Editor's Note:On September 11, 2007 POOR Magazine�s Race, Poverty and Media Justice Institute held a plenary on Race and Poverty in Amerikkka. At the end of a lengthy discussion and a series of readings each poverty , race, disability and youth scholar at POOR was asked to answer two questions in writing, what was a first person experience with Covert and Overt racism. Here are some of the answers
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by Joseph Bolden/PNN It has been years since delving into recent past. Like an archeologist’s utmost care, they lightly dust off bones, metal, scrapings off objects most of us would toss as nothing. Here are my scraps from years past. Covert Racism In 1994 after moving out of a shelter on Geary and Polk Streets in San Francisco, I worked for Goodwill Industries. I learned computer operations and Goodwill’s system of processing donated items. I don’t remember my exact job title. Before leaving Goodwill to work at Poor Magazine, someone assigned to me, who probably had university and graduate training, assessed my skills. We talked about what I wanted most at the time. I said, “To be a columnist writing for a magazine or newspaperâ€. “Well Joseph†they responded, “You must deal in reality. It takes 4 years of journalism school for most people to achieve that. You need a job nowâ€. “Ok†I said, not wanting to dispute or argue with her. What she didn’t know about me was my back story. I was a natural storyteller. As a child, I told stories and wrote them. I was beginning to write poetry and short stories. I turned down a job where I’d be doing photography—filming weddings—while being paid a janitor’s wage. Working at Poor Magazine in 1998 gave me the opportunity to write columns. Although my first efforts were marked with errors, I was finally able to hone my work down (although I still make errors from time to time). Moral of tale told: Don’t assume anyone cannot do what they desire because of circumstances they are in at the moment. I know the woman was trying to help. If I had been younger I may have given up. Being older, however, I didn’t listen and did what I had to do. I followed what was in my heart. This is an example of class racism on a micro level. It didn’t kill my spirit because I was old enough to know better. But for younger folk it could deter a dream and its possibilities. Sad thing is they don’t know the psychological harm this does. This class/racism is so covert that it’s hidden, even from the person doing the deed. Overt Racism The second is when I’m walking anywhere. I notice my hands out of my pocket swinging as to assure society that I have no weapons. As an observer I’ve seen people move faster in a hurried fashion when crossing streets or turn corners, especially when groups of rainbow folk are behind them or facing them when walking in their direction. I have purposely made noise so as not to frighten or scare white women; or I look past them, not into their eyes. So as you can see, I’ve seen overt racism as a black male American citizen. This is all I can think of on the subject |