One but tries, but the philosophy of the self as being a separate entity that can forge an identity divorced from others is surely false - (The Double Consciousness).
Change one can instigate, but having to return to toxic environments will, without doubt, erode the minds of even the bravest soul. Yes, what we can do is alter our responses to these experiences, but it is hard and can bear down even the most determined souls. There are other worlds that others have to navigate.
A controversial statement, I may here convey. The black man is becoming the pariah, the scapegoat for all that is wrong in this world. White patriarchal society informs his sisters that he is holding them back; he is of a degenerate and criminal mind, and some of the sisters are even whipping him on the back until he is blue. Some actively partake in acts of grandstanding (I am in no way accusing you of this, I am referring to my personal experiences).
These are some of my personal experiences in which some black women are being used to denigrate the Blackman. The more they are critical of and judge him by standards they would not apply to others, the greater their rewards are. For some, it is also akin to a rite of passage. You humiliate and humble him to show your alliance with the corporate overlords.
Yes, there is overt toxic masculinity, but that is not solely the preserve of the Blackman. I see it represented in the highest white male politicians; this does not excuse the destructive behaviours of some.
Would it not be better to say some? You cannot do the work; mental health disproportionately affects black men. Is it surprising with the discordance projected on some?
What is the point of doing the work when society continuously battened down on you, and even when you do, it creates discordance in their head? A black man cannot be sensitive; there must surely be something wrong with him; he must be of a degenerate mind or possess learning difficulties because it appears that he was not read the script society has written for him.
To some, an educated black man is a misnomer; black and whites can apply this representation.
A black man cannot be passive or an introvert. There is only one script written for him. Man-child, you sure are confused, trying to navigate your way through these schizophrenic narratives of what it means to be you. Let me hug you, show some empathy, and we can rewrite the script together. Grant him a helping hand, and together we will grow. He does not need more weight added to the yoke on his shoulder.
Unfortunately, the doctrine of individualism is one of the most toxic false positive narratives promoted in contemporary societies. Community and shared responsibilities are better models to follow. Society means we all come together for the greater good of all.
