In light of certain attacks against me, in my natural manner of collecting evidence, I am preparing a timelime of ALL my postings on WST since I first came on, and will post it when it's up-to-date. Needless to say, I have started some heated debates, and I have not always been diplomatic. All I ask is that those who would like to know the truth, take a look at just this last week's events, and you will see that I posted an honest, relevant topic on "race". I got back quite a few positive responses,
NOTE: Five members "liked" it, and one posted it to Facebook.
In response, a certain member, who has been taunting and disrespecting me since I joined, decided that he would post his own rebuttal. Most of the responses he got expressed disgust, anger, and questioned his "humanness", however, rather than apologize, he went on to give lengthy, condescending sermons, and speaking to people as though they are children.
NOTE: Zero "likes", and numerous objections.
It disturbs me, that members fail to recognize his intentional baiting, and the "racist" connotations in his language, and it disappoints me that we define pan's "universality" by falsely including non-African cultural influences in its "evolution" from skin to steel. Thankfully, unlike what many disbelieve, the "record" was already "set straight", and the overwhelming evidence supports the thesis that pan was originally an Afro-Trinidadian contribution to Trinidad & Tobago society. Later on, we find members of other ethnic groups, but, even today, the steelband in Trinidad & Tobago is still predominantly "Black". I would have hoped that my discussion solicited counter-arguments with related evidence, but those who have a problem with the claim, have not done so. They further misunderstand my intent, and warp the meaning of my post to suggest that ONLY Afro-Trinidadians "own" pan. It is impossible to have any cohesive, connected discussion with this sort of emotional, personal feedback, and my continued attempts to remain respectful, honest in my thoughts and expressions, and clear, as to the points or questions I raise (and why), have all gone in vain. The "justice" some of you represent is one-sided, and you are unfair and untrue for portraying me as someone with evil intent. Again, I know what and whom I represent, and I have ALWAYS been consistent, even when treated like an "Untouchable" among you elite members. Thankfully, the editors, and persons like Salmon Cupid, Eric Manwieller (sorry if I misspelled you name, Eric), Kim Johnson, Leon Foster, and the kind members who honor my effort, help keep me going. If it's one thing I learned from my dad's experience, it's that you can sacrifice your life for pan till your last day, and there will be those who will still find a reason to crown you with thorns, and offer you vinegar to quench your thirst. In life, there will be those who dislike you for who you are, and who they are not. That is my proverbial cross, and I bear it with thankfulness. I am not sure I have my dad's perseverance, though, Now that's dumb loyalty, if not unconditional love! As always, with brotherly love.
In Ma'at (Truth)
Pan'tum, The Ghost Who Talks. Honoring the Legacy of George "Sonny" Goddard
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