Gestures of acknowledgement

I’m becoming increasingly frustrated with Bermuda’s obsession with race. A letter from Eva Hodgson in Friday’s Mid Ocean News helped me understand why.

“Until there is less of a racial divide in our community other outstanding social issues cannot be addressed in a united fashion,” she said. Her prescription for reducing this racial divide? “Acknowledgment”.

“There are still too many black people who carry too many painful scars from the past that need to be acknowledged,” said Dr. Hodgson. “Until the white community can make some gesture of acknowledgement, the black community will continue to think in terms of race no matter what the PLP does.”

I have two problems with this. First, what kind of gesture is she looking for? Dr. Hodgson offers no ideas, instead suggesting that whites should discuss the issue amongst themselves. Unfortunately, most whites care about those scars like they care about genocide in Kosovo or famine in Ethiopia: they consider them a terrible but abstract thing that has no bearing on their daily lives. People care about their families, their friends and their pet goldfish. They don't care deeply about things to which they cannot relate.

Second, Dr. Hodgson seems to believe in the existence of a motive white community capable of making such a gesture. Perhaps she ascribes such unity to whites because of the unity that has historically existed among blacks. However, the white community is much more diffuse. We lack the common shared experience of oppression that helped to bind the black community. We don’t think of each other as brothers and sisters. So who would need to participate in any gestures of acknowledgement to make them credible and sufficient?

“There must be at least a few whites who bothered to go to hear Tim Wise who do not want to see it end there,” said Dr. Hodgson. I am one of those whites. Much of what Tim had to say resonated with me, and made me want to help to eliminate the racial divide. But since his talk, I’ve become increasingly disillusioned.

I’m slowly realising that many blacks believe that the best way to achieve equality of the races is to maintain the unity that served them so well during the segregation era. That belief was evident at Tim Wise’s second talk, when a black audience member stood up and bemoaned the fact that the black community is not as united as it once was. It’s evident in Dr. Hodgson’s letter when she says that the black community is too divided to make any further progress in improving racial equality. It’s evident in the way that blacks who are perceived to have betrayed that unity are attacked by blacks who pride themselves on their loyalty to the cause of equality. It’s the belief that underlies the comments of “house niggers”, “maidservants of their masters” and “suntans”.

This belief is the biggest obstacle to racial harmony in Bermuda today. Black unity is not the goal, integration is. Black unity was a useful tool for ending segregation, but it’s the antithesis of integration. Whites and blacks will never mix while the cohesion within the races is stronger than that between them.

The war between the races is over. Now there is a civil war between those blacks who want to avail themselves of the spoils of victory, those who want to extract reparations from the vanquished, and those who think the war is still on.

It’s not surprising that many whites have little desire to get involved.

Comments

[sleepy on 03.01.06 at 09:34]

So stop writing about it so much yourself.

[Raptor on 03.01.06 at 10:32]

I agree with your frustration, Limey. Racism, in both directions, is the evil elephant in the room; it’s always there and has to be considered.

I do not believe there is a “gesture of acknowledgement” that the white community can make that would assuage the feelings of those in the black community “who carry too many painful scars from the past.” Nothing would really be sufficient, and you are right in pointing out that the white community is far more diffuse than Hodgson understands.

“Outstanding social issues” should be addressed, period. Addressing social issues directly would do more to benefit the island’s social/mental/economic health—and racism—than Hodgson’s idea of “putting policies into place that might address the social problems stemming from race.” Like what?

Real racial progress is something that’s going to continue to happen between individuals—a learning experience, again and again. It’s going to happen more and more as social programs are strengthened—not based on race, but on education and jobs and opportunities, so that people can respect themselves as well as others.

In Dr. Hodgson’s article she removed Lt. Col. Burch from the “field nigger” category and placed him in the “house nigger” category himself, based on his British/colonial military persona. When our community leaders are doing this, how can anything go forward? Civil war is the right term!

At the same time we are dealing with what I wrote about under “Honest Talk,” Joyce Hall’s weekend article about colonialism: “Hall sees no influence of colonial ‘exploitation’ in Bermuda because the island was originally uninhabited. Hmmm. I believe the British did bring people in to exploit (i.e., slaves) to ‘correct’ that situation. Hall sees our heritage as a British colony only as a ‘rich experience.’ She writes, ‘I am sure that no one will believe that the emotive phrase which one hears so often, ‘colonial masters,’ has any relevance with regard to Bermuda.’ How blind. I’m not disputing benefits of colonialism to Bermuda, but I do see negatives, not least in Hodgson’s portrayal of Burch.” I find Hall’s words offensive. I can imagine Hodgson/Burch/LBE/etc. reading this and thinking “we must stick together; it’s never going to change; white people will never get it.” They would do well to understand that enlightenment might not be Hall’s forte, but many others have a better understanding of history and also what it takes to create a fully-functioning and healthy society. We have to identify what will make Bermuda work well and pursue it. That is not a black or a white thing; it's a Bermudian thing.

