Do you believe there is real racism within the black community (Intra-racism)? If yes, what can we do about? If no, how can we dispel this belief?

Bert’s Response

Color Me Good

Bert Reece

We come in all colors, shades and hues
We even come with our very own points of views.
We can be different in every kind of way
It’s our differences that make us so unique;
Our differences paint pictures of great beauties and diversities.
Blacks and browns, tans and creams
Even whites, yes white we can be.
We can blend into a crowd and you won’t even know that we are there.
We can stand out in a crowd and you can’t help but notice that we are there.
If by all of this we are so special and unique
Then why do we hate one another?
Why do we take away our own strength?
I might be brown and lighter than some,
But in that same brown skin I am darker than another one.
Some call our hate towards one another intra-racism or colorism.
I call it ignorantism
We really don’t know the beauty that we possess.
Because if we did we would criticize it far less.
Some say color me bad
But I say Color Me Good
Because God made black and black is good.

Since the times of slavery, blacks have been pitted against one another; the house slave versus the field slave and the lighter skinned slave versus the darker skinned slave.  It was a very successful tactic used by oppressors of that day.  It was so successful that we still fall prey to it today.  We still have the mindsets of the house slave versus the field slave.  Over the years we have gone from using the brown paper bag test to receive admittance into certain places to attributing the type of person we are to the texture of our hair.  We also have some that hate who they are so much that because of their fare skin are able to “pass.”  These that pass look white even though they are black.  They live under the radar of the white culture pretending to be who they are not. 

This tactic divided a nation; a black nation.  The slave owners knew that if they set slaves up to police their own kind, then slave owners only had to worry about half of the slaves instead of all of the slaves.  Since that time we have been divided.  Members of my family fill the entire color spectrum.  They range from the very dark to the very light.  When I look at us I don’t see color, I see possibility.  That is what we all should see.  We are a people of great strength, talent and brains. 

I remember the Spike Lee movie, School Daze, which dealt with this very topic.  At the end of the movie I remember the person screaming the words “WAKE UP!!!”  I can’t say it any better than that.  

Anthony’s Response 

Yes I do believe there is intra-racism within our own people.  If you look back in time during slavery we had each other’s backs.  There were no differing “social” classes within the slave community.  There was, however, a community of “skin” class; dark skin and light skin.  You could also use the terms house slave and field slave.  Society, over time, has shown and perpetuated the images that white is pure and innocent while black is dark and evil.  Sadly, then and now, many of us have grown to believe this horrible lie.  You have some young people who do not like themselves because they are too dark or too light.  Some of us even go as far as to dislike others simply because they might be lighter skinned or they speak correct English.  We say they are acting white.  Is that right?  No.  On the opposite end of the spectrum, we see a dark skinned person and think they are “ghetto.”  Is that right? No.  We have to learn to support each other as a people. We need to teach our youth that we as BLACK AMERICANS come in many different colors.  This is one of the many things that make our people so unique.  

We must be truthful in answering the following two questions: 1) Do we really support each other? If not, why?  2) Will we help each other?  If not, why?  I have been working since I was 16-years old.  I have seen a lot of racism, including intra-racism, in every job I have held.  I have seen lighter skinned people who did not deserve it, be promoted over darker skinned people who was much more qualified.  To make matters worse, I have also seen those who have been undeservingly elevated, treat those beneath them as if they were meaningless.  It was not until they saw how much THEY needed those that they mistreated that they started to act as if they cared.  At this point it became hard to trust this person because you knew they were only using you to elevate themselves even more.

 

We must learn how to uplift, support, and teach our youth that being black is not a curse.  We need to teach them that they came from Kings and Queens and no matter how dark or how light their skin is we are still BLACK and BLACK is BEAUTIFUL.

Rhonda’s Response 

“One of the prices that we pay for integration was the disintegration of the black community.” Ed Smith

The African Proverb “it takes a village to raise a child” was a saying that represented the foundation and principles of black communities. Prior to integration, black communities supported one another in business, education, community efforts as well as empowered one another to be their best and to strive to reach their desired goals. However, Ed Smith’s quote, “one of the prices that we pay for integration was the disintegration of the black community”, depicts the state of the black community today. The disintegration of the black community, I believe, has created real intra-racism within the black community. The black community has intra racism regarding skin color (light versus black) and progressive blacks versus those who are not. Whether we can do anything to solve this issue is up to the actions of people in the black community. The actions of black people who made the conscience decision to march against Jim Crow to make a better America for blacks as a whole demonstrated how actions can change a community. Personally I believe we won’t see a change until the rights of blacks are threatened again like the times of Jim Crow. 

The skin color (light versus dark) intra racism runs rapid within the black community. This is one of the intra racism’s that is displayed outwardly and inwardly. It is one of the main racisms that will cause some blacks to not interact with one another. I believe this racism was stemmed from the guiles of slavery where light skin blacks were considered “house slaves” and dark skin blacks were “field slaves”. This propaganda from slavery has had a detrimental impact on the black community. The only way to fix this is for blacks to acknowledge that we were mistreated and used as property to build America and make a conscience effort to move forward with gusto in order to make sure that history does not repeat itself. 

