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The Black National Anthem

  • Bruthaman, i applaud you for your passion. It is obvious you have strong feelings associated with your belief system and there is nothing wrong with that. I find some of your posts incredible and have enjoyed learning more about black history as it pertains to this country. Honestly, my elementary/high school years did not focus much on the influences that blacks (as well as other groups in this country) had on this country. This would obviously point to some elements of racism that have been pervasive in this country. I understand that in many ways i benefit from white privilege and it is a very real thing (whether understood by most or not).

    In some ways, i think people on this board miss what you are trying to accomplish (awareness) because you can come across in a way that is soooo one-sided that it leaves very little room for manuever. Some of your posts contain links that do not allow the reader any choice but to assume that you completely agree with it. For example, your post about Malcolm X. Yes, i watched the entire video (as i do with most of your links). After watching this video I wondered if you to, were in favor of violent revolution as stated by Macolm X. Obviously, I am far more enamored by the work of Martin Luther King, Jr. and have read many of his writings and speeches. I'm not trying to put words in your mouth or exert power or dominance because i am white, rather i want to encourage you to refine your approach (and this also goes to everyone who responds to these posts as well) in a way that encourages true dialogue, understanding, and awareness.

    MemphisSooner

  • MemphisSooner said...

    Bruthaman, i applaud you for your passion. It is obvious you have strong feelings associated with your belief system and there is nothing wrong with that. I find some of your posts incredible and have enjoyed learning more about black history as it pertains to this country. Honestly, my elementary/high school years did not focus much on the influences that blacks (as well as other groups in this country) had on this country. This would obviously point to some elements of racism that have been pervasive in this country. I understand that in many ways i benefit from white privilege and it is a very real thing (whether understood by most or not).

    In some ways, i think people on this board miss what you are trying to accomplish (awareness) because you can come across in a way that is soooo one-sided that it leaves very little room for manuever. Some of your posts contain links that do not allow the reader any choice but to assume that you completely agree with it. For example, your post about Malcolm X. Yes, i watched the entire video (as i do with most of your links). After watching this video I wondered if you to, were in favor of violent revolution as stated by Macolm X. Obviously, I am far more enamored by the work of Martin Luther King, Jr. and have read many of his writings and speeches. I'm not trying to put words in your mouth or exert power or dominance because i am white, rather i want to encourage you to refine your approach (and this also goes to everyone who responds to these posts as well) in a way that encourages true dialogue, understanding, and awareness.

    Wow man, thanks for the post and thanks for reading. Your post is logical and well written. Perhaps I should caption my links a bit differently. Maybe that will help. Again, thanks for actually viewing the threads.

    There is nothing more dangerous in this world than a man with nothing to lose.

    bruthaman ●

  • BYLRK said...

    I don't hear the Jews whine and complain about their past..

    *SIGH* One step forward and two steps back, towards meaningful dialogue

    MemphisSooner

  • Sooners2007 said...

    Fail...

    Nice job backing up your statement with fact.

    I don't even know how someone could begin to argue that black people have a more recorded hostory than whites. Middle Eastern, yes; black, no. But i guess you didnt argue that either.

    Your post = fail

    soonermaverick

  • soonermaverick said...

    Nice job backing up your statement with fact.

    I don't even know how someone could begin to argue that black people have a more recorded hostory than whites. Middle Eastern, yes; black, no. But i guess you didnt argue that either.

    Your post = fail

    Well goodness gracious there pal, you need to relax. You're too riled up for my tastes...panic

    I am merely pointing out that the oldest recorded history stems from the area of modern day Ethiopia to modern day Iraq. I would hardly classify those peoples as "white"tongue

    This post was edited by Sooners2007 on 2/22/2011 at 12:00 PM

    "These people don't know what it means to be champions...Oklahoma invented it!"- Barry Switzer

    Sooners2007

  • You miss the point on OJ. Its not a matter of if he is a murderer or not...

    lol

    CrimsonCream

  • Our National Anthem is American, and is for Americans, hence a "National" anthem. Is the Black National Anthem just for black Americans? Because black people in Africa and Europe have been subjected to disgusting, and inhumane treatment in history as well.

