The Double Standard

Are some actions contemptible

No matter who takes them

Are some words reprehensible

No matter who speaks them

Or

Do we need the double standard

Let the victims victimize

For humor

For art

For segregation

Perks of membership?

Shouldn’t I

If the abused child

Be allowed to raise with torture

My child

Because I own that pain

Because I earned that name

Right?

The beating won’t hurt

When it comes from me

Shouldn’t I

If a victim of rape

Be uncensored when claiming

That it is always

The woman’s fault

Aren’t I allowed this violation

Because I own that pain

Because I earned that name

Right?

The beating won’t hurt

When it comes from me

As long as this is my pain

Not the pain

Of “some of my closest friends”

Who gave me license

By silent complicity

To act on their behalf

With my lack of sensitivity

Free from the scourge

Of

“Political correctness”

Right?

Can’t I preach that my race

Or hair color

My sex

Or land of origin

Makes me stupid

Less civilized

Greedy

Poor

Or wretched?

Can’t I generalize to all of “my people”

Because “we” know what “we” mean

And how “we” feel

If I call you a nigger

And we are black

There is no problem

Right?

Because I know that pain

I have earned that name

Right?

The beating won’t hurt

When it comes from me

Don’t we need the double standard?

Frankie Valinda Ghee