The opening pages of Keith Gilyard and Adam Banks’s book, On African-American Rhetoric (2018), introduce African-American rhetoric’s accomplishments. African-American rhetoric – a necessity for a people sold into bondage – is responsible for slave narratives, which carved out a space for Black slaves in an otherwise oppressive country, and for the “formation of a musical tradition rooted in the spirituals and the blues” (7). While perusing these accomplishments, what gave me pause was slave narratives being watered down.
Slave narratives contain sections that allege the tales are an “understatement regarding the horrors of enslavement” (16). This is exemplified in Olaudah Equiano’s narrative, as parts do not reveal too intimately his experiences. Recounting his anguish being separated from his sister, Equiano simply says, “I was left in a state of distraction not to be described1”. Explaining this terror would have advanced Equiano’s point, yet he left the feeling vague – perhaps knowing those who read his narrative would doubt its validity. Further, this decision was made because, as much as white people purport their support for the oppressed, they ignore their complicity – choosing comfort over challenging racism and oppression.
It should be noted that this indifference has permeated America since its beginnings. In a 1791 letter to Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Banneker asks Jefferson how the United States justifies slavery after freeing themselves from Britain’s rule. Banneker cannot help but wonder how “you should at the same time be found guilty of that most criminal act, which you professedly detested in others, with respect to yourselves”. Banneker questions the assertion that African-Americans are inferior – as God’s children, all men are created equal.2 Jefferson responds and laments he longs for such equilateral proof – its lack thereof stemming from Africa being a backward continent.3 Rather than critique or analyze his hypocrisy, Jefferson implies Africa is a degraded continent while absolving himself – and by extension, America. Jefferson, like Equiano’s audience, chose comfort over change.
Moreover, a controversy surrounding The Bachelor’s current season has the same ignorant stench. Contestant Rachael Kirkconnell – who is white – attended an “Old-South plantation-themed party” in Georgia – where she had her picture taken. After the photo’s emergence, Kirkconnell was met with well-warranted criticism. What is further problematic is The Bachelor’s host’s refusal to critically examine the situation. In an interview with Extra TV’s Rachel Lindsay, the show’s host, Chris Harrison – who is also white – absolves Kirkconnell, stating, “You’re one-hundred percent right [being upset] in 2021. That was not the case in 2018…That was a type of party that a lot of people went to4”. Harrison shirks critical analysis, implying racist undertones have an expiration date. He chooses comfort over change – consistently giving a dismissive “I don’t know.” or “Who’s to say?” when faced with accountability. Further, he demonstrates an insensitive unawareness when answering – considering his interviewer is Black.
Undoubtedly, unawareness is a privilege. As a white person myself, I implore other white people – analyze this privilege. Remember our existence here does not derive from subjugation – nor has it ever been denied literacy. A seat at the table is not reserved for the man who denies his brother’s allegations of torment, or for who asks his brother to water down his words so they can be easier swallowed – it is reserved for the man who will listen, to all things unpleasant, and recognize his place among them; it is reserved for the man who pulls out the chair for his brother, and says, “Rest your weary legs, and tell me of your woes.”
References
1. Equiano, Olaudah. The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano. The Project Gutenberg eBook, 2005.
2. Banneker, Benjamin. Copy of a Letter from Benjamin Banneker to the Secretary of State, With His Answer. 1791, founders.archives.gov/documents/Jefferson/01-22-02-0049.
3. Jefferson, Thomas. Copy of a Letter from Benjamin Banneker to the Secretary of State, With His Answer. 1791, founders.archives.gov/documents/Jefferson/01-22-02-0091.
4. “Chris Harrison & Rachel Lindsay Talk ‘Bachelor’” YouTube, uploaded by extratv, 9 February 2021, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hmY1gSAuRk&feature=youtu.be
Kevin P. Coogan 