Many Conservative White Men Do Not Like "Smart Negroes" Like Myself
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Today, the “voting age” is 18 but back in 1967, it was 21.
Well, in 1968, when I was 22 years old and serving in the U.S. Army in Vietnam, I registered to vote for the very first time in my life and I registered as a Republican.
Now, the reason why I registered as a Republican is my best friend at the time, who was a handsome young Second Lieutenant from Philadelphia (and who closely resembled the young Ricky Nelson), urged me to do so. He was a member of the Young Republicans and very much involved in Republican politics.
In 1970, when I was discharged from the Army, I returned to my hometown, Los Angeles, and re-registered -- and although I was not really a Republican, or anything else, at the time, I registered as a Republican once again.
To make a long story short, around 1978 when I was 32 years old, I became a raging right-wing conservative. Every time I got the chance, I worked in the campaign of a Republican candidate for office and I often spoke out against such things as affirmative action, abortion, the Civil Rights Movement, white liberals, Democrat politicians and the “welfare state” that had been installed years before by the administration of President Lyndon B. Johnson.
However, because I was a “big city dude” who grew up in the streets and who knew the streets, I was never naïve, nor did I ever fool myself. From the gate, I was well aware that as a conservative Republican, I would always be surrounded by a whole lot of racist whites who had low opinions of black people.
So, on many occasions when I would be working in some Republican’s campaign or taking part in something like a seminar for conservatives, I would be the odd man out and virtually ignored.
But that never bothered me because I was not in the “conservative game” to become pals with white people. I was in it because, in my opinion, conservative ideals served “black progress” far better than liberal ideals did.
Additionally, on numerous occasions, I have had to set some conservative/Republican white man straight. Because they were the types who believed they were “The Rulers of the Universe,” they could not handle it when a black man came along who was just as smart as they were -- and sometimes, even smarter.
In their ways of thinking, black conservatives/Republicans are supposed to be “tap-dancing, smiling negroes” who are willing do some of their dirty work for them. It comes in real handy for big-time conservative white males when they have some negro out there doing things that they cannot get away with, such as leveling hard-hitting attacks against the likes of Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton and harshly criticizing blacks for their widespread lack of “get-up-and-go.”
Now, call me paranoid, a dude who suffers from a persecution complex or a lunatic with an over-active imagination, but I have no doubt that some white conservative males, right here on this network, are out to “put me in my place.”
That is quite obvious because as soon as I unwittingly give them a little opening, they start firing blasts at me from both barrels. They use the comments sections of my hubs to do such things as put words in my mouth, accuse me of “justifying sins” and to paint me as a person who does not follow the teachings of Jesus.
Also, I have no doubt that things are going to get a lot worse for me around here. There will be organized actions (put together “back channel”) to vote down each of my hubs; I will lose followers, and there will be even more attempts, than there have been already, to discredit me.
But all of that is just fine with me because, you see, yo soy un guerrero … I am a warrior.
I thrive on being attacked and under siege.
I love the smell of napalm in the morning.
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Hello, Wayne,
Thank you very much for your generous and uplifting comment.
And you're right. Now that I think about it, I was a right-wing conservative way back when I was little boy with my own newspaper route and shoe-shine business.
Hmmm, read your HUB and found it interestingly written. However, I have a hard time finding it accurate and would actually assume that you are a liberal writing a HUB to discredit "the other side." I'm 50 years old and have been a conservative all my life. I am successful in business, what some would consider on the wealthy side, and have many acquaintances across the globe. In all the places I have been and with all the people I know I have NEVER in my life (that I can remember) met a conservative who held the views you have expressed, NEVER!
Very interesting hub. I just have a problem when race comes up. I'm a registered Democrat. I get people telling me I'm racist because I think Obama is not a good president or hasn't a clue what he is doing. It bothers me when People use race. I'm not in any way a racist. Yes there is race out there and on both sides. But if race was such an issue as you think Obama could have never won the election! there are not enough black people to win an election. also if you truly want to bring up race, like 94% of blacks voted for Obama! to me that is racist. Many did not even know what he stood for but voted because he was black. I believe your not a republican but like most people with ambition and a good drive, the true American instinct of capitalism comes through. I will look for more hubs from you. Thanks
Rising Glory,
You are only 50 years old???!!!
Look, pal, when you were still in diapers, I was out there fighting the wars for truth, justice and the American way -- and often while having to overcome obstacles placed in front of me by Old South, Jim Crow white racists.
What I am telling you is, since you are only 50 years old, and also since you are only human and cannot see what goes on throughout the world, you have no business contesting anything I say about racism among white conservatives.
