Patriotic, pt. 2

A long, long time ago, some of my ancestors came from Africa. I say some because through the years, my blood line has become mixed with a plethora of other races and because of that, I must respect the non-African races.

When my ancestors first arrived here, they were African. (FYI - I'm not going to go into slavery. What's the point? If our ancestors didn't want to behave as if they were slaves, then why do most blacks keep pushing that title on them?)

That's right, they were Africans who lived in America. They had strong ties to their Motherland because they were stolen from there. Soon, they had their own kids. Those kids became Africans who were "trained" to be Americans.

I use the word "trained" because history shows us that when the slaves arrived to America, they weren't allowed to speak their language or even carry on their traditions, but when something is so engraved in your head, it is hard to break your habits when you are doing them subconsciously so I say "trained" because the children saw what their parents were doing but they also knew that they would be punished if they were caught. I believe that these were the first African-Americans because they still had a tie to the Motherland of Africa while developing new ties to their new home, America.

Let's fast forward A LOT. Down to me. I have no ties with Africa. I have no idea where my bloodline originated, you know since Africa is a continent and not a country. I have no clue about the politics in Africa, besides what I read in the news about all the genocides and famine that happens there. When I open my eyes, I see, "America" around me. I know all of the patriotic songs. I can say the "Pledge of Allegiance" and when I go to a foreign land, my passport says that I am American.

So that is what I am. I am an American.

You look at skin and you want to call me an African-American but I will not accept that title. It seems as though many blacks want to hold onto that title as if we still have strong ties to the Motherland, but we don't. Even if you look at a holiday like Kwanzaa, you will see that it is a sad attempt for blacks to pretend that our African roots are strong.

Did I upset you?

When I was in college, I remember there was this sister from Africa. I remember seeing her break down in tears because she saw so many things that was wrong with the typical Kwanzaa celebration. She cringed when she heard words being misused. She screamed when libations were poured. She was very upset! She told us all, that Kwanzaa was a made up holiday that stole bits and pieces from different African holidays.

Why should I believe her?

Look at the history of Kwanzaa. Look at when it was created. It was in the 60's. By then, the African blood in us was so diluted thanks to being force fed American doctrines that any of the ties that we had to Africa were loosened. The holiday was created to give Blacks an alternative to celebrate in the month of December so if they wanted Blacks could ignore Christmas and participate in a holiday made just for them.

Now, in the 60's what did we have going on? You had Black Power movements, Black Nationalism, all types of events created to help blacks become proud of their heritage while separating themselves from the main culture. In my opinion, Kwanzaa is a holiday that blacks get to hold over whites and say, "Ha ha! This is OUR holiday! BITE ME!"

I don't celebrate Kwanzaa, I never will.

I stopped being an African-American even when I hated the fact that I was American, but where would I go?

Back to Africa?

Uh, no. I would feel out of place there!

So let me break it down like this...

I feel like African-American means that I'm a 2nd class citizen. It was the government who set out to label blacks so that only a percentage of their vote would be calculated.

I am a full-blooded American which means I'm a first class citizen like everyone else! If you don't like it, I don't care!!!

If you think that I'm a sellout because I feel this way, then oh well.

I'm an American...

...And nothing else.

Peace out.

Max

Thoughts...

I know that it's been a while. As I look at my first sentence I wonder how many times have I had to type that? A lot has been happening lately. Some good, some bad, but all in all, I'm still here so that makes me a survivor, right?

No, I won't bore you with my rendition of D.C.'s "Survivor."

I was thinking today and the one thing that I would hate to lose is my ability to write. You may say, "Max, you can't lose it!"

Yes you can. You can lose any talent if you don't utilize it. I don't want to lose this. It's too valuable. So while on the bus today, I was thinking...

Hmmm...If I set aside 15 minutes to blog everyday, then my blog will continue and I will be utilizing my talent for my own benefit and not just for the benefit of the companies that currently employ me. Don't get me wrong, money pays the bills, but I think every artist should set aside time to indulge in their art, alone...

Even if it is a blog where people can your thoughts.

So, since this is my personal blog, let me start out with saying that there will be a few more blog entries. First, I have to finish my Patriotic series. Then I will move on to shed some light into what I've been thinking and doing...

Do you want to come along for the ride?