8/9/2019 Provoke (June 2010)

1/141 | PROVOKE

We the People

8/9/2019 Provoke (June 2010)

2/14

While trying to better understand the reasons forracism, intolerance, bigotry, bias, discrimination,prejudice and hate intentional, systemic andunconscious to myself. I've learned some thingsthat many of them do. When I began to recognizetheir patterns, I learned what the greatest offenseis to the racist.

My reasons can be rightfully summarized byincorporating this statement into your thoughtprocess.

You can not understand, consider or rehabilitate aracist regardless how it was acquired until yourelease your own prejudices against and/or aboutthe racist or bigot. To understand a racist is to

fully comprehend and incorporate its answer. Youmust see them for who they are above what theyare.

Now I could stop right there, but I believe Ishould give you a little more to make it plain.

The greatest offense to the racist, bigot or onewho believes he/she is entitled, privileged orsomehow superior to others by way of their raceis knowledge of ones self and history.

Example: White Supremacy, like any other

labeled supremacy is in fact not truly a superioritycomplex, but an inferiority complex. The personwho believes they are superior over anotheractually demonstrates their own inferioritycomplex.

I use White Supremacy because of its notoriety incomparison to other complexes, disorders andsocial deficiencies. There are many cases of othergroups who believe, practice and teach that theyare better than another. So ironically WhiteSupremacy is not an exclusive bias or prejudice,but just a caveat of a much broader conspiracy ofhate.

So as an example, the White Supremacistbecomes offended when you know who you are,your history in addition to theirs and you areunafraid or not ashamed to share it. The reason isthat you take away their perceived power withthe weapon of knowledge and intimidated themwith confidence.

Listen to the racist when they speak. Their onlyweapon is fear, ignorance and intimidation. The

will always say that they're not a racist, becauseit's socially unacceptable and that's what theyfear the most, being socially unacceptable. Evenwhen the prejudice is unrealized or unconscious,you must not be persuaded by negativecomments and accusations waged against you.Allow them to be themselves. Our responsibilityis to help them see themselves how they see you.

In the end history, time and facts is the defenderof truth. You have not the time to spare debatingthe false evidence appearing real to the unaware,unsocialized and the uncultured or unreformedmind of the racist or bigot.

We have the racist to thank, whether unaware,

unconscious or intentional for demonstratingmany of the points raised. Whenever they arechallenged to reconcile or justify their actionsthey will typically revert to what they were taughtby someone with their own bias and prejudices.

Listen to what they don't, won't or afraid to say,because that's the lessons you teach them. Alesson for how to effectively deal with many oftheir perceptions and misunderstandings inaddition to reading, listening, watching andobserving others who fight against and under-educated people about racism, discrimination

and hate.

The racist is always quick to deny anyresponsibility and make no acknowledgment oftheir actions as being racist, but you only need toallow their words and actions speak forthemselves. Remember the unaware don't realizethe obvious. Watch what they do, not what theysay.

This is what I've learned is one of the greatestoffenses to the racist. This is the reason why I amnot afraid of or persuaded by their ignorance.

Neither should you.

provoke|

PAGE2

The Greatest Offense to the Racist | Written By: Timothy Valentine

8/9/2019 Provoke (June 2010)

3/14

You may not be belong to any church or attendregularly, but I ask you to consider what youbelieve?

Now Im speaking in terms of what we havebeen taught, accepted, practice and teach eachother in terms of religion/spirituality. This is not acriticism of the religious/spiritual or of the non-religious/non-spiritual, but one perspectiveaddressing something thats missing in both.

Before I go any further, understand that I'm notquestioning your faith or belief in God. I amasking you to question what people who say theybelieve with what they do. This includes lookingat yourself. The Church is not a church if it is only

you, but us.

If the Church is suppose to represent the Body ofChrist, then why do we continue the heinous actof crucifixion by dismembering Christ the way wehave?

Consider the spiritual trauma thats caused eachtime someone discriminates against someonewho you perceive is not like yourself. When thechurch is true to its original cause it knowsneither division or disunity.

