A Complexion Change
“Descending before Ascending...”
“Only when lions have historians will hunters
cease being heroes.” - African Proverb
How, When, Maybe?
“It ain’t easy tryin’ to be rich and famous.”
A running laughter and relaxation slogan joke, during my learning and
hopefully developing Chicago days and times.
This laughter was intended to ease tensions among colleagues and friends,
when seeming obstacles were in place before one, many or all of us.
Actually, the so called obstacles were and are simply challenges, one, many
or all, encounter periodically or perhaps daily!
My continuing response to trying situations has been, to think of my Chicago
people, who have ascended to other, unknown destinations and hence, I deeply
think and feel my responsibility toward them, because I am still standing
and as a result, indebted to them and many other persons, parents,
relatives, “to keep on steppin’.”
Or as my Chicago mentor, Oscar Brown Jr. stated,
“I may not make it if I try, but I damn sure won’t if I don’t...”
These thoughts, plus the support of my wonderful friends and colleagues, has
enabled my survival and continuation of this, my and our, mission of
ascension.
Meanwhile, possible obstacles, for certain, also known as challenges,
continue to develop here and elsewhere in the world!
I don’t wish to place anyone or any location on the spot, so I won’t mention
any names!
Smiles and Laughter!
I and many, have been thinking about the theory of “The Great Replacement”
by the French writer Renoud Camus, not to be confused with Albert Camus,
1913-1960, a Nobel Prize Winner.
As I thought about this “scientific theory,” I wondered if “replacement”
might also bring about “improvement”?
The improvement occurrence could conceivably be eventually good-great for
everyone!
And perhaps a historical inevitibility?
“A Complexion Change”
For the good-great of All!?
Which brings to mind a statement by Mr. Günther Grass, who spoke of his
criticism of “Impatient Idealism.”
He continued with “I don’t like people who, for the sake of humanity,
want to bend bananas straight.”
Perhaps “group individualism” may also be observed as nationalism,
attempting to leave, hinder or block certain persons outside the parameters
of their perception of humanity.
James Baldwin stated in his book, “The Evidence of Things Not Seen” (1985),
“The present social and political apparatus cannot serve the human
need.”
He believed in the positive potential of community, though in the United
States, the idea of community scarely means any thing any more, except among
the submerged, the Native Americans, the Mexican, the Puerto Rican, The
Black – the one hopeful word being “except.”
I realize this perception, position is not acceptable to all, as some,
perhaps many have a psychosocial need for “group individualism.”
A situation where they are the Disney World fantasy top of the ladder, by
virtue of birth right to a specific ethnic group hosted by some writers and
others!
As Roger Cohen stated in a The New York Times International Edition
editorial entitled “Fighting for the Idea of Europe”: “As Francois
Mitterrand, the former French president, observed in 1995, ‘prejudices must
be conquered because the alternative is nationalism and nationalism is war.’
Almost a quarter-century later, nationalism advances. The American president
declares: ‘You know what I am? I’m a nationalist. O.K? I’m a nationalist.’
This is how dangerous words activate banality.”
Listening, viewing this and similar behavior elsewhere in the world, leads
one to the conclusion, there are challenges now and ahead, but we have been
and continue to pursue what we believe, is the absence of harm to one
another and continue cooperating with many other organizations and
individuals to utilize smiles, thoughts, efforts and discipline to present a
contrasting view to “group individualism,” and instead provide community
examples of societies in lockstep toward the goal of a cooperative and
progressive social cohesion.
I think and hope many persons know which way is up for humanities peaceful
and growth filled ascent!
Thank you for your observation, thinking, consideration and participation.
We need, appreciate and respect your loving care.
Thank you and Welcome to the 34th edition of Black International Cinema
Berlin 2019 presented by Fountainhead® Tanz Théâtre.
Prof. Donald Muldrow Griffith