    Also, why are black Americans racially referred to as African Americans? My ancestors are from Germany, but I am not German-American. I'm just a regular ole' cracker. I have met a lot of black people in europe; in France especially. Not a single black Frenchman has referred to himself as African-French. They refer to their race as black. To qualify my question, what do you call a white guy from Johannesburg, South Africa who emigrated to the US and became an American 10 years ago? Is he an African-American, or just a white boy or both? Just curious, since a lot of people seem to misplace the difference between race and nationality thinking they can be used interchangeably.

    It's 420 somewhere

    Midnight Toker

  • Midnight Toker said...

    Our National Anthem is American, and is for Americans, hence a "National" anthem. Is the Black National Anthem just for black Americans? Because black people in Africa and Europe have been subjected to disgusting, and inhumane treatment in history as well.

    Also, why are black Americans racially referred to as African Americans? My ancestors are from Germany, but I am not German-American. I'm just a regular ole' cracker. I have met a lot of black people in europe; in France especially. Not a single black Frenchman has referred to himself as African-French. They refer to their race as black. To qualify my question, what do you call a white guy from Johannesburg, South Africa who emigrated to the US and became an American 10 years ago? Is he an African-American, or just a white boy or both? Just curious, since a lot of people seem to misplace the difference between race and nationality thinking they can be used interchangeably.

    You can thank the press for the "African American" term. Jesse Jackson said something along these lines, in passing, in an interview and the Press coined the term, and here we are.

    This post was edited by Sooners2007 on 2/22/2011 at 3:31 PM

    "These people don't know what it means to be champions...Oklahoma invented it!"- Barry Switzer

    Sooners2007

  • Sooners2007 said...

    Well goodness gracious there pal, you need to relax. You're too riled up for my tastes...panic

    I am merely pointing out that the oldest recorded history stems from the area of modern day Ethiopia to modern day Iraq. I would hardly classify those peoples as "white"tongue

    Not riled up, just pointing out your failure to comprehend what you read.

    PS: To you guys who are going around down-voting every arbitrary post I make today, let's see how many down votes you can muster. I wanna see how many of you there are. Cowards.

    This post has been edited 2 times, most recently by soonermaverick on 2/22/2011 at 4:40 PM

    soonermaverick

  • Midnight Toker said...

    Our National Anthem is American, and is for Americans, hence a "National" anthem. Is the Black National Anthem just for black Americans? Because black people in Africa and Europe have been subjected to disgusting, and inhumane treatment in history as well.

    Also, why are black Americans racially referred to as African Americans? My ancestors are from Germany, but I am not German-American. I'm just a regular ole' cracker. I have met a lot of black people in europe; in France especially. Not a single black Frenchman has referred to himself as African-French. They refer to their race as black. To qualify my question, what do you call a white guy from Johannesburg, South Africa who emigrated to the US and became an American 10 years ago? Is he an African-American, or just a white boy or both? Just curious, since a lot of people seem to misplace the difference between race and nationality thinking they can be used interchangeably.

    It indeed started with Jesse Jackson. Malcolm used to say we are Africans that happen to be in America. Some people say its an attempt to further seperate us from our homeland. Most bruthas and sistas I know like to be called black, not African American.

    Is the Black National Anthem only for Black people in America?

    It started as a poem written by James Weldon Johnson in 1899. It was actually written for an event honoring the birth of Abraham Lincoln. In 1900, his brother wrote the music. In 1920 it became a song for black social, political and religious events and was meant to uplift our spirits. So no, it was actually written to honor a white man. Go figure huh. I doubt any other black nations or people across the pond use it.

    What do you call a white guy from Johannesburg South Africa that has lived in America for 10 years?

    He should be called South African, but in reality it depends on his complexion and speech. If he looks like a regular white guy and has no foreign accent, he will be called white unless you see a passport of visa or something. Now the better question is what group in America will he identify himself with?

    afro

    There is nothing more dangerous in this world than a man with nothing to lose.

    bruthaman ●

  • bruthaman said...