If you claim to be a child of God, whatever youspiritual beliefs may be, how can you not beappalled when you see such division throughoutthe world? Its not so much the world, but evenconsidering the role the established religionscontinue to contribute to the world in itspromotion of division. Its like we find peace andcomfort in warring against one another allproclaiming to have the absolute truth or somemeasure of superiority over another.

If we are to be the body of Christ, then we mustbe on one accord. Our propensity to cling to thecomforts of our denominational doctrines,spirituality traditions, cultural segregation orreligious ethics, the goal is to be one and to bereceiving to all that may want to come. Insteadmany are content in the perception of being asone in words, but without truth.

When you see that God or whatever name youcall him is not our denominations, is beyond ourdivisions, is not any one race, perhaps we canmove beyond the narrow sectarianism thatconfines us to these categories.

When we come to the realization that we stopdividing ourselves with conversations of whatGod isnt and engage in dialogue of what God is,perhaps we can have make spiritual progress andbecome united in faith. When we accept thereality that God is not a figment of ourimaginations, but can accept those who believehe is, maybe we can begin to see each other forwho we are above what we are. If you are to betrue, you must come to realize this for yourself.

Beyond what divides us spiritually, we amazinglyfind ourselves divided culturally andeconomically in our beliefs.

A quote by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. has

remained unfortunately true to this day, at least inAmerican society. That is the unspoken orsilenced reality that segregation has been allowedto enter into the doors of the Church.

How can such a division exist in the true Body ofChrist? You must face the tragic fact that whenyou stand at 11:00 on Sunday morning to cry outO Lord I stretch my hand to thee," you stand inthe most segregated hour of America.

We have more unity and integration outside thechurch than there is in the Christian church. But

somehow we are supposedly to be better. Howappalling that is?

You may encounter someone who may seek tojustify the inequalities on the basis of the Bible,but often do so with an inconsideration of thatother commandment; Love.

So regardless of what you believe or choose notto believe I urge you to get rid of ever aspect ofwhat divides us. In respect of what you believe,what often divides is found in what we believe.The segregator relegates the segregated to the

status of a thing rather than elevate him to thestatus of a person.

The underlying philosophy of this is that we mustdiametrically be opposed to the underlyingphilosophy of what continues to divides us. Iwrite in terms of its various connections tospirituality here, but one could expand this toother areas of what you believe.

But who am I to ask you to challenge what youbelieve?

provoke|

PAGE3

What Do You Believe? | Written By: Timothy Valentine

8/9/2019 Provoke (June 2010)

4/14

Father's paint the reality of life for their children.It may only take a woman who is either willing orinsecure enough to lay down with a man toproduce a child, but fatherhood begins atconception. I'm not speaking about theconception of the child, but the conception of theidea that enters your head and you realize thatyou have to be a man and take care of this childthat you help create.

Any male can be a father, but only a man canbecome Daddy. We always hear about mothersand all that they do and that's wonderful, but youbecome Daddy when you can tell your child thetruth about life. Truth without your biasesattached to it. Truth that allows them to

experience life for themselves but withknowledge.

Someone can tell you something, but your Daddyteaches you something. You may have neverknown your biological father, but that doesn'tmean you don't have a Daddy. A Daddy can besomeone who has the ability to speak not at youor even with you, but into you. It's not alwayswith words, but with actions, with their behavior,with their public and private conduct and withtheir spirit.

Although children may not always do what'sright, a father is not out to shame or degrade theirson or daughter. You become Daddy when youlove them despite the shame, despite theirmistakes or lapse in judgment. You love them bydemonstrating love to them. You love them bybeing an example of tolerance. You love them byshowing them what heaven is by walking withthem out of their hell with your arm around themfor security and support. You love them by tellingthem the truth.