Instead, I agree with you: I see spoils of victory, reparations, payback, etc., as the order of the day. It’s destructive. It is sad indeed that Dr. Hodgson mistakenly feels racial progress cannot be made because the black community is not as united as it once was. Why not address the social problems head on and give people a future? A future is in an education and a good job and a decent way of life. Instead we are dealing with ongoing racism, as you so well put it, in a black-on-black civil war that cuts out a lot of well-meaning people.

[blovator on 03.01.06 at 12:10]

So Limey is declaring it. Real racism is dead. From now on it's affective racism. Maybe he's right.

Raptor:" It’s going to happen more and more as social programs are strengthened—not based on race, but on education and jobs and opportunities"

Me: But they are not strengthened. That's just it. Education gets ignored while the government obsesses about whether its in the field or in the house. If we don't take education seriously those who are already in the lower classes by historical fiat will remain there by government indifference. And they will blame racism.

[Raptor on 03.01.06 at 12:32]

blovator, At some point social programs are going to have to be strengthened, by whichever party; it’s pretty obvious they (PLP) are not doing an adequate job now. We agree.

[Phil on 03.01.06 at 13:10]

blovator

I'm not sure I know what you mean by "affective racism".

Racism isn't dead. But it's nowhere near as bad as it used to be. Almost everyone now accepts that discrimination on the grounds of skin colour is wrong.

[jake on 03.01.06 at 13:25]

"The war between the races is over. Now there is a civil war between those blacks who want to avail themselves of the spoils of victory, those who want to extract reparations from the vanquished, and those who think the war is still on.

It’s not surprising that many whites have little desire to get involved." Limey

To portray our current situation as merely a "war" between blacks is perhaps to suggest a lack of understanding on your part. In Bermuda there is no issue that does not affect us all. Why else would there be a constant hue and cry from white people on this site, and white politicians as well? Why would we have complaints to the HRC from Tony Brannon?

Make no mistake, our society has issues (I deem confusion) with itself, in terms of race, class and economic power.

Further, to categorize the options for the black position to effectively be one of gaining value from victory (who won?), reparations from the defeated (and they are..?) or fight on, is not only wrong, but restricting.

I think that where we are as a people is a point of confusion replicating peace. Yes, there are still hold outs on both sides of the fence (as your article neglects to mention the role of white people who have not gone beyond their over simplifications/generalizations), but they are firmly in the decline.

I am no more the brother of every person with black skin than you are for every white person. I can however, as you did in your response to Ewart Brown's plantation comment, relate to things that are directed toward people similar to myself.

To place yourself and white people above the war, as you describe it, or the confusion that I see, is perhaps a bit much.

You, they, we and I are all in the same boat, as long as you choose to remain here.

It is not a black problem only.

[SmokingGun on 03.01.06 at 13:28]

The reality is most black people think most white people are clueless when it comes to understanding racism and the plight of black people. And most white people think most black people are clueless as to what their real expectations are when they continue to allow people like Burch to carry on the way he does. Sooner or later both whites and blacks are going to have to come to the conclusion that we are all pretty much one and the same. Clueless.

[Two Cents on 03.01.06 at 13:37]

Amen To That Smoking !!

We are all one...HUMAN !!

Until we all understand that fact, and come to grips with the fact that regardless of colour, race, religion, sexuality, we are all ONE

Until we understand that basic fact.... we're all screwed

[blovator on 03.01.06 at 14:31]

I use affective racism to mean a racist affect of a previous condition. Racism used to be ethically accepted and an openly confirmed basis for social organization. What ever you say about Bermuda is not that any longer. The racism we experience now is an affect of that.

I agree with you Jake. A lot of white people think they are above racism. And to give them their due, many of them are here since the real problems of racism started. But once you are here you have to accept racism is your problem just the way you accept the sunshine and beauty here.

[Raptor on 03.01.06 at 15:50]

blovator, what does this sentence mean: "And to give them their due, many of them are here since the real problems of racism started"?

"A lot of white people think they are above racism." Blovator, I think a lot of PEOPLE think they are above racism.

[Uncle Elvis on 03.01.06 at 16:55]

"...what kind of gesture is she looking for?"

This is one of the biggest problems I have with this whole issue.
We've been over it before, to no avail. These things keep coming up from activists, whites need to acknowledge the scars of the past, whites need to apologize for slavery, etc., etc.

I know that, for myself and many others, we DON'T understand. We DON'T know what to do, as everything that we have tried has oviously failed.

So I ask again.

What should we do? What gestures of acknowledgement should we, as whites, make? Who do we apologize to? How often? I mean, is it like, "Hi, nice to meet you jake. Glad you could join me for drinks. Oh, yeah. Sorry about the whole slavery thing."? Or should we have a "We are the World" type thing, where we all stand in front of a camera and say, in unison, "SORRY!"?

I know I'm cracking wise, but... hell... I just don't know.

What do we have to do?
How do I prove that I am serious about wanting to help?

Anyone? Help?

[OnDeWata __/)__ on 03.01.06 at 17:06]

Great post, Phil. Certainly your opinions are shared by many.

You said it, Elvis. How ARE whites supposed handle healing the 'painful scars'. They KNOW they're there, but how can anyone but the persons involved actually heal said scars??

