KJIPUKTUK (Halifax) – Most of the things we have been told as African Nova Scotians are lies.
So why would other people lie to us?
As children we were taught that honesty is the best policy and that honesty would set us free. Well, we were honest and we are honest but nonetheless that freedom has eluded us because of racist privilege.
Most times people lie to protect themselves, like when you are embarrassed because of a shameful experience. Others lie for material gain, to protect undeserved privilege, or to gain power and control, to attract favorability and gain influence or attention. Still others lie to protect or promote their self image of to maintain their dishonesty
Honesty and integrity is so critical in building relationships. It would be wonderful if all police and all politicians were honest and took responsibility for their actions. It would also be great for racist to have an awakening so that they’d realize that they are not superior in any way, shape or form.
Just like any other addictions or bad habits, dishonestly is something most people have experience with. For us to overcome dishonesty we must have inner honesty (realizing that many lie to themselves) and gain an understanding of what it is that motivates one’s dishonesty.
When others are dishonest with us, like the crap politicians and the upper ranks of police tell us, time after time we hope that they will keep their word, while realizing that we have been down this road many times before.
Dishonesty is a learned thing and after African was raped (of course African continues to be raped) boy-oh-boy, we were given lessons on a daily basis on how to be dishonest, and we continue to be provided with examples of dishonesty on a daily basis.
Lies are basically 50% true, this is why they tend to be believable. Of course many seem not to know the difference between truth and falsehood. Distinguishing between truth and non-truth is a true starting point.
It’s not for us to say that people of colour do not lie, or are never dishonest. After all, we live what we learn.
So what will we embrace, truth or consequences?
Why don’t we first investigate if anti black racism exist in every department in HRM. This is the same organization that lied about antiBlack racism ESR progress. Make the investigation public!