The Whatnot of TJ

Here is my attempt to be here for 30 days straight telling stories and sharing music. HAHAHA, yeah right. Like I can commit to do anything for 30 days in a row.

Day Twenty: A Song that has Many Meanings to Me
They Might be Giants “Your Racist Friend”

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Okay, again with the cheating. It's just that I've been racking my brain for a song for this day-- I have songs for all the rest and an itch to finish this thing already-- and all the while, this song's playing in the back of my mind. I think the first time I heard it was, in fact, on this show I linked. I was OBSESSED with David Letterman.

So, this song. I guess it actually does have multiple meanings to me these days as I try and expand all I know and reckon with all I’ve thought about myself and the world I live in. I used to think this was a witty song about other people and the people in their lives they let slide about racism. And I used to think it never applied to me because I try really hard not to have racist friends. BUT, I’ve been doing a lot of reading, A LOT of listening and a lot of contemplating and it’s been eye-opening and soul crushing and a little bit overwhelming. And I know what BIPOC’s are saying while reading this; ‘Welcome to my life.’

I used to think that being not racist was the same thing as being anti-racist. Oh, you sweet, stupid, Summer Child. Turns out being Not Racist is the bare-fucking minimum that is expected of you if you want to live in society. And that being Anti-Racist is a lot of work. I’m doing the work. But, constantly fear that I’m not doing enough--I’m not--and more importantly for me, TERRIFIED of saying--or thinking--the wrong thing due to ignorance or conflicting instructions.

But, more on that later, for now, let’s reflect on a simpler time where ignorance was truly bliss and no one was racist, but we all had that one racist friend.


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( Past Days )