As we move through inauguration week, there are and will be many things to reflect on.
This new administration is monumental and groundbreaking in certain ways, at least visually or performatively. We of course still have not yet seen most of these individuals appointed to the cabinet of Joe Biden, act in their capacities. Analysis of how it feels to increasingly become the face of the system, is not lost on me for sure. But anyone who knows me, knows that trends in reactions catch my eye.
I’m astounded, as always by the insistence of some, in implying or outright arguing, what they perceive is simple-mindedness of our people and our community. Folks have been questioning and condemning left and right, other folks’ celebration and representation of the moment. Sistas donned their chucks and pearls and people are UPSET! Folks are also justifiably keeping mindful of the problematic nature of both Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.
I’m stricken though, by these folks who swear we’re simple-minded, here. A lot of folks underestimate Black folks’ ability to multitask, especially psychologically and emotionally, and given the position we’ve been in since we were brought here, as colonized people, constantly experiencing compound trauma to the point of it altering our DNA, I would think that some of us would be a little more astute on the matter.
We, OF ALL PEOPLE, are the most capable of both knowing and understanding that a person has committed horrible acts AND still laughing and joking about them, or any traumatic situation in some way, given the fact that this is our usual response to all collective trauma. Every time something traumatic happens to us in this country, we fire off the jokes on sight. We all know this. This is how we cope, in part. So why are some of us acting brand new and so mad that we can do both?
We know, on a subconscious level even without giving it thought that most of this is jacked up, particularly for us, living under this system. We know that the illusion of choice that we’re given is jacked up. We know the folks we’re given to choose from are jacked up. We know that. We know that so well that it’s just our overarching reality that we don’t even have to think about it. It’s the air we breathe. Can we do what we always have, and breathe and laugh at the same time? Yes. Did we forget any of the atrocities of any of yesterday’s inauguration celebrities? NO! Can we still crack a joke? YES. Might it be cathartic when faced with things beyond our control? YES. Will you live? That’s on you.
White supremacy serves to distract us and undermine our ability to be full human beings. It has created an environment around us, and mentality in our minds, such that we find reasons at any turn not to allow ourselves to be fully human. Can’t listen to this. Can’t wear that. Can’t date like this. Can’t eat that. Can’t have that celebration. Can’t eat with your family over that. Can’t criticize this. Can’t laugh about that. Can’t watch this. Can’t get roles like that. Can’t have characters like those. Always gotta be pure, perfect and the absolute best at everything.
If you find yourself engaging in telling Black folks what we can’t do, and your reasoning is based around the system. Know that that’s what you’re taking part in. Helpful, protective or not.