posted
Blacks writing ancient history has always been discouraged. They tell African people to write about slavery and the African kingdoms, everything else should be written by Europeans.
African researchers should not limit themselves to these periods of history writing. We must write about ancient history because this situates a people in time and culture. In the U.S., there is constant demands for Universities to return to teaching the Classics from Greece and Rome. Yet many Black people at University do not even study their history because they feel that all they need is to be credentialed in some field so they can get a job.
Knowing your history will reinvigorate your mind and spirit. Amos Wilson in The Falsification of Afrikan consiousness: Eurocentric history, psychiatry and the politics of white supremacy believes that the African spirit and mind can be healed through the advancement of African centered historiagraphic, social and natural sciences. Wilson wrote "Apparently the rewriting, the distortion and the stealing of our history must serve vital economic, political and social functions for the Europeans or slse he would not bother and try so hard to keep our history away from us, and to distort it in our own minds" (p.15).
To Wilson we should see history as psychohistory, since the aim of writing Black people out of history is to destroy any sense of intelletual or social self-esteem for African people. Wilson noted that" In the final analysis, European history's principal function is to first separate us from ourselves and separate us from the reality of the world; to separate us from the reality of our history and to separate us from its ramifications"(p.24).
Wilson maintains that we must study Afrocentric History, because Europeans use history as a way of maintaining white supremacy; and the study of history by Blacks is a threat to the status quo. Some Black people beliew that the writing of history is neutral. Writing history is not neutral. Michael Parenti, in History as Mystery (1999), believes that history is not neutral. In his opinion history is written by the ruling class to solidify their position. He observed that "much written history is an ideologically safe comodity. It might best be called "mainstream history", "orthodox history", "conventional history" and even "ruling-class history" because it presents the dominant perspective of the affluent people who preside over the major institutions of society" (Perenti, p.xi).
Parenti, supports Wilsons' view on the impact of Eurocentrism on education when he noted that " many history and political science programs offered in middle and higher education rest on a Eurocentric bias" (p.xiv). As a result, Parenti argues that we learned a "disinformational history" which represents the viwes of the ruling class rather than real history (p.10). As a result, Parenti claims that we have "consensus history textbooks" that teach history from a distorted base.
The comments of Wilson and Parenti,make it clear that history is not written from a neutral perspective, it is written by historians who define what history is or is not. This means that due to doxa, the personality and preconceptions of the historians determine how he writes history. As a result, we find that "establishment" historians usually write history which supports the dominant view of the ruling class, which primarially support institutions of higher learning through well funded endowments. The allegience of a particular historian to a class or "association" means that when the historian identifies, selects and interprets facts, and the framework used to appraise the facts will be guided by the truths accepted by the "association" or social class. This is why Jacques Berlinerblau, in Heresy in the University: The Black Athena controversy and the responsibilities of American intellectuals (1999), observed that "How can a social-scientist, a historian, a literary criticm etc., claim that his or her conclusion are in any way true when it is so abundantly clear that these conclusions are inextricably bound with the social and political contexts in which he or she works and lives?"(p.192).
Since history is written from the perspective of the person writing history, an Afrocentric scholar's work should be respect just as much as the writing of a Eurocentric or "establishment" historian, but this is not the case.
This is why both Eurocentric and so-called Liberal historians will usually agree that Blacks lack any type of ancient history, or association with Egyptian history. They agree, because both groups do not believe that Blacks have a ancient history due to their absorption of "concensus history", that deny any role of blacks in ancient history except as "Ethiopian" or "Nubian" slaves among the Creeks, Romans and Egyptians.
We assume that any article or book written by an establishment member of the academe is best on valid historical truths, erudite scholarship and impeccable research. Although insiders and outsiders alike, sociological research indicates that there are unconscious cognitive structures within each individual hold this view idealistic view of members of the academe that determine how they perceive "reality". These structures are called doxa. Commenting on these schema Berlinerblau (1999) noted that "These types of theories share the assumption that human beings know things that they do not even know that they know; that they "possess" knowledge about the world which exists in some sort of cognitive substrate, beyond the realm of discourse" (p.106).Wacquant (1995) says that doxa is " a realm of implicit and unstated beliefs".
