I have finally realized that some things simply cannot be allowed to slide anymore. One of those things is peoples desire to be allowed to be comfortable in their ignorance and "soft bigotry/racism".
One of the primary tenants of the anti-pc movement is the desire of folks to say whatever racist, homophobic, sexist thing they want without pushback. Now, of course, the anti-pc people will say that's not true. For some it's not true but for a substantial segment it's exactly the case. Don't get me wrong. I think political correctness goes way to far sometimes. However, I don't think disrespecting and insulting someone because of their race, gender, sexual orientation, ect has anything to do with political correctness. It is an issue of morality, courtesy and common decency.
It has become apparent that in the era of Trump some people feel more emboldened to say racially insensitive and derogatory things. The rise of social media has contributed more than anything. It is easy for people to sit behind a keyboard or cell phone and say whatever they want because there isn't the fear of physical altercation. Twitter/Facebook muscles is what some call them.
But, many people will say things to your face. They will just use code words or cloak it in a joke. It's more of a soft bigotry. And, they will play victim if anyone pushes back.
I am ashamed to say for years I was guilty of never saying anything. My silence was in direct contradiction of what my parents taught me. I didn't want to "rock the boat". I often found myself in situations where I was the only Black kid, so I wanted people to like me and let things slide. As I became older, it also became a matter of not wanting to have confrontation or potentially jeopardizing my livelihood. At times I would go silent or show facial displeasure at a joke or comment and I would see the victimhood swell up or I'd get the "lighten up, it's just a joke". I would be present when other people (both Whites and POC) would speak up and they would be met with disdain or labeled "bleeding hearts" or "soft".
But, as I've become older I have less and less tolerance for peoples ignorance and racism and their excusing of racism. I have learned what my mom always said was correct, "You can't let people get away with their offensive jokes and comments because they'll just go further and further. You'll allow them to become comfortable being a bigot around you." And, that has been proven to be exactly correct.
If people think they can tow the line around you, they'll eventually cross that line. And, if you say nothing, you're being complicit. I can no longer in good conscience be complicit. I abhor racism and will not tolerate it in any form. If that costs me friends or Facebook followers or whatever so be it.
My dignity, self-worth and pride of being a Black AMERICAN outweighs your desire to be comfortable in your ignorance. Quite frankly, to hell with your ignorance. If I see, hear or read racism and bigotry I'm calling it out. If racist and bigoted things are said to me I'm calling it out. I'm not going to nor have I nitpick everything. Some things you do let slide because as Jay-Z said, "some fools love to perform".
But, I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired of hearing, "Don't be so sensitive. Just let it go." I notice the people who say that mess the most are the people who say the racist insults, jokes, snide comments and who perpetuate the stereotypes. Do not tell me to "let it go" so you don't feel guilty about the racist thing you just said or defended. How about you "let go" of your racism, bigotry, racial resentment and immediate instinct to defend racism and racists. How abou dah?!
You can call it "being pc" or whatever devoid of intelligent thing you want. It is NOT being pc to avoid making racist, homophobic, xenophobic, sexist or misogynistic statements! Not saying that crap is called being decent, respectful and human. It is not a matter of being politically correct; it's a matter of being moral. If one can't see that, then perhaps they need to reset their moral compass.
You know I can take a joke. I laugh at "racial" jokes. But, there is a difference between a comedian saying something of a racial nature and saying something blatantly racist. If you can't tell the difference, all I can say is "bless your heart".
People need to quit wanting it to be the damn 1950s. It is not. It's not going back to that no matter how hard some try to take us there. Times have changed. Black people are no longer property nor will be seen as insignificant. Hispanics are apart of the American fabric. Deal with it. Members of the LGBTQ community are human beings. You don't have to agree with their lifestyle but that doesn't mean you can't treat them with respect and equality.
It really is not that hard to be respectful and decent. It's not that hard to not be a bigot and an asshole. IF you're someone who actually finds it hard to be a decent person, then you need to look long and hard at YOU! You might not be a good human being. And, if you claim to be a Christian, pick up the Bible your always erroneously hiding behind to justify your bigotry and actually read it.
Just know this. I'm all out of f***s to give. I am! I can no longer...I will no longer sacrifice my self-worth, the self-worth of my children, the self-worth of my family or what is just plain right so you can feel comfy in your ignorance and bigotry. #SimplyCannot
