Black History: Special Delivery!!
Today, I came across a quote I shared on social media on “predatory blending”. It is just as true today as it was 11 years ago and inspired more reflection to flow from my pen:
Beware of “Predatory Blending”. Your associations should embrace you not erase you. -Enid Gaddis, Black Mail Founder
I created the term, “predatory blending” to describe the assimilation that can be expected from black people or other people of color as we navigate, infiltrate, integrate, and situate ourselves in various settings from employment, entrepreneurship, community involvement, civic engagement, education, etc.
There are times when our “acceptance” or even or “eligibility” for inclusion is based on our ability to assimilate. Assimilation leads to erasure. When assimilation is required for acceptance, the often hidden but powerful forces of “predatory blending” are at work.
Don’t allow your wisdom, wit, and work to be manipulated and re-worked so that your influence and imprint is watered down and unrecognizable. Don’t let systems and shysters mine the riches of your intellect and innovation co-opting it for causes that refuse to accept the totality and phenomenality of your essence and presence. Bring the fullness of YOU into these spaces. Refuse to be erased.
July 21, 2020 at 2:14 pm
So nicely put. The phrase itself says a lot, too. Thanks for this, and yes, it still is relevant. I don’t know whether that is good or bad, though.Maybe, some truths are just always truth, no matter the time or place.
July 26, 2020 at 8:41 pm
Thanks to me its a recognition for us to be aware of the difference between what it means to be authentically accepted and appreciated for who we are vs only being accepted when we “assimilate”.
July 31, 2020 at 9:31 am
Amen! Being appreciated as opposed to being tolerated are worlds apart, and there is a fundamental difference between the two.