[Baba Ahmed]

Originally Posted by Istlota

Keep in mind that race is an imaginary construct that is impossible to accurately define -- unless you take the approach of Du Bois and Ani and define it, not by physical characteristics, but commonly held, and defended, cultural values.

I do not want to further steer this thread into the outer spaces of intellectual debatings when Goodrain asked very simple questions of a comparative form, that assumes a common understanding of racism. He appears to be asking for opinions regardless of documented supports.

HOWEVER, when I asked Ena Marimba Ani's permission to quote directly from and cite her Afrikan Masterpiece YURUGU, her only condition was to give proper credit and to not take her words out of context.

So I ask: where does she define race as u allude to above? Besides, its really stretching to join her thoughts with W.E.B. DuBois.

Istlota, it appears u have an opinion about race and racism similar to that of many of today's Black writers. Which leads to a conclusion that we are all the same, or as is heard often we're all "human," to prepare a listener for every horrible and murderous act done by one people as liable to be done by another; i.e., its an universal occurence! If u've read and understood sista Marimba's Classic that's one of the European Cultural Thought consistent usages. Aren't they the chosen leaders of humanity?

This drift of argument reminds me of what Dr. Ben said ina talk: we are afraid of color, of using Black to identify ourselves. And I think Dr. Clarke said it best to put to rest those who claim that race is a "political construct" and even worse in my opinion those who like u say its imaginery:

It, race, impacts our entire lives!

So please direct me to race and or racism as defined by Marimba Ani in YURUGU - not paraphrased. Direct quotes. Or cite page numbers.

Accept it or not both race and racism are realities. On this planet bfore any so called European existed as political entities. But I really don't want to corrupt this thread any further. If u'd care to reply do so via email. Or just walk on by my questions and remarks. For they are a lil off this thread's topic. Doncha think so?



Med ase