Its exhausting because the statement is often attached to an ignorance born of naivet and privilege. ", "Do I care more about being antiracist or just not being seen by others as a racist? How defensive are you when someone talks about almost 70% of African Americans are being born into single parent families? I hope you can hear some of that from me today. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. [5], The track features Lucas rapping from a white man's point of view in the first verse, then rapping from a black man's point of view in the second verse, a literary device which is successful partly because of Lucas's biracial origins. The strident accusations that were made in the first verse were full of extremely racist and prejudicial stereotypes. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/34655283/I'm+Not+Racist. . PDF He finishes off by blaming blacks for their treatment by police, saying if they pulled up their pants, took the du-rag off and put on a suit, dropped their victim mentality, and quit blaming the white community and everyone but "[their] own race", then perhaps the police would "stop killin' you fucks". Many white people don't understand what racism has to do with them. Screaming, "All Lives Matter," is a protest to my protest, what kind of shit is that? In the words of my sister and theologian Ekemini Uwan: If it werent for Jesus telling me the truth about my sin [and correcting the lies that it would have me believe] I would not be one of His children.. One is a statement of false absolution while the other is a statement of fact. STANDS4 LLC, 2023. The author of this article, and many black friends & neighbors Ive talked to, claim that the answer is, absolutely not. And that answer makes absolutely no sense to me. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. As Ibram X. Kendi, director of the Antiracist Research and Policy Center at American University, notes in his book How to Be an Antiracist, "When racist ideas resound, denials that those ideas . "The part about realizing racism can be subconscious is especially helpful to me.". This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Anyone who has cultivated a healthy long-term relationship or team knows that conflict is part of the process of getting there. "I'm Not Racist" is a song by American hip hop recording artist Joyner Lucas, released on November 28, 2017, by Atlantic Records. We see the other side as the caricature, spouting stereotypes. It lowers defenses, builds trust, and opens the conversation to correction and truth, largely because were treating them as equal people that have the same value. I think this is what Lucas was going for. Y'all can take that motherfucker too, he ain't white no more It's like you wanna be so famous You'll do anything for attention and a little payment I can't take you nowhere without people pointin' fingers We are irrational creatures by fallen default. ", "Would I be less likely to hire a person of color, even if they were equally as qualified as (or more qualified than) a white person? That does need to happen; indeed, after Chief David Brown took over the Dallas police department in 2010, he fired over 70 officersand excessive-force complaints dropped by 64 percent. Not Being Racist Requires More Effort Than Associating with Black People. Or that he got a Mexican cleaning lady for a mom Nah, just call him White And he becomes our problem Killing Trayvon means the same thing as racist It's the same shit they did when Michael Jackson touched a kid Oh he's White but he'll be Black when he dies and we forgive him And how did Paula Dean learn them racist words in the kitchen? (How I Really Feel) byOsyrisAntham, Joyner Lucas - I'm Not Racist (Trke eviri) byGeniusTrke eviri, Joyner Lucas - Im Not Racist (magyar fordts) byGeniusmagyar fordtsok, Type out all lyrics, even repeating song parts like the chorus, Lyrics should be broken down into individual lines. This article has been viewed 307,088 times. This is about justice, and injustice, and what each of us can do to bend the arc of the moral universe just that tiny bit more. No one said that being antiracist was easy. Remember, overcoming racism is a lifelong process, so continuously examine your actions, thoughts, and beliefs about race. (And by we, I mean all human beings.) Joyner Lucas - I'm Not Racist (Clean) Clean Networks 1.96K subscribers 1.3K views 4 years ago I do not own this video or music but it deserves a clean edit as it is very powerful and some. 2023 Cable News Network. She recently developed and became Co-Owner of Transformational Solutions, a life coaching program specializing in addiction, trauma, and personal development. [9], On December 7, 2018, the video was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Music Video at the 61st Grammy Awards.[10]. While the antiracists position is clear and unequivocal, the non racist is more often vague (or silent) - their words could be interpreted differently depending on the interpreter. The black man becomes so angry in the process that he flips the table and swats away his white counterpart's MAGA hat, telling him to stop "blaming the blacks and everyone except [his] own race" for the country's problems. If you go into the conversation with curiosity, it gives both of you room to explore, learn, and come to an understanding. There's no "racial credit" earned by having a Black person in your life that immunizes you from being racist. It is not about my fears, my tears, or my grief. In fact, people of color who have long been well aware of how racism poisons our workplaces and ultimately our society certainly bear responsibility as well. He's an asshole, don't get me wrong, but it's unfair to then decide he deserves a . Amy Cooper's apology - which began "I am not a racist. The truth of the gospel is always what will set us free. She is also, of course, human, and her full character is defined by more than a singular moment caught on tape, however shameful. There is a lot of things that we dont know about each other. