Back in 2001 I had my political awakening to race-card politics duly blogged under the heading “Is This White Woman Racist and Does She Really Fucking Care”. This was in response to the so-called Cincinnati riots. (Here is the local media’s politically correct distortion of the events, and here is the correct assessment.) As I review those early posts I can trace my journey from someone who had absolutely no issues with any race or ethnicity to my present views on racism.

As a pre-teen, I was not a participant in any civil rights movement, wasn’t particularly aware of it, but never had any perception of blacks as inferior. I think what frightened me most, as I remember, was associating poverty with blacks. My mother, born shortly after her parents immigrated from Yugoslavia, was thrust into an orphanage at a young age and her dire tales of want and hardships chilled me as a child, leaving me far more wary of that particular condition, no matter what color skin bore witness to it.

It actually is very hard for me to think in terms of ethnicity. I have never felt need to make claim to my Romanian-Serbian roots nor lament the plight of my gypsy kin in Transylvania. My daddy grabbed his American name from a billboard and proceeded to move himself steadily up the economic ladder.

By the time I was born, he had turned his allotment of rags into riches, and I was, quite frankly, a spoiled little rich girl, without the attendant social status. I felt we had much in common with the Beverly Hillbillies. My dad may have known how to make a buck, but uneducated white men who sold cars for a living didn’t get much respect in the wealthy neighborhood I grew up in. And my dad, an independent cuss, could not have cared less. But there was never a moment in my life that I defined myself, or others, according to blood, skin or lineage.

Black men worked for my father at the dealership. He also hired them to cut our grass and paint our home. There wasn’t a disparaging word uttered by my parents. They were treated like any other contractor that came to the house.

I do have vague memories of the Cincinnati riots in 1966. Those were actual riots. I remember my dad getting the gun out of the safe. In retrospect, our neighborhood was so far from Cincinnati center that the likelihood of anyone driving out to do us rich folks harm was minimal. But he didn’t talk about shooting “niggers”. The word wasn’t in the home and my guess is he would have gotten the gun out no matter what race was having a riot.

But here’s the rub. It isn’t about civil rights anymore. It’s about victimhood. It’s not about equality. It’s about extortion. It’s not about unity. It’s about vengeance and pay back. Obama dresses it up with flourishes of pompous rhetoric and spices it with the incense of mysticism but it’s the same ole same ole race, entitlement and “justice” rhetoric that constituted “dialog” during the riots here in 2001.

When trying to debate racism in some local Cincinnati forums in the aftermath of the riots, I argued with one fellow accordingly.

…for those of you who claim to know the white man so damn well, I would counter, you better look again. You think you know the white race but, by virtue of your incessant self-obsession and constant caterwauling, you have failed to see you are dealing with a generation of white people who have, for the most part, from childhood on, stepped all over themselves trying not to offend a black person.

Should we say black, or is it negro, or now is it colored, oh, now it’s african-American – and god forbid you inadvertently say the frigging ‘N’ word lest everyone shatter like so many fragile humpty dumpties and we have another damn mess to clean up.

You’ve been insulting and alienating a generation of people who have taught their children to respect all people and immediately challenged REAL racist, behavior. A generation who has enjoyed and appreciated the appearance of more and more visible black performers, newscasters, journalists, analysts and personalities. Not as material for the purpose of caricaturing black people, as so often accused, but for the brilliant HUMAN talent there to be enjoyed.

And guess what? It wasn’t hard. Counter to what you appear to believe, there is no a cauldron of repressed black hatred lingering in the white heart. We don’t connive in small circles to make a black man’s day bad. There is no boogie man.

(original post)

The charge of racism today has become no more than a handy shibboleth intended to silence all criticism. It no longer holds weight with me. It is another word hollowed out of all meaning by the language re-framers on the left.

I finally quit attempting to communicate with the activists, but came away from the entire experience with a far more informed view on race and civil rights than ever supplied to me in school or via the PC media.

Below is the conclusion I reached in 2002 and it hasn’t changed in 2008. In fact, events in the intervening years have only strengthened my position. My guess is, the “unexpected consequences” of multiculturalism and political correctness that abets race-card politics has resulted in multitudes of Americans feeling about the same.

I began this venture trying to grasp what the perception of racism is and what I have found is this; because I ascribe to a particular set of principles and standards, because I adhere to a particular work ethic, because I disdain mewling dramatics and solipsism, because I demand accountability and responsibility…in other words, because of my values, I am deemed a racist.
So be it.
I am not going to cheapen my standards to accommodate some distorted version of civil rights. I’m not going to subscribe to a crippled social doctrine as define by malcontents just to appease the likes of you and your gang. Your quest for ‘equal treatment’ has served to lower the bar in every field of endeavor, but, I assure you, you will not continue with such chicanery. There are more more and more un-hyphenated Americans who know when to say the madness has gone on far too long.