Becoming Daddy is not easy and sometimes itisn't fun. I don't like having to discipline my sons,but I rather be the one to discipline them becauseI do it in and with love. I'm willing to offer themanother chance to get it right, because I seek thesame from them when I make a mistake as aparent. As a parent you don't always get it right.This is why I make sure I listen to my childrenwith intent and acknowledgment. Listen to whatthey say and what they don't say, either way youlearn something valuable.

provoke|

PAGE4

Becoming Daddy | Written By: Timothy Valentine

8/9/2019 Provoke (June 2010)

5/14

We the People the beginning of the preambleof the constitution of the United States. Whenthat document was completed on September 17,

1787 I was not included.

We the People the beginning of the preamble ofthe constitution of the United States. It was duringthe end of the Civil war on September 22, 1862President Abraham Lincoln declared the freedomof all slaves in ANY state of the ConfederateStates of America that did not return to the Unionby January 1, 1863 by the signing of a documentcalled, The Emancipation Proclamation.Technically, I was officially included.

Two and a half years later on June 19th Unionsoldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger,landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the warhad ended and that the enslaved were now free.

One hundred eighty-five years after this news Iwas born. Free & innocent to the misdeeds of mycountry against a people that I was now apart of.Free to take the advantages of the

opportunities paid for bythe struggles, trails,death, but advancements ofcountless people. Ironically

during that time our country wasinvolved in the resolution of othermisdeeds of the time. I offer theseas example: the Vietnam War,Watergate, Abortionlegislation and SchoolDesegregation to name afew.

I wont bore you with thedetails of the events in mylife that allows me to thisoccasion to express my appreciation

today for this day. I can only smile tomyself to see how far We the Peoplehave come.

We the People We the people ofAmerica of all races, colors,cultures and creeds have comesuch a great distance in our socialinteractions, morals and philosophy. It hasntbeen pretty or easy, and we have not steppedinto the promise land as of yet. But were on

the right road.

Although we all continue to face barriers and

biases due to individuals who embrace falseperceptions, ignorance and a dysfunctionalrelationship. We The People have the choice tobe free by the emancipation of the mind. Or youcan remain in captivity by the oppressive spirit ofhate, animosity and deceitful deeds towardsanyone who challenges you to consider others.

Its your choice to express and live in confidenceof your own abilities. I appreciate theopportunities afforded to me by so many people.I wouldnt be who I am today, where I am todayand have the attitudes that I have today if itwasnt for the individuals that sacrificed so that Iwould be included in the statement of We thePeople.

We The People do not come one, but makes wayfor all.

It was approximately on this day in 1865 whenBlack men and Black women realized they havebeen freed from their involuntary bondage. Butthe scars that lead up to what is known wasWatch Night, the Day of Emancipation

Proclamation and a two year delay continues topsychologically haunts many of us all today aswe see the distain some

demonstrate towards ourPresident.

It may not always be acase of racism, but

when you understandthe history of what this

day represents, especiallytowards the decedents

of those who

were inenslaved.You begin tounderstand

the

provoke|

PAGE5

We The People: My Celebration of Juneteenth| Written By: Timothy Valentine

8/9/2019 Provoke (June 2010)

6/14

foundation of the accusations that are sometimeslaunched in reaction of the criticisms. There's ahistory, both psychological and political betweenthe government and Black people that is rooted inmistrust.

I'm just compelled to say to you that you neverhave a reason to be afraid of a racist when youabsolutely know your history and the history theywere lead to believe is theirs. Know who you areand what America is; an idea in motion.

So as I conclude, allow me to offer this to you.

The vast majority of Black Americans are verypatriotic, despite the lies that have been told

about and to us. I am not crazy enough to say Ispeak for all Black people, but I can assumemany would co-sign on what I have to say on thislast point. We don't hate you. You don't need tobe afraid of what we may do; because what wedo we also do for you. Whether it is in the WhiteHouse or your house, we only want to beincluded in making better of what we helpedbuild.

I can't say it any plainer or with any moremeaning than this.

We, The People.

This is how I celebrate Juneteenth. How aboutyou?

provoke|

PAGE6

We The People (Continued)| Written By: Timothy Valentine

8/9/2019 Provoke (June 2010)

7/14

False Evidence Appearing Real is a tactic thatis being perfected in out political, religious,

financial and social environment these days. Youhave to always make yourself aware that yourenot participating in this practice or perception.