    Most bruthas and sistas I know like to be called black, not African American.

    I learned this really fast teaching school. I just came right out and asked my kids what they preferred. They were quick to tell me. They didn't not like african american. They said, we are not african. They preferred "black".

    soonerprices

  • Soonerman I don't agree with Bruthaman but seriously the post about declaring war is one of the most out there things I've seen in a long time. Whatever you are smoking you really need to lay off a little bit.

    This post was edited by cyberthoth on 2/23/2011 at 12:28 PM

    cyberthoth

  • soonerprices said...

    I learned this really fast teaching school. I just came right out and asked my kids what they preferred. They were quick to tell me. They didn't not like african american. They said, we are not african. They preferred "black".

    Just another reason why blacks should distance themselves from Jesse Jackson. Just think how much time and hot air has been wasted in the "African American vs black" debate.

    OU_dup

  • OUDodger said...

    Just another reason why blacks should distance themselves from Jesse Jackson. Just think how much time and hot air has been wasted in the "African American vs black" debate.

    I dont think the black community gave Jesse that much respect. He just rode the coattails of MLK to where he is now. The media really hyped him as a black leader, but we in the black community could care less about him. He showed his true selfish worth when he called President Obama the N-word when he thought the cameras were off. Just like in many of the threads I started, we have a brutha on the brink of something positive and here is another brutha trying to tear him down.

    There is nothing more dangerous in this world than a man with nothing to lose.

    bruthaman ●

  • brutha's call each other the N word all the time.

    soonerprices

  • Some of us sure do.

    There is nothing more dangerous in this world than a man with nothing to lose.

    bruthaman ●

  • bruthaman said...

    Some of us sure do.

    I would never find it appropriate to use that word. In fact I find it as the most vulgar word I know. I grew up in a very white community. It was a small community and I knew every person in school. If I didn't know them personally I knew who they were through their family. W had maybe 600 kids K-12. There was one black kid in our school and he was in my class.

    When I went to college I was obviously surrounded by more black people. I basically did not know how to act or react around black people. I was very uncomfortable. Not because I was racist or felt I was better than they or even that I didn't want to be in their presence but I just didn't want to offend. I was very sympathetic towards black people and didn't want to be racist at all. I knew the obvious things that were not appropriate but because it appeared (through media not personal experience) that so many blacks were ultra sensitive and because of my lack of experience with blacks I didn't know exactly what was appropriate. It was all out of ignorance.

    I met blacks in college and in my career and I have learned they are just like any other person. I always knew on the inside they were like any other person but I have learned that if you show respect to a black person they will show you respect back. If you disrespect them, well get ready. In high school and in college I almost felt like dealing with a black person was like dealing an explosive. You better be careful. But with a little experience I have learned that it's not like that at all.

    soonerprices

  • soonerprices said...

    I would never find it appropriate to use that word. In fact I find it as the most vulgar word I know. I grew up in a very white community. It was a small community and I knew every person in school. If I didn't know them personally I knew who they were through their family. W had maybe 600 kids K-12. There was one black kid in our school and he was in my class.

    When I went to college I was obviously surrounded by more black people. I basically did not know how to act or react around black people. I was very uncomfortable. Not because I was racist or felt I was better than they or even that I didn't want to be in their presence but I just didn't want to offend. I was very sympathetic towards black people and didn't want to be racist at all. I knew the obvious things that were not appropriate but because it appeared (through media not personal experience) that so many blacks were ultra sensitive and because of my lack of experience with blacks I didn't know exactly what was appropriate. It was all out of ignorance.

    I met blacks in college and in my career and I have learned they are just like any other person. I always knew on the inside they were like any other person but I have learned that if you show respect to a black person they will show you respect back. If you disrespect them, well get ready. In high school and in college I almost felt like dealing with a black person was like dealing an explosive. You better be careful. But with a little experience I have learned that it's not like that at all.

    Well, most black people are very welcoming to the community or group. Most arent looking at everything from a perspective of black and white. Your either cool or your not. Your trustworthy or your not, just like anyone else.

