Virginia Lawmaker Attacks Blacks
In a state where former African-American Virginia Governor, L. Douglas Wilder, is working exceptionally hard to build the United States National Slavery Museum so that America won't ever forget her wicked past, a Virginia state legislator is on record saying that Black people should get over slavery. He also insulted a Jewish legislator according to various news reports. Frank D. Hargrove told a Charlottesville newspaper, "Slavery ended nearly 140 years ago with the Civil War and added that "our black citizens should get over it." The comments were published Tuesday. His brazen ignorance had many of his colleagues "gasping and groaning".
A Strom Thurmond look-a-like, Hargrove, 79, who looks like a left over and washed up Dixiecrat, made his remarks in opposition to a measure that would apologize on the state's behalf to the descendants of African captives. According to the Richmond Times-Dispatch,
"The slavery resolution calls on the commonwealth to apologize for its role in the enslavement of Africans, the state's history of racial discrimination and an acknowledgement of the pain it has caused.
"An apology for centuries of brutal dehumanization and injustices cannot erase the past, but confession of the words can speed racial healing and reconciliation, and help African-American and white citizens to confront the ghosts of their collective pasts together."
While doing some research for this piece, I can't say that I was surprised by some of the comments I found here. Typical.
While I don't obsess, and quite truthfully, rarely think of African Captivity in America, usually when a racist like Hargrove and people of his ilk tell Black people, whose ancestors were captives in America, to "get over slavery" it is usually a pitiful attempt to belittle and transfer blame.
The State of Virginia, as did many other states, allowed African captivity to flourish. Instead of perceiving an apology as an act of reconciliation for the advancement of humanity, unfortunately, antagonists are reminded of the dastardly deeds of their forefathers. Telling Blacks "to get over slavery" is blame reversal and a coping mechanism for them.
Should we (Blacks) be paralyzed by such events in American history? Certainly not. But even for Blacks, like me, who could care less about an apology and are not holding our breaths for an apology for our ancestors, admonishing Blacks to "get over slavery" is counterproductive to improving race relations and mean-spirited.
What they also fail to realize is that true efforts by America to make all citizens equal didn't occur until the mid-to-late 60's. Are we supposed to forget that too? In reality, if Hargrove and people of his ilk had their way, African Captivity would still be very much an institution in America.
In the bigger scheme of things, I think that it is important for African-Americans to not get terribly bent-out-of-shape ie. offended by such comments. We should not surrender too much of our power to these racist idiots - especially one's that have one foot in the grave. Hopefully, they'll be going back to the hell they came from in (over) due time.
To contribute to the United States National Slavery Museum go here.
Labels: Racism
posted by Terrence | 10:46 AM
14 Comments:
You said it Bro. Most of the descendants of former african slaves in which I come in contact are too busy trying to carve out a life for themselves to worry about an apology regarding the wrongs done by the ancestors of others. Now everyday racists like Hargrove, George Allen, Trent Lott, and others should apologize for their daily (unreported until they are accidently caught on tape) acts of discrimination and mean spiritness.
It just goes to show you the range in ignorance and education pertaining to the perception of slavery and it lingering effects. On the same day that Hargrove made his comments, The German fund responsible for make reparation payments to Jews announced it had made it last payment of the $8 billion set aside for the survivors and descendants of slave camp workers during World War II in Germany. Also, on this same day the Archbishop of Canterbury BKA the head of the Worldwide Anglican Church (Episcopal in the U.S.) announced he would lead a cross bearing procession through the street in London on March 24, 2007 in remembrance of the 200th anniversary of the end of Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade.
Whites want to selectively ignore the 100 years of sanctioned terrorism that followed the "end of slavery". Hargrove's comments suggesting Blacks should move on is nothing but a genuine expression of a sentiment held by many whites about the discussion of slavery. Although Blacks must learn about European Kings and Queens we are asked to forget a significant part of our history.
To know thy self is know thy history.....
sojournTruthATGmaildotcom
Here here! I think giving people attention like him is a waste of energy! F him!
You gratuitously claim that "if Hargrove and people of his ilk had their way, African Captivity would still be very much an institution in America." That is a silly suggestion by any measure. Whatever Hargrove's faults, I am not aware of even the slightest hint that he supports reinstating slavery or Jim Crow. Apparently, your are confusing advocacy of such policies with Hargrove's failure to be sufficiently self-flagellating about historical events for which he was not responsible, and in which he did not participate.
James Young, first off, don't come here with your paternalistic attitude. You have no children or slaves here. Your tone will not be tolerated here. I promise you that. If you respond, it had better be in a more respectful tone or don't bother to respond at all.
Secondly, there is no confusion on my part. You are apparently confused. My position pertaining to Hargrove and African Captivity is pure conjecture, which I have every right to do. I believe Hargrove, like Trent Lott and others, probably want things back to the old way of doing things - minorities in America as subordinates.
There is no room for Hargrove's blatant indifference and ignorance in today's society. Hargrove is an apparent racist and anti-Semite as demonstrated by his own words.
Again, if you respond - make it respectful or your response will be deleted.
Terrence, I want to be like you when I grow up! Your ability to breakdown an issue and see it fairly and in the most succint way without all the ornamental self-rightieousness is becoming legendary outside the blogoshpere. Why do you think you are getting more recognition? Keep doing what you do, bro.
Thanks bro. As always, your and others support is greatly appreciated. Keep doing what you do as well.