(original post)

With Obama being teflon-ed from relevant criticism by his supporters it appears I will be visiting the topic of racism yet again. I’m not signing on to the Party of White Guilt.

Related Reading:

2001 Cincinnati Race Riots:Over 100 whites assaulted (video)

What Really Happened in Cincinnati – Heather McDonald

During my youth, the rise of the black activist was seen -by little old cracker me – as another phenomenon of the ball-breaking, barrier shattering, (add additional delusional rhetoric) cultural “revolution”; Angela Davis sporting an afro like a bank of low clouds over her brow, the defiant and exotic Malcolm X, the buzzed guitar riffs of Shaft and Super Fly. It was all part of the drama.

An image from that era was this black fist, denoting “Black Pride”, denoting power. Somehow, I believe the pride and power of those days bore little semblance to the bombastic swaggering of the current pretenders to the throne.

So. I propose a new symbol. One more in keeping with the posture that today’s activists apparently want their “people“ to assume.

I’ll suggest this one.

And i think I’m on target, given the supplications law suits winding their way through this country’s courts like weighted prayers to clay gods. One must only conclude that the black fist has, over time, been warped into the outstretched hand of the beggar. Let us see.

I’m going to consider all their complaints against Coke absolutely suspect, much as I continue to doubt the validity to any of the claims made against Xerox. Then, let us see, we have that suit against the Enquirer, speculated upon nicely by Mr. Anderson over at Queen City Soapbox and also being steadily tracked by Cinciblogs’ numerous updates.

And, you have to laugh at the audacity of these shakedown artists. The Raven, in his usual adroit fashion , reviles the ever audacious money grabbers latest angle ( under heading, “They Never Give Up”). How long before this inspires a like response in this city. Well, the cost of building is gonna get even higher. Frigging brilliant.

And obviously the list can go on and on. But, I’m weary of thinking of it. I have a long day ahead of me. One more wedding, than a 5 hour bar run that I hope to hell does not take me anywhere near where I might get shot at.

Believe me, when someone gets shot by your regular limo stand down by Main St., you take heed.

Editors Note: This is one of several exchanges between myself and black activists in a local news forum. The 2001 Cincinnati riots were my awakening to black separatism and the never ending laments of those who call themselves African-American. It’s when I learned that the hyphen between African and American was tantamount to giving America the finger.

This exchange references the Black Family Reunion that turned into a small riot in 2002. As usual, the general consensus from the black community was that if it were not for “the usual reasons” these “youths” would have behaved like good citizens.

Cincinnati Boycott: Spit & Venom from Channel 5 news forum

Riddy wrote To Colerain:

Like I said in my previous post-the people involved in the weekend’s problems should be punished and their parents should be held accountable. But since you are aware of the situation at OU, then please enlighten me-why is race never an issue when there is unrest at an all white event, but it is the first thing that you and your friends mention when it is at black event?
What happened this weekend had nothing to do with the racial tension in the city but it had everything to do with a lack of supervision. There was no protest going on, it was a group unruly young people that had nothing better to do then to distroy other people’s property – just like the bar situation at Ohio U.

And since you are aware of the problems at OU, are you aware of the way the city of Athens is trashed every Halloween and High/Palmer Fest weekend by a predominately white crowd? Are you aware of the number of women that are raped during these events? One of my best friends, who happens to be white, was one of the rape victims. But of course race is never mention then either. And I am sure the number of people involved in these events number well beyond 2000. And this is by a supposedly educated, morally grounded crowd of young people.

As far as blacks working to find solutions, there are people out there trying to make a difference. I, along with everyone in my family and my friend base (including white people), mentor inner-city, poor young people on a weekly, if not daily basis, regardless of the race of the child. We also work with the police and other groups to help try to find solutions, instead of just putting out blame. We need to come out of our comfort zones and reach out to all the people in this city. Although I am a black woman, I come of my comfortable surburban lifestyle to go to the inner-city and work with these young people.

Since you seem like such a civil minded person, why don’t you and any other person interested in making a real change in the city, become part of the solution. There are numerous groups that have mentoring and community involvement in the schools throughout the city. We need to get proactive instead of reactive and defensive if we want to see real change in this city.

Cincinnati has a bad reputation throughout the county now. And all Cincinnatians regardless of race, class, gender, etc. need to step up to the plate and change that reputation.

I think this is really sad that after all that this city and this county has been through in the past 18 months that we can get beyond all of the blame and start taking action. It is no longer a black or white neighborhood problem – it is a city problem- and it is up to everyone to make a positive contribution.

