Prejudicial Pigeonholing
Race does not determine political affiliation
By Mahasin Abuwi
Herald Opinions Columnist
As a member of the black race whose historic legacy in the United States has been plagued by restrictions on mobility and the most basic of life choices, I value freedom and independence very much, perhaps more so than any other right or privilege that my American citizenship guarantees. Freedom and independence however, are so much more than just physical allowances. True independence involves the intangible, the right to think as one chooses — to make an informed choice or form an opinion based on a variety of experiences. Man can be physically free and physically independent, but still mentally dependent, bound and constrained. It is the latter that I fear the most. I especially value the freedom to make my own decisions and to associate with whomever I please and am outraged by any attack or criticism on that freedom of choice.
Several weeks ago, after the national Democratic and Republican conventions, I was channel surfing and ran across a panel discussion on blacks and the Democratic Party on C-SPAN. I identify with the Democratic platform on many issues, so I decided to watch. The panel included such prominent African-American figures and celebrities as former NBA star Magic Johnson, congresswoman Maxine Waters, journalist Farai Chideya, and the infamous Reverend Al Sharpton. During the broadcast, Johnson made disparaging comments about African-American Republicans. He specifically attacked the few African-Americans who had attended the Republican National Convention. According to Johnson, those attendees were no more than token pathetic figures used only for their race — the attendees were obviously manipulated in an attempt by republicans to diversify their convention and to further republican appeal to minority voters. Judging from the reaction of the audience and the other panelists, most of them agreed.
I was infuriated by his comments.
I do not doubt that the Republican Party (or any other political party for that matter) desires to appeal to the most diverse group as possible. But it was the automatic assumption that there is something intrinsically wrong and misguided with a black American that identifies as a republican, however, which bothered me. I understood Johnson’s comments as a direct attack on the intellectual sovereignty of African-Americans and members of other minority groups. His comments suggested that black Americans are bound to think and behave in certain ways, and that anything contrary to those certain specific behaviors are unacceptable. If the suggestion that black Americans should think in a certain way, behave in a specific manner, or even vote for a certain candidate were to come from a person outside of the black race, it would be considered ignorant at the least, and prejudiced or racist at most. Aren’t those same expectations from within the race the same thing — ignorant, prejudiced, and racist?
Does being black mean that I am unable able to speak standard english? Does being black mean that I must dress a certain way? Does being black mean that I didn’t grow up knowing my father? Few would purport that it does.
So why is the political arena any different?
I don’t want to be limited to thinking a certain way — be it liberal, conservative, or radical — because I am of African descent. To expect blacks to vote in a certain manner or have certain political affiliations or views is the same as being surprised when I can speak articulately or assuming that all blacks are on welfare. It is to pigeonhole me — us, and to ignore the rest of what makes up the total person that I am. I am black, yes. But ultimately, I am so much more. Race influences how I think, but it isn’t the sole determinant on how I view the world.
Is it for anyone?
The rest of the world may or may not treat those of African descent based on the color of their skin, but that doesn’t mean that I have to think of myself in those terms or my people. And being intellectually open and independent doesn’t mean ignoring a shared history. There is no doubt in my mind that a shared sense of responsibility and loyalty on the part of blacks has been a contributing factor in allowing me the opportunities that I now have. Black Americans have triumphed over slavery, Jim Crow, and segregation in part because of our diverse intellectual heritage. The ideological differences between W.E.B. DuBois and Booker T. Washington propelled and kept the plight of blacks in America at the forefront of the American consciousness. The 1960s accomplished what it did because of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, Jr. I am able to take my own life experiences and identities and to think of all of those things together, regardless of what others may think, and to make a decision and form an opinion on all things relevant. I am a member of the black race, yes. But I am so many other things. And I refuse to be defined by one element of myself or told what that reality leads me to, by anyone.
This article appeared in The Brown Daily Herald on Tuesday, October 3, 2000.