Given the research suggesting that doxa exist, support the view that some researchers allow their hatred of multiculturalism to define their discourse on teaching and writing by Afrocentrists and multiculturalists. Moreover, it suggest that when topics such as Afrocentrism is attacked by members of the academe, these academics are supported by the "establishment" without any reservation or test of the validity of their claims. In fact, it appears that doxic assumptions relating to the invalidity of Afrocentrism obviates critique of the academics that disparage Afrocentrist research. This research is attacked by these scholars without the scholars presenting any counter evidence to falsify the Afrocentric position.
People in Afrocentric studies are serious scholars. They use the same methods that other scientists use, the only difference is that they look at issues from an africalogical perspective. There is nothing wrong in taking such a persepctive since all history is written from the personal perspective of the historian writing that history. If your frame of reference for Afrocentric study is based solely on the views of outsiders: Liberals and Eurocentrists you will spend the rest of your life trying to prove that Black people have a history, when Eurocentric and liberal European researchers already know that WE HAVE A HISTORY.
posted
Clyde - It is my experience that people (any people) demand what they think they deserve. I am continually amazed at references made on American TV concerning ancient people who were Black, and which are depicted as White - with no criticism.
I recall that when the movie "Passion of the Christ" came out, CNN invited some Black people to argue that Jesus was Black. They invited two niggers off the corner - obviously from some ghetto to do this - with no criticism.
As you will recall, there are several Negros on this very board, who used to be extremely disruptive when the subject of expatriate African civilizations arose - the concept was so unsettling to them.
I don't claim to understand that kind of Black psyche, but it is real, and apparently prevalent - you may be whistling in the dark.
Posts: 22721 | Registered: Oct 2005
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quote:Originally posted by Clyde Winters: Blacks writing ancient history has always been discouraged. They tell African people to write about slavery and the African kingdoms, everything else should be written by Europeans.
African researchers should not limit themselves to these periods of history writing. We must write about ancient history because this situates a people in time and culture. In the U.S., there is constant demands for Universities to return to teaching the Classics from Greece and Rome. Yet many Black people at University do not even study their history because they feel that all they need is to be credentialed in some field so they can get a job.
Knowing your history will reinvigorate your mind and spirit. Amos Wilson in The Falsification of Afrikan consiousness: Eurocentric history, psychiatry and the politics of white supremacy believes that the African spirit and mind can be healed through the advancement of African centered historiagraphic, social and natural sciences. Wilson wrote "Apparently the rewriting, the distortion and the stealing of our history must serve vital economic, political and social functions for the Europeans or slse he would not bother and try so hard to keep our history away from us, and to distort it in our own minds" (p.15).
To Wilson we should see history as psychohistory, since the aim of writing Black people out of history is to destroy any sense of intelletual or social self-esteem for African people. Wilson noted that" In the final analysis, European history's principal function is to first separate us from ourselves and separate us from the reality of the world; to separate us from the reality of our history and to separate us from its ramifications"(p.24).
Wilson maintains that we must study Afrocentric History, because Europeans use history as a way of maintaining white supremacy; and the study of history by Blacks is a threat to the status quo. Some Black people beliew that the writing of history is neutral. Writing history is not neutral. Michael Parenti, in History as Mystery (1999), believes that history is not neutral. In his opinion history is written by the ruling class to solidify their position. He observed that "much written history is an ideologically safe comodity. It might best be called "mainstream history", "orthodox history", "conventional history" and even "ruling-class history" because it presents the dominant perspective of the affluent people who preside over the major institutions of society" (Perenti, p.xi).
Parenti, supports Wilsons' view on the impact of Eurocentrism on education when he noted that " many history and political science programs offered in middle and higher education rest on a Eurocentric bias" (p.xiv). As a result, Parenti argues that we learned a "disinformational history" which represents the viwes of the ruling class rather than real history (p.10). As a result, Parenti claims that we have "consensus history textbooks" that teach history from a distorted base.