Zee responds with…

Why are people playing these damn word games??? Wake up Riddy!

It becomes a race thing when the consistently criminal activities are perpetrated by one group. It is a racial thing when I have to wake up and have my morning coffee with my daily “black-on-black” murder count in Westwood, or Fairmount, or Over-the Rhine, or Madisonville. Not too many white folk there.

It was a sea of black faces roaming downtown screaming obscenities this week-end, not white. I am downtown every single day and those are black faces staring -sullen and menacing – not white. Not white trash, not white anything.

And these were not kids or children. Who are you kidding? These are not youth with homework time and bed time and play time. Quit acting like they are suburban kids with inattentive busy parents.

Their parents did not know, nor care, where they were because they never know or care where they are. These are street savvy, angry black men and women ( and a few deluded whites) plus , a whole host of out of town activists, (their infiltration here courtesy of your frigging boycott), exploiting ignorance and innocence alike.

And don’t even begin to compare this week-end with sporting event outbreaks, which are a breed of its own and, gee, includes black participants, and guess what? They all go back to the productive lives they took a recess from. It is uncharacteristic behavior. Get it?

The white melees you contend are comparable to the BF Reunion mess loose all appearance of similarity when you can safely conjecture that the majority of the participants were acting OUT of character, while the reunion revelers , it can be safely assumed, were acting very much IN character.

And don’t even go there with college mayhem. Those students, I guarantee you, felt remorse and/or had to accept consequences. They did not moan about their history of oppression to justify their misbehavior. And – they went back to solid productive lives as students, not to some murky street corner to brood about the white oppressors and how “white boy gonna get his ’cause they owe us”, as often recited by your reparations contingent.

I am convinced that you people are going to attempt to justify your every rude, ignorant, and criminal deed with a recitation of what big ole mean whitey has done to ya in the past. You sound like spoiled, hysterical children running from the big bad boogie man. The only picture that is emerging of the black race, as far as I can see or hear, is that of venal, avaricious, vindictive, churlish, juvenile losers.

You don’t like that Riddy? Well, neither do I. Until this boycott, the only image and experience of black people I knew were what you described yourself to be but, if you do not speak out, do not make your presence known, do nothing to be a voice of reason to counter the skewed picture Lynch portrays to the world, DO NOT complain that you are being grouped with those whose raw ideology is malignant and destructive. You can be damn sure white folk are quick to disassociate themselves from the KKK.

See, for those of you who claim to know the white man so damn well, I would counter, you better look again. You think you know the white race but, by virtue of your incessant self-obsession and constant caterwauling, you have failed to see you are dealing with a generation of white people who have, for the most part, from childhood on, stepped all over themselves trying not to offend a black person.

Should we say black, or is it negro, or now is it colored, oh, now it’s african-american – and god forbid you inadvertently say the frigging ‘N’ word lest everyone shatter like so many fragile humpty dumpties and we have another damn mess to clean up.

You’ve been insulting and alienating a generation of people who have taught their children to respect all people and immediately challenged REAL racist, behavior. A generation who has enjoyed and appreciated the appearance of more and more visible black performers, newscasters, journalists, analysts and personalities. Not as material for the purpose of caricaturing black people, as so often accused, but for the brilliant HUMAN talent there to be enjoyed.

And guess what? It wasn’t hard. Counter to what you appear to believe, there is no a cauldron of repressed black hatred lingering in the white heart. We don’t connive in small circles to make a black man’s day bad. There is no boogie man.

As far as “stepping up to the plate”, as riddy suggests, because it is a “city problem”, well, I’m sorry, it is a problem bestowed by the black community, created by the black community, and needs to be solved by those in that community and by anyone else who feel they are so called.

I don’t particular subscribe to the “it takes a village to raise a child” philosophy. It takes me to responsibly raise mine and you to responsibly raise yours, and we all produce , as best we can, gracious and productive adults and, bingo, you end up with a village that functions to the benefit of all. It is in that sane, civilized environment that one can effectively deal with the real issues.

Where did the money for Huntington Meadows go? Where did the so call empowerment zone funds walk off to? Why is Luken mayor ( can he be impeached)?

Develop a showcase for all black business and make sure minority contractors have a crack at all gigs. Whatever. Do you really think white people do not want to see legitimate inequities addressed? But how many remain who give a damn? It is poor psychology and absolutely asinine ‘marketing’ to present the image of ‘poor oppressed me’ with grasping outstretched hand to the average American. NO one likes whiners.

I stopped listening as soon as I heard I ‘owe’ it to you. But damn, can you imagine the response if Little Leftie Lynch had spent all his exuberance organizing a black business showcase, get funding from the many wealthy among you, and present a weekend event at the Convention center introducing Cincinnati to the many many wonderful and brilliant people and enterprises that minorities are responsible for?