We have heard all sorts of outrageouslyridiculous F.E.A.R. tactics being used as apolitical strategy, defense or justification forhate.

Have we gone so far that we as a society haveout distance our ability to reason for what isreal?

When did responsibility, accountability, self-control and working hard become taboo andcause for controversy and/or enough to beconsidered indoctrination?

I guess what the indoctrinated fail to realize isthe levels the indoctrinated will go whencommanded to do something by F.E.A.R. drivenpeople.

Until the nation or civilization stops itsproduction of soft-minded men and women, wewill continue to produce our own spiritual death

panel on an installment plan.

Listen, think, consider and analyze before youspeak or act. You are not only creating your owndeath panel in the lowering of educationalstandards by encouraging and preventing yourchildren from attending school, but you areessentially indoctrinating them with falseevidence appearing real.

When will simple minded Americans evolve tothe level that they see all human conflict as anopportunity to love and reject our selfishtendencies of revenge, aggression andretaliation?

The foundation of a truly civilized people hingeson its ability to love and consider others. It is theonly force capable of transforming an enemyinto friend, misconceptions into understandingand F.E.A.R into love.

Every man must decide whether he will walk inthe light of creative altruism or in the darkness of

destructive selfishness. Martin Luther King, Jr.

I've decided not to live in fear of anyone whodemonstrates their commitment to the falseevidence appearing real as a motive to hate.

provoke|

PAGE7

F.E.A.R. Tactics | Written By: Timothy Valentine

8/9/2019 Provoke (June 2010)

8/14

There comes a time that you must simply stoptalking and let what is true, history and time

speak for itself. When you find yourself at a forkin the road of an issue you must decide yourpath and allow others to decide theirs. Evenwhen you know the path they have committedthemselves to is wrong.

For some people there will be nothing you oranyone could ever say to persuade them toconsider anything beyond what prejudice theirconsideration of others. The essential problem istheir inability or unwillingness to look forward.

So you are left with a question that asks, "How

do you respond to such an individual?"

I have many suggestions for you, but one that Iknow from experience will always be true. Thatis to allow them to have time and history betheir judge and jury. Someone has to be on thewrong side of history, our job is to make surethat it is not us. Never allow what confines youto be what defines you.

provoke|

PAGE8

When Theres Nothing Else | Written By: Timothy Valentine

8/9/2019 Provoke (June 2010)

9/14

As Christians we must be concerned aboutothers. We must be willing to ask yourself thequestion What If?

Not what if someone doesnt seek redemptionfor their sins through Jesus Christ, but what if Iam too impatient to tell them about thegoodness of God?

What if Im too righteous or even too spirituallypretentious to walk with them so I can introducethem to the one I have a relationship?

What if I know the one for whom I know canredeem them of their sins, but dont tell themabout it in a way they are receptive and will

comprehend it?

What if they dont seek Jesus, because they dontsee Jesus in me?

Thats the What If question you should beasking.

So invite a friend, neighbor, co-worker or familymember not to church, but to Christ.

provoke|

PAGE9

The What If Question | Written By: Timothy Valentine

8/9/2019 Provoke (June 2010)

10/14

What was your worse known act of sin?

You don't have to publicly answer that, but I askthat question for a reason. We often don't realizethe Hell we put ourselves through by our

propensity of unforgiveness towards ourselves.Why make your adversary's job easier by doing itfor yourself?

You can't waste your time listening to youraccusers if they do so not in love, but to lead youinto feelings of guilt, to haunt you by the memoryof your past sins, transgressions and pass failuresdespite your open and sincere confessions ofthose sins before God. You know it's not in lovewhen you see it is offered to prevent you frommoving forward or towards continual progress.

You've got to remind yourself with this question,Isn't Satan the accuser of the brethren?

Isaiah 43:25I, even I, am he who blots out yourtransgressions, for my own sake, and remembersyour sins no more.

Why do you continue reminding yourself of yoursins after you've sincerely repented and no longerpractice sin?

Is there anything too hard for God? If God canforgive you, why can you forgive yourself?