Aside: Lest we forget...dear Eva has been the self-appointed spokesperson for racial injustice for so many years. All to often - especially when pushed or disgareed with - she can lash out against whites with deep-seeded hatred. ...where is that salt shaker...

[Blanc Mange on 03.01.06 at 17:24]

As a white person, I have finally reached the point where if a black cries racism - I am suspicious. Wolf has been cried so many times.

I'd like to make amends but am fed up with whitey being blamed for everything, and blackie being able to be overtly racist and getting away with it.

[sandgrownan on 03.01.06 at 17:29]

This thread is a case of Deja Vue. I remember asking, Bud I think it was, the same questions Elvis has just posted.

It's almost as if some prefer things the way they are, they don't want to let "whitey off the hook" because it's a useful tool to drag up everytime there's a perceived injustice or problem. It allows blame to be laid without taking any responsibility. Or am i being too cynical?

[Phil on 03.01.06 at 17:52]

jake

You're right that this is not only a black problem, and that's why I don't think we should just stop talking about it and hope it goes away (as sleepy suggests).

Nevertheless, many whites are just ignoring this issue. They don't believe that racism is their problem, because they know (or believe) that they are not racist themselves. As far as they are concerned, blacks won the equality they were fighting for and now they should get on and make the most of it. These are not the people who make a fuss here - when they hear comments like those from Col. Burch they just shrug their shoulders in quiet disgust and get on with their lives. I'm not that indifferent yet, but I understand why some people are.

The reparations I refered to are both real (those who seek reparations for slavery) and metaphorical (such as Dr. Hodgson's desire for "gestures of acknowledgement").

[Tiger Bay on 03.01.06 at 17:53]

The relatively low number of posts (by Limey standards) on this topic, I think shows how weary people are of the subject of racism - and the cynism with which it is manipulated by some of our public figures.

The answers to racism are relatively simple: treat others like you want to be treated.

The answers to economic disparity and equal opportunity are harder - but not impossible to address. But, introducing emotional discourse and personal agendas makes it much more difficult.

[sandgrownan on 03.01.06 at 18:41]

Tiger..not just weary, tired and bored of it too, and I think we've been around this block so many times on this site.

Limey - it's not just indifference, whitey just doesn't know what to do since, as you say, whatever he does is either not enough, wrong or patronising. In the end he does shrug his shoulders and say "fuck it".

[Rincewind on 03.01.06 at 19:20]

what is this "gestures of acknowledgement" that we are supposed to give? We know slavery happened and is happening still, we admit it what more is expected? Who is to reparations? The government, good idea, lets do that...wait, that money comes out of our pockets....I for one am not willing to give money to people for something I didn't do. Then how do we decide who deserves it? How many former slaves are still alive and deserve compensation.

[Uncle Elvis on 03.01.06 at 21:34]

"I'd like to make amends but am fed up with whitey being blamed for everything, and blackie being able to be overtly racist and getting away with it."

Perhaps taking the word "blackie", when referring to people, out of your vocabulary would be a start.
Racial epithets are not going to help.

[Uncle Elvis on 03.01.06 at 21:43]

Rince, I understand your frustration, but part of the reparations thing, in the U.S. is about money and property promised, but never given. The famous "40 acres and a mule".
This movement has been rather militant, and an air of negativity surrounds it.

However, Wikipedia has a rather nice (athough it IS asking for an expert on the subject) page on the topic and some of the goals are very well laid out.
I know we're not supposed to cut and paste, but I think this should be available.

"Various programs have been suggested for reparation in the US, some more practical than others. Many programs contain elements in common, including:

- A formal apology, as an official act of state, from the US Congress which acknowledges slavery and the formal period of apartheid in the US (which is often called Jim Crow), as well as a legacy of ongoing disparities and injustices

- A national day of mourning or the elevation of the anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation to a federal holiday

- A Truth, Justice, and Reconciliation Commission, appointed by the President or by Congress, primarily as a means of legislation to study the condition of African Americans, systematically, and of producing an appropriate, practical reparations plan

These all seem like reasonable requests.
Would it be possible for us to get something similar from Dr. Hodgson or another activist?

[blovator on 03.01.06 at 21:53]

Raptor
Point taken. A lot of PEOPLE do think they are above racism. I was simply responding to the tone of the previous.

As for acknowlegeing, I can think of a couple of excellent ways.

I think first it would be good if black people started acknowlegeing it. Some do and some don't. But we have had x number of years of PLP government and we have not yet seen a museum or a direct recognition of our common past. Racism and slavery are formative historical experiences for any Bermudian and there has not been acknowlegement. There is a lot of whispered talk and snipping and nasty comments from ministers but no coming together.

There is a slavery display out in Dockyard and a friend of mine has told me that I should see it. But this not really what I mean. I mean we do it right - in town, with governmental approval, yes with good graphics and videos and big ceremony and the whole damn thing.

We better include a section on the caribean sugar trade. This was absolutely appalling. It would appear that it amounted to a method for turning human flesh into cash. A lot of black Bermudians came here after surviving that. This must have effected us here.