The comments of Wilson and Parenti,make it clear that history is not written from a neutral perspective, it is written by historians who define what history is or is not. This means that due to doxa, the personality and preconceptions of the historians determine how he writes history. As a result, we find that "establishment" historians usually write history which supports the dominant view of the ruling class, which primarially support institutions of higher learning through well funded endowments. The allegience of a particular historian to a class or "association" means that when the historian identifies, selects and interprets facts, and the framework used to appraise the facts will be guided by the truths accepted by the "association" or social class. This is why Jacques Berlinerblau, in Heresy in the University: The Black Athena controversy and the responsibilities of American intellectuals (1999), observed that "How can a social-scientist, a historian, a literary criticm etc., claim that his or her conclusion are in any way true when it is so abundantly clear that these conclusions are inextricably bound with the social and political contexts in which he or she works and lives?"(p.192).
Since history is written from the perspective of the person writing history, an Afrocentric scholar's work should be respect just as much as the writing of a Eurocentric or "establishment" historian, but this is not the case.
This is why both Eurocentric and so-called Liberal historians will usually agree that Blacks lack any type of ancient history, or association with Egyptian history. They agree, because both groups do not believe that Blacks have a ancient history due to their absorption of "concensus history", that deny any role of blacks in ancient history except as "Ethiopian" or "Nubian" slaves among the Creeks, Romans and Egyptians.
We assume that any article or book written by an establishment member of the academe is best on valid historical truths, erudite scholarship and impeccable research. Although insiders and outsiders alike, sociological research indicates that there are unconscious cognitive structures within each individual hold this view idealistic view of members of the academe that determine how they perceive "reality". These structures are called doxa. Commenting on these schema Berlinerblau (1999) noted that "These types of theories share the assumption that human beings know things that they do not even know that they know; that they "possess" knowledge about the world which exists in some sort of cognitive substrate, beyond the realm of discourse" (p.106).Wacquant (1995) says that doxa is " a realm of implicit and unstated beliefs".
Given the research suggesting that doxa exist, support the view that some researchers allow their hatred of multiculturalism to define their discourse on teaching and writing by Afrocentrists and multiculturalists. Moreover, it suggest that when topics such as Afrocentrism is attacked by members of the academe, these academics are supported by the "establishment" without any reservation or test of the validity of their claims. In fact, it appears that doxic assumptions relating to the invalidity of Afrocentrism obviates critique of the academics that disparage Afrocentrist research. This research is attacked by these scholars without the scholars presenting any counter evidence to falsify the Afrocentric position.
People in Afrocentric studies are serious scholars. They use the same methods that other scientists use, the only difference is that they look at issues from an africalogical perspective. There is nothing wrong in taking such a persepctive since all history is written from the personal perspective of the historian writing that history. If your frame of reference for Afrocentric study is based solely on the views of outsiders: Liberals and Eurocentrists you will spend the rest of your life trying to prove that Black people have a history, when Eurocentric and liberal European researchers already know that WE HAVE A HISTORY.
.
Daffy Duck, I feel sorry for your ignorant commentary and espoused points of Fakery. You'll always be a Dummy, because you have failed to define your BOGUS TERMS: "African" & "Black".
Also, if your so called Blacks are as smart as they are, you and your ilk would not even need to waste valuable time "Beating A Dead Horse".
Good Luck to All The Looney Tunes People, nevertheless!
Still hiding behind your computer I see. I thought you wanted to know about the members on this forum. I gave you an opportunity to find out but your sorry azz declined.
Posts: 191 | Registered: Sep 2009
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quote: Still hiding behind your computer I see. I thought you wanted to know about the memebers on this forum. I gave you an opportunity to find out but your sorry azz declined.
Dummy, I have reported your Sorry **** to the Owners of this forum. Sonny, this is Egyptsearch Not NegroSearch. When will Black Dummies ever learn to look in the mirror and face Reality. You're Nothing, but a Fake Piece of ****!