Don't listen to me, but read the words of God for

yourself. When you consider what is written inHebrews 10:16-17, Jeremiah 31:34 or Romans11:27 and Hebrews 8:12, I just find it difficult tounderstand why anyone can continue to damnthemselves.

The only way Satan can succeed is by yourpermission. He gets that by way of a thought,ideas or suggestion. It's quite cleaver when youthink about it, because it is similar in concept tohow faith works. The Devil didn't make you do it,you gave him permission by lack of yourknowledge or deliberate disobedience of the

word of God.

provok

e|

PAGE10

Forgive, But You Dont Forget | Written By: Timothy Valentine

http://www.facebook.com/note_redirect.php?note_id=403711959434&h=39f67e752f63f19679bba78fb2da9511&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.biblegateway.com%2Fpassage%2F%3Fsearch%3DIsaiah%2B43%253A25%26version%3DNIVhttp://www.facebook.com/note_redirect.php?note_id=403711959434&h=39f67e752f63f19679bba78fb2da9511&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.biblegateway.com%2Fpassage%2F%3Fsearch%3DIsaiah%2B43%253A25%26version%3DNIV

8/9/2019 Provoke (June 2010)

11/14

Many people who I know do not understand raceor racism has tried to argue with me as if theywere trying to either prove something or get myapproval that theyre not racist.

There has been those who have accused me ofbeing a racist by talking to openly about whatobviously makes them uncomfortable.

Just because someone may talk about race doesntmean that they are racist. You never need to callsomeone a racist, because a racist makethemselves known by their words, behavior andactions.

You will routinely hear people say, Im not racist.Although I understand why they feel they need tosay this, it is important to use the opportunity to

teach each other about race.

You never need to say that youre not racist ifyoure not. The racist and the anti-racist willalways make themselves known by their language,behaviors and perceptions.

In the United States and throughout the world wehave learned to self-identify by placing ourselvesinto racial categories.

The problem with race relations in the U.S. is ourrace to judgment, our lack of concern and silencetowards one another.

The problem is that SOME White Americans werenever taught to consider themselves in the broadercontext of ethnicity, culture or race.

The problem is that SOME Black Americans weretaught to consider themselves in the broadercontext of ethnicity, culture or race in comparisonto Whites.

The problem is that SOME Asian Americansregardless of country of origin if other than the U.S.are routinely not considered into the discussion of

race.

The problem is that SOME Latino or Hispanic inorigin are dismissed and unfairly perceived to beundocumented when many have contributedgreatly to what it is to be American.

The problem is not that youre White and I amBlack and she is Latino and he is Arab and they areAsian. Its the fact that we do not consider eachother is the problem.

The problem is that Black Americans are equallyuntrusting of others as they are to us. When you

think youre inferior, so you are. But none of usregardless of our race, circumstances, education orstation in life is less than anyone else.

This is the problem and is exactly what is ruiningthe world.

Its never going to change until someone, anyone,you and me begin to consider who we are todayinstead of what we or someone who looked likeus did or was victimized by.

It doesnt destroy or diminish you identity bychanging your perceptions of my identity. Who am

I to you if I am unwilling to consider you? Justbecause I choose to write or speak a certain waydoesnt mean Im trying to be anything but who Iam or destined to become.

I will stop for now, but you have to wonder whenwill people get it? Share your thoughts, but beaware of what you say.

provok

e|

PAGE11

The Race Problem | Written By: Timothy Valentine

8/9/2019 Provoke (June 2010)

12/14

If we are suppose to be creatures of GodThen why do we hate fellow creations of God?

Isn't that a demonstration of self-hate or loathing?

Isn't diversity essentially the demonstration ofGod's creativity?When you sincerely consider how many versionsof beauty there can bewhy is it difficult for some to appreciate thebeauty of you and me?

So what place is there for racism?Why should we hate?Why should I not like you, because you don't likeme?

But we consistently discriminate because it's aforever they against me.

This should make you think who or what reallyinitiated the psychological chaos called racism.

When you realize the author of this confusionPerhaps you will stop practicing the chaoticbehavior of racism.