Terrence, I fail to see what is "paternalistic" about my comment or my attitude. To the contrary, those who know me would attest to the fact that the only "paternalism" I exhibit is toward my own family. I suppose I could've said your comments were, in part, wildly, inaccurately, and race-baitingly foolish, but given the general tenor of your post, I certainly was appropriately respectful, perhaps giving it more than DUE respect. Indeed, my comments about your post on my blog cite at least part of it with approval.
As for whether Hargrove's words demonstrate that he is a racist and an anti-Semite, you might want to read my post on the issue. He may have had a valid point there, i.e., that the notion of "group guilt" is nonsensical, even if it was inartfully expressed.
As for deleting my comments, you are entitled to do with your blog what you want, as it is your property. If you choose to make it an echo chamber, however, I suspect that the interchange will quite promptly become very boring, which would be unfortunate as, by my recognition of some merit in your comments, you quite clearly have the seeds of common sense in some of your thinking.
And BTW, suggesting that Trent Lott is a racist is ridiculous, as demonstrated by the broad support he enjoys among the Blacks who know him best --- those among his constituents --- who support him in large numbers.
James Young, it's not a surprise that you would not see your comments as paternalistic.
White privilege (and self-righteousness) can blind some people - even people who appear to be above average in intelligence. They hardly, if ever, recognize the thickheaded paternalism or self-righteousness of their words and actions.
It's all about what they want - even if illogical - i.e. the War in Iraq. They are the Emperor, Empress, The King, The Queen. Rulers - over the peasants.
Well, there are no peasants here. Get used to it, if you plan to comment here.
And it's not surprising to me - at all - that apologists, like you, would defend racists and anti-Semites like Trent Lott and Hargrove. It doesn't surprise me in the least that you would spin an opinion, injected with facts, as "inaccurate" so that you can defend chauvinists whose beliefs and "values" intertwine with yours.
Furthermore, to suggest that I was race-baiting with my commentary is quite laughable especially considering that Hargrove's own words incited the current acrimony, which he is experiencing from many people.
I guess I am wrong along with millions of decent non-blacks across the country, who also found Hargrove's comments repugnant. The "tenor" of my commentary was inspired by Hargrove; and I make ABSOLUTELY NO apologies for it.
Overall, your games do not work here. You people - insensible apologists for racists - are masterful at reversing blame. You defend people whose words and actions are most problematic, shortsighted, racist, counterproductive, archaic, unintelligent and just plain stupid. How unfortunate. If you want to improve race relations, change your words and actions and acknowledge racist bigots that exist in your community.
Additionally, my blog has been an asset to blogosphere as evidenced by numerous credible national media and bloggers that have used it as a realistic and unswerving resource.
Take notice.
There has never been an "echo chamber" here; and with or without your presence the show will go on.
Ultimately, if you are going to comment here, you need to learn some boundaries.
Dec 6th, 1865 is the end of slavery in the border states. Although Maryland kept theres until 1867. The 6th seems a good date to have a national holiday to celebrate the end though.
I am a white male born in the south in the 40's. I find this blog to be interesting & somewhat encouraging. The blacks on here state we as a race do not understand what it is like to be decendants of slaves. That is true.
It is also true that most blacks do not understand what it is like to not be decendants of slaves. Slavery was wrong period. Not to be discussed. Wrong. If a man wronged one of my relatives (past)
does his children owe me anything. NO. Was he wrong to do so yes. But I dont understand why i could not know his childrens children & decide if I like them or not regardless of what his great great grandfather was like.
I just want to make sure I get this straight: my comments are paternalistic, but comments like "my blog has been an asset to blogosphere as evidenced by numerous credible national media and bloggers that have used it as a realistic and unswerving resource" are not. I'm accused of sanctimony, while you exhibit it in virtually every syllable.
Gotcha.
A certain amount of arrogance is presumed in every blog --- each of which should probably contain the disclaimr "Everyone is entitled to my opinion" --- but to attack others suggests that you deny it yourself, and that would be disingenuous.
Nevertheless, Terrence, it is quite clear that I misjudged you based upon one promising comment. Your rhetoric suggesting my "false consciousness" and other crypto-Marxist claptrap, as well as accusing anyone who dares to challenge your rhetoric as "an apologist for racists" --- something that would come as news to my long-time assistant and my sons' godparents, among others --- make it clear to me that other comments are wasted. Indeed, your comments remind of the the singularly ignorant professor who --- while lionizing traitor Alger Hiss on a visit to my college --- walked out in a huff at the lecture of a member of the West German Parliament on the topic of how the Nazis came to power. That he was not apologizing for the Nazis --- merely explaining them --- was lost upon this idiot, who was far more interesting in making a political statement ("F***ing Nazi!") than in learning or understanding anything outside of his narrow, self-serving views.
Don't worry, I won't be commenting or visiting regularly. There are simply some swine before whom pearls are wasted.
Predictable.
There is nothing paternalistic about the statement you cited, especially considering that readers have expressed their appreciation here and in person. Furthermore, the proof is in the pudding.
Look dude, you are welcomed here. I welcome the challenge, but you have been clocked.
Everyone is entitled to an opinion here, as demonstrated on this blog for well over a year now. There’s been both amicable and tense discourse here long before you showed up. And just because you have shown up, nothing changes. However, when you come here it is imperative that you respect me. Your abrasive "tenor" might work with some other bloggers - Black, liberal, moderate or otherwise - but not here.
That's the bottom line. When you try to spin my words, you will have a battle on your hands every time BECAUSE it is my blog.
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