Showing posts with label Independence Day. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Independence Day. Show all posts
Friday, July 6, 2012
Friday, July 2, 2010
WPTF Debate Over 4th of July
TRUTH Minista Paul Scott on WPTF discussing his article "Fallacy of the Fourth: Should Black Folks Celebrate?"
http://billlumaye.blogspot.com/2010/07/paul-scott-puts-buzzkill-on-4th.html
http://billlumaye.blogspot.com/2010/07/paul-scott-puts-buzzkill-on-4th.html
Monday, June 29, 2009
Fakin' the Funk for the 4th
Fakin' the Funk for the 4th:
Should Black Folks Celebrate?
Paul Scott
"We wear the mask that grins and lies."
Paul Laurence Dunbar
Back in '92, Hip Hop group, Main Source recorded "Fakin' the Funk." Although the intent of the song was to diss wack rappers who weren't "keepin' it real," it could also apply to the millions of black folks who will be celebrating "Independence Day" this July 4th.
Every year, black folks, drink more beer, eat more barbecue and fire off more fireworks than everybody else in honor of a holiday that isn't even about them. Many have not stopped once to ask themselves, why we celebrate holidays that have nothing even remotely to do with the African experience.
Historians trace the genesis of the problem back to slavery times when the enslaved Africans were not required to work on some holidays. So as one writer put it, even in 2009, for black folks, psychologically, we reenact Emancipation Day every weekend and holiday. However, we must never confuse a day off work with historical accuracy.
This may come as a shock for some but black folks weren't free in 1776. Matter of fact, it wasn't until four score and five years later that Abe Lincoln delivered the Emancipation Proclamation.
Also, it must be noted that black folks gained nothing from the America's victory over the British. Matter of fact, Lerone Bennet writes in his book "Before the Mayflower" that a Lord Dunmore, former governor of colonial Virginia, issued a proclamation on November 5, 1775 promising freedom to all male slaves willing to fight for England. This was 86 years before Lincoln "freed" the slaves in states that were rebelling against the Union.
Not to mention that Britain abolished slavery in 1833 and it was not until 30 years later that slavery was abolished in America.
While some may argue that Independence Day is not about slavery but the higher ideals of Freedom, Justice and the Pursuit of Happiness that is another lie that has been repeated so much that people accept it as religious dogma.
In Eric Williams' book "Capitalism and Slavery" he states very clearly that the Revolutionary War was based on economics; American sovereignty versus British imperialism. According to Williams, the main source of the conflict was the control of the West Indian sugar and molasses trade. Dr. Ishakamusa Barashango in his work "Afrikan People and European Holidays: A Mental Genocide Vol II" writes that the American colonists needed the molasses to make rum that was used to exchange for slaves on the West African coast.
So, why in 2009, will even the most educated African Americans so vehemently defend their compulsions to celebrate a false holiday?
Part of the problem is the belief that in order to "make it" in American society, we have to "go along to get along." Unfortunately, many of us do not have the courage exhibited by the children in the Emperor's New Clothes fable to tell his royal highness that not only was he butt naked but a slave owner as well, figuratively speaking.
So every year, they put on Dunbar's "mask that grins and lies" and sit down at 4th of July picnic tables, gobbling down as many hot dogs as they can stomach.
What WEB DuBois referred to as a "double consciousness" having to be both African and American, psychologists would call schizophrenic behavior.
White folks also have a psychological disorder when dealing with black people as James Baldwin expressed in his writings.
When we wanted to be down with their program they wouldn't let us but when we rejected their program they called us "divisive" and "reverse racists." So the implied threat behind bumper stickers that read "America: Love it or Leave it" is enough to beat most black folks into psychological submission.
So, beyond the historical contradictions, the celebration of the 4th of July is problematic on several different levels.
From an economic standpoint, it is amazing how, in the midst of this country's economic woes, black folks will still find the funds to throw a 4th of July bash for the homies. The same father who can't afford to buy his child a black history book that may benefit him for the rest of his life will, quickly, fork over 50 bucks for firecrackers that go up in smoke in seconds.
