The So-Called Conscious Clique: In Too Deep

We've all seen enough coffee house scenes and poetry readings in movies where the audience snaps their fingers in appreciation instead of hand clapping. Perhaps you even taken part in something like this, hell even been around a group of black vegans to catch the wind. It looks cool and different in elevated awareness kind of way. Everybody jibing and talking about the struggle, what we need, and preservation of the culture.  If you've ever sat in on the spiritually aware, conscious or natural set you've felt this feeling of embrace, unity, and ultimate goodness that come from being taken to another level or simply being equally yoked with your brothas and sistas. (Snap, Snap).   



As one who likes dabble, and observe people I've come across and have been embraced by so-called natural/spiritually aware/conscious individuals and groups. I shall call them the conscious clique.There's a part of me that enjoys some of the exchange, because rarely are these people illiterate ignoramuses. They may even seem familiar having come from a similar background, or are interesting, originating from a different background.  They tell I am a thinker or supporter and always need more thinkers and supporters to support the cause. What cause? Half the time the cause is really vague and or is contingent upon the conversation you happen to be having at the time. The subject of the conversation can be made into a cause, passion, or something really serious. A conversation about vegetables can be turned into a rant about conspiracy of cloned meat, obesity in America, or how Muslims were on to somethin' by not eating pork. You could say that you're happy about your upcoming graduation. In return, after congratulating you, they wanna school you on how the institution of higher learning neglects us, then proceed to either check on or school you in blackness.

Is colloquy the verbal exchange of ideas or the promotion of notions? Is there a difference? I don't propose to know the answer at at all times. These exchanges can be just as tiring as anything else. It's like the expectation is for the two of you to grab the mic, then each take turns schoolin the other. Or, for you to sit ignorant under their breath as they bring you up to speed; as if to say "say more brotha, say more." (Snap, Snap)

I think it is humorous that these  people vigorously criticize mainstream systems of thought and institution but have their own systems of thought and institution that are actually quite common to people who think the same way.  The conscious clique acts as if what they say is completely original, is always spoken from the soul, or is derived/influenced by ancient text or dogma. Clearly these black people (like all non white people) are ethnic minorities in our U.S culture. Therefore their theories, ideas, and concerns in concept, will be as well. However, their ideas are not necessarily a secret amongst other minority groups. Don't get this confused this is not a conversation about minorities versus the majority or the demographics of the U.S..  I am simply trying to create an analogy to demonstrate that the culture of one conscious clique may not be so exclusive. You can go to a Malcolm X celebration in one town and go to a natural hair expo in another and find people reading the same authors and liking the same/similar kind of speakers.

Part of what makes people great is that almost everyone has a voice. Complaints about society is a common platform for these eager preachers.  It's a good thing to highlight injustice, a poor school system, bad habits that effect us at large. Again, the conscious clique can be quite entertaining if not annoying due to the lack of resolve to the litany of problems they observe or are oppressed by.

Changing the what people believe, the way people think, and behave is a slow process. History has demonstrated this in many ways. The conscious clique knows that wholesale societal progress is relatively slow. Thus, because suggestions for change have to be palatable to the masses to get the ball of change rolling little by little.When answers/resolve are proposed, their solutions often involve an evolution or revolution of society or the infamous system.  For me this kind of suggestion or behavior toward resolve is circuitous in nature. It is a perped out cop-out, due to the extreme nature of the proposal, which we all know wont take place. As much struggle they expose and as much unity the propose, rarely are there tangible solutions. All this greatness in one scene and it feels more like a bitch session instead of a think tank. (Snap,Snap).

When you talk to these spiritually aware dilettantes it seems the use of esoteric language, obscure text, or notorious readings are used to highlight or showcase their intellect; often comparing themselves to their most recent literary hero. They say that they are hungry for knowledge but seem to thirst for an identity. The conscious clique is fond of telling people to be themselves and what can be summarized as finding pathways to self actualization. They also advocate meditation. This is not bad advice, but if only they could be quiet long enough to hear this message for themselves.

I find these supposed spiritually aware/natural/conscious people to tiresome and just as full of shit as anyone who has too much to say. These elevated individuals like the appearance of being healthy, humble, giving, self aware, and educated amongst other alluring qualities that oft attract followers, imitators, and sycophants. The problem I have with these people is the blatant trichotomy of whom they are, who they would like us to think they are, and who the would like to be. These punks don't get the advantage of a holy trinity. They are narcissistic as hell assuming that people near them actually want to hear what they have to say about every fuckin thing. They can be condescending and presumptuous when it come relating to other people, particularly when you correct them, or show disinterest/dissension.  Don't you love it when they call you "lil sis" or "lil sista," as you wrap up their conversation after it went left. (That's almost as bad as the church assholes that passive aggressively try to diss you by saying "you need Jesus" when they don't feel you).

These people should spend less time adopting  smart & deep language, and giving wisdom. Focus more on simply being.  More people would be receptive at the most basic human levels interaction and community if they would lose the elitist attitude. (Snap, Snap,Snap.)