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. You might even support that position with statistics. A principal at The Raben Group, a national public affairs and strategic communications firm, he was formerly a deputy assistant attorney general at the Justice Department and an assistant director at US Immigration and Customs Enforcement for the Obama administration. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. more , Sheet Music Defenses are up. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. You find yourself constantly explaining. 2. Last week, the Massachusetts rapper released a song and video titled "I'm Not Racist"; not surprisingly, it's garnered a considerable deal of attention . Im much more concerned with winning the person instead of the argument. Had this ended in tragedy, would it matter that she had the decency to have never previously turned a fire hose on a black person or hung a noose at ones home? Its hard, and it makes us give up ourselves to do it, but thats entirely what youre expecting and wanting from white people, and whether or not they ever give it, be above reproach in continuing to live toward them (and others) as you want them to live toward you. What I would remind you of and hope youll meditate on is that Christ did not consider equality something to be grasped, but gave up heaven (being God) to become a mule. . Ive responded to a couple of other articles, but only more recently. But there's a more subtle and insidious form of racist stereotyping that can be hard to pin down . We have long pushed back against such racist and bigoted stereotypes and prejudices. Tully App is a blueprint for the entrepreneur artist to successfully operate in today's music industry. Thank you Ameen for your insights. CNN reported that "I'm Not Racist" is the brutal race conversation no one wants to have. In 2017, he released his fourth mixtape (and first on a major label). The Lord will be their judge all the same if theres no reciprocation. Telling people, especially racial minorities, that "cleanliness" is white supremacy is itself white supremacy, a way to try and fool them into destructive, self-defeating, unhealthy, and infantile behavior. Updated Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter. 2. According to an account of the incident that Christian Cooper posted on Facebook along with the viral footage, he then told her, Look, if youre going to do what you want, Im going to do what I want, but youre not going to like it. (I didnt know what that meant. When youre alone in a wooded area, thats absolutely terrifying, right? Amy Cooper later expressed to CNN.). This is a two-way street. If Joyner Lucas has his way, you do. These two are not the same. There are 12 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Yes, there is a very real risk that pushing back or speaking out against unjust policies or encouraging equity in an environment that doesn't value it just might ruffle feathers, fray relationships. Most people who would embrace the view of this article would say no, though, which frankly commits the sin of partiality and is ironically a racist view. Call me a cynic but I find it highly dubious to believe that the same man that sits at a table rattling off racist trope after racist trope will have the desire and open mind to understand the perspective and grievances of a black man. you might say, "Hey, you look great today. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. of songs. At some point, you have to put the pipe down. It doesnt matter. My tribe is "clean cut," and I'm one of those Grindr profiles you click that says "white for white only.". Instead of explaining incessantly, reflect on what you wouldve done if you werent afraid. It needs oxygen to exist and for too long, the fictitious non racists have been perfectly comfortable being the oxygen naively rewarding themselves for not being the fire itself. Youre not saying or doing anything that feels uncomfortable. Tully App: https://tullyapp.comCreate, Manage \u0026 Distribute Music using Tully. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. But Im not, so lets call it what it was: racist. Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. The separation initially exists because of historical racism at the hands of white men and women who deemed blacks as sub-human and created systemic structures and legislation that reinforced that divide. This racial justice moment feels different. Ive been reading Fortunes of Africa and realized the impact slavery has made in that continent. That can help you shake off even more of your unconscious prejudices. 