What is most disturbing is the hypocrisy that Independence Day revelers exhibit when addressing the younger generation.
I find it ironic that the same black folks who will berate the youth for their justification of using the dreaded "N" word by saying that they are "redefining the meaning to stand for something positive" have no problem redefining history so they can justify getting their party on July 4th.
Also, although the old heads will criticize rappers for coming up with outlandish hood tales just to sell cds they will rewrite history to give black folks Independence when they were still picking cotton.
Now, some will argue that the fact that we have a black president is reason to celebrate this year, in and of itself.
However, based on the way Obamas are constantly being dissed by the right wing conservatives you would think that they were just a foot off the plantation, themselves.
We must realize that true Freedom is independence of mind, body and spirit.
How many racist anti-Obama emails do black folks have to get in their email boxes before they admit that the road to their Freedom and Independence is still under construction ?
Paul Scott writes for No Warning Shots Fired.com. http://www.nowarningshotsfired.com/
He can be reached at (919) 451-8283 info@nowarningshotsfired.com
Should Black Folks Celebrate?
Paul Scott
"We wear the mask that grins and lies."
Paul Laurence Dunbar
Back in '92, Hip Hop group, Main Source recorded "Fakin' the Funk." Although the intent of the song was to diss wack rappers who weren't "keepin' it real," it could also apply to the millions of black folks who will be celebrating "Independence Day" this July 4th.
Every year, black folks, drink more beer, eat more barbecue and fire off more fireworks than everybody else in honor of a holiday that isn't even about them. Many have not stopped once to ask themselves, why we celebrate holidays that have nothing even remotely to do with the African experience.
Historians trace the genesis of the problem back to slavery times when the enslaved Africans were not required to work on some holidays. So as one writer put it, even in 2009, for black folks, psychologically, we reenact Emancipation Day every weekend and holiday. However, we must never confuse a day off work with historical accuracy.
This may come as a shock for some but black folks weren't free in 1776. Matter of fact, it wasn't until four score and five years later that Abe Lincoln delivered the Emancipation Proclamation.
Also, it must be noted that black folks gained nothing from the America's victory over the British. Matter of fact, Lerone Bennet writes in his book "Before the Mayflower" that a Lord Dunmore, former governor of colonial Virginia, issued a proclamation on November 5, 1775 promising freedom to all male slaves willing to fight for England. This was 86 years before Lincoln "freed" the slaves in states that were rebelling against the Union.
Not to mention that Britain abolished slavery in 1833 and it was not until 30 years later that slavery was abolished in America.
While some may argue that Independence Day is not about slavery but the higher ideals of Freedom, Justice and the Pursuit of Happiness that is another lie that has been repeated so much that people accept it as religious dogma.
In Eric Williams' book "Capitalism and Slavery" he states very clearly that the Revolutionary War was based on economics; American sovereignty versus British imperialism. According to Williams, the main source of the conflict was the control of the West Indian sugar and molasses trade. Dr. Ishakamusa Barashango in his work "Afrikan People and European Holidays: A Mental Genocide Vol II" writes that the American colonists needed the molasses to make rum that was used to exchange for slaves on the West African coast.
So, why in 2009, will even the most educated African Americans so vehemently defend their compulsions to celebrate a false holiday?
Part of the problem is the belief that in order to "make it" in American society, we have to "go along to get along." Unfortunately, many of us do not have the courage exhibited by the children in the Emperor's New Clothes fable to tell his royal highness that not only was he butt naked but a slave owner as well, figuratively speaking.
So every year, they put on Dunbar's "mask that grins and lies" and sit down at 4th of July picnic tables, gobbling down as many hot dogs as they can stomach.
What WEB DuBois referred to as a "double consciousness" having to be both African and American, psychologists would call schizophrenic behavior.
White folks also have a psychological disorder when dealing with black people as James Baldwin expressed in his writings.
When we wanted to be down with their program they wouldn't let us but when we rejected their program they called us "divisive" and "reverse racists." So the implied threat behind bumper stickers that read "America: Love it or Leave it" is enough to beat most black folks into psychological submission.