Obviously I don't give a damn if you report me. You believe I'm fake? Try me. I welcome a challenge. Back up your rhetoric in person rather than trolling cyberspace. If you can hurl racial insults and talk tough over the internet, surely you can do the same live and in living color.
Posts: 191 | Registered: Sep 2009
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posted
Dirkie quote: "Also, if your so called Blacks are as smart as they are, you and your ilk would not even need to waste valuable time "Beating A Dead Horse".
Actually your sentence makes no sense, but I understand what you were TRYING to say. BTW - you should be the last one to comment on how smart other people are or aren't.
But even out of your degenerate mind, a valuable thought has emerged - one that I myself have pondered. That involves the apparent dichotomy of human performance across geographic space.
Certainly if one looks at sub-Sahara Africa and then looks at ancient Europe, or ancient middle east, or ancient Asia, or ancient north Africa, and then is told that it was the same people - a certain amount of disbelief is normal, because there is no context.
At the same time, if one looks at sub-Sahara Africa and then looks at certain segments of the African American population (where they are 14% of the population), or the West Indian population of Britain (where they are 2% of the population, and the best educated segment in Britain) and then are told that it is the same people - likewise there would be disbelief.
But then again, if one looks at sub-Sahara Africa and then looks at Brazil, where Blacks and Mulattoes makeup about 50% of the population - one would say, YES, they ARE the same people. It IS an enigma, apparently geographic distance has no impact.
But your mistake is in attributing it to Race, it has nothing to do with race, that same dichotomy is played out across ALL racial lines.
Take your own people for instance - whether you identify with Turk or European, you ALL came from the same place, Central Asia.
The typical (White) Central Asian, is uneducated, ignorant of the world, living a primitive subsistence level lifestyle - just like the sub-Saharan. If one looks at them, and then say a Brit, and are told that they are the same people - there would also be disbelief, but they ARE the same people.
Posts: 22721 | Registered: Oct 2005
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posted
Dirkie - Your simple mind misses the salient (though unintended) point of the cartoon. That is a BLACK man TEACHING WHITE Children. To a healthy, properly functioning mind, that indicates one thing for sure - HE had to be a lot SMARTER than the WHITE competition to have gotten the job. Or is that what you meant to say??
Posts: 22721 | Registered: Oct 2005
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quote: Still hiding behind your computer I see. I thought you wanted to know about the memebers on this forum. I gave you an opportunity to find out but your sorry azz declined.
Dummy, I have reported your Sorry **** to the Owners of this forum. Sonny, this is Egyptsearch Not NegroSearch. When will Black Dummies ever learn to look in the mirror and face Reality. You're Nothing, but a Fake Piece of ****!
Why Do You Type Like This, UnEducated Troll? Seriously, stop talking with such confidence, I feel that someone neds to slap your aimless mother.
I hate it when young ones try to talk above their elders. Shut the hell up. Learn how to form a basic argument, and at least write at a passable level.
As for this thread, I agree. However I think that such discourse must take place in the peer review arena. It would be a lot more enjoyable defeating Eurocentric trolls within the academic sphere that they continue to infect.
Posts: 1080 | Registered: Aug 2008
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posted
As to the title of the thread Africans must write their own history..I couldn't agree more,but a new approach is needed where the local griots are not left out and leaning on elders who might keep certain information back.
Posts: 6546 | From: japan | Registered: Feb 2009
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posted
Brada-Anansi - Sounds like you are thinking in terms of mysticism. It's that sort of thing that always holds us back.
Posts: 22721 | Registered: Oct 2005
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posted
No not at all Mikey..griots are simply traditional local historians who have been looked over by establishment historians,someone had a post on why there was not... is not a great hooplah over Abubakari 2nd and his voyages of discovery in Mali and West Africa in general,only to find out that the griots didn't considered him great because he gave up the throne to pursue his own interest.But even the mysticism if studied holisticly can reveal insights and connections we never thought possible. see Dogan cosmology for instance, another is African fractals in designs. http://www.ted.com/talks/ron_eglash_on_african_fractals.html ^^ click here for a lecture
Posts: 6546 | From: japan | Registered: Feb 2009
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quote: Still hiding behind your computer I see. I thought you wanted to know about the memebers on this forum. I gave you an opportunity to find out but your sorry azz declined.
