One of the many subtle forms of racist ideology is the tendency to lump an entire race of people into one category. The belief of Angel Chandler [whose letter appeared in last week's Xpress] that she has been "let down" by the African-American community, and her viewpoint regarding our "homophobic position," oversimplifies and makes assumptions that an entire race of people upholds a single viewpoint. Chandler's sweeping statements neglect to address the fact that there are gays and lesbians within the black community. This suggests the existence of racial divisions within the gay-and-lesbian community as well.
The black community cannot be oversimplified. It is made up of individuals with varied lifestyles, moralistic values and beliefs, and a great mixture of ancestries and life experiences. Finger-pointing or placing blame for the outcome of public policy serves only to deepen the divisions that already exist between races. Until misunderstandings such as these are openly addressed, both white people and people of color will continue to suffer the consequences of division.
It can be painful to look racism in the eye, and for some of us, it is neither a choice nor a privilege. I thank Chandler for the opportunity to address this issue at a public level and for bringing to light the issues of racism and homophobia within "oppressed" communities. It is only through dialogues such as these that true healing can occur. Perhaps in celebration of Black History Month, individuals may put forth an effort to gain a deeper understanding and respect of difference and, as President Obama says, "chart a new course for America."
— Tamiko Murray
Asheville
Yes, but you are not really black if you disagree with people like Angel Chandler because , LORD knows, all black people think alike. Don’t even get me started with the Japanese and people from Texas.
Very well said. Judge Bellamy’s vote by Terry Bellamy not by her race. Let us not forget that the overwhelming opposition to gay marriage still comes from white Americans. Its very easy for white liberals in Asheville to throw a hissy fit at blacks for betraying them on this issue. Much more difficult to go into Candler or Leicester and have a dialogue with the real gay rights opposition in their own race.
race is a false construct meant to keep us divided.
Chandler and Leicester residents don’t vote in Asheville, where Asheville blacks do. And Bellamy was not the only black leader who spoke in opposition, and no Blacks spoke in support.
Still, the Scrutiny Hooligans based SSDPB leadership has done the worst coalition outreach in history by denouncing the black community and censoring overpopulation based supporters, forcing the latter to mover towards ending all family benefits, which would be fair to single and childless employees as well as gays and save big tax money immediately.
how dare mayor bellamy not appreciate the rights us white folks gave her. doesnt she know she owes us now?