“Hello, Dr. [carefully curated Black individual who has been appointed to represent the entire race], we are finally ready to start talking about fixing the racial justice issues related to [entirely too specific issue almost guaranteed to ensure conflict].”
“That is wonderful, and I have a [way more education than necessary] in [studies surrounding specific issue], and I have several different suggestions. First, let me know what you have in mind.”
“Well, we have decided to allow a Black individual to artistically express frustration over [issues we have allowed to exist for no reason]. Is that acceptable?”
(pause) “Will there be a guarantee that the artistic expression will be allowed to remain in place without allowing demolition or alteration to the site?”
“Who knows what the future will bring? Anyway, we have allotted [ridiculously small commission requiring artist to work full time and giving very little opportunity to craft something meaningful] for this project. We expect it to be done in [completely unreasonable amount of time], and we will be offering full news coverage.”
“How will artistic expression address the issue? Likely, said artistic expression will be seen as community improvement and further displace any Black residents in that area. Will the [governing body] be able to promise that the proposed artistic piece not be used as leverage for displacement?”
“You seem to not understand about how the world works. We cannot guarantee that the audience for the artistic piece will not be altered. We have [corporate governmental interference] to consider, who are already willing to [do something that many residents have already opposed for a variety of reasons]. The [governing body] has to be sure not to alienate anyone [particularly corporate governmental interference] who will provide that service in the future.”
“None of the residents have asked for any artistic pieces, and they have provided instructions, including [detailed descriptions of actions that will actually address disparity]. Why are none of those suggestions reasonable, considering [specific examples of adherence to non-Black suggestions using larger budget allocations]?”
“I guess if you refuse to be reasonable, we will be forced to [do something that further alienates the Black population]. Remember this moment before you file the “protest permit” to [assumption of rioting in the street based on decided disgust with any reasonable response to frustration].”
“Other than art, what exactly did you expect to offer to the Black community to address the [specific issue] that you hired me to consult you about?”
(awkward pause) “Oh…you were not the primary consultant. We actually went through [prior process involving zero Black input] with [consultants who were paid a professional wage]. You lack the professional credentialing to be our primary consultant.”
“So…you just hired me for [specific issue] to ensure failure, alienate the community from you and me, and to scapegoat me as the reason that [specific issue] was never addressed?”
“Why are you so sensitive? See, this is why nobody want to work with your community in the first place! [Coerced Black hostage under obligation to governing body], explain to your “people” how the world works. This is such divisive behavior.”
Chasing A Dying Empire 