politics
A Black Politic: The Foundation of Black Thought, Culture, and Destiny
Black America has always voted for the least racist political party; even though we know racism thrives in both parties, we tend to shun the party that shows its animosity toward us. From the time Lincoln freed the slaves, throughout the Reconstruction era and into the Civil Rights Movement, Blacks have changed from Republican to Democrat in a matter of 100 years. Regardless of what policies either party is pushing at the time, Blacks know when they are not wanted, where they are not wanted, and by whom. That basic level of common sense has swung the voting pendulum in many elections and has kept many of us alive and surviving. The key here is common sense.
Yes, we study the issues and understand what goes on in Washington D.C., but the majority of Blacks will only go with the party that will protect us against the racist. The sad and scary thing about that is if both parties decide to ban together and lash out; then we would be on our own. Nonetheless, many times it feels that way every day, through racist policies, economic barriers and social restraint, sometimes we cannot tell where one party ends and the other begins. And this is where A Black Politic comes into play.
The majority of Black America simply live life and mind our business like most other Americans. Only a select few dedicate themselves to the politics of governing. Most others form resistance groups and movements against injustice and discrimination at work or anywhere it shows its ugly face. And the rest simply go to work, pay bills, and try to enjoy life. In other words, the issues matter, but Blacks address these issues only when they affect their individual lives.
For instance, in the situation of an unwanted pregnancy, we acknowledge the laws on the books and choose accordingly. Likewise, if we are busted committing a crime, we look to the courts and accept the punishment as the way things are. And this is how Blacks have lived and survived in America since we have been here. But consider this for a moment; what if we had the chance to write the laws. On what moral ground would we or could we begin? What do we believe?
Assessing the laws, policies, and values of America itself, A Black Politic analyzes and reconstructs them to reflect the paradigm, life experiences and knowledge of the Black mind, which in turn lays the foundation for how Black America could begin this endeavor. Knowing first that Black course of thought and philosophy is dissimilar to that of whites and other ethnicities, on how we see the world and life around us, the foundation and structure of a total Black society untouched by whiteness would look extremely different than American society.
Take for example the issue of guns and gun control. Because our nature is dissimilar, people of African descent (African Americans) would most likely designate the use of guns to those they feel would need them most, such as a paramilitary force. Guns floating around in general public would probably not be condoned nor tolerated because of Black American's history with guns, killing, and abuse by whites. Furthermore, the African culture is not rooted in warmongering, thievery, and hatred, but more in recreational competition, communal living and family.
Another example is drug use. Before drugs were introduced to Blacks for the use of selling and getting high, the common logic of the ancient Black mind (and many minds today) looked at the original purpose of drugs; which is a substance grown from God's earth to be used for physical healing, mental therapy and consumed for health reasons; (as was true on the African continent). Unfortunately, we grew and live among a people who discovered the dark-end of these plants by exploiting them for profit and recreational use, as they did alcohol. So the drug trade would take a medical turn if controlled by Blacks. We know what drugs can do to a community so drugs, like guns, would probably be condemned.
Many Blacks desire healthy foods. Unfortunately, we grew under the poison of leftovers, scraps, and harmful foods laced with chemicals. The African mind and body syncs with nature and has bonds to the art and skill of agriculture. We know and believe in the power of the earth even though we have been separated from her since being here under white rule. Care for the health, well-being and discipline of our children has always been a traditional pastime in Black America, even more so in the motherland. And care and concern for our elders was and is a gift to the next generation.
The economic system in the realm of the Black mind would also look entirely different. Instead of a profit-driven economy based on the laws of capitalism; untouched by individualism and survival of the fittest ideology, the true nature of Blacks is community-based. Larger societies would be under more control based on a communal model instead of the private owner model. The common good would be a focus to assure that all can survive, not against the competition of others, but against outside forces and the forces of nature, as it was before the arrival of Europeans to Africa.
We understand that unemployment limits productivity and that we need all hands on deck. We also understand that a living wage for all is instrumental to a productive economy. We know that idol time is often wasted and steady work under limited supervision and idea working conditions is how we thrive. Not under constant supervision, oppressive micromanagement and overbearing rules, policies, and restrictions. These are all conditions of a taskmaster.
Education to us is to uncover the mysteries of life and how to use them in our everyday lives. Innovation of mechanics comes as second nature to the Black mind when given the opportunity to learn the technology. We know that once we learn how to do something we do it with ease and also improve upon it. We know that children learn early and can do more than what this society gives them credit for. And we know the true nature of our women and the strengths of our men. We do not have to force roles, we know they come naturally; and not to be wasted in prisons.
What is noteworthy and imperative to understand is that Black America is a collective of various tribal bloodlines and cultures - such as in Africa - but of one national origin. In other words, our motivations and techniques are different but our overall goals are the same. Though we live in America, we do not think like Americans; at least not the racist ones. Not many Blacks actual "love" and are devoted to the flag or the origins of the Constitution, we just go along to get along. However, we could "love" a Black-built and free society. Therefore, the foundation of a policy-made society could be easily devised and implemented.
Yes, there were many clashes among the ancient African tribes; bloodshed even, villages wiped out and territory taken, but they all happened on our own continent and within the realms of our beliefs and traditions, and we respected the kingdoms and leadership of our own as well as the rights and territories of many other cultures. We can be rich with goods but not oppressive. We can be advanced in technology and agriculture but not exploitive; and we can be protective of our land and cities, but not exclusive of others; because we already know what living under those conditions can do to any people.
Other cultures are not our enemies, they are neighbors that we trade with and learn from. We choose to understand them, not fear them. We know they have something we want and we have something they need; therefore common sense says there is no need to take from another. Our desire is not to harm another people because we know we can if we have to. People resort to violence when they have no faith in humanity and give in to their fears. Black America can live in peace with anyone as long as they possess the spirit of civility.
We can take a little from the Republicans and a little from the Democrats, but our own foundation must rest on the concept of true liberty and freedom for the nation as a whole; not to a privileged few. We can vote in a Democracy-based society and operate states, cities, and towns, but we know fairness is as simple as when we were picking teams for baseball as children. We know love. We understand justice and fairness; and we have merciful hearts toward other human beings. The only reason we are who we are today is because of where we are. Our human nature is unique, and we must learn not to be ashamed of it or suppress it, but learn to embrace it.
Peace and Love.
© Jan. 2019
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