So - in the meantime, here
are some thoughts on racism:
BLACK PEARL
Sonny Charles & The Checkmates, Ltd.
Black pearl, precious little girl
Let me put you up where you belong
Black pearl little girl
You been in the background much too long
You been working so hard your whole life through
Tendin' other people's houses
Raisin' up their children too
Hey how about something for me and you
Here in my arms you're gonna reign supreme
No more servin' baby
They're gonna serve my queen
It's our turn for happiness and our day has come
Living for each other answering to no one
Black pearl precious little girl
Let me put you up where you belong
Because I love you
Black pearl pretty little girl
You been in the background much too long
Together we'll stand so straight and so tall
Created by love to love one and all
Hey heart to heart soul to soul
No other one could ever take your place
My world is built around
The very smile that's on your face
You'll never win a beauty show
No they won't pick you
But you're my miss America
I love you
These are the lyrics to a charming song with an early reggae beat. I've only found it on Trojan Records as a track by Horace Faith, "Black Pearl". Highly recommended.
It seems to sum up some of the earlier African-American experience - not that I'm qualified to speak, but I'm interested. I still see my ex every few weeks, and we're on relatively good terms. However, I'm often reminded of how much her race has affected her in this environment.
It's a strange thing, the circles of familiarity that people maintain: if you're in public, you judge by appearance first. However, if you know
each other well, race is of the least importance. We would sit in our dwelling for hours, sometimes days - and then venture into downtown (our
frontyard) and find ourselves barraged by the expectations of others.
Encountering strangers in the street, they would often try to push our buttons - but it's liberating to realize that they aren't pointing out our faults; only their own insecurities and discomfort. Soon, I wasn't fazed by even the most brazen catcalls. "So what? Get over it."
But I can't pretend to preach - I still suffer from much of the same ingrained racism. I don't think I have the cure. Just like the rest of us, I'm trying to live with it, and I'm encouraged to see the progress being made on this side of the country.
Maybe next time I'll ramble on a different topic. Best wishes!
are some thoughts on racism:
BLACK PEARL
Sonny Charles & The Checkmates, Ltd.
Black pearl, precious little girl
Let me put you up where you belong
Black pearl little girl
You been in the background much too long
You been working so hard your whole life through
Tendin' other people's houses
Raisin' up their children too
Hey how about something for me and you
Here in my arms you're gonna reign supreme
No more servin' baby
They're gonna serve my queen
It's our turn for happiness and our day has come
Living for each other answering to no one
Black pearl precious little girl
Let me put you up where you belong
Because I love you
Black pearl pretty little girl
You been in the background much too long
Together we'll stand so straight and so tall
Created by love to love one and all
Hey heart to heart soul to soul
No other one could ever take your place
My world is built around
The very smile that's on your face
You'll never win a beauty show
No they won't pick you
But you're my miss America
I love you
These are the lyrics to a charming song with an early reggae beat. I've only found it on Trojan Records as a track by Horace Faith, "Black Pearl". Highly recommended.
It seems to sum up some of the earlier African-American experience - not that I'm qualified to speak, but I'm interested. I still see my ex every few weeks, and we're on relatively good terms. However, I'm often reminded of how much her race has affected her in this environment.
It's a strange thing, the circles of familiarity that people maintain: if you're in public, you judge by appearance first. However, if you know
each other well, race is of the least importance. We would sit in our dwelling for hours, sometimes days - and then venture into downtown (our
frontyard) and find ourselves barraged by the expectations of others.
Encountering strangers in the street, they would often try to push our buttons - but it's liberating to realize that they aren't pointing out our faults; only their own insecurities and discomfort. Soon, I wasn't fazed by even the most brazen catcalls. "So what? Get over it."
But I can't pretend to preach - I still suffer from much of the same ingrained racism. I don't think I have the cure. Just like the rest of us, I'm trying to live with it, and I'm encouraged to see the progress being made on this side of the country.
Maybe next time I'll ramble on a different topic. Best wishes!
dmerrie:
Only if more people had the same attitude as you.
dylan:
Thank you for commenting on my set...of course it's a Pearl Jam tatt 