To Know vs To Speak

"when contemporary progressive educators all around the nation challenged the way institutionalized systems of domination (race, sex, nationalist imperialism) have, since the origin of public education, used schooling to reinforce denominator values, a pedagogical revolution began in college classrooms..." -bell hooks Teaching Community a Pedagogy of Hope

I often find myself unable to articulate cis-male privilege in its totality. What's worse is that I am often challenged by the need to affirm its existence; as was the case in a dialogue during this past weekend visit to Memphis Tennessee. The discussion was one of many activities after a long day of amazing food, thrifty shopping, inspirational museum visits, and more activities as a part of the larger BSA-designed trip to Memphis. My vocal block came during the "male only" private group dialogue called "brother-to-brother." During the dialogue we were sharing our experiences, as "POC males." This included existing within the context of a predominately white institution PWI; as students, friends, lovers, brothers, etc.

When the question of "[how to build stronger community as African American males]," came front and center, I immediately called out cis-male privilege as a weight holding the community down. One of my peers, trying to make sense of my claim, asked that I be more direct so I shifted my focus from cis-male privilege to the more relevant and appropriate, black cis-male privilege. I stated that for black cis-females, the oppressive reality is at least felt two fold: racism and sexism. I cited the marginal exclusion of cis-female accomplishment, contribution, and coverage in our oh so accurate texts where we study about America's story. This is a kind of cis-male privilege. For my peer, it was difficult to accept this as an example of black cis-male privilege because the hand that writes, has written, the text are those with authority/voice/power: white cis-males. More attention is given to a Martin Luther King not because of some black cis-male privilege but because of factors that are a product of white cis-male privilege. My problem with this was the idea that because this instance of cis-male privilege is the sole responsibility of white cis-male; all cis- males are rewarded and should therefore act discording to this fruit basket. Furthermore, my peer also felt that my claiming that black cis-males benefit at the expense of cis-black females, let alone cis-females, is in effect dismissing the pressure of racism on people, particularly black people. All were effected. I agree with the latter that racism is a force on all but not with the idea that me claiming the existence of black cis-male privilege dilutes racism's past and present impact on our attitudes and actions. For me, it makes all oppressions clearer and therefore creates better targets to size up and exert the might of compassion upon.

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What is above is not exactly how the conversation went. I did not have healthy and effective responses highlighting the objections that I have written above. The dialogue was a lot more spacious and fragmented. Partly because of a great disconnect between two perspectives. Anther part of this is articulation. It's difficult at times to speak out because I have a limited base of reference. Long story short, I will forever work on pitches and arguments to support a reality I know to be true. Spaces, such as this blog, that are helpful in reminding me of the importance of growing my reference and being forever mindful will forever be appreciated.