The Break – Are We Angry Enough?

In this episode KC, Chris, Shelby, Arion, Merc80, Toria, Tash, Leisha and The Other Chris (plus Isley) discuss issues surrounding the Charleston church shooting and the Confederate flag being removed from the South Carolina Capitol. We touch on the immediate reactions, infighting, how information is given to us, the right to be angry, and what is the consequence for the mistreatment of black people.

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2 Replies to “The Break – Are We Angry Enough?”

  1. What’s good?

    First off, I want to say that I’m a big fan of everything that you guys are doing with the Black Is Network. It’s great to hear intelligent conversations on topics that don’t devolve into personal attacks or shouting matches. Keep it up!

    Now I’m normally not one to comment (since things are usually so well covered on the show), but I just had to say something on the issue of nonviolence…specifically the idea of “turning the other cheek.” People generally view this phrase as an example of “taking the higher road” and not lowering oneself to the baser level of violence, carrying a connotation of having to be docile and acted upon. However, this kind of reading is a misrepresentation of that entire biblical passage and, perhaps, is the reason why Black people have failed with the nonviolent approach.

    Traditional Judaism had many customs and rules as to how one was supposed to carry oneself in public, pertinent to this discussion is how someone handled a quarrel. Blows were never given with the left hand as that hand was used for cleaning oneself, so only the right hand would be used. Additionally, the backhand was the blow delivered by a superior to an inferior; if two people considered each other equals then an overhand blow would be used.

    So imagine the scenario that the Bible sets up: “if someone strikes you on your right cheek, offer them the other one.” The only way that you can be struck on your right cheek from a right hand is with a backhand. At this point you are considered inferior. However, once you offer your other cheek the scenario changes, as the only way for that person to continue striking would be to use an overhand right…effectively responding to you as an equal.

    Jesus’ “Sermon on the Mount” wasn’t about acquiescence, it was about finding creative ways to make sure no one ever mistook you for being inferior. It was about knowing your self-worth and wisely establishing it whenever it was challenged. So while we as a community have taken the steps to be nonviolent in our protest against systematic racism, perhaps we haven’t been creative enough. Take care.

    – Collin

  2. Thank you Collin for listening and for your support. We appreciate it.
    This is a great point. I never knew where that phrase actually came from and its meaning. I do think we have to be more creative in our ways of attacking systematic racism. It’s not that the ways used in the past aren’t effective. It’s more about evolving with the times and using the tools we have today that were not available in years past.
    Thank you for your comments. I will share them with the rest of the Black Is crew.

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