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Forum nameOkay Activist Archives
Topic subjectPower
Topic URLhttp://board.okayplayer.com/okp.php?az=show_topic&forum=22&topic_id=665&mesg_id=681
681, Power
Posted by Solarus, Sun Jul-04-04 10:02 AM
Power= the ability to define one's reality.

Through this definition, the statement "Black people can't be racist" is understood by the fact that on a larger societal level, black people exist in realm of social institutions not defined by them but someone else's cultural worldview. On a personal level we can all argue that every person engages in a bit of self-definition. However this self-definition must be seen in the same light that the law sees statutory rape or sexual harassment in the workplace.

While the female and/or minor maybe a willing participant in a sexual relationship with the other person involved, it is understood that the other is in a predetermined, predefined position of power. Being older, male or an authority figure gives one more say in defining the reality of a subordinate.

The institution is defined by a particular group's worldviews and beliefs, in order to determine the further defining capabilities of the people living within that institution. Thus there are many levels of power that eventually trickle down to that individual.

Unfortunately many Black people still believe that changing their names, is enough to take back that power.

We have a long way to go...