May I Run A Few Questions by You?

Remember me telling you about the PBS special, Race 2012? Well, it’s that time and every Tuesday, up until election day, is when I’ll publish an article relating to the topic of race and politics. Do make sure you tune in to the program, which will be aired on October 16th. I’ll keep you posted, of course but I also want you to be proactive, folks. That’s critical in these uncertain times. So, check your local listing, folks and look for Race 2012: A Conversation About Race & Politics in America.

Of course, the purpose of this is to have a forum for open and honest dialogue and since we’re all grown folk around here, we can do that, right? I thought so.

Monica, of Monica’s Tangled Web, invited me. Just so you know I’m not making this up. Okay? The Race 2012 Blogging Project Begins is the proof that I’m not. Now…If you’d so kindly oblige me, I have a few questions…

“Race in America” Watercolor on paper. Copyright 2012 Totsymae/www.totsymae.com

Are you voting this year? You most certainly will? May I ask you where we are with race relations in America? Are we getting better? What makes you think so? How do you think folks who don’t look like you feel about where we are on this matter? Do you ever empathize on that? What makes them feel that way? You think we’re getting better ’cause we’ve got an African American president? What kind of president did you say you want?  Does your president have to look like you or can he look like me? Does it matter how he looks at all? Are you sure? How much of a factor has race played into the political game in the last four years?  Do you feel as if your president represents you regardless of color? Can you expound on why you feel that way? Ever have conversations about race among friends and family? Would you care to share snippets of those  conversations? So, you think not talking about race makes it all better? How does that happen? Has it been working for you? Why do you think folk want to have this conversation? We need to just move on? Okay. If I may ask a handful of other questions, can I ask you what folks mean when they say we want to take our country back? Why are they so angry when they say that? Do you feel the same way? Do you think there’s a racial divide in America? You don’t see one? Do your friends who don’t look like you see one? You just want us all to get along? How can we get along if we don’t talk?

Here are a few other participants in the Race 2012 blogging campaign:

Monica’s Tangled Web

She Writes

Somer Empress

Destination Unknown

We’re Off to the Races, Folks

“Sing, America” Collage/Watercolor on paper. Copyright 2012 Totsymae/Background Text: I, Too, Sing America by Langston Hughes

Now that both conventions are over, we’re on the campaign trails of President Barack Obama and Mitt Romney. I, ladies and gentleman folks, have been invited to participate in a PBS special, Race 2012, by Monica Medina of Monica’s Tangled Web. I’m so excited about this invitation ’cause it gives me a creative opportunity to write and compose new art applicable to a pivotal time in our history. Thank you again, Monica.

With that said, I hope you’ll join me for a series of posts, starting October 2 and each Tuesday thereafter, leading to the election as I delve into race and politics in the way that I try to do. Honestly. I’m even considering taking Beatrice from Apt. 7B along with me. I could use the company out here on the trail. As long as she’s not trying to take over, she can hang. Know what I’m saying?

I know folks from other countries occasion this little blog, so you’re more than welcome to hone in. Race and elections aren’t just an American thing, you know. I look forward to your thoughts, whatever they may be. Also, there will be other bloggers and artists joining in, so you’ll get to hear more folk than me. I’ll add links to my Tuesday posts so you won’t be out there in virtual wonderland not knowing where to go after you leave my place. Okay? You won’t need a map or nothing. Just click the link and be on your merry way.

Now. When you do come over to my place, I’ll have some virtual desserts and punch set out. Remember what your mama taught you, folks. Don’t come on an empty stomach trying to gobble up everything in the vicinity. Alright? This is more about feeding your brain anyhow.

I’ll see you good folks around real soon. And shut the door tight on your way out. These flies ain’t no joke down south.