From the photograph on my office wall the face of a man from an indigenous Amazonian tribe looks evenly at me.
Contemplating this picture, thinking about colonialism, reason, and reasons of state, a very basic perception came to me, with the requisite sense of déjà vu. This time, however, it settled in differently.
The most frustrating aspect of being colonized is, having to negotiate with, and being expected to submit to, someone who does not see you as you are, who insists upon imposing their own image of you. Who, furthermore, does whatever they can to further your internalization of this image, and expects you to be grateful. Who will, if your internalization is perfect enough and your gratitude great enough, offer you a fellowship to study in their country.
I have not reported on Da Whiteman lately, so I will offer some brief takes. Da Whiteman, as the assiduous reader will know, is a composite character. He is not always white, and he is not always a man; he is Da Whiteman.
I.
PZ: Please do not behave in this manner.
WM: I do not know what you mean. When you find me behaving in this manner, please let me know at the time.
PZ: I am referring to issues of common courtesy. I do not wish to engage in the teaching of basic manners to adults. As an adult, you should already be aware of the rules and principles of common courtesy.
WM: I am not a mind reader.
Translation: I am committed to poor behavior.
II.
WM: In the spirit of equity, democracy, reason, progress, openness, and affirmative action, I hereby decree that the graduate fellowship this year shall be granted to a whiteman, respresenting the class most in need of support!
Translation: stand aside, colored girls. Whiteman coming.
Thank you for reading this post, in which I oppress the Whiteman by pointing out oppression.
Axé.
coldhearted scientist وداد 
What Whiteman clearly understands is that when it comes to The Great Chain of Being, the Whiteman of Northern European extracti0n (the Protestant branch, that is), is snuggled in God’s belly button. It is this proximity to divinity that allows him to label all the off-whites as “other”.
I like how you pointed out that “Da Whiteman” is not always white or a man. This is true because that mentality will just show up in the most unlikely of places. Always a pleasure and have a great weekend.
Spot on.
i like this – da whiteman is not always white or a man..
you might like this link from my blog:
http://www.breakingranks.net/
sounds like what you’re talking about
If you would have written “Wif Forked Tongue” instead of “Wit’ Forked Tongue,” I would have fell out of my chair laughing.
Azgoddess – I looked at the site, a dignity movement against ‘rankism’ – very good idea!
Moksha – you’re right, it should be Wif, I am tempted to change it!
“The most frustrating aspect of being colonized is, having to negotiate with, and being expected to submit to, someone who does not see you as you are, who insists upon imposing their own image of you. Who, furthermore, does whatever they can to further your internalization of this image, and expects you to be grateful. Who will, if your internalization is perfect enough and your gratitude great enough, offer you a fellowship to study in their country.”
Powerful words & blog site! Your composite of “Da Whiteman” with dialogue is excellent, I thoroughly enjoyed reading it along with the other writings on this site.
Thank you!
*clears throat discreetly behind raised fingers*
May I say, with a deep sigh, hello?
And yess indeedy. Good stuff here. As always, of course. I count on you to keep on keepin’ on. It’s like a light in the window of the web…guiding me back as I surely will be.