Thats taking slavery out of the realm of embarrasement for blacks and out of the realm of deniability for whites. We set a standard for understanding each other. We say "This happened. We agree it happened. We went to the museum, we took our kids, we saw our family in the slave register as owners or slaves or BOTH! and now we have a common place to start."

Then you take this idea into the schools and you teach the history of Bermudian Slavery, Black Bermuda History, White Bermuda History, and YES Portugese Bermuda History and so. You teach all Bermudians Western History and African History side by side in equal importance. You take cultural heritage serious.

There was a letter in RG today about putting a statue of Bob Marley. I don't think thats such a bad start. The mighty Bob was all about a lot of these issues. And that "Redemtion Song". That song is holy. Let that white guy who makes those white-kids-playing statues make it. There we go.

[Uncle Elvis on 03.01.06 at 22:04]

"...we saw our family in the slave register as owners or slaves or BOTH!"

I agree with your points, but I have a problem with this area.

The British side of me doesn't relate to either. We were lower-class people. My grandfather (both of them, actually, come to think of it...) was a grocer.
I've looked. There's no history of slavery. I do accept the "white priviledge" aspect of being white and, I suppose, that's what I'm asking about. What can I do to redress the wrongs done to others through "white priviledge".

The Irish/Jewish side of me would, of course, relate to the slave aspect of that. I don't think this would be accepted, though.

So where does that leave me?

[blovator on 03.01.06 at 22:13]

Elvis

A crucial point! ( What if you're Irish?!)

But this serves your interest too.

I see it like this. You come to Bermuda, you're from South London say and white. What does all this mean to you? Well you are living here and so you have to understand the country and more than that you have to participate in it's history. After all YOU are now helping make that history! So, rather than sit back and join the legion of expats you go to the museum. Now you get it. You are in the social flow of the island to a much greater extent. You have made a pact - not of shared guilt - but of understanding and empathizing. You can come to a point of equanimity with anyone one the island in a way you could not before. You can now marry, work, learn, make friends and we are all on the same page.

Thats how I see it.

[blovator on 03.01.06 at 22:19]

Elvis

I guess we were all expats once. In fact how we got here is a large part of the issue.

That might be a good place to start the museum. Call it

"How did you get here?"

[The King on 03.01.06 at 23:06]

"A formal apology, as an official act of state"

Do you think the PLP would be up for this? I bet they would ask the UBP to try and appologize for slavery as they deem themselves 'unresponisble' for they are the 'black party'
just my 2 cents

[Uncle Elvis on 03.01.06 at 23:34]

blov, I'm sorry, but what you described really has nothing to do with me. I'm a born Bermudian, raised to believe in equality, taught about the atrocities that humans have wrought on humans, fairly knowledgeable about some things.

I agree that a museum would probably be a good idea, but it could never be the free pass you describe. I know you were simplifying, but it's gonna take a LOT more than a museum to rectify the problem. It would be a step in the right direction, though.

So I ask again...

What needs to be done? We need an answer to this before we can even THINK about making a plan.

On an additional note, I do think that making the anniversary of Emancipation in Bermuda, the real anniversary (Unless 24th of May IS the anniversary... it's not, is it?), at least an honorary public holiday, a day of remembrance, would be a good thing.
Tacking it on to 24th of May just smacks of "payback" and "it's our turn"...

[Calvin on 03.01.06 at 23:42]

Emancipation Day is the first day of CupMatch.

[Uncle Elvis on 04.01.06 at 00:17]

You're right.. my bad.

Still... my point is still valid.

[Carol Shuman on 04.01.06 at 01:59]

I don't know if any of you saw actor Morgan Freeman on 20/20 last week. He said that racism is going nowhere until people work together and quit talking about it (I was surprised, too!). He objected to "Black History Month," which quite surprised Mike What's His Name. Mike kept insisting he should want the month and, rather patronizingly, I thought, added that he was Jewish. Morgan Freeman asked Mike What's His Name if he wanted a "Jewish History Month." Mike said he definitely didn't. And yet he had difficulty understanding why Morgan Freeman wouldn't.

Personally, I probably have as much annoyance about gender discrimination as Dr. Hodgson has about racism. (I realize that she likely doesn't understand this, but neither of us has experienced what the other has). Moreover, in my view, (and sociology stats) gender equality is as slow to occur as is racial equality. Plus women are not united at all.

Meanwhile, years ago I wrote an article for the Sun that talked about stages of change as one finds his or her identity. I'll try to hunt it down and put it on my website. (In fact, it might be there--on the columns page)...Bermuda, though, is in a middle stage. There are still major splits and much anger.

However, "an apology" is simplistic, although I have no objections to it. In fact, go for it if it will make some people happy. However, I think Morgan Freeman had it right when he suggested that actions speak a lot louder than words.

Interesting topic, Limey!

[blovator on 04.01.06 at 04:17]

Elvis
I am not saying the museum solves the problem. In fact the museum itself is immaterial. It is the covenant it represents thats important.

