Black Farmer Calls Out Liberal Racism In Powerful Facebook Message

[peggysue2]

320. Profound

This is really an honest, profound piece, asking the sort of questions we need to ask but often don't, inspiring the sort of conversations we should be having between ourselves but rarely do. Why? Because race is so prickly for many, awkward and uncomfortable. I include myself in that number. As a 60+ white woman I've only had a few black friends and often conversations skirted around the edges. Could be a generational thing because my kids have interracial relationships that appear far more open and intimate.

But I applaud Mr. Newman's honesty and frankness, a slap upside the head, offered with a generous spirit. Does it make me feel uncomfortable? Yes, a wee bit because I know I've been guilty of pussy-footing around face-to-face conversations about race. Will I insult the other party? I worry. Will I make the other person angry and seem totally out of touch? On the other hand, Mr. Newman sounds like someone I could have a hell of a conversation with, while learning a thing or two :0). So, perhaps my bias is part of my reluctance. I just don't know.

However, his complaint about his teatment--'farming while black'--hurts my heart because that treatment is so wrong, so utterly obscene on a human level. And yes, it's easy to point to a Richard Spencer and other alt-right Neo Nazi's as the source of all that's wrong. But if we aren't willing to question our day-to-day interactions, the finger pointing is . . . pretty pointless.

Thank you for including this essay. I don't do Facebook, so I'm unlikely to have found it on my own. It's something I'll remember and try to act on (try better) in the future.

Never too old to learn, even for an aging Boomer.