"Our lived experience is being a young, white person in 21st century America, [and] seeing your identity be demeaned.” -Richard B. Spencer (as quoted in the Atlantic)
I am not quite sure what he means by having your "white" identity demeaned.
Perhaps because I am gay I didn't notice my "white" identity being demeaned because
too many old white dudes were too busy telling me
what I was allowed to do in my bedroom
or who I was allowed to marry (which is still going on).
Perhaps I didn't notice it being demeaned because
I was paying too much attention to a war with Iraq,
a war the US got into because old white men
thought old white man thoughts.
Perhaps I didn't notice it being demeaned because
the banks took America for a ride
raping the poor and enriching JP Morgan
and Co (more old white men).
Perhaps I didn't notice it being demeaned because
not being a completely self-serving jerk off
I was actually paying attention
not lamenting with the old white men
About times past, when the news didn't care about
Lynching, Misogyny, Queers.
Perhaps I didn't notice it being demeaned because
while too many white folks -young & old- complain
I have yet to figure out what they
bemoan so loudly as to wish for the KKK to save the day.
Perhaps I didn't notice it being demeaned because
I believe Richard B Spencer is
absolutely full of bullshit
brandishing hate because he can.
Perhaps I didn't notice it being demeaned because
the "white" identity has never been demeaned--
cultural sensitivity is not ranking cultures
no one culture better than another (dunderheads all).
Perhaps I didn't notice it being demeaned because
while they voted for Trump, my parents
also taught me to respect others
though obviously that advice isn't for them.
(Do as I say, not as I do--Mantra of parents everywhere.)
Perhaps I didn't notice it being demeaned because
I never felt demeaned because I am white
no, but I have felt it because I am gay--
1 comment:
This was beautifully written, Jeff.
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