Disclaimer:

This is directed towards those of us who

believe in God, a Creator or higher being bywhatever name you call him. I want it to beunderstood that it is not my intentions toexclude those who may not believe in God.What I have to say is not and should not beseen as a slight against those who do notbelieve in God.

You have free will to... See More believe whatyou want to believe. I simply have not learnedhow to explain, articulate or prove what I haveto say any other way. So for those who maynot believe in God, I ask you to forgive the

exclusion. It is never my intentions to excludeanyone from consideration.

So here's my thought for your considerationand discussion. Everyone has the right to theiropinion, even when it comes to one that asksof you to consider your faith and racism. Iunderstand that it's not perfect, but that's whyit's open for discussion. You can't say I don'tseek to be fair.

provok

e|

PAGE12

The Chaotic Question of Racism | Written By: Timothy Valentine

8/9/2019 Provoke (June 2010)

13/14

It is unfortunate that not only the United States,but many countries throughout the world sinceits inceptions has in some manner participatedin what still divides us more often than bring ustogether. That is the issue of color and people.

Many people, institutions and governments userace to divide people in order to promote oradvance an agenda towards a measure of power.

Within the borders of the United States, but alsobeyond its borders into many others, racismresides.

The horrendous deeds that were and in moresophisticated instances continue today can rest

at the feet of ever group of people. Thefrustrations of some towards others will onlycontinue as long as both sides continue todemonstrate their propensity to teach more thaneach is to learn from another.

We can only assume that there will inevitably bethose who are prone to reactionary politics. Imnot speaking in political terms, but politics in amanner of their personal policy. It is an ideologythat half-heartedly considers what is being saidbefore making accusations of some racial orcultural bias without much if any knowledge of

what theyre actually suggesting.

Someone who is committed to being areactionary and/or have a lack of knowledge ofthese issues may immediately suggest some formof discrimination or even the nonsensicalreverse-discrimination without understandingeither.

What I believe we all should consider is ourown significance in society. There are manypeople of color who were White that fought thesystems, practices and traditions that has so

divided us with hate and mistrust.

So why should any group stake claims to themantra of being a person of color withoutincluding everyone who isnt their color?

It is not wise to walk the long road for justice,equality and truth alone.

Where we continue to make the mistake andpromote the extension of our divisions is when

we become too impatient to consider the coreintentions of a person or group. Listen to what isbeing said void of your own prejudices andexperiences of the matter, but you also need tolisten to what is not being said in forming youropinion or opposition. This is directed toeveryone, not just one.

The problem is us not them. US meaning therole we play in our oppositions. THEM meaningthe opinions that are long held and promoted astruth, both demonstrate a measure ofinconsideration towards the other.

Now Im not defending any specific group, butdefending people who are and continue to

experience various forms of discrimination,intolerance and inequality. It is not justice tohelp one and not the other. It is an injustice toconsider justice has been served if or whensociety comforts the victim without offering theopportunity for rehabilitation for the victimizer.

Yes the debt, their crime must be paid in someway, whether that is death or life in prison orsome other penalty. But we should not considerourselves to be morally infallible when we donot give example of moral fallibility to theimmoral. We are essentially hypocrites to them

provok

e|

PAGE13

We Can Not Walk Alone | Written By: Timothy Valentine

8/9/2019 Provoke (June 2010)

14/14

and redemption is lost. How can you redeemwithout knowing redemption for yourself?

We must always seek justice, but it must be true.Justice that is not demanded is justice denied.

So in conclusion I would like to provide a quoteDr. Martin Luther King, Jr. when he pennedtheses words when writing, A Letter from aBirmingham Jail. A collection of smuggledpaper into the Birmingham, AL jail in the earlyspring of 1963

Injustice anywhere is a threat to justiceeverywhere.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

When you say that youre not something oryoure against something you must considerwhat you are and what you support. Its not byyour words, but your actions that you are

judged.

People of color is not limited to one or a few,but to all. This includes you, but only if you areopen to others.

Consider others beyond yourself and your own

measures of interpretation.

provok

e|

PAGE14

We Can Not Walk Alone (Continued)| Written By: Timothy Valentine