Dummy, I have reported your Sorry **** to the Owners of this forum. Sonny, this is Egyptsearch Not NegroSearch. When will Black Dummies ever learn to look in the mirror and face Reality. You're Nothing, but a Fake Piece of ****!
Why Do You Type Like This, UnEducated Troll? Seriously, stop talking with such confidence, I feel that someone neds to slap your aimless mother.
I hate it when young ones try to talk above their elders. Shut the hell up. Learn how to form a basic argument, and at least write at a passable level.
As for this thread, I agree. However I think that such discourse must take place in the peer review arena. It would be a lot more enjoyable defeating Eurocentric trolls within the academic sphere that they continue to infect.
Why are you concerned how I to talk to that piece of crap? Interesting you run to the defense of someone who's done nothing but defecate this forum with uncouth ignorance and racist imagery. This dirk character is someone who would spit in your face and dump on your theories. Yet you give him the benefit of the doubt. What's up with that?
If you believe you can nullify this moron with facts, logic, or civil discourse within the range of "academic sphere", then you're just as delusional as dirk. Perhaps you are dirk. I did noticed you (and a few others) have a habit of endlessly conversation with this vermin as if you were groupies. He post, you reply, one thread after another like clock work. Do you two have an affair going on we should know about or is it something else?
This cancer isn't interested in what you or anyone else has to say. You believe otherwise. Why? If you haven't figured this out by now then something is seriously wrong. Also, how do you know this dirk is an elder? An elder of what, being the biggest azzhole? That son of a b*tch doesn't deserve such a title. You believe otherwise. Why?
Btw, I talk with much confidence because I am confident.
Posts: 191 | Registered: Sep 2009
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quote: Still hiding behind your computer I see. I thought you wanted to know about the memebers on this forum. I gave you an opportunity to find out but your sorry azz declined.
Dummy, I have reported your Sorry **** to the Owners of this forum. Sonny, this is Egyptsearch Not NegroSearch. When will Black Dummies ever learn to look in the mirror and face Reality. You're Nothing, but a Fake Piece of ****!
Why Do You Type Like This, UnEducated Troll? Seriously, stop talking with such confidence, I feel that someone neds to slap your aimless mother.
I hate it when young ones try to talk above their elders. Shut the hell up. Learn how to form a basic argument, and at least write at a passable level.
As for this thread, I agree. However I think that such discourse must take place in the peer review arena. It would be a lot more enjoyable defeating Eurocentric trolls within the academic sphere that they continue to infect.
Why are you concerned how I to talk to that piece of crap? Interesting you run to the defense of someone who's done nothing but defecate this forum with uncouth ignorance and racist imagery. This dirk character is someone who would spit in your face and dump on your theories. Yet you give him the benefit of the doubt. What's up with that?
If you believe you can nullify this moron with facts, logic, or civil discourse within the range of "academic sphere", then you're just as delusional as dirk. Perhaps you are dirk. I did noticed you (and a few others) have a habit of endlessly conversation with this vermin as if you were groupies. He post, you reply, one thread after another like clock work. Do you two have an affair going on we should know about or is it something else?
This cancer isn't interested in what you or anyone else has to say. You believe otherwise. Why? If you haven't figured this out by now then something is seriously wrong. Also, how do you know this dirk is an elder? An elder of what, being the biggest azzhole? That son of a b*tch doesn't deserve such a title. You believe otherwise. Why?
Btw, I talk with much confidence because I am confident.
Shut up. I don't remember this guy opening up a series of threads like a psycho. These two are definitely not comparable, that is, unless you want to see his faulty position proven.
You need to start comparing between the two, my friend. In addition, I don't know much about the topics that Clyde deals with. Ancient Americans being Black African? I don't find it valid, but at least he keeps his position within one damn thread.
