- BLACK HISTORY MONTH COLLABORATION 01 (Ta-Nehisi Coates) -
I’ve been thinking a lot about America and its history lately. Current events, pretty much, make that a necessity.
Thinking about the history of America means thinking about racism. It’s impossible not to since, from the Three-Fifths Compromise of 1787 to today, it’s part and parcel of the larger American story.
And thinking about racism means thinking about the effects of it and the narrative we tell ourselves about it.
Which brings me to this scene of Ta-Nehisi Coates’ most recent issue of Marvel’s BLACK PANTHER, which he is the current writer of, that really stuck with me.
Generations tasked with constructing a false social paradigm called racism in an attempt to justify turning their fellow men into slaves.
Generations who, not only created racism, but where also its unintended victims.
And they’ve never really grappled with that fact.
Because racism is inherently destructive, both for the oppressed and the oppressor.
It makes the oppressor self-destructive. It makes them believe in falsehoods that are obvious falsehoods. It makes them act against their own best interests.
“If you can convince the lowest white man he’s better than the best colored man, he won’t notice you’re picking his pocket. Hell, give him somebody to look down on, and he’ll empty his pockets for you.”
— President Lyndon B. Johnson
I think that is an aspect of American racism that isn’t really taught or understood.
A self-inflicted wound for the oppressor and an intentional attack against the oppressed, that we both still suffer from today.
An entire country suffering under a destructive paradigm; all because some wanted to live as kings and queens.
For Black History Month I’m collaborating with a good friend and brilliant curator; Maggie, over on her medium. Check out the link below for her take on today’s post.
for more of the non-comics writing of Ta-Nehisi Coates click the link below.
