Posted on 07/04/2011 6:43:48 AM PDT by Altura Ct.
When I think about the fourth of July, my mind is motionless. I don’t get happy, sad, angry or thoughtful. As a 40-year old man, I can’t even get excited about the fireworks anymore. The holiday means as much to me as the birthday of my biological father who abandoned me at birth. In fact, I don’t even know what day he was born.
The fourth of July has quite a bit of meaning for our nation at large, of course, given that it was the day on which the Declaration of Independence was signed. Black people were still slaves on that day, which highlights the core of persistent American hypocrisy as it relates to race. All the while, one has to respect the courage shown by Americans of all ethnic backgrounds who fought against the tyranny of the British to create the powerful nation in which we live today. If we actually had the courage to live up to the ideals of those who gave their lives for freedom, we’d be a much better country because of it.
For African Americans, we don’t quite have a true fourth of July. This is not only because the original fourth of July took place while we were still slaves, but because we have not yet earned our independence. Of course, we obtained some semblance of freedom in 1865, after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation; but being free is far from being truly independent. Despite the fact that slavery ended long ago, the descendants of our historical oppressors still control nearly every dimension of our lives:
1) Large corporations like Viacom and Time Warner control major black media outlets like BET and Essence, giving them the right to shape our collective point of view. We depend on these companies to tell us what to think.
2) Most African Americans are controlled by corporate jobs that mute their ability to speak out or stand up on issues of social justice. We depend on companies owned by others in order to feed our children.
3) Black children’s minds are obliterated at an early age by media giants who mass market hip-hop music that sells black boys a recipe for self-destruction by the time they reach kindergarten. Capitalist and shareholder-created monstrosities like Lil Wayne teach them how to kill themselves and each other by the time they become teenagers.
4) Our children have their futures thrown into the trash by school systems that put even the most brilliant black boys in special education at a rate that is five times greater than white kids.
5) The NCAA still earns over a billion dollars per year on the backs of black families, leaving many single black mothers in poverty. In fact, athlete compensation has been criminalized, while mostly white coaches and administrators sign multi-million dollar contracts without playing in any of these sporting events.
6) Black unemployment is nearly double that of white Americans, with no politician in Washington expressing any interest in alleviating the suffering with targeted policy. We depend on politicians and a Democratic Party that fills our minds empty rhetoric, while not respecting us enough to deliver on campaign promises.
The most glaring sign of our lack of independence is the prison industrial complex, which has served to decimate the black family in America. Black men are disproportionately incarcerated and used as slave labor to make expensive corporate products. In fact, the 13th Amendment, which allegedly abolishes slavery, actually includes a clause stating that slavery is still legal if the government can label you as a felon.
So, part of my ambivalence toward the fourth of July doesn’t rest on hating others or carrying the crippling burden of acidic anger. It comes from the fact that I know that my people are at least 100 years away from gaining their independence. Consider me to be a pessimist, but when I look at the world around me, I see very little independence for black people.
I suggest Dr. Boyce immediately emigrate to Zimbabwe, South Africa, Cuba, or Venezuela where he can immediately realize the independence he craves.
Just more “blame whitey/corporations for our troubles” nonsense. Personal responsibility is just too painful for the victicrats.
Ha HA HA HA! Ha HA HA HA! Ha HA HA HA! Ha HA HA HA!
What a crock of sh%t!
“We depend on these companies to tell us what to think.”
Here’s the author’s problem. He’s an idiot! STFU and get to work! Oh, and stop whining!
The country of Liberia was established to satisfy whiners like this guy.
He doesn’t want to be a “slave”, wants to be “independent”, and wants someone else to solve his perceived problems for him.
Hmmmm, what’s wrong with this picture?
What a totally schizophrenic article. Even what’s right is still wrong.
Compare and contrast with Allen West July 4 message.
Dr. Boyce: No Independence Day For Black People
______________________________________________________________
His entire article could have been summed up thusly: “....because the Democratic Party and American Liberals, still have us on the entitlement plantation.”
Which reminds me: Someone needs to tell Jesse Jackson that keeping families on Welfare for four generations is no way to “Keep Hope Alive” !!!
Black people were still slaves
Indeed. Various tribes were still capturing and selling their neighbor tribes in Africa and other places.
go back to africa if you dont want to be part of USA.
If he doesn’t like it here; move. Of course, he is probably like the other big mouths. All whine. If they really are serious; they would move to a country more to their mind think. They know they wouldn’t last a minute.
“We depend on these companies to tell us what to think”
This might be the problem. Personally, I rely on a lot of information from many sources to inform my thoughts not tell me what to think.
Wanna bet on who he voted for in '08?
You think he actually believes that? Any shred of evidence?
They have JuneTeenth.
The 4th of July is America’s Independence Day. It’s not about black versus white. To make it so is absolutely repugnant.
The Emancipation Proclamation was signed in 1862.
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