PS: I know you're not confident. Move on, little one.
PPS: As for me being Dirk, oh wow. I am not playing games like Afronut/ Bettyboo and her white comrades.
Posts: 1080 | Registered: Aug 2008
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posted
One more thing, I don't know who the hell Dirk is, to be honest. Regardless, I addressed the points brought up by him and his ilk.
Ignoring his posts seem rather pointless, because he still floods the forum. Look at the vast majority of the threads he's started. But if you think that'll ward him off (I doubt it), I'll ignore all the threads that he starts from now on.
Posts: 1080 | Registered: Aug 2008
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posted
Hey Bob_01!!!... for real though Dirk do the samething exact thing opening multiple troll threads back to back, just check his posting with the date and time. although I wish JMT had not come at you like that,and yes these folks suffer from multi-personality disorder,sometimes having opposing views on the same topic in the same thread. Afronut-slayer Afrocentric-smasher-The realone, lucky Luciano,Abza Dirk8 are all the same person. again just check their post dates of signing on and time.
Anyway did you check out the lecture on African Fractals? Posts: 6546 | From: japan | Registered: Feb 2009
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quote:Originally posted by Brada-Anansi: Hey Bob_01!!!... for real though Dirk do the samething exact thing opening multiple troll threads back to back, just check his posting with the date and time. although I wish JMT had not come at you like that,and yes these folks suffer from multi-personality disorder,sometimes having opposing views on the same topic in the same thread. Afronut-slayer Afrocentric-smasher-The realone, lucky Luciano,Abza Dirk8 are all the same person. again just check their post dates of signing on and time.
Anyway did you check out the lecture on African Fractals?
Where can I find this lecture? I am familiar with Ron Eglash's work, but didn't have time to read his book on the topic yet.
But yes, I figured it out a while ago. Seems like a series of users are just using hit and run tactics. I, along with others, were able to repost sources post already. However my replies against posts in the racist realms were much longer.
I still don't see how those individuals are similar to Dr. Winters. After all he is a person who I can respect, and ultimately hold common interests. That is, Eurocentrism and white supremacy.
Sure my behavior may appear biased, but no human isn't. Those who claim otherwise are lying. Let the man have his say.
Posts: 1080 | Registered: Aug 2008
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posted
No Dr Winters is quite different I give that man mad respect although I dissagree with him sometimes but I don't have a string of letters infront of or behind my name for that alone he is deserving of respect even if we don't eye to eye sometimes. the lecture just click here. http://www.ted.com/talks/ron_eglash_on_african_fractals.html ^^
Posts: 6546 | From: japan | Registered: Feb 2009
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posted
But of course! Afrikans should be left to their own devices when writing their history. Just keep the pseudo-sh*t out of western institutions of learning. Afrikans can teach their own kind whatever their merry hearts desire. But we'll be damned! if they try and peddle their gobbledeegook here in the west.
Posts: 604 | Registered: May 2009
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posted
Afronut Slayer - You are NOT a westerner, you are an Asian by way of Europe.
Your kind has been in America for a very SHORT time. Talk about stealing other peoples stuff and then claiming it as your own. Typical White lies and hypocrisy.
Posts: 22721 | Registered: Oct 2005
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posted
You are a bloody Afrofool. How many times do I have to tell you I AM BLACK?!
quote:Originally posted by Mike111: Afronut Slayer - You are NOT a westerner, you are an Asian by way of Europe.
Your kind has been in America for a very SHORT time. Talk about stealing other peoples stuff and then claiming it as your own. Typical White lies and hypocrisy.
quote:Originally posted by Afronut Slayer: You are a bloody Afrofool. How many times do I have to tell you I AM BLACK?!
quote:Originally posted by Mike111: Afronut Slayer - You are NOT a westerner, you are an Asian by way of Europe.
Your kind has been in America for a very SHORT time. Talk about stealing other peoples stuff and then claiming it as your own. Typical White lies and hypocrisy.