The King -

I agree.
There is no one around to appologize for slavery. When the Pope apologized for the complicity of the church in the conquest of Mexico, he could do so by representing an ancient instititition that he can claim was the same institution it is today that it was then. So he can say it has the moral ablitlity to make an apology. What that apology actually means is anyone's guess. My guess is it's meaningless. I can go further and point out that the church has not yet apologized for thier participation in eviseration of Congo.

Apologies like this don't make much sense.

Bishop Tutu managed his extraordinary reconciliation commision because the crimes that he was the agent of reconciling were in his memory, in the victim's memory and in the accused memory. We can't do the same thing.

So we have to try to do something like education and public validation.

Apparently we wouldn't be getting the leadership we need for this from the PLP. Perhaps it's time for the UBP to do it. Someone in governement should show the leader ship. But we don't have leadership in either party so if it comes it'll have to be from somewhere else.

That's another problem with Hodgson's letter. It presumes a moral authority capable of making an apology. Who on this island would that be? Alex Scott? Ewart Brown? Maybe Burch.

[Easy Suggestions on 04.01.06 at 08:11]

Easy ways to acknowledge and address racism in Bermuda for both whites & blacks.

PLP Leaders - Don't ever talk about race again unless the objective is to enlighten or embrace the public as a whole. Making cutting remarks, even if there is some accuracy in them, purely for the sake of political gain does not help.

UBP Leaders - Drop the whole replace Grant Gibbons with a black leader thing. Don't start a race relations ministry if you aren't going to do anything about it. Respond to accusations of racism from the likes of John Swan.

Corporate Leaders - Understand that the majority of black parents and grandparents were not exposed to the opportunities that your children were. Children will there tend to follow what they know or have been exposed to. This is institutional. If you want to play a role in reversing the past, then don't merely set up job fairs. Go out to the public schools and relentlessly do career education days. Set up sensitivity training in your work places. Demonstrate zero tolerance for discrimination of any kind in policy and action. Really attempt career progression and planning for talented Bermudians. Demand equal pay for equal work and qualifications.

Chamber of Commerce - As above, old white Bermudian businesses need to make a far greater effort at including blacks in the running of local business. Entrepreneurship programs in local high schools run by the Chamber would be a great thing. Fully embrace the Bermuda Small Business Group. Set up a fund for venture capital.

Paradigm Shifts - Stop talking about racism purely in terms of slavery. The effects felt today come from the screwjobs done in the middle to late 1900's.

Public Education - Just because you can afford private school does not mean that you should only think about Berkeley in terms of the failed contract. The real issue is that here is THE school that played the GREATEST role in reversing discrimination, and its standards have been allowed to sink by a neglectful public. The real Berkeley issue is not the project being over budget. It is the need to ensure that a public education alternative exists to allow superb opportunities for people who are confined to public education.

Symbolic Gestures - How about a plaque or statue that celebrates the evolution of electoral equality? Acknowledge the years that blacks got to vote, when the plus vote was eliminated, when the foreign vote was eliminated, and when the electoral boundaries were made equal. Openly talk about the granting of status and the role it played in political power.

Embrace black Bermudian culture - expose your children to the mini-minor football and cricket leagues while encouraging black kids to get into sailing, triathlons, etc. Demand a Bermudian history curriculum be taught across all schools, public and private.

The Mirror- kick the shit out of anyone who crosses the line, even if they are a friend of yours. Open your eyes to your own discrimination and stop only seeing the discrimination that you perceive that happens to you. Stop and ask how has your mind been distorted by the idea of white = right.

Last One - Believe it or not, black people aren't out to get you.

[Blanc Mange on 04.01.06 at 08:17]

Elvis,

I didn't say 'Blackie' as a slight against anyone - but merely as an opposite to 'Whitie'. Further, if Blackie is deemed offensive and 'beyond my vocabulary' then why not Whitey?

Lastly, what would the late Blackie Talbot think of your comment?

We do need to talk of racism to put it to bed and we agree on that. But if we're going to be offended by absolutely everything we see or read, then what hope is there?

I stand by my comments in their entirety.

[Bill Cook on 04.01.06 at 08:49]

Which category would a black Portuguese fit into ? would it be different from that of a white Portuguese ? or does one born with/ of Portuguese nationality become colourless ?

Are all our problems human problems ?

Do we not all share the commonality of our humanity ?

Do we recognise that the two important distinctions in human behaviour are good and evil ?

Are we to believe that we most punish collectively, rather than individually ?

That would mean that even if one lived an excemplorary, sinless life and devoted his life to the service to mankind, by deed of his birth (of which he had no control over obviously) he would be liable to take on the responsibility of what was done to others, by people who looked like him from his segment of the community ?

If one really was serious about slavery in my opinion, they would first try to unite all segments of our community and communities world wide to unite in a common cause.

That cause could appropriately be by taking all possible action, to end slavery in every corner of the world, as statistically there are more people in slavery today numerically than prior to abolishment in the west.

This would seem to me to have more real value than any other course of action.

We could then focus all human problems without a process of selectivity other than emergency situations etc.

The idea that someone coming to Bermuda with an appreciation of our Blue Sea and Sunny Skies most automatically assume all the responsibilities of local Racism seems quite fanciful to me and would never be taken seriously by any rational mind.

