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This has been the conservative response to President Obama's remarks today on the Travon Martin case and all of the issues that revolve around race in Martin's death and subsequent trial of Zimmerman that has lead to conservatives digging in their heals to their ideology of not wanting to hear people that don't "look" like them. As a non-African-American, it has been embarrassing, frustrating, and infuriating to hear other non-African-Americans stick their fingers in their ears, refusing to hear our Black brothers & sisters experiences and histories. Most people who consider themselves progressive are embarrassed and frustrated by this, wishing that others would open their hearts and their ears and actually listen to the reality of our African-American brothers & sisters.
What President Obama did today with his presser is easily one of my top five favorite things that he has done since becoming president. He reached out to those of the unreceptive audience of Caucasians who don't understand why some Black folk and others are upset with the outcome of the Zimmerman Trial. This was met with an immediate "push-back" from conservative commentators who condemned him for speaking his truth."SSHHHH, can't say that outloud..."
I have to tell you that this very much reminds me of the struggle of adopted people. Some(many) adopters and people whom love adopters take a defensive pose at the thought of an adoptee speaking their truth. When we speak our truth about our identity being stolen from us it met with a stark and saddening response. As other minority groups, we don't all believe the same things and have different outlooks, but the one thing that almost all adult adoptees agree on is that we deserve the same rights as others, so we demand our original birth certificates. It has been quite shocking to me to see the sentiment raised against our civil rights have such strength and hostility.When you see African-American conservative judge Larry Elders speak about how African Americans should be racially profiled(on Piers Morgan Show), and you are outraged by that, please keep in mind that this is how adoptees feel when one of their own are quote about how their second class citizenship is just fine with them.
Thankfully, the adoptee rights movement also includes adoptive parents who love their "children" enough to know that they are entitled to...and fundamentally need...to know their origins, history, DNA, and culture. I encourage others to drop what they think they know about adoption (from adopters point of view), and listen to adoptees.
Please listen to people who tell their stories. It may well break down long held beliefs that you hold, but if those are misinformed beliefs, wouldn't you like the truth?
monmouth3
(3,871 posts)me b zola
(19,053 posts)Pretzel_Warrior
(8,361 posts)Cha
(297,774 posts)on why African Americans need us to actually listen to what they're saying and for your personal issue with adoptee's rights.
I was so glad PBO said this..
"I think its important to recognize that the African-American community is looking at this issue through a set of experiences and a history that doesnt go away.
I know this has given Trayvon's parents more strength and this is what they needed.
"We are deeply honored and moved that President Obama took the time to speak publicly and at length about our son, Trayvon. The Presidents comments give us great strength at this time. We are thankful for President Obamas and Michelles prayers, and we ask for your prayers as well as we continue to move forward."
http://www.democraticunderground.com/1014542703
me b zola
(19,053 posts)Lets just listen to each other, and not interject what we believe to be true onto others
me b zola
(19,053 posts)"...I know some day you'll have a beautiful life, I know someday you'll be a star..."
"We belong together...................."
me b zola
(19,053 posts)me b zola
(19,053 posts)Hekate
(90,853 posts)me b zola
(19,053 posts)This is so much our task, if you were to think of it like this. Just give a darn about the fellow next to you.
Thank You, Hekate, for a brief yet succinct response
BootinUp
(47,200 posts)I am too worn out to write such a post, so I will just say that I agree that this was a top 5 Obama moment and echo your suggestion that we listen to what people have too say.
me b zola
(19,053 posts)...not much to say here other than to say come and gather, those of you who whom don't believe! Make mischiefe...Dance! Laugh! Live!...