The more we fear debate, the more controlled, self-serving diplomacy administrators use to respond to ANY form of bigotry on a campus, in a school, a business, an organization, a health facility, a place of public service, in government, arts, media or armed forces, the easier it will get for the virus of racial hatred to replicate itself as everyone plays follow the leader. The rabid instigator spewing malicious, divisively false content and rumor, and the mealy mouthed cowardly witness choosing self-protective politically advantageous politeness over truth are tyranny’s twins. Righteous anger has its place; it does not equal violence, nor instability, nor deficit of character; it is simply a passionate and honest response to evil. A white President can spew racial hatred and get away with it, punished only in the courts of comedy. Black people who speak with courage, and righteous anger that is not even commensurate with the depth of the offense, are punished with defamation of character, economic censure, or worse. This isn’t new. This is one reason why I stopped pledging allegiance to the U.S. flag when I was twelve years old. I had a library card. I used it. I learned how to think. My deepest gratitude to all who speak with courage.
AuthorI've been called a provocateur-always by people I respect. It has been meant as an affirmation and compliment, and that is how I receive it. To be provocative is a necessary component in the creation of art. If not to move people, then what? I don't create to be liked, I create to provoke thought, to evoke visceral response and ultimately to inspire positive action for social change. Archives
February 2019
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