The intra racism of progressive blacks versus those who are not is a continuous issue within the black community. Progressive blacks many times may be labeled as those who have furthered their education and work in professional jobs. Those who are considered not to be progressive are many times denoted as those with small town goals to stay where they are and do not desire to move beyond their current circumstance. This ideology is not different from the assertions made by mothers who decide to stay at home versus those who desire to work. Until the black community can learn to respect each other in all facets of their life and success; this issue will continue in the black community. 

All in all, I do believe there is intra racism today. I witness it daily and the attitude of blacks on dealing with intra racism has to change if we as a race want to move forward and be an impact as those who fought during the Civil Rights Movement. We will not solve the racism’s we as blacks face daily from other races if we don’t acknowledge the intra racism and fight to change our actions to mitigate this within the black community. This will enable us to band together as a unit to defeat systems that initially did not include us. We have to get back to creating strong foundations where we exhibit the African proverb “it takes a village to raise a child” because once we do this the black community will be stronger and will enable us to use our strength of numbers to make laws and rules that will work in our favor.

The Supreme Court continues to hear cases regarding Affirmative Action and reverse racism. They, the Supreme Court, have asked the question, should Affirmative Action be modified from its current state of implementation or should it be done away with all together?

Bert’s Response

Affirmative Action was implemented to create a level playing field in America that slavery and Jim Crow had for so long dominated.  Slavery and Jim Crow together have stymied numerous generations of economic and educational growth in the black community.  Some modern day civil rights activists like Rev. Al Sharpton have stated that Jim Crow might be dead, but his son James Crow, Esq. is still alive and well.  As I thought about how to answer this question I wondered what the following individuals would have thought about it:

• John Howard Griffin, author of Black Like Me, published in 1961 he was a white male from Mansfield, TX who wanted to truly understand the black experience so much that he underwent medical treatment to temporarily change the color of his skin to become a black man.  He was so affected by racism and civil rights abuses that even while knowing that his situation was only temporary, noticed a look of defeat and hopelessness on his own face only after a few weeks as a black man.  It became so bad that he would stop the treatments that turned his skin black so he could go back to being white for periods of time. (http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/blacklikeme/)

• The 14 blacks, who in December of 2012, reached a settlement with a South Dallas, TX Mill company for exposing them to violent, racist graffiti and racial slurs by co-workers.  The mill agreed to pay them $500,000. (reference)

• The 51 black applicants who, in November of 2012, were denied employment on the loading docks by Caldwell Freight Line, a now defunct company, even though they had prior experience.  Caldwell Freight Lines was ordered to pay the applicants $120,000 for their refusal to hire them. (reference)

• President Barak Obama, who since he became President of the United States has seen the number of anti-government groups grow more than 800%.  (reference  as heard from the Joe Madison Radio Show)

 Supreme Court Justices Clarence Thomas and Sonya Sotomayor both believe in widening the net so that Affirmative Action includes all disadvantaged groups regardless of race.  Clarence Thomas, however, believes that we should remove the race factor all together; whereas Sonya Sotomayor believes that race is still very important to consider.  Both have benefitted from affirmative action.  Clarence Thomas, for his own benefit, wants to close the door behind him; while Sonya Sotomayor wants the door to remain open so that others can have access to opportunities that otherwise would be denied to them because of their skin color. Affirmative action was never meant to place someone in a position they are not qualified handle, but rather to give those that are qualified a fair chance to be considered.  Until you have walked in the shoes of a person of color, you can never know why we feel affirmative action, based on race, is still needed.  Reverse racism in my opinion would be to go back to the days of old, where the good ole boys club trumps righteousness.

So to answer the question asked, I would say the day that we as people of color no longer have to teach our children that they have to be two or three times better than their white counterparts just to be considered equal is the day that we no longer need affirmative action as it currently exists.  Today is not that day.

Anthony’s Response 

Affirmative Action should never be done away with at all. In today’s society, we are still not playing on an equal playing field. We as black men, women, gays and overweight individuals are still fighting for our fair shake in corporate America. Powers that control the job markets are continually finding new ways to discriminate against, not only perspective employees, but also existing employees; Smokers, overweight individuals and those who become ill while employed are a few that fall into this group of new age discrimination.  If affirmative action is modified, it needs to make sure that those who fall into this new age group of discrimination are protected.  These people need to feel confident that they have a fair chance at finding stable, long-term good paying jobs.  Affirmative action is still needed to even out the playing field, but it should be modified for today’s time.

Rhonda’s Response 

“Thought is the blossom; language the bud; action their fruit behind it.” 
(Ralph Waldo Emerson)

Ralph Waldo Emerson always has a way with words that provoke thought and change. Although, the Supreme Court continues to hear cases regarding Affirmative Action and reverse racism, they should modify Affirmative Action to fit the demands of the people today. Although the definition of Affirmative Action has changed over the years, it sets a foundation of fair rules and regulations, creates a foundation for all classes to interact, and fosters healthy competition.

