Double Standards
Jamal Bryant is a dynamic Minister who pastors New Birth Missionary Baptist
Church in Stonecrest, GA. Recently he delivered an immensely powerful message
critiquing Herschel Walker, the Trump-endorsed, GOP candidate for Senate here
in Georgia. During his message, he alluded to the many shortcomings of Mr.
Walker. Pastor Bryant spoke of why the Republican party moved Walker from
Texas to GA. Additionally, he spoke of the Republican party’s belief that this
broken, Black man should represent GA because the change was coming too fast in
the post-antebellum South. Never had this party envisioned “Red” Georgia is
represented by a Black man and a Jewish man in the Senate. The video went viral
as he spoke of how whites have been telling Walker what to do since he was
sixteen years old, Consequently, Bryant noted he would be told what to do in the
Senate if successful. Bryant spoke of Black people being able to think, vote and
function independently without being told what to do. He advised that the
The senator chosen should be someone who can help us and be steadfast in that
effort. He further stated, “that slave mentality, the Black person no longer resides
here in Georgia.” After the video went viral The New York Times took it upon
itself to publish an article indicating that Bryant might be in violation of the
Johnson Amendment which prohibits a pastor from endorsing political
candidates. Now, mind you many white, conservative ministers have espoused
the virtues of voting for GOP candidates a plethora of times over the years. Their
words, beliefs, and possible violation of the Johnson Amendment seem to have
been viewed differently by The New York Times. It is my contention that other
ethnicities can spew radical rhetoric with no consequences. However, when
African Americans begin to speak up for what they believe in it becomes a
problem. It is called a double standard. We, as Black people are always on guard
and ready for it. It is called” living while black.” We know how to maneuver our
way between the two worlds. It is a skill that we continually fine-tune. We must
always be ready for the curve balls that come our way when we stand up for
ourselves. As far as double standards are concerned, we oftentimes see them
coming before they get to us. It keeps us on our toes and reminds us there is still
much work to be done in defense of equality. We refuse to let others define us!
Thumbs up, like, and share.
Marvin Dixon, Founder
Vmgreview.com
VMG Review 