I thought today's class on the discussion of race was very interesting. Dr. Hunt brought up a lot of things that I often think about, such as "if you were born in a certain place, what are you considered?" I also was amazed to find that their are people who still pass themselves off as a different race; I recently did a paper on "passing" in the cyber-world, but I had no idea it was still (even though not that big of an issue today) going on in the physical world.
I also enjoyed hearing about some of my classmates' backgrounds. I, personally, think the Creole culture is fascinating. I have a few friends who are Creole and I love hearing stories about their background and family. One of my closest friends (who is Creole), not to long ago, revealed to me that she is a descendant of Marie Laveau. I was shocked, creeped out, and amazed all at the same time. She told me that I was the first one she shared this information with because she didn't know how other people would react. I tried to remain calm to make her feel better, but I wanted to jump out of my seat. Growing up in Louisiana, I always found Voodoo very strange and I tried to stay far away from things that surrounded it. I never really researched anything about it, but I think I should so that I won't pass any false judgement on it.
I really can't wait to learn more about the Creole and Voodoo culture. I think both are somewhat misunderstood by many because they have no ties to it.
My same friend, also recommended a movie to me called The Feast of All Saints. It was originally a book by Anne Rice about the free people of color (gens de couleur libre) in New Orleans. I thought it was a great movie that really tied into parts of our discussion today.
Here's the trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNUPpSLLLpQ
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tell your friend that I think her family roots are fascinating and if I were a descendant of the Voodoo Queen, I would definitely be proud of it! She was incredibly important in New Orleans and did a lot of good for many people. She freed many enslaved Creoles, attended to the needs of the condemned, and provided aid and support to countless friends and family menmbers. These are just a few of her claims to fame and we will talk about her in much greater detail! Thanks for your post!
ReplyDeleteI am really interested to hear more about your essay on "passing" in the cyber world.
ReplyDeleteExcellent Post. Yes, as Doctor Hunt told us, many people still do 'pass' for cultural reasons. For example, a cousin of mine is light enough (like me) to "pasAH" (pass) and so he and his family does. Unfortunately, because their parents raised them with the mindset that "whites are better" (probably because they themselves experienced the hardships of being colored), they continue to raise their children like that.
ReplyDeleteLike I said, my grandparents even, very nice people, but somewhat secretive about race. They don't particularly like to talk about their black roots. You have to keep in mind that they experienced segregation and things like that (although, they would sometimes use the 'white bathrooms' :) )
Anyway, very good post.
Regards,
--AL
While "passing" seems very strange to some (particularly today in the liberal environs of academia) one must contemplate the crushing realities of racism, particularly during the Jim Crow era, to really understand what drove people to make that very difficult decision to "pass." As Andre says, the horrible realities of economic, political, and social discrimination coupled with racial violence, forced many peole who loved their heritage, culture, and community to make that very difficult decision. While "passing" afforded light-skinned blacks and hispanics economic, political, and social opportunity (and more importantly, helped parents protect their children from the savageries of racism), it creaated a whole host of hardships including familial and cultural alienation, scorn, and the fear of discovery. it is not so different from colonial subject adopting the culture of their colonizers as a strategy for survival. The forces that drive these phenomena are very similar. Clearly this is a topic that deserves further discussion so we will continue with it! Remember, it is not just important historically, it also informs contemporary issues of social justice and equality.
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