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When you look at the Black experience in this country. ASSIMILATION is closely linked to SURVIVAL. There’s an older generation of Black people in this country that took racist abuse and unfair practices because it was the ONLY choice they had at the time.
There’s a well known Garage tune called “Hobson’s Choice”
There was and still is a time where the concept of HOBSONS CHOICE is closely related to the idea of being Black. Especially in institutionally racist ecosystems.
There’s the IDEA of Choice set against the REALITY.
There was and still is a time where the concept of HOBSONS CHOICE is closely related to the idea of being Black. Especially in institutionally racist ecosystems.
There’s the IDEA of Choice set against the REALITY.
I will watch elder Black heads like John Barnes make comments and I completely understand where they come from. His first and initial objective is “not to offend” so he tows the line of speaking out on the injustices whilst being careful to not put noses out of shape.
I don’t think you could have paid me enough money to be a footballer in that era and deal with the abuse week in week out and not think it would affect my interactions in society, let alone my mental well-being.
Our generation benefit of that sacrifice.
Our generation benefit of that sacrifice.
Each generation has the luxury to push a bit further based on the conciliations of the previous generation.
The issue though still stands today!
The issue though still stands today!
There’s new Black wealth. But not wealth of opportunities. Not wealth of expression. Which is the actual freedom Black people need to bring us even remotely up to par with what white people can enjoy.
That fear of talking up is still here....
That fear of talking up is still here....
That fear of talking up is still here because the WhatsApp and DM conversations with some of my Black music friends are very different from their online representations.
So largely you’re dealing with their frustrated selves.
So largely you’re dealing with their frustrated selves.
Fear of being alienated and financial implications of articulating themselves is the probably the main reason.
“Butch ive got bills to pay...”
Which of course I understand. But this is why the only way this really gets unlocked is based on a concerted effort.
“Butch ive got bills to pay...”
Which of course I understand. But this is why the only way this really gets unlocked is based on a concerted effort.
Because many people are scared to jeopardise what they’ve worked so hard for.
Which is why I joked a few threads ago that this thing I’m doing “is a Suicide mission” because from the Black experience typically you don’t do this. You keep silent. You work harder.
Which is why I joked a few threads ago that this thing I’m doing “is a Suicide mission” because from the Black experience typically you don’t do this. You keep silent. You work harder.
My thing has always been... work harder for who? What if you already feel that you’re currently working harder?
Have to keep this conversation ongoing and I understand some aren’t built for how long this conversation is.
It’s forever really.
But bit by bit improvements will be made. But they won’t be if no one talks and private conversations don’t really generate the same discomfort
It’s forever really.
But bit by bit improvements will be made. But they won’t be if no one talks and private conversations don’t really generate the same discomfort
Think of it as Xmas and you’re round the dinner table. All extended family. Your Aunty says loudly in front of everyone..... “so *insert name* how’s your ex-partner I see that they got married on Facebook the other day, are you happy for them?”
That level of awkward X 10
That level of awkward X 10
But the conversation has to be sparked. Not only by Black people but white also. Allowing space and being considerate to the idea that although you maybe be PAYING someone does it ultimately mean they are ok with the circumstances they operate in.
If you don’t see this as something you should be doing that means effectively your PAYMENT is essentially HUSH MONEY.
It removes their ability to voice their concerns and opinions.
No amount of money should do that.
START TALKING!
It removes their ability to voice their concerns and opinions.
No amount of money should do that.
START TALKING!
Some people who may say “assimilate.... never me?!” Can’t begin to understand what you have to do to stay alive especially in a country where your community only constituted 3% of the overall population
Watch this!
Watch this!
