Yeah, I think you're touching on my biggest concern with solutions like this: will things be improved by creating an "activist ghetto" where everyone agrees that these things need to change, but are isolated from the people who just don't give a shit. I mean, I don't think there's anyone in sabotabby's friend-list or debunkingwhite who thinks that institutionalized racism is a good thing. Elsewhere, though...
I think that a lot of lefty types often do this... we isolate ourselves from people who disagree with us. I certainly understand why we want to do this, but I also think that it is important to engage the enemy with dialogue. I've had a certain amount of success discussing stuff like this in non-left circles by virtue of the fact that I come across less confrontational than most, am willing to listen to contrary views without flying off the handle, all for the sake of getting the person to think about why they think/feel the way they do.
Also, a big part of this with me is that I used to be one of those assholes who doesn't really think about these things, and held views for which I now feel much shame. So, while I am not exactly sympathetic to people who hold offensive views, I am able to recognize a bit of my past self in them. And being able to learn and change those views took people who were willing to talk to me calmly, rationally and without getting my back up. I understand why the anger exists -- and rightfully so! -- but it is not always conducive to persuasion.
Anyway, to get back on topic, when I think of something like afro-centric schools, I wonder how this will affect those who are not going to attend them. We need those people to be exposed to tough questions on race and gender and sexuality, etc. Segregating, for lack of a better word, doesn't strike me as an efficacious means of accomplishing this.
However, defeating racism, homophobia, etc., isn't exactly a short-term battle, whereas getting kids to learn, to excel, to graduate, and in an environment in which they feel safe is something that can and should be implemented now. Will it change the society? Probably not, unfortunately.
no subject
I think that a lot of lefty types often do this... we isolate ourselves from people who disagree with us. I certainly understand why we want to do this, but I also think that it is important to engage the enemy with dialogue. I've had a certain amount of success discussing stuff like this in non-left circles by virtue of the fact that I come across less confrontational than most, am willing to listen to contrary views without flying off the handle, all for the sake of getting the person to think about why they think/feel the way they do.
Also, a big part of this with me is that I used to be one of those assholes who doesn't really think about these things, and held views for which I now feel much shame. So, while I am not exactly sympathetic to people who hold offensive views, I am able to recognize a bit of my past self in them. And being able to learn and change those views took people who were willing to talk to me calmly, rationally and without getting my back up. I understand why the anger exists -- and rightfully so! -- but it is not always conducive to persuasion.
Anyway, to get back on topic, when I think of something like afro-centric schools, I wonder how this will affect those who are not going to attend them. We need those people to be exposed to tough questions on race and gender and sexuality, etc. Segregating, for lack of a better word, doesn't strike me as an efficacious means of accomplishing this.
However, defeating racism, homophobia, etc., isn't exactly a short-term battle, whereas getting kids to learn, to excel, to graduate, and in an environment in which they feel safe is something that can and should be implemented now. Will it change the society? Probably not, unfortunately.
Sorry... bit of a tangent there. Too much coffee.