Showcase the mentoring and every other endeavor the community is proud of. You don’t think that that type of networking and enterprise would be met with open minds and a willingness to CAPITALIZE on all the talent.

Instead of turning black entertainers away you could have made a special production of inviting bus loads of white folks from the suburbs in to enjoy your music and drama. But to think in that vein, one must actually care about the needs of the black community instead of exploiting it in order to launch baby Sharptons and Jacksons and build up the membership of the Black Panthers. To think in that vein is to truly act in a spirit of integrity and cooperation. AND , it would produce results.

Until there are responsible black leaders speaking as aggressively as Lynch, until the black community expels the leftist dirt they drug in here, they will get no support from me. Whatever organization exists to thwart Lynch and gang, whatever influence I can ever wield, as small as it may be, will be directed against those who hold this city hostage and all who maintain a condoning silence.
The damage done to all, is at your doorstep. Keep it off of mine.

Zee

Editors Note: This is one of several exchanges between myself and black activists in a local news forum. The 2001 Cincinnati riots were my awakening to black separatism and the never ending laments of those who call themselves African-American. It’s when I learned that the hyphen between African and American was tantamount to giving America the finger.

Below, “July” was one of a few with whom I argued about the boycott that black activists used to punish Cincinnati for her supposed racial crimes.

Boycott Cincinnati: Spit & Venom from Channel 5 News Forums

July reference: 03-15-2002, 11:24 AM

The Tiresome Little July drones on:

You and Solitude and a few more are the ones who are so into yourselves that you try to push those who are telling the truth into…” blah blah

Zee responds:

You have the appalling nerve to suggest that Solitude and I are egocentric??!!? You, from a race of people who, like snarling children, are having a tantrum , stomping your collective feet and threatening to huff and puff until all our houses are in the same shambles yours are in.

You give not a damn for the innocent citizens in this city who depend on the trade you boycott to make a living.

more “Sacrifices must be made,” you opine. What gall to decide that others must sacrifice for your so called cause. You whine about everything from imagined violations of your rights to the flying of confederate flag to too few black actors winning Oscar nominations.

No matter where you turn there is a black face clamoring “GIMME GIMME GIMMIE!” ME ME ME!” And you have the audacity to turn around and suggest we are self absorbed. Your ignorance is simply unparalleled.

July proceeds with her attack:
” I have read and re-read all of your posts…”

Zee responds:

You say you read my posts? I say you lie. I specifically asked, numerous times, for verifiable incidents of infringements and injustice. I posted an article about a draconian law soon to be re-imposed in Over-the-Rhine and asked for feedback. I speculated on the ‘glass house’ and asked for thoughts. I posted an USA Today article on the economic status of blacks with request for refutation. I sincerely inquired into my relationship with racism, I made suggestions regarding showcasing your more illustrious black citizens. None of those good enough for you and your frigging audience?

Are they listening now July? Then hear this:
Where once civility was the rule of thumb with all people., with yours I will give pause. Where once I smiled at a black face, I now turn away. Where once I was curious about a seemingly vivid and complex culture, I now have indifference. Where once you were welcome in my life, now you are not.

Relentlessly, July goes on…

“Evidently, when you received your diploma, you thought that the learning something new process was over. You can learn a lot from books, but life’s experiences are the best teacher. I guess you haven’t had enough of life’s experiences yet to actually see the world on which you live. The question is, do you really want to see the real world or continue to live on “milk”?

rolling eyes, Zee replies…

As usual you are confused. In other posts you have variously called me a heifer, trailer trash, flat ass, ignorant, uneducated and NOW you allude to ivory towers and sheltered lives? Just which phantom white person are you gunning for little missy july? no sweetie. It’s you and yours who can not wean yourselves off the public teat. That is the only ‘milk’ in this scenario.

I began this venture trying to grasp what the perception of racism is and what I have found is this; because I ascribe to a particular set of principles and standards, because I adhere to a particular work ethic, because I disdain mewling dramatics and solipsism, because I demand accountability and responsibility…in other words, because of my values, I am deemed a racist.
So be it.
I am not going to cheapen my standards to accommodate some distorted version of civil rights. I’m not going to subscribe to a crippled social doctrine as define by malcontents just to appease the likes of you and your gang. Your quest for ‘equal treatment’ has served to lower the bar in every field of endeavor, but, I assure you, you will not continue with such chicanery. There are more more and more un-hyphenated Americans who know when to say the madness has gone on far too long.
02.29.2008
I owe you and your people nothing.

Zee

…random communication from the soon to appear “A White Woman Wonders if She is Racist and Does She Really Fucking Care?”

posted by Zee at 06:57 PM

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