Wednesday, February 5, 1997
ACTIVISM:
Self-expression a vital skill for oppressed people in face of
numerous societal assumptions
It was during my junior year in high school that my passive
interest in politics turned into active participation. What sparked
the flame that burns inside me was Mr. Teel’s American government
class. The course was structured as a model congress, teaching the
democratic process interactively. Each legislator was given the
task of researching a topic, writing a bill and shepherding it
through the legislative process. The ability to speak for myself on
issues that mattered to me and my people was empowering. Never
before had I felt such a sense of purpose and self-worth. Above all
else, Mr. Teel’s American government class instilled in me the
importance of individual voices and collective action. I was left
hungry for more.
Through Mock Trial, Junior Statesmen of America and the YMCA’s
Youth & Government, I was able to observe and participate in
the fine art of debate and persuasive speaking. We were able to
discuss and work our way through some of society’s most
controversial issues. Generally this was done in a civil manner,
the key being that we listened to each other.
Marginalized people all too often go unheard, the result being
that their needs and concerns fail to be addressed by society at
large. As oppressed people, our ability to express ourselves is one
of our most important tools. With our voices we bring attention to
our plight and struggles. In the face of society’s constant
bombardment of negative assumptions, it is only through
self-definition that we are able to fight back. The ability to be
heard often is not realized. Even self-determination and
independent action are impossible when we are unable to speak for
ourselves. Our problems are further compounded when we as oppressed
people do not hear each other.
I often ponder what, if any, individuality there is as a member
of an oppressed people. This question creeps up each time I sit
down to write my next Viewpoint column. As an African man in
America, I know that my words will be viewed as representative of
all African people. But can one non-elected voice speak for
millions? In a society where personal identity is tied to the
legacy of one’s group, the answer is unequivocally "Yes." Yet, that
answers only part of my dilemma.
No matter how illogical the rules of race are in America, I know
how my words will be perceived in the mainstream. But what about
when my voice is in conflict with others on the margin? The
question of how we deal with disagreements is a perplexing one and
is without an easy answer.
The free exchange of ideas is crucial to our growth and
development. We need to perpetually challenge oppressive
institutions and policies. We also need to critically examine the
ways in which we imitate our oppressors. An example of this is when
we stifle debate and discussion within our communities. It makes no
sense to demand to be heard in the mainstream, while demanding
silence in the margins.
When we as oppressed people debate and challenge each other, it
must be done with the understanding that we are a family. As a
family, a single unit, we operate with the knowledge of our
collective destiny. If we look at our situation as a family, then
it should be understood that each individual has the interest of
all at heart. Within this context, the actions and words of
individual members must be seen as further aiding in the
development of our community. It is imperative that we have this
understanding, because without it we are doomed to fail. Without
the perspective of a family, debate and discussions that would
otherwise be constructive and productive degenerate into hurtful
and harmful tirades. Such infighting serves interests other than
our own.
It has taken us centuries to bring us to where we stand today.
The road traveled has been marked by distrust and skepticism.
Racism and white supremacy has the power to do that. But we also
control the extent to which we allow them to pervert our thinking.
In addition, we have our voices. With that comes the ability to
determine who we are and where we are going.