Black National Anthem?? What in the world...

[MissBrattified]

Originally Posted by Daniel Alicea

I know projection is a defense mechanism we all use, yours truly, not to accept responsibility done wrong ... and yes ... in the full scope of things it was warring tribes that often sold slaves to slave traders ... but to minimize what happened in between ... and to place the onus on blacks for somehow making slavery happen IS TWISTED AND DISTORTED .... and that a white man freed him ... is well ....not coherent in this poster's mind.

I'm not placing the "onus" on blacks for making slavery happen, at least, not in the sense that the slaves themselves orchestrated their own bondage. However, it is equally distorted to say that Africans were not involved in the bondage of their own people. The white man DID essentially free the black man from slavery (in the US) and many black men (and women) fought for their own freedom as well.

This was a tragedy we allowed to happen ... our forefathers participated in it ... our Presidents or Congressional leaders owned ... abused ... and even slept w/ their slaves.

Agreed.

It is what it is ...

It was what it was.

We stopped importing slaves in 1807 ... yet for 60 years we bred them w/ no regard to human dignity.

We? Not all states, and not all white men owned slaves, even those who had the means to. I think that is an important point to make, since it seems that the assumption is...that ALL white men (with means) owned slaves, which is not the case at all. A second erroneous assumption is that all slave owners abused their slaves, although of course, slavery in and of itself is an abuse. (By abuse, I mean physically or sexually) The abuse of power is present, no matter how kind the "master."

No one is looking to inculcate "white guilt" ... but let's look at what it was for what it was ... not pass the buck ... or point a finger.

Or minimalize.

Let's not extrapolate a thread about inappropriate song choices into a thread meant to inculcate "white guilt." Or minimize the flamboyantly bad etiquette on the part of a singer who knew better.

It was hatred and racism that perpetuated this ... even in our churches and by preachers ....and it permeated well into the last century in our laws and behaviors ... and in many ways still does.

It's a blemish that still affects us today. It has taken time to turn the page from this horrific reality.

Then let's turn the page. PLEASE stop substituting black culture for American culture, as if one supercedes the other, or as if American culture excludes black culture, when in fact, it has effectively accepted it.

Please don't trample on sacred American tradition and symbolism in an attempt to make a political and racially charged statement about freedom that has already been achieved.

And please don't minimize the offense I take when someone mangles a song meant to symbolize freedom to EVERYONE, black, white or indifferent.