[Raptor on 04.01.06 at 09:27]

Uncle Elvis, I like all the ideas behind your suggestions. The formal apology one is hard to figure though. Like The King, I don’t see the PLP doing this. They would want the UBP to do it. Nor do I see a national day of mourning as being particularly effective if many people have not yet identified and understood the history and meaning behind it. A start would be to officially call the first day of Cup Match “Emancipation Day.” I think it is very significant that Cup Match has celebrated that anniversary somewhat surreptitiously in the past—so make it official now. The celebration is in place—it’s already island-wide and great. We’ve talked about a Truth, Justice and Reconciliation tribunal here before—and struggled with that idea. We could ask Dr. Hodgson what she thinks of all this. But like Blovator, I agree that we are sadly short on good leadership and often strong moral authority in Bermuda, or perhaps some stronger leaders are being held back—the kind of people we’d need for T&R.

Blovator, I like the idea of a national museum very much. It does seem as Dockyard is taking on this role, as the buildings were available. My preference would be for something more central in the island, but there are many museums that have started in one building and moved to another as their collections have developed and been recognized for the treasures they are. “Redemption” could be playing in the background at the museum! I like Bob Marley too, but he was Jamaican, although I appreciate his more universal appeal. His art has reached millions and will continue to do so. Certainly, such a museum history should include the sugar trade, and our history should be taught in schools.

Carol Shuman’s article reflecting on identity:

http://www.bermudasun.bm/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=20513&SectionID=82&SubSectionID=231&S=1

She writes of Morgan Freeman’s disavowal of Black History Month and Mike Wallace not understanding that. I think Black History Month has served a purpose and educated many people, but it does isolate black history from all other history. There will be, or is, a point at which it has served its purpose, as black history has been better researched and included in curricula.

Easy Suggestions has some good ideas too. PLP stopping their racist comments would be a good start. And the UBP’s Race Relations ministry doing something would help. And maybe they could respond more strongly and often (e.g. to John Swan). Job fairs, career education days, mentoring in the schools, support for small business ventures—all excellent. I have seen very successful programs where corporations "adopt" a school and make time to send their employees in to work with children. The slide of Berkeley Institute is a point well made by E.S.--it’s not just a construction debacle. When I was growing up, I was in awe of Berkeley Institute and the graduates they produced. I think Easy Suggestion’s idea for a plaque/statue on voting rights might be better as a comprehensive, interactive exhibit in a museum. And I very much like the idea of kids getting on sports teams together.

It goes without saying that racism is not tolerated, even if it’s a “friend” making a “joke.” My experience of people has been like Bill Cook’s—they’re good, bad, or even somewhere in between—and it doesn’t matter what colour they are.

[Yet Another Limey on 04.01.06 at 09:38]

Things are getting better with each generation, though this change may be too slow for some, things will continue to improve.

It would be hard to greatly speed up this process fairly without drastic measures (Communist revolution anyone?).

All of us should live our lives with as little prejudice as possible, and more importantly try not to pass any prejudice we may have onto our children.

[Raptor on 04.01.06 at 09:41]

Through March 5th there is an excellent exhibit on Slavery in New York City at The New York Historical Society, which is on the next block from the American Museum of Natural History on Central Park West.

www.nyhistory.org

This exhibit has terrific interactive displays for children, and for adults. When I was there a well-known actor read aloud from Frederick Douglass' autobiography in the theatre. They also had a booth where visitors could sit and record on video their reactions to the exhibit. Most commonly was a feeling of surprise--they had no idea that at one point over 42% of NYC households held slaves and that NYC was one of the hubs of the trade along with more Southern ports.

Well worth seeing and perhaps a model for Bermuda.

[Uncle Elvis on 04.01.06 at 11:16]

Raptor, thanks for the compliment, but those aren't mine *grin*. Direct quote from the Wikipedia article.

I'm not 100% sure about the apology, either (granted, that list is about the U.S., and I DO think an official apology there would heal some wounds...), but, if that is what is asked for, then why not?
As I've said, I think the biggest problem is that no-one has said who they'd like the apology from.

"A start would be to officially call the first day of Cup Match “Emancipation Day""

I think they did that. They just didn't present it very well. I think, perhaps, a moment of solemnity, or a ceremony, sort of like Veteran's Day, addressing the seriousness of the situation and celebrating WHY it is so important would be a good idea.

Blanc,
I didn't say 'Blackie' as a slight against anyone - but merely as an opposite to 'Whitie'. Further, if Blackie is deemed offensive and 'beyond my vocabulary' then why not Whitey?

Personally, I DO consider "Whitey" to be offensive. I'd rather not hear that, either.

Lastly, what would the late Blackie Talbot think of your comment?

Dude, Mr. Talbot was given that name and accepted it. There's a world of difference between that and the way you used it.

We do need to talk of racism to put it to bed and we agree on that. But if we're going to be offended by absolutely everything we see or read, then what hope is there?

