situation is that genetically, even though you are black and I am white, we will not have any more differences (genetic variation)than me and any random white guy or you and any random black guy; we are more similar than we are different, and the things that people get caught up on are phenotypic differences that make no difference as to what type of person you are. As far as the stereotypes, they upset me too, and not just the racial ones. Jokes that are derogatory or denigrating to minorities, women, etc. are offensive to me. Just yesterday I protested because something got stolen and the person who owned it assumed that it was a black person who had done it even though they had no reason to think so, or rather they had no evidence to suggest it. I get nasty stereotypes thrown at me constantly too because I am a ginger (red haired), and there is even a national kick a ginger day. I also get stereotyped because I am an atheist, and people typically assume that I have no morals and am only out for myself, but the truth is that I never let an opportunity pass by to help someone if there is any way that I can actually help; I typically go out of my way to help others, and I don't feel that I am going to get any reward in any after life, or anywhere else for that matter, but that does not dissuade me from doing good. Keep up the good work. I think Dr. King would have been proud of your accomplishments.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gene, I couldn't believe there was a National Kick a Ginger Day, and then I looked it up. It made me sick. Terrible how inhuman we can be to each other while asserting how important it is for people to respect our humanity. I want you to know something I have seen to be more of a rule among atheists than theists in general, it is simply a matter of morality. Most atheists I've known have been very moral people because they have chosen their values for themselves. It is beautiful. Thanks for being you.

      Delete
  5. I am a librarian in a men's prison in Central California. The percentage of black men here is daunting. There are many factors that contribute to that trend, but the call of street credibility is one of them. The influence of men like you, who focus on your humanity rather than your street credibility, will help to keep that population from going up.

    May I share this at work?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Velva, feel free to share this. I would be honored to help someone in the system. I hope you are able to turn the life of one of these men around.

      Delete
  6. I think the only thing you truly need to be is Jayrod. Regardless of our heritage, we are all simply humans, the rest seems rather arbitrary and is too often used to cause harm. Your piece is eloquent and speaks beyond its intent, Dr. King sought a world of equality, not just for one "race" but for everyone. Today his work continues to fight against arbitrary reasons for discrimination; race, gender, nationality, sexual preference, etc.

    And now, as a ROW sponsor...nicely done on your goals this week. I'm sure you'll be able to catch up on the scenes, your drive is apparent and healthy. I like the video game goal, while it isn't one I list, it is something I had to work against as well and can appreciate the struggle.

    Have an excellent week, Jayrod.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Indeed Gene. We are all human, but we so often forget this with all of the folks who drive contention between us as a human family. There should be a celebration of unity and diversity in the world, but instead we get furious because folks think or feel differently than we do. I'm hoping that in my literature that it might help people see a little more of the world that Dr. King hoped to achieve.
      Thanks, Gene. I'm really trying to work hard to meet goals and while I realize I might not meet all of them, the name of the game is progress and as long as that is happening, I'm still okay.

      Delete
  7. Really interesting post and refreshing honesty.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Em! It makes me feel good to know it sounds honest.

      Delete
  8. What a terrific post. It leaves me with no doubt that you will not only achieve all your goals, but you will also positively influence many people on your life's journey. I hope you have a good week!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Lamia! Your confidence in me has given me just the boost I need to reach a bit further for my goals this week! Thanks again!

      Delete
  9. Thanks for the insight. I have always thought of you as "Jayrod", a very unique and wonderful individual. I think we all have individuality and our "culture" is from our own individual families and how we individually react or act or decide to act to the decades through which we have lived. Wonderful writing!
    Cindy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much! I've always felt welcome and loved in your home and I am grateful for the fact that you accepted me for both my eccentricities and my home "culture." You and your family are part of the reason I am who I am today. Thank you.

      Delete
  10. Well-spoken, Jayrod. It amazes me at times how we have lost Reverend King's dream of judging people on the content of their character, not the color of their skin.

