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Accidental?

Apr 29, 2013 — Categories: , ,

The recent song, “Accidental Racist,” by Brad Paisley and LL Cool J got me thinking about how one accidentally oppresses other people. As a white woman raised in the South, I’ve heard the angst expressed before. I just don’t buy it. Yet it inspired me to write another version.

WARNING: There are some graphic descriptions in the column below.

 

The recent song, “Accidental Racist,” by Brad Paisley and LL Cool J got me thinking about how one accidentally oppresses other people. As a white woman raised in the South, I’ve heard the angst expressed before.  I just don’t buy it.

Yet it inspired me to write another version:

Accidental Rapist

To the woman I got drunk at the frat party
I hope you understand
When I stuck my fingers up your vagina
While you were passed out
The only thing I meant to say is I’m a Rick Ross fan. 
It sounds like I’m the bad guy, but from my point of view

We were having a good time
My buds posted photos to all your friends online
You know how these things go
I hope you understand

I guess “no” means “no”
but you didn’t say “no”
So that means “yes”
I hope you understand.

I’m just a guy doing what guys do
Along with all the other guys in the room
No harm, no foul.
I hope you understand.

Dear Mr. Rapist, I don’t...understand.
It’s not about music
It’s not even about sex.
It’s all about rape.

I’ll help you understand
Pay attention. I’m only gonna say this once:
Only “yes” means “yes.”
Only when we both have our wits about us.
Otherwise, take me home; keep me safe.
And go on your way.

 

Rev. Dr. Marie M. Fortune
FaithTrust Institute
www.faithtrustinstitute.org

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Good Inclusion

Posted by Charlotte at Apr 30, 2013 05:18 PM
I appreciate that you prefaced your re-write with the fact that you're a Southern White woman. There are some things that are very obvious to us that we've absorbed as a part of our culture that make us hyper-sensitive and aware of oppression in any form. I am currently living in a culture in which many oppressive actions are justified with the simple phrase "it's our tradition". That's one time when being a Southern White woman is helpful in my work - I know all about tradition. And that doesn't mean that it's OK. Thank you for your posts. Best wishes and may God continue to bless you and your work.

"Accidental Rapist"

Posted by Donna Whittaker at May 09, 2013 12:56 PM
Thank you for this blog. I printed it out for someone I know who had this happen to her and she is getting fingers pointed back at her. I was the first and only person to tell her that it wasn't her fault.