Braving the slings and arrows of outrageous responses
by Attica Scott
"Identity is so much a part of human nature that its significance is too easily minimized. Nowhere is this tendency to take identity for granted more dramatic than in the touchy area of race."
—Clarence Page, 1996
I have been thinking recently about saying goodbye to writing this Color Conscious column in Metro Pulse. I ask myself if there is still a need or purpose for exploring the racial landscape of East Tennessee. Sometimes the answer is "yes" and sometimes the answer is "no."
No is a sensible response to whether or not I should continue to write this column when I think about how far our community has come in combating racism. We respond immediately, kind of, to acts of hate. There is a growing community of people who will quickly mobilize to be in solidarity with victims of hate.
No, I should not continue writing this column because racism is an issue that people of color need to work through, at least that's what some of my white brothers and sisters tell me. And because our numbers in the population of East Tennessee are so small, we should be satisfied with where we are and what we have and not complain.
No is the answer because Metro Pulse probably did not really set out to give voice to a young, African American female who would actually write about some pressing issues of the day. I am sure that the editor and publisher thought they would get a fluffy column each month and that they would be able to check off on some list somewhere that they were being inclusive.
Then I have to get real and acknowledge the history of struggle in this country by people of color. It is a struggle that continues today. My identity as an African American is who I am. It is an identity of which I am proud and it is the struggle of my people that continues to keep me strong.
Yes seems like a sensible response when debating the thought of continuing to write this column. One 700-word column can spark amazing discussion about tough issues that were previously being avoided.
I do not think that people who read this column should agree with what I write. I welcome constructive criticism and can appreciate when people are forced to think about what bothers them about my column. Maybe it is the idea that I have stepped out of my place in expressing my opinions.
Yes, I should continue writing this column because women of color in this community, like Jackie Brown and Edye Ellis, paved the way for me. I would do insult to their struggle if I walked away from something that is important to me and many people in my community.
Yes is the answer because, even though I try to give them a hard time, the guys at Metro Pulse really do want to encourage dialogue and deliberation through the print media. And that is a good thing.
I will keep thinking about 'to write or not to write' with a keen eye on whether or not east Tennessee is becoming much more inclusive of its communities of color. As times goes by, I hope to no longer have a reason to write Color Conscious.
Of course, who knows what Metro Pulse has in mind; this news magazine changes so often that I am just happy to be here. I am also happy when other people have opportunities to write for Color Conscious. It is important to hear from various communities of color and from white people who have an analysis of race and racism that they are willing to share publicly.
Peace.
April 17, 2003 * Vol. 13, No. 16
© 2003 Metro Pulse
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