must remember this

[raybear]

I'm reading an article on black women's invisibility in Hollywood while on hold with social security administration. And I must remember this quote by Stephanie Zacharek of Salon.com.
"There's no good reason for that other than cultural conditioning. And while cultural conditioning isn't racism, it's one of the elements that allow it to thrive. "

I often find myself in situations where I'm trying to explain to someone, no, I don't believe you're a racist bigot and Klan member, but yes, what you said is still problematic and fcked up. Now I have more clear way of commmunicating the concept.

"The Man has programmed me. My conditioning has been conditioned."
"You're a moron."
"I can't help it."
"What, being a moron?"
"Yeah, that too."

(You get a bite of my king-sized Baby Ruth if you can list the source of that conversation. I'll fly out and deliver it to you.)

Social Security just told me it's the IRS's fault. IRS told me to call SSA. Can I get some mediation here? Oh well. As long as the check gets sent, they can call my money by any name they desire.

Comments

[raybear.livejournal.com]

it's not even the carpet! it's this plastic mat under my chair so i can roll around easily -- you know one of those mats that go next to desks to protect the carpet. which sort of makes the brown streaks of chocolate look even grosser....

[milosh.livejournal.com]

ewwwwwwwwwwww

:P