Affirmative Action has been around for many years but the way we know Affirmative Action today is not how it originally began. Although Affirmative Action today has a negative connotation as being an exclusive opportunity for minorities, its original inception was to set a foundation of fair rules and regulations between employees and employers. Affirmative Action was first introduced in the National Labor Relations Act of 1935 (approved July 5, 1935). It was enacted by National Labor Relations Board to serve as a way to give unions protection against management.  National Labor Relations Board vs. National Casket Company was one of the first cases to address “Affirmative Action”. This case set the precedent that companies could not discharge employees due to their participation in unions. During these times, unions were created to represent workers in all industries. The first union was created in the mid 19^th century. 

However, today, due to many definition changes to Affirmative Action, we know it to be the recommendation made by President John F. Kennedy in his Executive Order 10925 in 1961. That Executive Order was to “ensure that applicants are treated equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.” This Executive Order created a new definition of Affirmative Action that would become the pillar of new policies, committees, and laws that would range from labor equality to education equality. This definition helped to add a layer to Affirmative Action that would create a foundation for all classes to interact within the workforce. 

When there is a foundation for all classes to interact within the workforce, this also fosters healthy competition within the workforce. It creates an equal playing field for all men and women in various industries who have similar skill sets and education. No more will skilled workers with equal education and skill sets be denied an opportunity to apply for jobs that in the past they would not have the chance. No more will a woman be denied an opportunity for a promotion due to the “good old boy” system of companies without violating equal right rules and regulations. No longer will minorities be denied employment and/or promotions due to racial discrimination without those industries violating civil liberties and rights of those individuals. Affirmative Action modification in 1961 was made to create equal opportunities for all races, religions, and sexes within the workforce. Although, there is still more work to be done when it comes to equal opportunity of pay for women, society has come a long ways from where we were in 1935; due to the definition modifications made by President John F. Kennedy in 1961. 

History always teaches us ways to persevere in the future without repeating past mistakes. Although history is our teacher, the lessons learned from our past are the true testaments for us to forge ahead   and do our best to better ourselves and not repeat historical results. In order for us to change the connotation of Affirmative Action today, we must modify the definition to meet the needs of today’s society. Modifying the definition will ensure that the purpose of Affirmative Action stays relevant and fresh to set a foundation of fair rules and regulations, creates a foundation for all classes to interact, and fosters healthy competition for societies today.

ABOUT THE Triple BAR : Siblings Speak Contributors

Triple BAR : Siblings Speak is a blog written by three siblings. Bert, Anthony, and Rhonda Reece are natives of Dallas, Texas. Although, their education and careers differ their blood connection enables them to have a connection for life.

Bert Reece graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Advertising from the University of Texas located in Austin, TX. He is married to Rosalind Reece and together they have three beautiful daughters (Lauryn Hope Reece, Emori Jordyn Reece, and Nia Morgyn Reece). He currently resides in Cedar Hills, Texas and works for Ford Motor Company. He is the first born and the peacemaker of the family. He has a heart to talk about God's love. God has given him so much about Him to say and he wants to walk in obedience and say it. He fights with himself daily to not be like Jonah and run from Him. His prayer is that God chases away his fears and quiet his storms that he might be able to hear His quiet still voice speak to his heart. Bert runs his own blog to help him further his purpose in life called, Christ Talk By Bert Reece: A forum created to discuss topics surrounding the church. Bert has published his first book, "From Me To You." To read more about his book and to order his book please go to his website www.bertreece.com.

 

Anthony K Reece graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice from Grambling State University. He currently works for Nationwide Insurance Company. He is the second born and the most unique one. Unlike his older brother and his younger sister, who writes music and poetry, he tries to use the best gift that was giving to him by GOD and their mother; A BIG HEART. Anthony is a member of Good Street Baptist Lodge (PHA) in Dallas, TX, where he is a Past Master and also Special District Deputy in District 11. He loves doing community service and volunteering to help all in the community. He is always in search of all Knowledge. 

Rhonda B. Reece graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and Political Science from Fisk University located in Nashville, TN. She also, has a MBA with emphasis in Technology Management from the University of Phoenix located in Phoenix, AZ. She currently resides in Nashville, TN and works for Vanderbilt University Medical Center as a Software Automation Engineer. Rhonda is the third born and the independent, analytical one in the family. She is a professional woman who has a heart and passion to write songs that inspire, motivate, and change people's lives. Since the 6th grade, Rhonda has used writing to impart power into people's lives. Singing, songwriting, and music in the Reece family is nothing new to Rhonda because she comes from a long line of musically talented individuals in her family. She has always dared to write outside of the box by writing songs that many of times would not fit her age range, but it is through her passion and her ability to follow her heart that she has been able to write music that will be long lasting. Check out her music at www.rhondareece.com. Rhonda also runs her own company, Phoenix's Inspirations (www.phoenixsinspirations.com), which is a company that provides artistic inspirations through copper artwork. Also, the company provides graphic and web design for companies, individuals, non profits, etc…