Chapter 21: Positive Ron

What happens when the nice and “safe” black man no longer is?

Prior to writing a deluge of blog and Medium posts about politics, faith, and race relations, my topical expertise and the well from which I most-often partook, was the visual arts. The most controversial topics I wrote about were related to editing software and marketing strategies for amateur photographers.

But I also wrote twice as much about topics that inspired photographers and filmmakers to find their inner voice as an artist without letting anyone put it out. I wrote about the importance of positive perspectives in life; that your self-worth as an artist was not based on how many “likes” your photos or videos got on Instagram or Facebook. I was the funny, articulate, relatively successful, and published person of color on the professional videographer circuit (and maybe one of a handful at that).

And I was utterly safe.

What do I mean by that, you ask? Well, you never needed to worry that I would make you feel guilty about your white privilege (assuming you were white). You never needed to be concerned I would challenge you to look in the mirror with regard to the state of race relations and see what part you played in it (for better or worse). If you said any colorful jokes around me that were borderline racially insensitive, offensive, or outright racist — there was no cause for alarm that I might challenge you.

So, after Trump won the election, and an increasing number of his brainwashed, racially insensitive/racist/tone-deaf followers felt more emboldened to say the stupidest shit, I spoke out. I shared articles and podcasts that broke down what was happening in this country. I contributed to the great conversation that has been going on since Congress signed the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments into existence. That discussion being: who are black people in this country, what do and don’t they deserve in life, and do we really need to keep Affirmative Action around?

Then on June 29, 2018, I shared a video from a 1939 Nazi rally held at Madison Square Garden. You read that right. 20,000 AMERICAN citizens and Nazi sympathizers filled the iconic stadium to spout their vile hatred. It was eerily like a Trump rally. One of the many videographers that follow me on social media responded to that post.

Tweedle Dum (not his real name)
Do I only see your division posts? Please tell me you have a positive post that builds people up every once in a while.

Ron Dawson
All you need to do is click my name at the top to see all my posts. If you only see my “division” posts (as you put it), then Facebook’s algorithm thinks that’s all you want to see from me. :)

Tweedle Dum
Nope, want positive from you. From the first day I met you at WEVA 2007 you were a very positive person. I’m guessing Mark Z at Facebook likes your posts that have a dividing angle. They get more traction I’m guessing. I would rather see Positive Ron.

Ron Dawson
Oh, you want to see positive Ron. I get it. Would this help?

Ron Dawson
I’m sure this makes you much more comfortable. In truth, I don’t recall posting anything “negative.” Many of the posts I’ve made ARE uplifting and encouraging, to the right demographic. One man’s divisive post is another woman’s uplifting encouragement. Or a disillusioned Christian’s ray of hope. It’s all in your perspective my friend.

Tweedle Dum
Yea, guess you’re not the man you once we’re. Best of luck sir.

Ron Dawson
Nope. Sorry [Tweedle Dum]. I’m DEFINITELY not the same man I was. Of course, I see that as a POSITIVE thing.

As frustrating as it was to get this response, there was a part of me that felt like little Macaulay Culkin in “Home Alone” yelling “Yes!” I had risen to a new level of black power resistance — one in which wypipo who had once respected and loved me, were falling by the wayside. Is this not the sign of every great resistance leader? You see it in so many stories, since the days of the Bible:

• Moses gave up royal life as a Prince of Egypt to lead the Jews
• The Pharisee Saul became the Apostle Paul
• Malcolm Little became Malcolm X
• Jake Sully helped the Na’vi rebel against human invaders of Pandora
• Anakin Skywalker became Darth Vader (okay, maybe that’s not the best example, but you get the idea)

I had entered a new elite club reserved for those warriors of justice willing to sling off their princely robes in favor of donning the people’s armor and fight the good fight. Is there any better sign you’re on the right path than when the forces of darkness stand up against you?

And just as I’m thinking this, wouldn’t you know it, like the cackling echo of the Emperor’s laugh at the end of “The Rise of Skywalker” trailer, the unmistakable sounds of Sam’s laughter can be heard behind me.

Sam: Man! I thought you had lost it when you were telling that breakdance story. But damn! You’ve taken self-delusion to a whole nutha level of grandeur with this muthafuckin’ shit you’re spewing.

And with that, it apparently was time for another lesson in blackness.

If you want more insights behind the “Positive Ron” story and its effect on me, check this out:

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