How Martin Luther King is like Fun Feminism-

Well, it's nearly Martin Luther King day, and the use of Martin Luther King as an imaginary black friend, who never makes you have to actually go out and learn anything, will reach its peak. The current image of Martin Luther King is apolitical and sanitized. This image shows him as a kindly old grandfather mostly interested in making sure that everyone is crushed together into a bland mass of white bread. This, similar to Fun Feminism, is rightwing backlash disguised as progressivism. It allows the apperence of being liberal "see! I'm not racist! I approve of a black guy" while turning the clock back. Quote MLK out of context, and put paid to all those uppity blacks with their MC contests, Kwanzaa celebrations, and other indications that black folks don't want to take their 'places' as aspiring whites, happy to be relegated to the worst schools,jobs, etc. They try to use Martin Luther King to fight resistance to racism. By complaining about 'self segregation', they try to make it harder for minorities to gather together, gaining both political and nonpolitical means of power. Of course, the main difference between this use of MLK and fun feminism is that most people of color see the use of MLK for what it is- a political tool to keep people from upsetting the apple cart. Oddly, many women seem to believe that the apple cart is totally being upset by cute cute boots.

We continue to have our black groups, celebrations and cultures, and to fight for access to better jobs and healthcare. I think the reason why is that only a few black people can trade off 'not being like those other whiny black people' as our culture and history brings us together.* Women? we're all over the place, so it's easier to divide and conquer. Every woman for her self! If I just act feminine enough, everything will be OK! Black folks? There's a saying. What do you call a black person who has left the room?

the n word.

*I mean us black americans.