5:44-45) but true love doesnt come without truth-telling and correction. You should see my message history: I get so many messages from people . In the first verse, the white man who is fitted in Donald Trumps infamous Make America Great Again hat rattles off his frustrations in a litany of racist tropes and generalizations. Put that suit back on, take that durag off. Maybe its me, but as someone who has actually been called a n***** by white people more times than I care to count, I think Im in a far better position to decide who has done something racist than, say, former Seinfeld star Michael Richards. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. From chef Paula Deens plea to be judged by whats in the heart, despite her use of ethnic slurs, to NASCAR driver Kyle Larsons reminder that [he] wasnt raised that way (as if wed asked), or squirrely apologies from Madonna, Charlie Sheen, Paris Hilton, Tim Allen and countless others, offenders often seem to try to get a pass from actual contrition by merely saying (or convincing themselves) theyre not racist. Keep an open mind and a kind heart, tooyou never know what this person may be going through to get to a point of accusing you. POSTED: 11:12 a.m. EST, February 9, 2007. Could she have been well aware of the numerous, tragic encounters between black men and boys and police (or renegade white men with shotguns taking the law into their own hands)? Historically, it has been expected of black folks to be the irenic ones; the ones who forgive, show grace and shoulder the burden of racism while coming to the table to try and bridge the gap of division by spearheading reconciliation. But I cant help to see it as a bit impetuous in regards to judging my intention. Easy enough. Dismissing or ignoring people of color and their contributions. [5] While I wholeheartedly agree with the view that this moment requires white people to embrace antiracism in a way that they may not have done so in the past, the responsibility isnt theirs alone. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). It has given me much to think about in how I respond to these types of articles. It was directed by Lucas and Ben Proulx.[7]. Im always afraid of being too blunt or direct. Christian Cooper then started filming, and their exchange prompted Amy Cooper to call the cops in hysterics, pleading with them to send officers because, she claimed, she was being threatened by an African American man. You have given me some things to think about. He is talking to a black man in braids who sits across a table from him. To be clear, its not my contention that antiracists are obligated to respond to every crackpot comment on social media or to engage in linguistic warfare online. I'm not racist I'm just prepared for this type of war I heard Eminem's rap at the awards, who's he fightin' for? Following the argument, the two men embrace each other, having heard each other's point of view and desiring to reconcile despite their differences. What if police had arrived at the scene, guns drawn, responding to the screams of a white damsel (with a cute dog, to boot) in distress? What does Joyner think about the mixed reactions to the song? However, don't expect people of color to point out every racist thing that you say or do. By way of example, let's do a search for "white people be like" one of the most popular vehicles for these jokeson Twitter and Tumblr: "White people be like '40 degrees F is the . I'm Not Racist. I hope others receive it as you have. Biden called Obama first "clean" African-American candidate. A similar point will he made with women who have lived under years of fearing aggressive males and avoiding harassment, which also is a very deep seated inner battle that few men may even realize they feel and suffer consequences from it. Of course in my article I want to be accurate in regards to history but this isnt just about being right. I have had honest conversations with white brothers and sisters for a while now in regards to racism and justice so I understand the need to listen on both sides. 1 May 2023. Lucas has said that the song's lyrics represent the uncomfortable race talk that people shy away from. Lucas has said that the song's lyrics represent the uncomfortable race talk that people shy away from. And sacrifice in doing so even if that means the sacrifice of our very lives this is being like Jesus. CNN . Some critics have called the video necessary to spark conversation about race by tying in both extremes of the debate, while others criticized it as "clichd" and "cheesy", and that it oversimplified the race debate by reinforcing stereotypes. It has its time and place, but what are you really after here? CNN . Ourjob has always been to fix a problem we did not create. [8] It has been characterized as "polarizing". However, listening doesnt negate truth-telling and truth-telling doesnt mean that one just desires to be right in an argument. Im not racist is continually repeated as a pause or break in the arrangement of the verses. This line of thinking seems to be that if being racist is an unforgivable sin, happening to do an occasional racist thing can be immediately forgiven by ones simply not being racist to the core. Unfortunately, culture change requires strong, clear, persistent force, and each individual contributes to that force through their words and actions. I will never forget how the call started. Im Not Racist is about the disconnect between white and black people in the United States. Arguably, this cultural shift will require change from the bottom up in our workplaces through constructive comments on video chats, difficult conversations in the break room, policy questions raised in meetings and promotion discussions held in the board room. Dr. Alana Lentinactually refers to this as not racism racism: one can deny any involvement in racism while perpetuating it at the same time. Antiracism, on the other hand, often involves sacrifice. In the second verse, the black man rebuts the white mans claims and generalizations. Amazon Advertising. