On racism
It's not terribly shocking this turned to race, though it's disappointing nonetheless. While I can completely respect the notion that many in the African-American community perceive this as a racial decision, I would argue that it's up to those leaders which acknowledge that it's only a perception to spread the word.
If it is merely a perception, then it serves no benefit to have a discussion where everyone attempts to repeat said perception over and over again until it becomes a reality in the minds of some. The point has to be made - over and over again - that the vote to deny funds to East Athens Development Corporation and Hancock Corridor Development Corporation was based on efficiency and performance and not because of some nefarious racial plot by the local government.
And let me defend Heidi Davison here for a minute ... while I don't think Evelyn Neely was directly accusing the mayor of being racist, she was being less than subtle in saying that racism was what 'you had to look at.' Racism is alive and well throughout our nation, but it's foolish to throw that down at the feet of the Athens-Clarke County Commission. I think the mayor was right in defending herself, and I think James Washington must be living in another world if he wants to chastize her for 'not respecting an elder.'
Racism would not have helped convene OneAthens. Racism would not have redirected funding to a pair of projects that benefit the same African-American neighborhoods. Racism would have not led members of the local government to vigorously campaign for NBAF and the possible positive impact it could have on our local economy. Racism would have not led to establishment of the Athens Resource Center for the Homeless.
Don't mistake me as I think there is considerably more we can do to serve all our populations in this community, particularly the black community, but stoking the racial fears is off-base.
If it is merely a perception, then it serves no benefit to have a discussion where everyone attempts to repeat said perception over and over again until it becomes a reality in the minds of some. The point has to be made - over and over again - that the vote to deny funds to East Athens Development Corporation and Hancock Corridor Development Corporation was based on efficiency and performance and not because of some nefarious racial plot by the local government.
And let me defend Heidi Davison here for a minute ... while I don't think Evelyn Neely was directly accusing the mayor of being racist, she was being less than subtle in saying that racism was what 'you had to look at.' Racism is alive and well throughout our nation, but it's foolish to throw that down at the feet of the Athens-Clarke County Commission. I think the mayor was right in defending herself, and I think James Washington must be living in another world if he wants to chastize her for 'not respecting an elder.'
Racism would not have helped convene OneAthens. Racism would not have redirected funding to a pair of projects that benefit the same African-American neighborhoods. Racism would have not led members of the local government to vigorously campaign for NBAF and the possible positive impact it could have on our local economy. Racism would have not led to establishment of the Athens Resource Center for the Homeless.
Don't mistake me as I think there is considerably more we can do to serve all our populations in this community, particularly the black community, but stoking the racial fears is off-base.
posted by Jmac at 5:47 AM
6 Comments:
"then it serves no benefit to have a discussion where everyone attempts to repeat said perception over and over again until it becomes a reality in the minds of some"
Well, it depends. For those who want to keep power in their own communities in East Athens and Hancock this is exactly a way for them to do so -- it binds the local folks to them against the outsiders. In the big scheme, of course, those communities continue to get shafted by their own, who do nothing except scream racism and don't actually do anything constructive. But for those doing the screaming, it's definitely a way of maintaining political power in their community and intimidating others who might disagree with them to keep quiet by the implied threat that they may be perceived As "Uncle Toms", "Oreos", etc.
The Mayor actually defended herself by saying she taught both white and black schoolchildren, including some who were very poor.
Yeah...Uh, didn't she teach in Oconee County?
Granted, she may have taught a few black children, but her classes were predominantly (and by predominantly, I'm guessing like all but one or two) white just looking at the historical demographics of the county.
So, while I don't believe she is a racist in the least, using her teaching background as proof that she is not a racist is downright absurd.
That's like saying, "I'm not a racist because I shop at Publix, and I have shopped there with people no matter their color or how they smelled."
Besides that, however, she is right. The decision is not racist. The race card is the crutch that keeps the black community from actually making a difference in their neighborhoods. Instead of crying foul that these organizations are not serving their intended purposes, the impacted citizenry brings up the hot button race issue to make sure nobody is held accountable and everybody's emotions boil over. It's a sick cycle, really, that shows no sign of going away.
Here's the question -- how do we support a community that -- let's face it -- needs some additional support and has been institutionally limited from success, while we also do not reward incompetence and a willingness to exploit those supports?
Some interesting comments, so here are some of my thoughts on this ...
- As I've said before, I honestly believe that both EADC and HCDC are noble organizations with worthy missions. My position in this whole thing is about performance and efficiency, which I believe both organizations failed to prove they were doing well enough to continue receiving funding. Whether or not individuals in those communities/organizations are trying to cling to power is not for me to speak to since, quite frankly, I honestly don't know.
- I think the concerns over racial motivation shouldn't be casually dismissed, but then again I do think they're invalid. My point in this post is to state that while such perceptions need to be addressed and answered with the realities, repeatedly harping on said perceptions does nothing but further divide.
- My understanding of the mayor's employment experiences is that while she did teach in Oconee County, she also has experience in teaching in a variety of other communities with widely diverse racial and socio-economic backgrounds.
- To answer the final question, I think you work to diversify the economy, increase opportunity, support organizations that better the situation and encourage EADC and HCDC to address whatever internal problems they may have. If people want to squabble over who gets credit and who has the power, then whatever ... my goal is to see us help those in need, and if so-and-so wants the credit for that, more power to them.
For the record, when Heidi taught in Oconee county schools, they were not nearly as "white" as that county is now. That was a long time ago when there were lots more poor and black people in Oconee than there are today. The rich white kids went to Athens Academy, by and large.
I know - I was in that school many times when she was teaching there. Even 25 years ago, she absolutely rejected the idea that poor and/or black kids could not learn just as well as others. She held all students to the same standards and frequently expressed her frustration with other teachers and administrators that held to the idea that expectations should be lowered based on race or economic status.
This isn't a new concept for Heidi - in our 30 years together, I've never known her to act any other way. In fact, the only kids I remember her complaining about were some of the rich kids in the "gifted" classes that were lazy and didn't put out any effort towards their studies. She did her best to avoid teaching those "gifted" classes.
It may ruffle some feathers but she has always held that there is one set of performance standards for all people and success or failure is not related to wealth, race, or gender.
Would that more people would embrace that concept - I learned that from her and I remain grateful for the lessons.
Al
That was a long time ago when there were lots more poor and black people in Oconee than there are today.
There's also still a significant portion of rural, white poverty in some areas of Oconee County too.
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