So, beyond the historical contradictions, the celebration of the 4th of July is problematic on several different levels.
From an economic standpoint, it is amazing how, in the midst of this country's economic woes, black folks will still find the funds to throw a 4th of July bash for the homies. The same father who can't afford to buy his child a black history book that may benefit him for the rest of his life will, quickly, fork over 50 bucks for firecrackers that go up in smoke in seconds.
What is most disturbing is the hypocrisy that Independence Day revelers exhibit when addressing the younger generation.
I find it ironic that the same black folks who will berate the youth for their justification of using the dreaded "N" word by saying that they are "redefining the meaning to stand for something positive" have no problem redefining history so they can justify getting their party on July 4th.
Also, although the old heads will criticize rappers for coming up with outlandish hood tales just to sell cds they will rewrite history to give black folks Independence when they were still picking cotton.
Now, some will argue that the fact that we have a black president is reason to celebrate this year, in and of itself.
However, based on the way Obamas are constantly being dissed by the right wing conservatives you would think that they were just a foot off the plantation, themselves.
We must realize that true Freedom is independence of mind, body and spirit.
How many racist anti-Obama emails do black folks have to get in their email boxes before they admit that the road to their Freedom and Independence is still under construction ?
Paul Scott writes for No Warning Shots Fired.com. http://www.nowarningshotsfired.com/
He can be reached at (919) 451-8283 info@nowarningshotsfired.com
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Should Black Folks Celebrate July 4th ?
Fighting for Your Right "Not" to Party:Why I'm Not Celebrating July 4th
Min. Paul Scott
On July 5th 1852, the great orator and abolitionist,Frederick Douglas delivered an electrifying speech where he posed what was possibly the most significant question of his time; "What to the slave is the Fourth of July?" He received a thunderous round of applause.
A hundred and twenty some odd years later, July 4th1976, as a nine year old junior militant, I stood defiantly on a picnic table, raised my sand shovel and posed a similar question.Why do black people celebrate Independence Day,anyway?"
The response I received?"Shut up and eat your hot dog!"The issue of whether African Americans should celebrate the 4th of July is one of those eternal questions that is often asked this time of year but never receives a valid answer. Why do black folks feel obligated to dress up in red white and blue top hats and sing the Star Spangled Banner when our ancestors were in the field picking cotton while the colonists were getting their party on ?
Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a day off work and a trip to the beach as much as the next guy but it's time to replace political correctness with historical correctness.As a matter of full disclosure, I've never prided myself as the all American boy type. I hate baseball and even the thought of apple pie makes me nauseous.
So my view of American history may be cynical at best.African Americans were not free in 1776, did not have full citizenship in 1876, were still fighting for equal rights in 1976 and in the aftermath of the Sean Bell murder, 2076 ain't looking too promising.
Contrary to popular belief, America's victory in the Revolutionary War did not bring my ancestors one iotacloser to Independence than if the Red Coats wouldhave won. Just if the British had won, instead of having a Big Mac and a Pepsi for lunch, I would be dining on crumpets with a spot of tea. And I would probably be listening to Sir Paul McCartney in my ipod instead of 50 Cent.
Although, many overly patriotic zealots claim to cherish freedom of speech, speaking against this country's day of national pride is considered sacrilegious, worthy of a trip to the woodshed, or worse.
Although the constitution grants freedom of expression, in the 21st century, freedom of speech comes with a heavy price.There is always the distinct possibility that you could wake up one morning in a cozy little cell in Guantanamo Bay or at best find yourself sitting across the desk from a stone faced IRS agent trying to explain why your last year's vacation at Disney Worldwas tax deductible.
Should I have to live with the fear of "America loveit or leave it" being graffitied on my front door just because I will have the only house in the neighborhood not proudly flying Ole Glory ?As America becomes increasingly more culturally diverse she will have to deal with the blatant contradictions in her history books.
While Tony Romanomay be throwing a big party for Columbus Day maybe he shouldn’t invite his coworker Blue Sky Runningbear to the shindig. And while John Smith may pay tribute to his WWII veteran grandfather to commemorate every V-JDay, his neighbor, Yoko Tshima, may morn the death of hers.