    By the way, I am personally bothered by the number of both blacks and whites who still have problems with inter-marriage. Hey, I'm a white woman with a handsome white husband, but I think Will Smith is kinda hot and I don't understand any white chick who doesn't agree. ;)

    Thanks for standing up and asserting who you are.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Julie! I think that's why we've been given the gift and power to write. To keep alive the dreams of those we admire and reveal to all the kind of diversity we want in our world. Be the change you want to see in the world is more than just a saying, it is a way of life.

      PS. I read your blog often and steal ideas to help me with my goals. Thanks for being an inspiration to me!

      Delete
  11. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=w1w4NaMu_5s#!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Interesting post. First item of business, I wanted to clarify that when I used to say that about you, and I'm sorry I did, the message it intended to convey was simply that you didn't fit the sterotype. I really wish that we could all get over people having to be "black enough", "white enough", etc. I know it probably won't even happen this quickly, but I want my children to grow up not in a racially equal world, but a post-racial one. The fact that we marvel and have to celebrate and pound our chest about electing a black president tells me that as a nation, we don't get it yet.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Adam. It means a lot to read that from you. I don't fit the stereotypes, but it doesn't mean that am not proud of my heritage. It isn't about being black enough or white enough, but a healthy respect of cultures. Oftentimes we forget that we have different cultures even though we may share others. Race is never what it is about for me, but instead culture. I hope as I continue writing that will be more readily recognized. Again thank you for your response Adam.

      Delete
  13. I kept meaning to get over here to read this and it seems one thing or another kept getting in my way. I am so glad I finally made it! I love this post! Thank you so much for being yourself and sharing it with the world.

    I am a woman with red hair and mix that with low self esteem as a child and I was picked on quite a bit. I believe having gone through that may have something to do with my always wanting things to be fair and not just for me.

    It bothers me to see people make generalizations of any kind. It bothers me that some women feel the need to separate themselves by color and not see that we, as women, are intrinsically all the same just as people, both men and women, are all human beings no matter what we look like. The divisiveness hurts.

    I know it isn't my place to apologize for other people but I truly am sorry that anyone ever made you feel like you weren't perfect just the way you are, uniquely you; or that being intelligent made you more white, like being white makes anyone intelligent.

    My hope is that someday... someday, there won't be any divisiveness there will only be love and compassion for all life.

    Thank you so much for allowing your light to shine!

    Peace,
    Morgan

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Morgan. The point of this blog is to actually make movements towards that world without divisiveness. A world full of various cultures, love for all mankind, and thoughtfulness towards all.

      Delete
  14. WOW. Dear Mr. Garrett, I actually fell upon this by fate, I was looking for large pictures of Martin, (it's a decorating thing!) and I am so glad I did! You write so beautifully, and I look forward to reading more of your work, which I will share with as many as I can!
    The thing that struck me funny, was a bit of a common ground we have. I hear you when you say it's hurtful when people (especially close ones) say, "You're the whitest black man..." (idiots!) Because, I've been told I'm the blackest white girl. I am not really offended, just in awe of their stupidity. I don't speak in what is referred to as "black-dialect" or use street slang. I listen to The Blues and Rock. I am deeply involved in the Civil Rights Movement. But I am just another human being. Why do people have to label and tag EVERYTHING!?
    But, my dear, do not lower your standards of who you ARE, and what you STAND FOR. You are a gifted author--NOT a wanna-be-gangsta. You said you want your writing "brand" to be truth, be TRUE to you, and the rest will be easy. Love&Peace.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Thank you so much for such a wonderfully written piece, I can't wait to read more! I will pass it along to all my friends. Please, don't change a thing!! I'm sure if Rev. King were here to see what a wonderful mentor to you he's been he'd be VERY proud! You are exactly as The Lord made you-smart, Black, caring, strong, and, I believe someone with a greater purpose. So, PLEASE, no F-bombs or thuggin' out on us, o.k.? Those thing DO NOT define what is "Black" those define a "sub-culture" (of some kinda stupid people) within a real culture. Think about it. You want your "brand" to be truth, be true to yourself, the rest will come easy. Love&Peace!

    ReplyDelete

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...