My Race by José Martí

[Rigo Muniz]

My Race by José Martí

From Patria, April 16 1893

"Racist" is a confusing word, and it should be clarified. Men have no
special rights simply because they belong to one race or another. Whey
you say "men," you have already imbued them with al their rights.
Negroes, because they are black, are not inferior or superior to any
other men. Whites who say "my race" commit the sin of redundancy; so
do Negroes who say the same. Everything that divides men, everything
that specified, separates or pens them, is a sin against humanity. To
what sensible white person would it occur to be vain about being
white, and what do Negroes think about whites whoa re vain about being
white and think they have special rights as a result? What must whites
think about Negroes who are vain about their color? To insist on
racial divisions, on radial differences, in an already divided people,
is to place obstacles in the way of public and individual happiness,
which can only be obtained by bringing people together as a nation.
Nothing inherent in Negroes prevents them from developing their souls
as men, and nothing that happens to them can limit their innate
ability. This fat should be stated and demonstrated, for there is much
injustice in this world and ignorant prejudice which passes for
wisdom: there are still those who, in good faith, believe that Negroes
are not capable of the same intelligence and courage as whites. It
does not matter if you call this defense of Nature racism, because it
is no more than natural honesty and heartfelt cry for peace and the
country's well being. It is alleged that slavery does not imply
inferiority in the enslaved race, sine Gauls with blue eyes and blond
hair were sold as serfs with shackles around their necks in the
markets of Rome. This example helps make ignorant whites less
prejudiced. Negroes have the right to maintain and prove that their
color does not deny them any of the skills and rights of the rest of
the human species.

What right do white racist, who believe their race is superior, have
for complaining about black racists, who see something special in
their own race? What right do black racists, who see a special
character in their race, have for complaining about white racists?
White men who think their race makes them superior to black men admit
the idea of racial difference and authorize and initiate black
racists. Black men who proclaim their race-when what they are really
proclaiming is the spiritual identity that distinguishes one ethnic
group from another-authorize and incite white racists. Peace demands
of Nature the recognition of human rights; discrimination is contrary
to Nature and to the enemy of peace. Whites who isolate themselves
also isolate Negroes. Negroes who isolate themselves incite and
isolate whites.

In Cuba, there is no fear of a racial war. Men are more than whites,
mulattos or Negroes. Cubans are more than whites, mulattos or Negroes.
On the field of battle, dying for Cuba, the souls of whites and
Negroes have risen together into the air. In the daily life of
defense, loyalty, brotherhood and shrewdness, Negroes have always been
there, alongside whites. Negroes, like whites, are divided by their
character-timid or brave, self-sacrificing or selfish-into the diverse
parties in which men group themselves. Political parties form around
common concerns, aspirations, interests and characters. Essential
similarities are sought and found beneath superficial differences; the
common purpose is the fusion of that which is basic in the analogous
characters, even though they may different in incidentals. In sum, the
similarity of characters, which is a superior uniting factor,
outweighs the inner frictions between men of varying color and the
difficulties that, at times, result. Affinity of character is more
powerful than the affinity of color. Negroes, consigned to the unequal
or hostile pursuits of the human spirit, will never be able to join,
nor will they want to join, against whites in like position. Negroes
are too weary of slavery to enter voluntarily into the slavery of
color. Ostentatious men who are governed by self-interest will
combine, whether white or black, and the generous and selfless will
similarly unite. True men, black and white, will treat one another
with loyalty and tenderness, out of a sense of merit and the pride of
everyone who honors the land in which we were born, black and white
alike. Negroes, who now use the word "racist" in good faith, will stop
using it when they realize it is the only apparently valid argument
that weak men, who honestly believe that Negroes are inferior, use to
deny them the full exercise of their rights as men. White and black
racists would be equally guilty of racism. Many whites have already
forgotten their color, as have many Negroes. Whites and Negroes are
working together to develop men's minds, to spread virtue and to
promote the triumph of creative work and sublime charity.

In Cuba, there will never be a racial war. The Republic cannot go
backwards. Ever since the day of redemption for Negroes in Cuba, ever
since the declaration of independence in Guáimaro on April 10, civil
rights, granted by the Spanish Government for political expedience,
were already practiced prior to Cuba's independence and cannot now be
denied-either by the Spaniards who, as long as they breathe in Cuba,
will continue dividing black from white Cubans, or by those fighting
for independence, who could never deny in freedom the rights which the
Spaniards recognized in servitude.

As for the rest, everyone will be free in the sanctity of his home.
Merit, the manifest and continuous evidence of culture, and inexorable
trade will eventually unite all men. In Cuba, there is much greatness,
in both Negroes and whites.