Americans must begin to respect each others rights to party or not to party on July 4th While some will dismiss my views as those of some ultra militant, left wing radical who is still miffed that Rev. Jesse Jackson didn't get the Democratic Party nomination back in 1988 , could it be that I represent the views of millions of the silent minoritywho are afraid to express themselves for fear of McCarthy-like persecution?
So, don't expect to see me at the annual fireworks show this year with my finger stuck in the potato salad. I'll be home reflecting on the fact that for millions of African Americans, on July 4 2008, the road to Freedom is still under construction.
Min. Paul Scott is a "gangsta writer" and activist based in Durham NC. He can be reached at (919)451-8283
Min. Paul Scott
On July 5th 1852, the great orator and abolitionist,Frederick Douglas delivered an electrifying speech where he posed what was possibly the most significant question of his time; "What to the slave is the Fourth of July?" He received a thunderous round of applause.
A hundred and twenty some odd years later, July 4th1976, as a nine year old junior militant, I stood defiantly on a picnic table, raised my sand shovel and posed a similar question.Why do black people celebrate Independence Day,anyway?"
The response I received?"Shut up and eat your hot dog!"The issue of whether African Americans should celebrate the 4th of July is one of those eternal questions that is often asked this time of year but never receives a valid answer. Why do black folks feel obligated to dress up in red white and blue top hats and sing the Star Spangled Banner when our ancestors were in the field picking cotton while the colonists were getting their party on ?
Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a day off work and a trip to the beach as much as the next guy but it's time to replace political correctness with historical correctness.As a matter of full disclosure, I've never prided myself as the all American boy type. I hate baseball and even the thought of apple pie makes me nauseous.
So my view of American history may be cynical at best.African Americans were not free in 1776, did not have full citizenship in 1876, were still fighting for equal rights in 1976 and in the aftermath of the Sean Bell murder, 2076 ain't looking too promising.
Contrary to popular belief, America's victory in the Revolutionary War did not bring my ancestors one iotacloser to Independence than if the Red Coats wouldhave won. Just if the British had won, instead of having a Big Mac and a Pepsi for lunch, I would be dining on crumpets with a spot of tea. And I would probably be listening to Sir Paul McCartney in my ipod instead of 50 Cent.
Although, many overly patriotic zealots claim to cherish freedom of speech, speaking against this country's day of national pride is considered sacrilegious, worthy of a trip to the woodshed, or worse.
Although the constitution grants freedom of expression, in the 21st century, freedom of speech comes with a heavy price.There is always the distinct possibility that you could wake up one morning in a cozy little cell in Guantanamo Bay or at best find yourself sitting across the desk from a stone faced IRS agent trying to explain why your last year's vacation at Disney Worldwas tax deductible.
Should I have to live with the fear of "America loveit or leave it" being graffitied on my front door just because I will have the only house in the neighborhood not proudly flying Ole Glory ?As America becomes increasingly more culturally diverse she will have to deal with the blatant contradictions in her history books.
While Tony Romanomay be throwing a big party for Columbus Day maybe he shouldn’t invite his coworker Blue Sky Runningbear to the shindig. And while John Smith may pay tribute to his WWII veteran grandfather to commemorate every V-JDay, his neighbor, Yoko Tshima, may morn the death of hers.
Americans must begin to respect each others rights to party or not to party on July 4th While some will dismiss my views as those of some ultra militant, left wing radical who is still miffed that Rev. Jesse Jackson didn't get the Democratic Party nomination back in 1988 , could it be that I represent the views of millions of the silent minoritywho are afraid to express themselves for fear of McCarthy-like persecution?
So, don't expect to see me at the annual fireworks show this year with my finger stuck in the potato salad. I'll be home reflecting on the fact that for millions of African Americans, on July 4 2008, the road to Freedom is still under construction.
Min. Paul Scott is a "gangsta writer" and activist based in Durham NC. He can be reached at (919)451-8283
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