No smart person bases his "world view" only on what he has witnessed. Smart people are smart enough to know that a whole lot of stuff takes place on this planet that they have never seen with their own eyes and that they are unaware of.
So, get the hell out of here calling me a liar.
DannyyMaio,
Welcome to the club.
Just as many accuse you of being a racist because you are critical of Obama, many label me an Uncle Tom because I have conservative views on social, economic and political issues.
My suggestion to you is, suck it up.
If you express an opinion that you know will not set well with many people, be prepared to get attacked and called a lot of naughty names.
And the reason why race is always interjected is, it is an issue. For so long as some people have white skin and others have black skin, race will be an issue.
The world is what it is.
FeeNix, I judge people by their actions not skin color. I have friends of all nationalities and color and do not see color, I see good and bad. I honestly do not see race much of an issue, Yes we will always have people who are ignorant but you have to admit the world has become much more civilized with the race issue, again if it wasn't true Obama wouldn't be president. After he was elected I was hoping he would really make a difference but as anyone without rose colored glasses can see, the man has been a failure. I'm a democrat in the sense I was brought up from immigrant parents and we did not have much growing up. I believe we should have programs in place to help the elderly and people who have fallen on hard times. Not to enable them but help them. I believe the democrats of today are socialists who actually keep people down instead of helping them. I have seen people in supermarkets paying for food with the EBT card and then get into a brand new car! this is BS! I do hear what your saying but think the race issue is over exaggerated. Thanks again and I admire your service in the military!
DannyMaio,
I, I, I !!!
The key word in what you commented is "I."
So, okay, you are a real nice, color-blind person. However, it is not very wise of you to expect all of the other people in the world to be as "good" as you are.
And, personally, I do not ever look to a president to "make a difference."
If there are any "differences" to be made, I will make them myself. And millions-upon-millions of other Americans have the same attitude as mine. And that is the reason why we do not live under a dictatorship, and that is also the reason why the U.S.A. is the strongest and greatest nation on planet earth.
SPECIAL BULLETIN, SPECIAL BULLETIN:
"The Rising Glory" proved my case for me.
He is a perfect example of the type of conservative white male I wrote about in this hub.
By addressing me in the manner he did -- and while obviously being completely unaware of my background as a full-fledged conservative -- he showed that he does not like "smart negroes" like myself.
feenix, great piece with great points to be pondered as I look back at my steps in life, I reckon I been too stupid to be racist, I always got told I was hanging with the wrong crowd, peace dust
Hello, 50,
No, no, no, my man, you are not stupid at all.
What you are is a real hip worldly dude who accepts life on life's terms. You are one who knows that it is what it is.
feenix,
My hat is off to you. I'm amazed you are still in one piece....literally. When someone goes against the grain, they place themselves in harm's way in our society as you well know. You are courage personified. I wish I could say I would be brave enough to do as you have done with your life. But, I simply can't say that. A black man that goes against the shills and dogma of so-called "black leaders" is considered a pariah by most blacks. You are a braver man than I, my friend.
Hello, David,
Thank you very much for your uplifting comment the compliments.
However, I have no doubt that you are far more courageous than you are letting on. After all, you are brave enough to publish one conservative hub after another in THIS den of iniquity ;-)
As you may have picked up on me is that I am a strong advocate of common sense. You amplify that word. It has been my experience that MOST true conservatives are born with this charactoristic.
I think that your ability to adhere to this triat is how you survived the life that you have led. It is what molded you into the man we see on these very hubs.
As a conservative, I don't care if a person is black, white or any particular color...I merely want all people to just utilize some common sense. You are not just a great example for other blacks, but to all people.
To wrap up my point, as a conservative white guy....I embrace you, not as a black guy, but as a great thinking, common sense, Christian conservative, who also has great abilities to lead and make a difference in this Nation.
Hello again, CM,
Wow, man! Thank you very much for your uplifting comment.
Because of the compliments you paid me, I feel even more motivated to make as many contributions to the advancement and well-being of our nation as I can.
You are a smart man Feenix and of good character.
I will never understand the ignorance of some people.
Those with emotional intelligence would not be threatened by someone smarter whether they were black or white. They would say, "Hey we can learn from him."
"I choose peace over this"
Sue,
Thank you for holding me in such high regard. And I respect and admire you, too.
And just as untrained puppies always do what untrained puppies do, untrained humans always do what untrained humans do. ;-)
feenix I am neither white nor that smart and I like you just fine ! Liberals in the modern day measure a person by their education level. I myself judge a person by their character.
