It ain’t necessarily so…
Black Dignity
dig·ni·ty [ˈdiɡnədē] NOUN:
- the state or quality of being worthy of honor or respect:
similiar: stateliness, nobleness, nobility, majesty, regality
- a sense of pride in oneself; self-respect:
similar: self-esteem, self-worth, self-respect, pride, morale
The author opens with how poorly several African American heroes were treated. He noted names such as Paul Roberson and Frederick Douglas to name a few. He spoke about the dignity that was taken or received in each situation. He asserted that there were a few ways that each individual defined dignity. Douglas believed that dignity meant “the struggle against domination”. He felt “the more struggle the more dignity, the less struggle, the less dignity”. He believed in fighting for his freedom, he had his mind set on not being enslaved. I chose to look at this work in way. In this blog I will discuss quotes that stood out to me in a few of the chapters.
“The possibility of assimilation is forever closed to blacks.”
The author writes this quote in response to treatment that he notes black people continue to receive. The poor living conditions, the likely hood of incarceration and a chance to thrive is what he says will always block blacks from assimilation. What hope do you give to children growing up if this the message that is being conveyed. It seems equivalent to telling children that their dreams may never come true because they can only go so far. This narrative has to change to if the world wants to seek harmony.
“Rage is contagious.”
As black people continue to watch unfair treatment be glanced over, it is fair to say that the feeling of rage touches most at some time. Does this mean that they walk around in rage and have no sense of self-regulation? Surely it does not mean this, but if a fly keeps buzzing in your ear and no one else is helping you, your level of frustration might escalate as well. It is likely contagious because when one see’s his/her brothers and sisters killed with no regard to their lives the frustration spreads like a wildfire.
Black imagination
Though not a quote in the chapter Black Future the author talks about imagination. He speaks about black using their imagination to see hope in the future. Imagination caught my attention because often imagination is used as a calming mechanism. After being ignited to rage I believe that imagination could be helpful. In the spiritual aspect manifestation would be powerful as well. The author speaks of the blacks seeing the end of the world as their freedom. As an individual in this community, I personally disagree. Secular domination can only hold you if you allow yourself to be held. It is a challenge to know that some individuals feel that this world must come to end to see freedom. This says a lot about how this world is not changing or advancing at the roots.
In conclusion, the author was able to touch on some interesting subjects. The book was well written in the sense that capture some of the feelings of blacks presently. Because religion in his eyes has been denounced by many it can be hard to see any light in the future. If at all there was a glimmer of faith in hope in God, defeat or domination would have less effect in my opinion. Does that mean that the threat of domination will end? As Paul Roberson song states “it ain’t necessarily so”.
Lloyd, Vincent. Black Dignity: The struggle against domination”,Yale:2022.
About the Author
Shonell Dillon
A daughter of the KING of kings and the LORD of lords. A lover of LIFE!7 responses to “It ain’t necessarily so…”
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Shonell,
Thank you for your thoughts!
You write-
“The author speaks of the blacks seeing the end of the world as their freedom. As an individual in this community, I personally disagree. Secular domination can only hold you if you allow yourself to be held. ”
I think this is powerful.
domination can only hold you if you allow yourself to be held
I am curious what you might say further about not allowing yourself to be held. HOw might you encourage a young person who is feeling held hostage to the domination that Llyod talks about?
I like how you reflected on different quotes from the book I might need to use this approach
See you tomorrow over zoom
Hi Shonnel,
Thank you for your thoughts on Lloyd’s book. If I am understanding you correctly, are you pointing out that Lloyd doesn’t give much of an indication of a belief in God making things right in the world, thus ending domination?
Shonell, thanks for sharing your thoughts! I was especially drawn to your comments on assimilation. I’m curious if assimilation is a positive outcome in your eyes/experience.
In my experience, assimilation might have been a means of survival for the Chinese-speaking immigrant generation. Assimilation for many of my friends and for me often feels like a tool of oppression that is neither fully satisfying nor fully possible.
Shonell,
I enjoyed your summary of ‘Black Dignity’. While reading your post I found myself becoming curious about the significance of imagination and faith in the face of adversity. In what ways does imagination play a role in resilience and hope?
” After being ignited to rage I believe that imagination could be helpful.” I would love to hear more of your thoughts on this, especially from your role as a therapist. Do you examples of practices or exercises that one could employ when rage arises?
Shonell, Thank you so much for your post. I really liked the way you pulled out specific quotes and ideas and commented with your own thoughts, agreeing and disagreeing. I’m always interested when people disagree with the authors we are reading and make good points based on their own observations and experiences. Is Black Dignity a book you would recommend to others?
This quote of yours stood out for me: “Secular domination can only hold you if you allow yourself to be held. It is a challenge to know that some individuals feel that this world must come to end to see freedom. This says a lot about how this world is not changing or advancing at the roots.” I know it’s Sunday night and not the time for big questions, but at some point, I would love to hear more about our world not changing or advancing at the roots.
Thank you, Shonell, for your thoughts and wisdom and hope.
“Rage is contagious.”
This paragraph is so powerful and true. I think we can all relate to the fly that just sends us off our rockers…
We can all share absolute GRIEF and DISBELIEF at what is happening in the world around us at so many levels.
Keep the conversation going, you are amazing!