Arlo has been waking up early lately in order to adorn himself with what he calls “tiger legs” before heading off to school. [He’s also been growling a lot more lately.]
Up until yesterday, I’d been fine with it.
Now, though, as a result of the recent news out of Spokane, I feel as though it’s my responsibility to nip things in the bud before this becomes a story in the national press… With that said, here’s my statement.
“Arlo is not a tiger… He has not explained to us why he is doing what he’s doing and being dishonest and deceptive about his identity… It’s very sad that Arlo has not just been himself. His effectiveness within the tiger community would have been so much more viable, and he would have been more effective, if he had just been honest with everybody.”
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The case of RD fascinates me. On the surface it seems relatively straight forward to me, but everyone I know has a different take on it. Some are even suggesting that racial fluidity is a choice trust should be honored. I disagree but it’s a really interesting idea to consider. What is race? What is ethnicity? What does it mean to be black?
When I say that I disagree, I’m mostly referring to this case. RD didn’t merely attempt to “pass” — she appears to have also fabricated several hate crimes directed at herself in order to strengthen her position within the community as an credible spokesperson for the black community. It’s difficult for me to get beyond that.
It’s ok until he starts telling people that he’s being hunted.
The online reactions to this story are fascinating. I look forward to reading more opinions and comments…
If she were a black person passing for white, it wouldn’t be a story. There’s a long history of it. The thing that people seem to find so intriguing is that she’s going the other way.
It’s funny that I should see this today of all days, as I’m wearing these.
http://bit.ly/1KSM2bm
FF, I think it’s fascinating too. At risk of being shunned as an internet troll, I might ask how this compares to a university’s athletic program identifying with native Americans. When is it ok and who should decide?
I’ve seen people online defending her, equating her journey to that of Bruce/Caitlyn Jenner. Interestingly, I think at least one of theses people also came out against the Eastern students who dressed up like Indians. It’s becoming increasingly difficult to be a member of this society.
I don’t see an inconsistency problem. There is a big difference between an individual assimilating into and participating in a culture, on the one hand; and a University re-presenting a culture by means of a cartoonish mascot.
I don’t know enough about the RD case, but culture adaption/ adoption happens all the time….To everyone…..In varying degrees of self determination….I don’t really find it surprising or interesting…..I do find people’s reactions fascinating!
According to Mother Jones, she sued Howard University in 2002 claiming that she was denied opportunities because she wasn’t black. She lost the case. It could explain, however, why she felt compelled to become black. Perhaps, as someone who wanted to be a contributing member of that community, she saw it as her only option.
Read more:
http://www.motherjones.com/mixed-media/2015/06/rachel-dolezal-sued-howard-university-racial-discrimination
NY Daily News: “Rachel Dolezal, on the brink of homelessness, refuses to admit wrongdoing two years after scandal”