Hey, Tony,
And I like you just fine, too. You are a gentleman and a man of honor.
Also, you and I are two of the smartest people in the world -- and the reason why that is the case is we are smart enough to know that we are not that smart.
Feenix, No one wants you to run away but stick it out. Most poignant comment about your being conservative for your own reasons regarding what you felt was best for the community rather than be manipulated by rightwingers as their means to an end.
Credence2,
I am mystified by your first sentence. What in the hell were you talking about when you said, "No one wants me to run away but stick it out?"
About the only time I "run away" is when one of my women starts getting too serious. ;-)
And by now, you should know that I only march to my own drummer.
In the words of the late, great Richie Valens, "Yo no soy marinero! Yo soy capitan! Baaaa la bamba! ;-)
Yeah, continue marching to the beat of your own, drummer, I concur.
Credence2,
Both when I was in the Army and in the corporate world, my evaluations frequently reflected that I was not a "team player."
And that is one of the reasons why I get a lot of satisfaction out of the lonely art of writing.
Yes, it is lonely, but as with you I find that it has its good points. Its ok that you did not ace the psychological batteries. Do your own thinking in wherever it leads you. I am always going to resist having someone lead me along many times merely it is their suggestion and not a conclusion of my own. Have a nice evening Cred2
I loved it when Obama made a speech at the Democratic convention years ago and two of my liberal friends watching it commented "He's so articulate!" I said nothing but just chuckled to myself...like we have found a Black man who can speak in something besides Ebonics?
On a talk show the commentator made mention of his stop for coffee and the conversation he had with this "Wonderful Chinese lady." I have never heard anyone White person say "I had a lovely (fill in blank) with a White person."
I have paid attention to comments like this for years as they do give some insight into our thought process. I know with me the first thing I notice is color. If I spoke to you the first thought is "Black" even before we converse. The thing that has taken me many years to erase is just mentally stopping at the color and proceeding to make judgements as I go along based on everything but color. From conversations I find the process a two way street.
Hi, rick,
Terrific I comment. I really do like it.
When some patronizing white person tells me that I am "very articulate" or something along that line, I always add, "And I am house-broken, too."
My father was an old soldier....If you didn't want to hear the truth....you didn't ask him the question. The only color he ever praised in life was my mother's blue eyes.
You do tell the truth...the wonderful truth.
Hello, Tom,
Your dad was my kind of man.
And the apple does not fall far from the tree, as they say. My father was so straight-forward, he was scary. ;-)
Hi Feenix,
It is unfortunate you cannot regain the time wasted on repugnant individuals, what a vacation that would make. As a young southern California kid, I do not have a clue about suffering or racial intent. Admittedly, I am so focused on the moral deluge that is our country, it isn’t possible to fully understand how we create so much trouble in our own back yard. There is great difficulty in fighting for the right for people to remain ignorant while trying to blockade the grip of totalitarian government leanings.
Humans can be beautiful and humans can be brutally ugly bastards, there is no title we can unify under that will cure fleshly evil. I look forward to meeting you in a new body, serving a great Father. May peace comfort our heavy heart.
Hello, Jason,
What a swell comment. And I have no doubt that you and I will meet our Father's realm.
Also, I have to get this in: Back in the day, I was a young Southern California kid myself. And while growing up, I lived in the region of L.A. that is now Crip territory -- and that is one of the reasons why I am as tough as I am.
And speaking of my being tough, I rather enjoy dealing with all of the "repugnant ones" who slither into my little village.
I feel that way because every time I kick one of their asses, I experience a great deal of satisfaction.
Hi Feenix, I grew up in Anaheim, Fullerton and Orange, not exactly the "Southland" as portrayed. I did run a delivery route in Long Beach out of high school for several years. Our warehouse was in Alameda. I saw my fair share of characters at 3:30 am in the morning, the last call crowd.
There is no doubt you handle the repugnant ones candidly. God certainly has watched over your training. Peace brother.
Hi, Jason,
But nevertheless, Anaheim, Fullerton and Orange are parts of the the "Southland." As a matter of fact, those places and the areas surrounding them are presently the heart of the Southland. It just that the TV show entitled, Southland, applied the name only to a particular region of Southern California -- inner-city L.A.
"I feels ya Feenix"
This is a beautifully well written hub and I agree 100% and, am a champion of, the intense spirit you emblazoned with the intellectual octane spewing from this piece.
I gots to subscribe!
Hello, VizFact,
Welcome to HubPages and I am very glad to have made your acquaintance.
I can see already that you and I are going to be real good friends on this site.
