the change we need

[larvatus]

Russian people pride themselves on their worldliness and tolerance. They are eager to point out their priority in having appointed as the head of their government a dark-skinned specimen from an oppressed colony. Such worthy sentiments underlie their recent ice cream advertising campaign:“READ THEIR LIPS: DARK IN WHITE!”

“AWESOME! GIMME!”

Most memorably, Vladimir Ufliand anticipated progressive developments in American racial politics fifty years prior to Barack Obama’s election to our highest political office:

МЕНЯЕТСЯ ЛИ АМЕРИКА? (вопрос радиослушателя) Комментатор: Меняется страна Америка. Придут в ней скоро Негры к власти. Свободу, что стоит у берега, под негритянку перекрасят. Начнут посмеиваться Бедные над всякими Миллионерами. А некоторые будут Белые пытаться притвориться Неграми. И уважаться будут Негры. А Самый Чёрный будет славиться. И каждый Белый будет первым при встрече с Негром Негру кланяться. ―Владимир Иосифович Уфлянд, 1958

IS AMERICA CHANGING? (as asked by a radio listener) Radio announcer: As Russian people ought to see America is ripe for change. It’s poised to rouse Negrocracy, all ranks and powers to derange. Dame Liberty will darken trait, inspiring Proles to jive and smirk at Wiggers that proliferate, and Fat Cats living off their work. As Negroes prosper and prevail, The Blackest One will kiss the sky, And Sallow Masses without fail Will bow to Black Folks passing by. ―traduced by MZ, 28 June 2009