Trying to logically follow your fuched-up mind. Since you are NOT White, then you can claim to be an original American, because you are Black, and Blacks were the original settlers of America - right?
Okay by me, you can be our token Black White boy. But I gotta tell you right off; Bob_01 doesn't believe in you.
Posts: 22721 | Registered: Oct 2005
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posted
Re: African People Must Write their own History
Well, traditionally Africans wrote their own history. This has been channeled through griots and like story-tellers. The "African History" told in the "West" are largely made for the "Western" audience, just like other peoples' histories are told in the "West", in an effort to shape young "Western" minds about their "place" in the world. Now of course, Africans in the diaspora [esp. in the so-called West] are made to contend with these versions of events. Furthermore, the role of traditional African historians is altered by influences put in place by colonial regimes, that have been carried over by current "independent" African government administrations...as found in text books printed overseas [usually from the so-called West] or material derived from those, as well stories that are colored by legends from adopted foreign religions. IMO, true African history-writing is definitely a must, and should consider the role of traditional griots and like historians, but not in a vacuum, that is to say -- not without the application of corroborating material verification to go along with it in a school setting. This prepares students of that history to defend such history on "neutral" turf that "standardizes" the ethics of debate by the requirement of material qualification on both ends of a debate. There are many African researchers and aspirants of the like around but some would be hard-pressed to realize this, because the local institutions that these folks generally have to work in are at a disadvantage when compared to "Western" counterparts, because of relatively lower funding or subsidization by the states. This in turn translates into African heritage institutions unhealthily relying on outside research teams drawn in by the desire to undertake a number of excavation projects, thus leading to the parting-away of pieces of African history to overseas museums. It is hard for one to tell and defend their heritage on their own terms, when a considerable portion of material symbols of that heritage is housed in foreign museums. Conversely, the ones with most of the material icons of history in their possession feel empowered to tell stories around those icons the way they would like to tell it. If these historical icons happen to be imported, then the stories built around them, are likely to be that which is not tailored in the best interest of the peoples of the source territory from which the icons came. If Africans are to have effective control over how African history is told, the staying-at-home of much of the material piece of that history is a must, for starters. Sure, outsiders could continue to tell African history with their own versions using their massive mass media mouthpieces, but the power to tell it any way diminishes when the relics of that history is in African hands, esp. when it comes to young African audiences. It's unfortunate, but history has often been a war of propaganda, and hence, politicized. This is why in places like China for example, the ruling elite don't appreciate it when an American head of state [recalling George Bush's visit] briefs a young Chinese audience on "history". I am sure the Chinese are aware that they have little control over how the "West" tells Chinese history on "Western" turf, especially with their massive largely corporate-sponsored propaganda machines, with satellites in a number locations around the globe, but they don't give a hoot. Why? Because the young Chinese minds are China's priority and as far as they are concerned, they have it locked, in terms of how they can shape said young minds about Chinese "place" in the world.
Posts: 7516 | From: Somewhere on Earth | Registered: Jan 2008
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quote:It is hard for one to tell and defend their heritage on their own terms, when a considerable portion of material symbols of that heritage is housed in foreign museums.
That's another great point...the removal of relics,the one thing I thing Dr.Hawass is doing right,getting his nation's relics back,I think other African Nations should follow suite, note Ethiopia press the Italians for the return of it obelisk. But I think much is being loss or not built upon according to this guy in the lecture algorithems has it's origin in Africa that got transposed into Arabic and retranslated into German.and from there gets filtered down into our modern computer languages, such gold we can 'll afford to have lost for good or extracted without compansation. http://www.ted.com/talks/ron_eglash_on_african_fractals.html The above link was bought to my attention by Asr Imhotept^.
Posts: 6546 | From: japan | Registered: Feb 2009
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quote:Originally posted by Mike111: Bob_01 - Just curious, how do you explain all of those Black people in ancient America?
Indigenous people also entered the Americas from Australia. These peoples were black skinned and can be even seen today. The Olmec weren't African in origin.
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