Thank you for the warm welcome, I am anything but new to Hubpages but I will take what I can get.
Thank you for the kind fan mail!
I wish people would stop using the word race. The last time I checked we are all of the human race. Yes we have different ethnicity's and skin color but we are all human. Feenix, I know there are a lot of ignorant people out there. It blows my mind every day that people do not have any common sense and also that they vote or put in their two cents on topics that they absolutely have no idea about. As for racist bullshit, I am from a different era than you, but I have received a fair amount for being of Native American descent. Somewhere in this reply I lost focus and went off on a tangent. But I love your posts!!! Keep up the good work.
Voted up. Good to see you Feenix! :-)
Hello, das,
Actually, I am one of those people who accepts life on life's terms. I am a realist who believes that it is what it is -- and that shit happens.
Straight up, it's all right with me when some jerk discriminates against me. He had just better not try to physically harm me because I will defend myself by kicking his ass from here to next year.
Hello, DDS,
Thank you taking the time read this hub and to leave comment, and for the vote.
And it's good to see you, too.
The biggest problem with our great nation is that people still believe that race doesn't matter which is naive.
I am not saying that I do or don't consider race, but others may, and to pretend that they don't or to try to disregard the notion of racism as ancient history is a guarantee that things will get worse.
Embracing a problem is the solution to a problem/concern not abandonment as others try to do at our society's peril.
Feenix, have your haters come vote my hubs down again, my hubscore is skyrocketing. We can't have that now can we.
Hello, VizFact,
You said, "The biggest problem with our great nation is that people still believe that race doesn't matter which is naive."
Well, Amen to that, brother! Amen!
Presently, I know quite a few blacks who believe that "race is not issue anymore" and that nearly all contemporary whites are "color blind."
I consider that way of thinking among blacks to be scary.
People are tribal pack animals by nature, racism isn't going anywhere, in fact it may be healthy. Hate is the problem.
VizFact,
You're exactly right. Hate IS the problem. Not only does hate cause people to destroy others, it causes them to destroy themselves, or to self-destruct.
GEEZ you spoke ill of republicans? How could you do that?
Hehehehe………………….
Yet another excellent read. I tip my hat and offer my gratitude.
Because I have chosen to call out the GOP on it’s shortcomings in blogs I have been accused of being liberal. Even when I was young and stupid and into far left politics I despised the liberal mentality, and to be called that now just cracks me up.
Ironic how Rising Glory made your point so while trying to negate it.
Hello, KC Santiago,
Yeah, I guess I sort of broke Ronald Reagan's "11th Commendment," Thou Shalt Not Criticize Another Republican.
But human nature is human nature and it is what it is. Moreover, I have always been one who accepts life on life's terms. I am a realist and I do not have even one "ideal bone" in my body.
feenix, Great hub and I am elated that you are aware of the tactics. The have been the same as peter tosh states in one of his most popular tunes. "400 hundred years" Some of those so-called leaders made poverty fashionable, while at the same time accepting millions of dollars of aid from different organization. I remember seeing the Original march on Washington on PBS and Martin was Assassinated. What happen to all of those marchers after that. One they had left everything they had behind, and now they were unable to go either backwards or forward.
platinumOwl4,
Your comment prompted me to remember something that I have not given any thought to in a very long time.
I remember that after MLK was assassinated, the Civil Rights Movement came to a dead halt and much of America's black society started going backward instead of forward.
Feenix,
Have not known you long here on FB, but you are a man of moral charachter , unlike those who oppose our views who are just characters. All you can do is laugh them off, because they are at least entertaining. And who cares what the HP number is, I don't. I enjoy reading the facts as you present them. You always give me another view of a subject.
By the way, been a while since we crossed paths, but my trach has been removed.
Hello, American View,
No, we have not known each other very long; however, I consider you to be one of my best friends on HubPages.
And thank you very much for your very generous and supportive comment. I really do appreciate it and I am honored.
Wow. At first, when I saw the title, I was like, "WTH?" But after reading it, I was impressed with not only your forthright attitude and your presentation of truth, but also with the way you articulate (NOT a disparaging, back handed compliment, BTW), especially since it takes me a long time and many rewrites to articulate only half as well as you do. Great piece, thanks for publishing it.
Hello, Jaymye Allen,
Why thank you very much for your generous comment and the compliments.
Dear feenix, i am not an American but i know what you speak of. Since you ve found joy and believe in the struggle you re fighting for, i say more power to your elbow. Fight the battle to the end cos it is your RIGHT!
Hello, ubanichijioke,
Thank you very much for taking the time to read this hub and for your supportive comment.
