Reflections on Racism and Resilience
A Painful Memory
When I was a young girl, something terrible happened to my family. My father, mother, and uncle were pulled from our car and beaten by police right in front of my sister and me. This happened near Dewitt, Arkansas, in a cornfield. The officers were waiting to catch Black people trying to leave town.
It took me many years to understand that we were in a “sundown county,” where violence against Black people was sadly common. Even though Jim Crow laws were supposed to be over, some places in the South still held onto their racist beliefs.
Racism is Still Alive
As I grew older, I continued to see signs of racism everywhere. One time, while playing music with my band in Forsyth County, I got a shocking reminder that racism was not gone. After our gig, our drummer found a flyer under his car windshield. It was from the Ku Klux Klan and said, “KEEP FORSYTH WHITE.” It claimed that Black people were ruining our country.
This was back in the early 2000s. By 2010, similar ideas were being spread by popular media figures, like those on FOX News. When I pointed out that this sounded like KKK rhetoric, I was told to stop playing the “race card.” People dismissed my concerns as if they didn’t matter.
Feeling Angry and Fed Up
That’s why I started this blog, “One Angry Black Chick.” I was angry—still am. I have felt this anger my whole life because of the oppression and misunderstanding I faced. Many people expect me to smile and stay quiet about my pain, but that’s not fair. Everyone should have the right to express their feelings, especially when they are hurt.
The Threat to Democracy
Racism, sexism, and misinformation are tools used to sneak authoritarianism into our democracy. Ironically, those who oppose social justice often end up hurting the very freedoms they claim to cherish. They cut off their own opportunities while blaming others for their problems.
It’s frustrating to watch people turn against each other, allowing petty tyrants to take control. All because some refuse to share the benefits of a free society with those who look or think differently.
Hoping for Change
I wanted to believe that America was better than this. I hoped we had moved past the hate and division. But deep down, I knew the truth was different. I had seen too much to ignore it.
Now, I find myself wondering where we go from here. I wish I had the answers. This blog has been my way of expressing my feelings and helping others understand the struggles of marginalized communities. But lately, I feel lost and powerless.
Facing the Future
Before the last election, I started to worry that things were not going to change. I felt like the system was rigged, and there were too many people filled with anger and darkness. I feared that the American experiment was already failing.
These worries made me step back from writing and podcasting. I felt burnt out and depressed. I wanted to fight for what is right, but it often felt like I was fighting against a wall. The real enemy is not just one person; it’s a bigger problem that we all need to face together.
Moving Forward
For now, I may retreat further into the background. I don’t know what the future holds for this blog or for me. But I hope that by sharing my story, I can encourage others to stand up and fight for justice and equality.
FAQ’s
1. What does the term “sundown county” mean?
A sundown county refers to a region where African Americans were historically warned not to be present after sunset. These areas often enforced racial segregation and violence against Black individuals, particularly during the Jim Crow era.
2. What is the significance of the phrase “Anti-racism is a code for anti-white”?
This phrase has been used by some commentators to suggest that efforts to combat racism are actually discriminatory against white people. It reflects a backlash against social justice movements and is often associated with right-wing media narratives.
3. How did the author experience racism in their life?
The author recounts personal experiences of witnessing police brutality against family members and encountering racist propaganda, such as KKK flyers, which highlight the ongoing presence of racism despite claims that it is no longer an issue.
4. What role does the author believe anger plays in the fight against oppression?
The author expresses that their anger is a legitimate response to oppression and injustice. They criticize societal expectations for marginalized individuals to suppress their emotions to make others comfortable.
5. How does the author view the relationship between racism, sexism, and authoritarianism?
The author argues that racism and sexism are tools used to undermine democracy and facilitate the rise of authoritarian regimes. They believe that these issues are interconnected and threaten the freedoms and opportunities of all citizens.
6. What is the author’s perspective on the current political climate in America?
The author feels disillusioned and concerned about the state of democracy in the U.S., suggesting that many people are blinded by their prejudices and are unwilling to share the benefits of a free society with others.
7. Why does the author feel impotent regarding their blog and activism?
The author expresses feelings of burnout and depression, indicating that they have struggled to find hope and effectiveness in their activism. They feel overwhelmed by the challenges posed by systemic oppression and the political landscape.
8. What does the author mean by “the true demagogue is not Donald Trump”?
This statement suggests that the author believes the issues facing society go beyond any single political figure. They imply that there are deeper, systemic problems that contribute to the rise of demagoguery and division in America.
9. What is the purpose of the blog “One Angry Black Chick”?
The blog serves as a platform for the author to express their thoughts and experiences related to race, oppression, and social justice. It aims to raise awareness and foster understanding of the struggles faced by marginalized communities.
10. How can readers access the author’s previous work?
Readers can find the author’s past writings on their Substack page, which is linked in the blog post. This platform allows them to continue sharing their insights and experiences even if they choose to write less frequently.
11. What message does the author hope to convey through their writing?
The author aims to shed light on the realities of racism and oppression while encouraging empathy and understanding among readers. They want to inspire action and reflection on societal issues that affect marginalized groups.
12. What impact does the author believe that societal denial of racism has?
The author believes that denying the existence of racism allows systemic injustices to persist and grow. This denial can lead to complacency and a lack of accountability for those who perpetuate discrimination and inequality.
