"Uh, I'm not racist, but..."

Dear Muchacha Genia,

I read your Polar Express review and noticed you used the words "token black girl" when describing some of the characters in the film. Are you being sarcastic? What is your take on African Americans and slavery? I want to know. Do you think we have the right to complain about slavery?

Tyrone

Dear Tyrone (If that is your real name),

First of all, unless you were born in Africa and then became an American citizen, you are not "African American". This "term" is frequently misused. Your ethnicity would be African if your parents or immediate relatives were originally born in Africa. While it is true we all come from Africa, the definition of "ethnicity" relates to nationality. Now, if I (a white woman) were born in Africa and became a naturalized citizen of the United States, I would then be African American. Hard to grasp, but true.

What is my take? Since you axed, I'll tell you. Look at all of the different races; which have prospered when faced with injustices. Explain to me why it is that your race is still fucked up? Hmmm, let's see, it must be racism, right? You ask, "Do we have the right to complain about slavery?" No. Should you forget? No. Should blacks work just as hard towards uniting one another equally by using past injustices as a platform, rather than an excuse for bad behavior and poor quality of life? Yes. Question for you: Do you hold it against every German, the atrocities, that took place in World War II? No? Do the Jews blame ever German? Are they a crime-ridden culture? No. Why should every white man be held accountable for actions of other whites? By that, I am not saying that we forget. Have you ever seen genocide? How would you compare that to slave trade? Blacks killing blacks---for land and because of religious affiliation. Hatred between brother and brother---the Hutu and the Tutsi. Heard of them? No? You should. You think you have it so bad right now in the US of A? You have no idea.

The injustices involving slavery and unconscionable acts of hatred and death at the hands of white men in America, are an embarrassment to my race and I do not disregard nor misunderstand the impact it has had on blacks in this country. However, it's time to get with the program, people! I am so tired of hearing about black people filing lawsuits in order to get money because their ancestors were slaves. Back then, it was a different country---a more primitive country. Education wasn't a priority. And most importantly, laws were different!! And let's be realistic, even if you did see any money from a lawsuit, you would just spend it on a bunch of bullshit. You'd be broke in 6 months. You know it and I know it. There is only a small percentage of blacks who are an exception to this...and guess what? They got with the program! Rodney King is a perfect example of what I am trying to convey to you. He is given 3.5 million dollars and was flat broke in less than two years! He failed to become the leader and example to other blacks that he should have become. Do you know what he became instead? He became addicted to crack! A perfect opportunity to better your life and perhaps the lives of your fellow brothers, sisters and children with $3.5 million and what did he do? He blew it. Literally.

This country is a giant circus [cue circus music "Corndog anyone?"] because we accept poor behavior and laziness as the norm. Look at all of the "rappers" in this country. Again, another example of millions of dollars, which are funneled into the hands of untalented, ungrateful, and uneducated thugs who go around killing ------> each other! It's so unreal. And by the way, anyone can walk into any public school or college and get a government funded education. Stop blaming. And, no, I'm not a racist, I've lived in the inner city. I've seen it - lived it, breathed it and I know what racism FEELS like myself.

Peace,
Muchacha Genia