It is by defining what is offensive AS offensive that we can start eliminating some of the hurt. Now, I'm not a PC freak. When I was younger, I was considered handicapped. I had no problem with this. Not handicapable, not differently abled. Handicapped.
Tell you what, though... I'd kick people's asses, straight from the wheelchair, if they called me a cripple.
Words hurt. We know this. Just because "Whitey" seems to be acceptible, doesn't mean Blackie should be.

YALimes,
I agree with you about it getting better with every generation, but there seems to be a degrading of racial togetherness over the past decade or so. I'm just hoping that this doesn't put us back a generation. I'd kinda like to see people get along better within my lifetime!

The Black History Month thing...
I think it was an incredibly good idea and still has some validity. There ISN'T enough Black and African history taught in schools, here or in the states, and, until THIS is addressed, Black History Month is something we need.
Yeah, it's a bad idea, but what's sadder is that it's neccessary.
Guys, I have people, black, white, whatever, coming into my gallery saying things like, "I'm glad we came into your (Zimbabwean) gallery. We have a friend from Ethiopia. I'm glad we learned a little bit about his culture."
You want a shock? Get a map of the world, or a globe. Take a piece of paper and cut or rip it to the size of the US. Now go to Africa. It'll shock you just how big it is.

Here's something educational we should all do.
This was the best present this Christmas! i didn't get it, but I loved the idea. I'm gonna do it.

It's the National Geographic's Genographic Program. They are trying to take genetic samples from as large a population as possible and track the migration of humankind. It's amazing.
I bring this up because I had a revelation several years ago. One of the things that warrant a Black History Month is that many black folks DON'T know where they come from. They were cut off, in the worst possible way, from any history, any culture, any family that they may have had. Think about it. White folks, how far back can you trace your family tree? 15 generations? 30? The descendants of slaves have, on average, less than 10, and there's no real way to find out.
This project could help a LOT in finding out where we're ALL from, and could help many black folks find out "HEY! Cool! My family is a member of such-and-such tribe from here!"

Dunno. Sounded interesting to me...

[Blanc Mange on 04.01.06 at 11:28]

Elvis,

"Whitie" only "seems acceptable" if you are black.

Has this even occurred to you?

[Uncle Elvis on 04.01.06 at 11:32]

REALLY? Holy moley. You've opened my eyes.

So let me get this straight. Because black people use the word Whitey, white people should be allowed to say Blackie?

Damn... two wrongs DO make a right. My bad.

[Blanc Mange on 04.01.06 at 11:39]

Elvis,

You put words in my mouth and thats not fair. You said in you original post that both were offensive - which I agree with. But then you said Whitie wasn't.

Make up your mind and stop trying to find fault in everyone else.

[Uncle Elvis on 04.01.06 at 11:52]

If they're both offensive, why did you use the word?

"But then you said Whitie wasn't."
Where was this again? That wouldn't be the bit where I said "Because black people use the word Whitey, white people should be allowed to say Blackie?", would it? 'cuz... see, here's the thing. See the squiggly thing with the dot under it, that's a question mark. It indicates, well, a question.

"Make up your mind and stop trying to find fault in everyone else."

Dude, I called you on something you said. Referring to black folks as "Blackie" is wrong. It's offensive. I was "kick[ing] the shit out of anyone who crosses the line", to quote Easy Suggestion. If you truly want to help, how about saying, "Oops... shouldn'ta used that word. My bad."?
I'm not trying to bust your balls, I just didn't like your choice of words.

[Blanc Mange on 04.01.06 at 11:54]

Putting it another way Elvis, how come it is (as you say) apparenly OK for blacks to use the word Whitey but not the other way around?

[Uncle Elvis on 04.01.06 at 12:06]

It's not ok. Never said it was. Don't get where you think I said that. Hence the use of the the sentence, "Personally, I DO consider "Whitey" to be offensive. I'd rather not hear that, either."

Two wrongs don't make a right...

[Blanc Mange on 04.01.06 at 12:11]

Elvis,

To put an end to this rather ridiculous banter, I used both words to illustrate a point. Both in my opinion are offensive.

I understand the use of a question mark, and that you think they are both offensive too. There is more than one way to read your 'question' tho.

You freely admit that blacks use the word Whitey - and that it is wrong. But why does that automatically mean whites should not use the opposite word? Its a retorical question of course but, racial healing should start somewhere and it will require more than just white action.

Both races will have to stop using offensive words - not just whites.

This includes. and could start with, our politicians.

Submitted with respect,

[Rossini on 04.01.06 at 12:11]

For all the white people involved in this discussion who don't think they are racist or don't bear the racist past of their foreparents, answer the following questions:
1. why is the only statute of a black man overtly supported financially and publicly by whites of Johnny Barnes ?

2. why is the Bank of Bermuda now public enemy #1 for so many white people ?

3. why is it that dyed in the wool Labour Party supporters from the UK arrive in Bermuda and immediately align themselves with the UBP ?

The answers to these might help you to understand why black people continue to carry the issues they do.

[3rd Person on 04.01.06 at 12:22]

Just out of curiosity, where did you guys get the idea that blacks use "whitey" as everyday language, and what makes you think it is deemed acceptable by the majority of black people?

