Examining Immigrant Struggles in an Era of Shifting American Influence
It is funny how the idea of being “woke” has been weaponized by the right, after being redefined by the left. And both sides of whiteness keep us from the true definition, “being aware of our surroundings so we minimize harm from others.”
The late great George Carlin famously said, “The reason they call it the American Dream is because you have to be asleep to believe it.” Waking up from the spell of “American prestige” is what’s happening now. It is a very uncomfortable position for many because we want to hold onto the idea of that dream.
Do you know the original definition of prestige means to conjure tricks or create illusion? It is a magic show. And it is a powerful part of how Greco-Roman culture operates. The challenge is to understand why and how we became placed under a system of deception.
First, the motivation. Europeans wanted to rule as an Empire rather than be a part of the ecosystem of life. Our motivation is based on the need for resources that simply do not exist in Europe and are abundant in other areas of the planet. We were naturally made to seek what we need outside of our habitat. Rather than being humble and grateful for those sharing their native resources, we became bullies.
We came up with whiteness and white supremacy. Both are lies. We are not colored white. And having less melanin is not a superior trait. Yet, just like the schoolyard bully, we tried to force and manipulate others to feel less valuable than us.
We create weapons to harm others to get what we want. We use our school systems to create ignorance by not teaching how life works, and not teaching how other cultures approach life. This is as true in Harvard as in our cities’ public schools.
We use our power to define. Turn on media and entertainment and we are fed the idea of American greatness. It is portrayed in how we view our dominance stemming from our militia and our consumption. We are made to feel morally superior, which feeds our arrogance.
The combination of ignorance and arrogance makes us dangerous and is the greatest obstacle to changing our approach. Manipulation is embraced in our culture. We call it sales and marketing. It is justified as the winning part of competing. While none of us like it, we as a people do not want to let go of what we perceive are the benefits.
Many of us realize it can’t be sustained much longer. Yet, those who are in powerful positions try to hold on to their control. For the rest of us, let’s wake up together. Humanity is Achievable.
JD is an inspiring activist and entrepreneur, whose life journey has been influenced by his experiences within the black community and firsthand encounters with racism. Raised in a diverse community in St. Louis, JD witnessed the effects of discrimination and cultural differences, igniting a profound curiosity about the root causes of bigotry and racism.
From a young age, JD demonstrated an entrepreneurial spirit, co-founding a tennis teaching organization with his then college coach. After graduating with a degree in finance, he played a significant role in structuring early business ventures for renowned artist Nelly, including Apple Bottoms Jeans and Derrty Entertainment.
In 2017, JD achieved his doctorate in Organizational Psychology, and he subsequently became deeply involved in white antiracism groups, first in Los Angeles and later in St. Louis. A pivotal moment occurred during a conversation with a black man involved in the movement for justice, who challenged JD to identify the steps to healing racism. Inspired by his journey and the insights gained from his anti-racism work, JD authored the transformative book “Race for What?” The book consists of lessons from his journey and seven steps to healing the harms of racism and create a humane world.
JD has been through this process of change and shares seven steps to healing the harm of our culture.
1. Don’t Move – Seek Understanding: Start with the “Why”
2. Acknowledge the Harm: Let’s look past the surface of racism into the approach that harms us all
3 .Letting Go of Privilege, Power and Fear: This is where the healing can begin. Letting go opens us up to new opportunities and frees us from the weight of harm
4. Appreciate the Value of Others: Give credit where credit it due.
5. Repair the harm: The benefits of healing is far greater than we know.
6. Being Led by a New Mind: We don’t know what we don’t know
7. Manifest Humanity: Together we can do it.
Learn more: https://raceforwhat.com/
#DreamAndPrestige #ImmigrantJourney #AmericanExperience
