I don't get it. The constant stereotyping and broad classification of individuals by others. Even more absurd is when individuals do this to themselves. As I've aged, I've developed a deep relationship with myself, traversing through many aspects of my self. This has translated into a union between my subconscious principles and my conscious behavior. In unifying my internal being I have detached myself from any social schema that might have once defined me. When I think of myself, I don't picture a black male, or an African male, or a young adult. One of the greatest illusions we have come to believe, is that we are defined by the arbitrary characteristics we merely inherited. Who we become is a choice. So why would you choose to abandon the unique traits, mannerisms, and propensities you have acquired from your years of living merely to define yourself by characteristics left to chance?
Saying you are gay is not an accolade. It is as relevant as stating your hair color. It is a superficial trait that lends no useful content on the individual. The way you respond to situations is not determined by superficial traits such as your skin tone, physical dimensions, or sexual orientation. Circumstantial situations shed light on the morale and motivational principles of an individual. That is who you really are. I know I'm a narcissistic and often hypocritical person. Unifying your being does not mean you're a good person, it just means you know who you are as an individual.
Simply saying you're gay, black or any other capricious adjective lends your audience no insight as to who you are. It is like saying all red wine is the same, which any avid wine drinker would dismiss laughably. I don't relate to the black or African struggle. I relate to the human struggle. The Mike Brown case was not a race issue. Neither was the Freddie Gray case. If all you see is a racially driven incident, then I feel sorry because you lack true empathy and I have to question the authenticity of your cries. That case was about a United States citizen, and even greater, a human being, killed for whatever reason by an official put in place to protect him. I am not going to dismiss race, or other superficial traits as having relevance in these situations. There is a greater evil that drives these incidents that transcends beyond race. Whether black or white, injustice is injustice and should be met with the same level of disapproval regardless of superficial traits.
In a recent interview with Oprah, Raven Symone denounced her labels because she believes she is much more than titles. Instead of trying to understand her wisdom, there was backlash, especially from the black community, because she didn't want to be labeled African American. I commend her for taking a bold approach and stating this on a public platform. There are too many people that go through life using these superficial traits to dictate their lives and it only enslaves them and prevents them from realizing their maximum potential.
GQ did an interview with Jason Collins that I found to be absolutely disgusting. Alright, I'm being a tad dramatic, but it was a useless interview regardless. For the interview, he starts by introducing himself as a gay black male on purpose. That introduction holds no substance and leaves me, the reader, with no relevant detail on your being. A more proper introduction would be to say, my name is Jason Collins and I am narcissistic. Although that would be a super weird way to start a conversation, it conveys more about the individual and gives some insight to their being rather than saying you're black and gay. I am not denying the role superficial characteristics play in defining someones identity. The issue I take is that, for most people, this is where the conversation ends. There is no elaboration on their being and no meaningful substance can be acquired from interacting with them. They are merely reflecting the stereotypes and compulsions attributed to these traits. Minorities, gays, and other oppressed groups wonder why they find themselves in some of the circumstances they're in, and my answer is that they've limited themselves to superficial traits and characteristics, failing to grow as an individual. Of course there are ignorant people that contribute to the problem, but idiots will be idiots, that you cannot change. How you respond and who you become is entirely up to you. Certainty in yourself is the foundation that will help you overcome trails and obstacles in life and if you don't have a sound foundation, you will falter in times of tribulation.
Detach from superficial characteristics, finding the truth within yourself. This will be the guide to liberate your mind and allow you to maximize your potential.
One Love