As a conservative I stand for the individual. Race, color, gender or sexual orientation has nothing to do with the value of the individual. Each human being is an equal entity with a right to voice their opinions. I truly apppreciated reading yours. Stand your ground, stand strong and know that there are many that supports you and your honorable service to this Nation!
Hello, Reality Bytes,
Thank you very much for your generous and encouraging comment. I has given me a big lift.
feenix, loved the hub. I find that there are conservative racist and liberal racist. The conservative racist is out of the closet while the liberal is still in the closet. I prefer the one out of the closet. I've also noticed that each of these racist can be a member of either political party. It's tricky out there watching your back.
But let's not forget about the brothers out there who don't like us much either because we decided not to drink the Kool-Aide. Keep up the good work.
Hey, Right Black,
Thank you very much for taking the time to read this post and for leaving an excellent comment.
You wrote, "...But let's not forget about the brothers out there who don't like us much either because we decided not to drink the Kool-Aide..."
That statement prompted something to come to mind and that is, far more blacks than whites dislike me because I am a "smart negro."
Hi Feenix,
Happy New Years, first off. I enjoyed this hub. I'm of the left wing, but I think it's obvious we want the same things, we just disagree about how we get there. Like you, I worked for the Government in my country, and at the grand old age of 45 (I know, I know, you'll say I'm still a baby :) )and after seeing what I've seen, heard, experienced, nothing surprises me.
I'm afraid discrimination exists, on every level, it's only the blinkered who deny this. But, if they're picking on you, it's because they feel threatened by you!! And you know this, too. You're not paranoid, you're realistic and you speak the truth. BTW, you're a smart man! No other adjectives necessary. :)Keep writing :)
Hello, Hollie,
Thank you very much for your very encouraging comment. It really did give me a big lift.
And, Hollie, leftie, schmefty -- and righty, schmitey -- you are still one of my very good friends here on HubPages. And as you pointed out, we both love our country, it is just that we have differing views when comes to how some things should be done.
And quite frankly, the truth probably lies someplace in between the ways in which you and I see things.
live for yourself...
I love this history piece and perspective. I have felt similarly, which is why I am Independent now. I see that leaving the party doesn't maker it better though.
Hey, Rodric,
Actually, bias against blacks and other forms of racism are a fact of life that will never cease to exist.
And over the years, I have learned how to accept life on life's terms.
"But that never bothered me because I was not in the “conservative game” to become pals with white people. I was in it because, in my opinion, conservative ideals served “black progress” far better than liberal ideals did."
Now that's making them wring the snot out of their own noses. I've never heard it better said. But, I hope you also do get a bigger helping of graciousness from the One on whom everyone depends.
Hello, Daniel,
Why thank you very much, my friend.
I completely agree with you on this. Oh the horror they must feel that a black man doesn't fit their stereotypes. RightBlack is right on in regards to the in and out of the closet racism of some liberals and conservatives. This is another excellent and interesting article.
Hello, Express,
Yes, a considerable nuber of white males often view the members of such groups as blacks, Hispanics and women in stereotypical ways, and believe that the members of those groups should always stay in "their place."
However, that does not ever upset or disappoint me one bit, because I have no doubt that I am just as good as anyone else, and that I am whole lot bette than many people. ;-)
Actually, the same thing could be said about most career politicians regardless of party...
They are racist and self serving.
I have been snubbed by both conservative and liberal politicians... Both of which have been really kind of racist.
Not sure this is a conservative thing...
Hey, Time Man,
You are absolutely right. It is not a conservative thing.
Actually, it is a human being thing. We are a very flawed species.
Wayne Brown Level 8 Commenter 9 months ago
feenix, I punched a few buttons up to get you a head start on the process should it come your way. A man with your insight and wisdom about life and people need not bow down to anyone. You were a conservative back before you ever knew it because I suspect that you always thought for yourself whether it was politics or business. If more people used their brain, applied common sense, and got off the "bandwagon", the Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton types would be selling pencils on the sidewalk. There is not much lower than one can go than to exploit his own people to put money in his pocket then call themselves "leaders" and "spokespersons". I find it apalling regardless of race or creed. To me, it is extremely refreshing and reassuring to see people in the black race embrace the process of thinking for themselves. Those that I know who have done that are very inspiring people who can do much to help others attain the same mindset. You have the ability to communicate and inspire on a high plane which is a skill you must share with others. We all get a little bit better when we can add up the numbers for ourselves and see the expected outcome...that is truly what freedom is about. Keep on hubbin'! WB