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. If people are comfortable saying racist things around you, then you're not being antiracist around them. Indeed, while the discrimination focus in years past was rejecting blatant, egregious, confederate flag flying, where did I put my hood white supremacist racists, in 2020 there seems to be much more focus on the middle of the road, self-proclaimed white progressives who dangerously straddle the fence just enough to allow the fire to rage on. People who find themselves doing a lot of explaining are often doing so because their words and actions are either ambiguous, contradictory or both. The reality is that we are most often the guy standing up. Instead of clearly stating an opposing view (in response to an offensive comment), they carefully curate a response that may technically support antiracism but fastidiously avoids offending the racist post/party. At the end of his verse, the black man also claims he is "not racist" and that he wished they could trade shoes. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Whats more tragic oftentimes (and rarely acknowledged) is those people of color (particularly those in positions of leadership) who have not yet themselves become antiracist in the workplace. "I'm Not Racist" is a song by American hip hop recording artist Joyner Lucas, released on November 28, 2017, by Atlantic Records. Stop explaining and start doing. Editors Note: Elliot Williams (@elliotcwilliams) is a CNN legal analyst. What I hope youll realize is that its as much a barrier to relationship and conversation as you feel when the racial tropes are brought up for you as it is for whites to be implicated in racism and racists policies (esp if they are post 1980s). I hope all is well. A more subtle form of racism might be acting overly friendly toward people of color in an effort to be perceived as less racist. Certainly, I realize that no one likes feeling uncomfortable or introducing tension into a conversation, but doing and saying only what feels comfortable simply will not move the needle on racial justice in the workplace. I (probably) wont even accuse you of being that way. The power in the word, "Nigga," is a different sin, And even if I wasn't picking cotton physically, Tryna have faith, but I never felt alright, It's hard to elevate when this country's ran by whites, Judging me by my skin color and my blackness, Tryna find a job but ain't nobody call me back yet, Now I gotta sell drugs to put food in my cabinet, You think you know everything, but you don't, You wanna copy our slang and everything that we know, I'm tired of the systematic racism bullshit, All you do is false shit, this the shit that I'm forced with, Yeah, I praise 2Pac like he was a fuckin' god, And all you care about is money and power and being ugly and that's the cracker within you, Hatred all in your brain, it slowly start to convince you, Aim at the black businesses, I ain't saying I'm innocent, but, I swear North Korea 'bout to bomb us any day now, You know I make a lot of sense, but you just can't admit it, When Eminem went against Trump, that was the illest, You don't know what it's like to be in a frying pot, You don't know what it's like to mind your business, I wish we could trade shoes or we could change lives. By using our site, you agree to our. Actually, its our willingness to sacrifice that clarifies our true values. But it is still important to understand the impact Amy Coopers actions could have had. ", For instance, if you're in a meeting and someone dismisses an idea by one of your black coworkers, you might say something like, "I thought Chris made a really good point just now. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Thanks so much for this thoughtful response. He then criticizes the white community for misusing black stereotypes and stealing black culture, such as fried chicken, barbecue, dance, Kool-Aid, and usage of the word "nigga" and other black slang. In this, the denial of racism itself becomes the very thing that actually continues to suffuse racism with vigor and strength. Yes, there is a very real risk that pushing back or speaking out against unjust policies or encouraging equity in an environment that doesnt value it just might ruffle feathers, fray relationships or even stunt ones career trajectory within that organization, but true antiracists dont want to work for organizations that dont support equity and inclusion anyway, right? Regardless of her intent, her actions could have carried profound, racist consequences. The views expressed here are the authors. Not unlike the Senator, she gave what she considered to be an apology, claiming she meant no harm to Christian Cooper. At times in my career, Ive certainly fallen far short, but its so important for all of us who consider ourselves against racism to strive to live up to that label of antiracist. Your words are too kind. It is not our job to be mules for racial reconciliation. Without truth-telling, there can be no real repentance. I really appreciate your comment, brother and your desire to challenge the article.