Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: Diversity

[Crystal Farmer (crystalbyrdfarmer]

Zev, unfortunately you're not aware of the complexities here. You're
continuing to use your proximity to a Black person to justify talking about
race in an offensive way. I pretty much agree with the pastor, but I don't
agree with how you introduced the topic as, "This Black person said it, so
it gives me permission to quote him." You may find the conversation
entertaining but it's causing harm.

Let's talk about language and how it's used. I grew up in the stereotypical
"low income" neighborhood. I don't code switch. How you see me write and
talk is how I've always done it. I have family members of all colors
(literally) who use a whole range of language. I'm tired of fighting
stereotypes that coming from a certain background means anything about our
ability to get along in cohousing. I equally hate the idea that a white
person would want to live in my neighborhood because my culture is somehow
better.

One big assumption I will make about Black people (please stop saying
"blacks"): we don't just say things--we think about the impact it's going
to have on others. We know our language, dress, and even food preferences
are all going to give us an advantage or disadvantage in how we get by in
this world. We don't usually get away with, "Well with text it's hard to
understand intent." People are being judged on far less.

Crystal