    The way you felt is the same way a black person feels when going into mostly white surroundings, especially if he/she is from an all black upbringing. Some deal with it, others dont, just like any other person.

    The story I will post tonight is kind of explosive, but it does attack the topic from all angles. I think you will enjoy it or at least learn from it. I did.

    There is nothing more dangerous in this world than a man with nothing to lose.

    bruthaman ●

  • bruthaman said...

    I dont think the black community gave Jesse that much respect. He just rode the coattails of MLK to where he is now. The media really hyped him as a black leader, but we in the black community could care less about him. He showed his true selfish worth when he called President Obama the N-word when he thought the cameras were off. Just like in many of the threads I started, we have a brutha on the brink of something positive and here is another brutha trying to tear him down.

    If JJ thinks Obama sucks then he should say it and get on with it regardless of whether Obama is a "brutha" or not. He shouldn't use the N word, but nobody should be using that word.

    I don't understand this idea that its wrong for a black to criticize a fellow black. It isn't about color!! Its about whether or not you can do a certain job or not. True racial harmony won't be achieved until this is realized. When 96% of black voters vote for Obama we know we have a long way to go.

    OU_dup

  • OUDodger said...

    If JJ thinks Obama sucks then he should say it and get on with it regardless of whether Obama is a "brutha" or not. He shouldn't use the N word, but nobody should be using that word.

    I don't understand this idea that its wrong for a black to criticize a fellow black. It isn't about color!! Its about whether or not you can do a certain job or not. True racial harmony won't be achieved until this is realized. When 96% of black voters vote for Obama we know we have a long way to go.

    Well, he can critisize but he shouldnt do it in the media. He should do it behind closed doors to Obama, not on the station that hates him the most or any other media for that matter. Then, when they come out of that meeting, they will have an understanding.

    There is nothing more dangerous in this world than a man with nothing to lose.

    bruthaman ●

  • bruthaman said...

    Well, he can critisize but he shouldnt do it in the media. He should do it behind closed doors to Obama, not on the station that hates him the most or any other media for that matter. Then, when they come out of that meeting, they will have an understanding.

    Why not in the media? Everything JJ does is in front of cameras so I would expect criticism to be as well.

    I assume you are referring to Fox when you say "the station that hates him the most". I disagree that Fox hates him, but on the flip side you have stations like MSNBC who wouldn't even let criticism appear on their network. But overall nobody should hold back based on race. It helps no one.

    OU_dup

  • cyberthoth said...

    Soonerman I don't agree with Bruthaman but seriously the post about declaring war is one of the most out there things I've seen in a long time. Whatever you are smoking you really need to lay off a little bit.

    Sorry it took so long to reply. A computer glitch kept me from posting for about 2 days now.

    Anyway, please try to refrain from blowing up words used here. Case in point ; he said "I'm a soldier". My reply was simply , "so does that mean you're declaring war" (or something to that effect). Keeping that IN CONTEXT simply means that I was asking him if he considered what he's doing like a war. I'm sure he didn't mean that literally with guns, but figuratively with words, protests, various propaganda campaigns and etc.

    I know he took it out of context as well which I consider to be absolutely ridiculous. I don't know if this kind of thing is a simple error in gauging someone's words or if it’s a cheap attempt to be little someone who disagrees.

    signature image

    Out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks

    soonerman504

  • As Dale Carnegie used to teach. You can never win an argument. Interesting thread but not sure either party is going to change.

    Pavesooner

  • soonerman504 said...

    Sorry it took so long to reply. A computer glitch kept me from posting for about 2 days now.

    Thank you Lord for computer glitches

    If you had a Mac or didn't view so much porn you wouldn't have a problem.

    This post was edited by soonerprices on 2/24/2011 at 6:06 PM

    soonerprices

  • soonerprices said...

    Thank you Lord for computer glitches

    If you had a Mac or didn't view so much porn you wouldn't have a problem.

    You know you missed me. Besides, it wasn't my computer but a problem with this site.

    Who are you calling Lord, anyway ? It can't be my God.

    signature image

    Out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks

    soonerman504

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