My recent journey through the southern states in our RV was
an eye opening experience. Nightly we were seeking a place to park the RV that
afforded some semblance of safety, quiet and nearby facilities.
These searches lead me to speak to individuals that worked
in the areas where we wanted to park. Over the course of the week I spoke to a Wal-Mart
security person, a rest stop employee and a local gas station clerk.
While I was greeted warmly, each of them cautioned me that
the area was “on the dark side of town’. In my innocence, the first such
statement was taken as referring to the lack of light in the area. Innocence,
however, is the bastion of the privileged.
It took me awhile to realize the insidious nature of these
comments. What these locals were
doing is substituting a more palpable term for the now unacceptable word
“nigger”. The thing is that the
new term carries all the same old hate, discrimination and othering as its’
predecessor did.
I am disgusted, offended and outraged that such intent is
laced into language in 2013. Maybe,
in my privilege, I am becoming aware of this manifestation of hate later than
most, my late arrival, however makes it no less distasteful.
It is incumbent on all of us to confront such language. The
re packaging of racism, with words that are designed to smooth over the reality
of hate, bigotry and ignorance is a threat to all that our country has
accomplished.
Needless to say, there are now at least two individuals who
took the brunt of my fury over the use of such language. I could not let the
language or its’ intent stand with out a direct confrontation. Even more insidious is the urge that I
suppressed to “let is pass”, obtain the information I needed and move along. I
am glad that I did not pay attention to these urges: just the thought process
was alarming for me and reminded me that all that is needed for racism to
flourish is for good people to say nothing.
Yes, the word “Dark” is the new nigger, and I am committed
to confronting such speech at every opportunity.
2 comments:
I remember hearing my brother (sadly, a dreadful racist) say "It sure is dark out here" when were driving through a public housing area in New Haven back in the late 70's. I had no idea what he meant, as it was broad daylight. Guess it's a regional turn of phrase. So many different ways to hate. And so depressing when these folks assume you agree with them, so they think they are doing you a good turn by "warning" you.
The joyful and mournful sensation of seeing someone who can look at the world with open eyes. You have my respect and condolences for that peter.
Post a Comment
Please use your name in posting comments. Postings by "Anonymous" will be deleted.