There is a local resturaunt by our house which is a
favorite because of the cook. Usually the cook is kind
of hidden in the back, but this one comes out, goes to
your table, and cracks a joke or two. One day, the
summer after 9-1-1, my kids and I went there and a
group of elderly church like ladies came in with red
hats. This cook came out out and loudly asked, "what's
up with those red hats". He then loudly proclaimed,
"Ladies and gentleman, beware its the red hatted
terrorists."
Yet, there seems to be this other side too, Aunt
Jaminma factor. If one looks at old 1930's cartoons,
which were clearly propaganda, one sees these strong
images of African Americans happy as shit in their
oppression.
So, I have these mixed feelings. On the one hand, I
agree with much of what is said. Those that are
economically and socially oppressed are able to find
enjoyment in their work. Yet, what interpretation does
the powers that be make of this with studies that
focus on enjoyment. Is it like the Aunt Jamina
propaganda films that aim to show society that 1930's
African American life can't be that bad if Aunt Jamima
is that happy.
I remember this old Christmas story that might be
pertinant. Its begins like the classic two worlds
story. There are two children, one rich and one poor,
the day after Christmas. One, the rich child, got all
the newest toys; DVD player, X-Box, Bratz dolls, wide
screen tv etc, while the other, the poor child, only
got a big bag of shit. After about an hour the rich
kid is bored and not sure what to play with next,
while the poor kid is still enjoying playing with his
shit.
I'm not sure why I was told this story as a child.
Partly I suppose to demonstrate how I was much happier
than any rich child with a silver spoon in his mouth.
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