By Mahasin Abuwi
Herald Opinions Columnist
As a member of the black race whose historic legacy in the United States has been plagued by restrictions on mobility and the most basic of life choices, I value freedom and independence very much, perhaps more so than any other right or privilege that my American citizenship guarantees. Freedom and independence however, are so much more than just physical allowances. True independence involves the intangible, the right to think as one chooses — to make an informed choice or form an opinion based on a variety of experiences. Man can be physically free and physically independent, but still mentally dependent, bound and constrained. It is the latter that I fear the most. I especially value the freedom to make my own decisions and to associate with whomever I please and am outraged by any attack or criticism on that freedom of choice.
Several weeks ago, after the national Democratic and Republican conventions, I was channel surfing and ran across a panel discussion on blacks and the Democratic Party on C-SPAN. I identify with the Democratic platform on many issues, so I decided to watch. The panel included such prominent African-American figures and celebrities as former NBA star Magic Johnson, congresswoman Maxine Waters, journalist Farai Chideya, and the infamous Reverend Al Sharpton. During the broadcast, Johnson made disparaging comments about African-American Republicans. He specifically attacked the few African-Americans who had attended the Republican National Convention. According to Johnson, those attendees were no more than token pathetic figures used only for their race — the attendees were obviously manipulated in an attempt by republicans to diversify their convention and to further republican appeal to minority voters. Judging from the reaction of the audience and the other panelists, most of them agreed.
I was infuriated by his comments.
I do not doubt that the Republican Party (or any other political party for that matter) desires to appeal to the most diverse group as possible. But it was the automatic assumption that there is something intrinsically wrong and misguided with a black American that identifies as a republican, however, which bothered me. I understood Johnson’s comments as a direct attack on the intellectual sovereignty of African-Americans and members of other minority groups. His comments suggested that black Americans are bound to think and behave in certain ways, and that anything contrary to those certain specific behaviors are unacceptable. If the suggestion that black Americans should think in a certain way, behave in a specific manner, or even vote for a certain candidate were to come from a person outside of the black race, it would be considered ignorant at the least, and prejudiced or racist at most. Aren’t those same expectations from within the race the same thing — ignorant, prejudiced, and racist?
Does being black mean that I am unable able to speak standard english? Does being black mean that I must dress a certain way? Does being black mean that I didn’t grow up knowing my father? Few would purport that it does.
So why is the political arena any different?
I don’t want to be limited to thinking a certain way — be it liberal, conservative, or radical — because I am of African descent. To expect blacks to vote in a certain manner or have certain political affiliations or views is the same as being surprised when I can speak articulately or assuming that all blacks are on welfare. It is to pigeonhole me — us, and to ignore the rest of what makes up the total person that I am. I am black, yes. But ultimately, I am so much more. Race influences how I think, but it isn’t the sole determinant on how I view the world.
Is it for anyone?
The rest of the world may or may not treat those of African descent based on the color of their skin, but that doesn’t mean that I have to think of myself in those terms or my people. And being intellectually open and independent doesn’t mean ignoring a shared history. There is no doubt in my mind that a shared sense of responsibility and loyalty on the part of blacks has been a contributing factor in allowing me the opportunities that I now have. Black Americans have triumphed over slavery, Jim Crow, and segregation in part because of our diverse intellectual heritage. The ideological differences between W.E.B. DuBois and Booker T. Washington propelled and kept the plight of blacks in America at the forefront of the American consciousness. The 1960s accomplished what it did because of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, Jr. I am able to take my own life experiences and identities and to think of all of those things together, regardless of what others may think, and to make a decision and form an opinion on all things relevant. I am a member of the black race, yes. But I am so many other things. And I refuse to be defined by one element of myself or told what that reality leads me to, by anyone.
This article appeared in The Brown Daily Herald on Tuesday, October 3, 2000.
posted by Robert at 1:39 PM
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