[Uncle Elvis on 04.01.06 at 12:39]

Blanc, now there, we agree. However, I believe that we shouldn't stoop to the level of using offensive words. Just because Col. Burch uses the n-word doesn't mean I should, y'know?
I also agree that it will require more than just white action, but that doesn't mean that we should stop trying. It's a good start.
If whites stop using offensive words, that's half the problem licked! *grin*

And, yes, perhaps it would be nice if we had politicians that didn't use incredibly offensive racial epithets over nationally broadcasted airwaves...

Rossini,

I'll go through these point by point, because you have some valid ones...

1. why is the only statute of a black man overtly supported financially and publicly by whites of Johnny Barnes ?

You mean public statues? Um.. how about the one of Gina Swainson in the Emporium?
This is really more of an arts issue. There aren't that many other public statues of real people out there... Sir George Somers annnnnd... um. We SHOULD have more funding for art. So that's two to one...
However, there IS a VERY fine collection of African Art at the National Gallery. I agree that having a bunch of white kids playing in the pond at city hall is... not quite right... but I can tell you that I and several others ARE working to rectify this.

2. why is the Bank of Bermuda now public enemy #1 for so many white people ?

'cuz they keep withdrawing money from my account for no reason, then putting it back a week later with a response of "Sorry.. don't know what happened there."?
True story, but I'm just kidding. I'm not sure what your point is here... I'm a thousandaire and don't keep up with the financial world. Mmmmm... thousands! YES!

3. why is it that dyed in the wool Labour Party supporters from the UK arrive in Bermuda and immediately align themselves with the UBP ?

Now HERE'S a valid point. I don't know anybody like this, but I can see it happening. There ARE several fators, like "It's OUR turn" and "Don't you get it, we don't care" giving the general impression that the PLP is not welcoming to whites (not saying they are or aren't, don't want to get that discussion started again, but you have to admit that there IS this impression.), but I can see this side of it.

I think this is another one of the problems.
Impressions. We get really defensive when someone gives there impression of something (I know people get defensive when I do my Jimmy Stewart impression. It's not very good...).

In addition, BOTH sides need to try to walk a mile, y'know? White people SHOULD ask those questions, but so should black folks.

WHY isn't there more public support for the arts when it comes to portraying black folks?

WHY does the bank take two days to deposit my cheque when it says it'll do it in one?

WHY do white folks that are Labour align themselves to the UBP?

[SmokingGun on 04.01.06 at 12:39]

I don't know why but few years ago I got called "whitey" by some guy and I couldn't help but crack up laughing. It just struck me as bizzarre. I guess he didn't like me talking to someone he was supposedly with. Poor guy didn't know what to do so he grabbed his friend and just walked away. He was yelling at her for giggling as well......

Bermuda is such a small place that we really need to go out of our way to try to get along with everyone. One of the difficulties we have is that we have many guests who come to live and work in an environment that is completely different to what they grew up in or around. Maybe what we need to do is recognise that and figure out a way to accomodate it somehow.

We should remember that many guest workers are here only for a relatively short period and they are here to work and do not necessarily feel obligated to try to become part of the fabric of our small island. Some might even have a difficult time relating to people knowing it is just a transitory time in their lives. In the end what might come accross as racial tension might in fact just be a desire to just not get too involved as a whole. People should therefore be careful to not assume it's anything more than that and those that are visiting should be aware that their actions can be mis-read if they are not somewhat careful.

We live in a very dynamic little place that has all sorts of things going on. The last thing we should do is stifle anyone or anything by playing games with the wonderful and diverse make up of our people. The last place I'd like to live is one that had people of only one colour or culture. If we all painted ourselves blue, talked with the same accent and and only played one type of music, how boring would that be?

Actually maybe we should try it for a week....

[someguy on 04.01.06 at 12:50]

For all her hatred of whites it seems like Hodgson wants the white man to come and rescue her and all the other blacks. what does she want from me? A couple of kind words? Apologize for slavery? Admit that I actually am a blued devil? Yeah that will stop certain blacks from beatin', stealin' and rapein' each other.
Seriously I'm a white dude just trying to make the rent, leave me alone Hodgson, I'm not responsible for the problems in the black community.

[Ethiops on 04.01.06 at 13:26]

I have no illusions of racism getting any better. Blacks don’t care enough to explain to whites that seem to have forgotten the reason why an apology for something as horrific as slavery is worth mentioning. I mean when you can’t get off step one who the fuck are you kidding really. How much in the know does one have to be to see that the past has shaped and favoured a particular people over others. One doesn’t need to be a rocket scientist.
The voice of apology would have to come from high to be heard and felt.
If you ask me it shouldn’t be the present government to do it either. Imo it would
have to come from the crown to have any effect. The likely hood of that happening though is something I wouldn’t bet money on. Many today couldn’t give two shits about the past and are quick to say it has nothing to do with them. What can you say to that? Not much I’d think! So off goes resentment to continue festering in its dark secret abyss, tucked away safe and sound within our magic mind! Waiting for the day it can be screamed into the physical world and released from the shame based ideals that hold it firmly in place. Or for the day it can turn into vengeance and strike out and make matters worst for a glimpse of instant gratification.