Toward a Gonzo Theatre: Part 10 - Where To Now?

 Where To Now?

The BIPOC community has always known that the American Dream represented a false promise for them. It was never built for them in the first place. Policing itself was invented to stop black people from attaining equal status in society, and it still serves this function today. It has taken us ghosties a couple hundred years to start feeling the same pain that our more pigmented sisters and brothers have always been navigating, and it took the state failing to do it. In other words, we’re all in the same boat now. Now that the economy has finally failed for white people, these issues of race inequality, non-binary performers’ rights, inclusive casting principles, selection of material that expands beyond Neil Simon, a voice for the marginalized in leadership… all these issues are now front and center because white people are on the same page. Our eyes are open.

Here’s the rub: White people are of mixed race too. None of us is white. None of us is black. We’re all just people with complicated genetic paths that made us, and we make it more complicated with every generation that slides down the tube. (What are you?) So, truly, moving past color is going to be the ultimate success for us all. Evolution takes time, and we’re working on it. I’d like to caution again against the sinner narrative. All it will accomplish is more division.

So: What are we going to do about it? Are we going to yell at each other over some platform that relishes in our cultural demise? Or are we going to walk the walk, finally? 

My advice to all of us, is this. Focus on listening more. Try to prove yourself less (you’re already valid. You’re in the room. Your insecurities aren’t helpful). Take notes and feedback with an open ear and a grain of salt. Take nothing personally. Take control of your mental health. Don’t let others control your mood. Fight for substantive justice. Learn to ask questions that will help you find out what people’s intent is. Find a reason to be curious. Refrain from buying into a punishment ethos. Look for common ground. Stop engaging in social media witch hunts. Be aware when you’re the product. And adhere to the Golden Rule, as my Grandfather, the Prespyterian minister Harry Preston Walrond taught us: 

“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” 

Seems simple, doesn’t it? Then do it! Actually do that that’s in that sentence you just read. Just do that and things will be at least a little better for us all.