“ I posit that the Discourse of Individualism functions to: deny the significance of race and the advantages of being white; hide the accumulation of wealth over generations; deny social and historical context; prevent a macro analysis of the institutional and structural dimensions of social life; deny collective socialization and the power of dominant culture (media, education, religion, etc.) to shape our perspectives and ideology; function as neo-colorblindness and reproduce the myth of meritocracy; and make collective action difficult. Further, being viewed as an individual is a privilege only available to the dominant group. I explicate each of these discursive effects and argue that while we may be considered individuals in general, white insistence on Individualism in discussions of racism in particular functions to obscure and maintain racism.”
I read this and honestly considered its merit. While some points may be valid, I cannot agree with that message as it relates to individualism.
Please hear me out. Give me fair consideration, and I will give due consideration to a response. I am honestly trying to understand and give due consideration to your points of view.
I acknowledge that there are distinct advantages for white folks, for whatever reason. In my opinion, that is wholly irrelevant to individualism.
That statement, from my perspective, is nothing more than an attempt to promote communism/collectivism by associating individualism with something negative (racism). Given that black folks have been oppressed by racism, that statement seems to have been written specifically to persuade black folks that their only choice is communism or collectivism.
Many attempted associations in the statement are so loose that the illogical Marxist goal of the author is grotesquely transparent.
Individualism could be easier as a white person, but the author makes a huge logical leap is stating that it must, necessarily, by its very nature, ignores the significance of race. That is so logically flawed, that it appears to be deliberately so.
The statement further concludes (without basis) that individualism "denies collective socialization" as if it is a given that collective socialization is exclusively necessary, and the only option.
Furthermore, a person can have advantages of being white and still live under meritocracy. LIFE IS MERITOCRACY, regardless of social or economic advantage. Meritocracy is a work used by authoritarian marxists to convince people that their condition is hopeless, and that they must surrender their property rights to the collective so they can survive. It is a deliberate message of pure despair.
Another serious logical flaw is the claim that individualism is only available to the dominant group. I would LOVE to hear the author explain, and I am certain I can logically shred that explanation. The dominant group is itself a collective. Not being a part of the dominate group is individualistic.
That statement to me is itself oppression. It is Marxist propaganda designed to destroy confidence and reinforce false messages of inferiority. It lacks a single word of esteem. It is 100% degrading. If I were a black person reading it, I believe I would be insulted and offended.
This is how Marxist commie snakes operate. They do nothing but deceive and stir division, with the sole objective of using the ire of groups they divide to gain power.
Individualism is INDEPENDENT of race. To say that racism prevents individualism is so deliberately fallacious and contrary to any modicum of sound logic, that there is no way a person making that claim can be honest. And, I have not even broached the subject of how impossibly sweeping that statement must be in order to be true.
Understand, there are many truthful parts included in that statement that I do not dismiss, particularly the part about ignoring history. My beef is with the general message.
That flawed, dishonest message can be summed up as follows:.
"You insignificant proletarian darkies are so pathetic that you cannot be individuals. You have no choice but to be our goose-stepping commie pawns."
That is such a filthy insult, I am grinding my teeth in rage.
It makes me angry in defense of black folks. It makes me want to fight a war and die if necessary on behalf of black folks.
I hope you can see that my frustration is not in any way intended to be dismissive of your life experience or circumstances. I hope I have conveyed this message with genuine regard for my fellow countrymen. It is out of that genuine regard that I am moved to anger here, which is not directed at you.
I am willing to honestly listen to, and seriously consider a reply. I am pliable. I can be persuaded. Even if you and I cannot agree on the points raised above, I hold no ill will toward you, I intend to continue honest discussion, and I will continue to give you the respect you deserve.
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