Being Black
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If you're a good human who cares what color your skin pigmentation happens to be.
Amen. I dont care what your skin color is, I care about how people treat people.
Nicely said. If others are treating you poorly that only shows who they are; not who you are.0 -
Be yourself. We are products of our environment. If you have grown up in a predominantly white neighborhood then you would tend to behave, speak etc like your counterparts. There are Caucasians that have grown up in a predominantly black neighborhood and are products of their environment.
What is acting black? What is acting white? There is no definition of the two. People are people and you should just be yourself.
Have a great day!
Yeah.. I would like to know that too.... When someone is telling you , that you're acting white because you speak correctly, what does it tell you about this person ? lol. My answer would be " and you're acting ignorant ", Don't worry lol When people need transplants or blood transfusions I don't think they care what color of skin donor had, and that is why I don't understand why there is so much hate and racism out there.... We all bleed red,,,,
True story - I have a decent stereo in my car. Playing Tupac "Changes". I pulled out into traffice one day, and got RIGHT beside a dropped buick with a few brothers inside. They Looked over RIGHT when the lyric said "...cop's give a damn about a negro - pull the trigga kill a n*** he's a hero!"
The guy in the passenger seat of the buick looked at me with a WTF? Look. I just solemnly nodded, slowly. He looked, smiled and returned the nod..
Truth is truth. Truth spans all colours.
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And trust me - I look white...and while living in South East Alabama, I had to think about racial identity. Where my likes, and tone, and vibe more-closely identifies with folks of colour, I'd get crazy looks for talking to folks outside my skin tone.
Crazy looks from both of the major ethnic groups around me.
Aww... good on you rising above it. I think it is a shame we have a world where likes and interests can identify you with one race more than another, it shouldn't matter, this is the problem, people got ideas about what black and white should be like.
I think people should be able to know and appreciate their background racially and culturally. Which is part of why I hate when people say 'you're not like most black people' (as either compliment or insult) or tha they don't 'see me as black anymore (meaning like they see past it I guess)'. What does it mean? I am, why deny it if there is nothing bad about it. I don't mean to dismiss that of anyone. I would carefully say that people who look white, whatever their mix though, don't experience racism like people who look black do though. However, I think stereotyping and seperatism hurts us all, as you have described.0 -
I think it's really sad that some people have chained themselves so much to stereotypes that they bash others for not following them. True freedom and true equality means everyone is free to be themselves, regardless of their ethnic origin, gender or anything else.
I think it's good for people to be proud of their cultural heritage, whatever their background, but that does not mean anyone has to act any particular way in order to "prove" anything. Everyone should be themselves, and if you grew up in a culturally diverse area and you picked up things from other cultures, that's part of your identity and who you are, and should be celebrated, not frowned upon. I love being a part of a very culturally diverse community.0 -
I totally understand what you are saying. I like to read, I like the beach, the NFL, I like to run, I count calories, I cut the cord meaning I watch most of my entertainments through HULU, crackle and Amazon, I buy a good 80% of non grocery items off of Amazon, I listen to a ton of podcast, I enjoy talk radio, etc. I have to say that people everywhere like one thing or another but I guess what throws some people off is that you may sometimes choose to hang with people not in your 'stereotypical group' or prefer to do things drastically different than in such group. One very obvious thing would be to speak correctly.
I still do and like doing a lot of things that would be required per my ethnicity, but there's always people that feel either disrespected because somehow you are denying you roots, or you'll be alienated for pretending to be someone who you are not or a wannabe as some may put it.
Of course the vast majority of people don't think like that but I agree there's a no man's land in between. Either you are good "_____" (fill in stereotype) or you are pretending to be someone who you are not according to them anyway.
All things considered this is a relatively small problem, however given that humans are very social by nature, being socially (verbally or implicitly) admonished can erode one's confidence over time.
The solution: just be yourself 0 -
YES, everything you just said, you clever, clever person!!I think it's really sad that some people have chained themselves so much to stereotypes that they bash others for not following them. True freedom and true equality means everyone is free to be themselves, regardless of their ethnic origin, gender or anything else.
I think it's good for people to be proud of their cultural heritage, whatever their background, but that does not mean anyone has to act any particular way in order to "prove" anything. Everyone should be themselves, and if you grew up in a culturally diverse area and you picked up things from other cultures, that's part of your identity and who you are, and should be celebrated, not frowned upon. I love being a part of a very culturally diverse community.
I indentify with the many and various influences that make me meeeee. xxx 0 -
Malibu's Most Wanted? Based on my life story.
Word.
:P0 -
*not black -- disclaimer*
This is an interesting question to me. A black friend of mine posted a question on FB a couple weeks ago asking his black friends if they consider themselves American or black. Only one person said they weren't mutually exclusive. Most of them said they were black and even though they were born in and lived in America, they were not American.
Also, I have two friends who are black and are teachers and they try to teach their students to speak with proper grammar and they said the parents come in and tell them not to because that's "white."
I have thoughts on that mindset, but I feel like since I'm NOT black, I don't really have a right to express them.0 -
I am filipino and grew up in a white french area of montreal. I know what you are going through. I didnt have a lot of ethnic friends growing up. All my friends are white english or french. As i got older, i did hear the same thing you are talking about. I ignored that type of ignorance throughout my childhood. The only thing i knew i needed to do was teach my kids where they came from. I feel like as long as you know where you come from and are grateful for everything you have now ... that makes you a good person ... period!0
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I have thoughts on that mindset, but I feel like since I'm NOT black, I don't really have a right to express them.
That's kinda racist...sorta...I mean...You're not 'not-black'. You are a person. Thousands have died for your right to express whatever the hell you want within the scope of accountablility for those thoughts, and what-not.
Speak. This thread is full of lots of voices. Nobody is getting *****y or hurt. We (society) needs MORE frank discussion like this.0 -
Be who you are not what others expect you to be.
Do not let these people try to put a label on you. You're not a jar.0 -
Does a skin color really make a difference? What's being white? People like to judge and force their opinion on others. If you're a genuine person with a good heart and a sound mind, why does it matter if you're black, white, brown, yellow? We were created in God's image, we are all beautiful.0
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you are human being. now become a human 'doing'. you sound like a great person...worry about being a better person, not how 'black' a person you can be.0
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I have thoughts on that mindset, but I feel like since I'm NOT black, I don't really have a right to express them.
That's kinda racist...sorta...I mean...You're not 'not-black'. You are a person. Thousands have died for your right to express whatever the hell you want within the scope of accountablility for those thoughts, and what-not.
Speak. This thread is full of lots of voices. Nobody is getting *****y or hurt. We (society) needs MORE frank discussion like this.
I wouldn't say it's racist. That's a very strong and very negative word to use for what I said.
My reasoning behind it is that there IS so much racism and black people have experiences that the rest of us probably never will. I don't think it's easy to be black in this country (and probably many others). There still are a lot of racists. Many of them are not obvious. I see it and hear it every day. I have friends who have friends who are black and are their very close friends and they love them. But when too many black people move into the neighborhood, these same people start referring to it as "the ghetto" and trying to get those people evicted from their homes just because of their color. I've had white people tell me they are not comfortable with having black neighbors.
Now, my father's side of my family is Jewish and I hear similar things said about Jews, but since you can't tell by looking at me that I am a Jew, I don't deal with the every-day, blatant bigotry that someone with dark skin has to live with. And we're only really one generation removed from Jim Crow so that mindset still permeates and there's a lot of distrust.
It's such a complicated situation. I, too, believe people are people and we all deserve the same opportunities and respect. But we don't all get it in the overall culture.0 -
Yeah. I am gay too as it happens! I see what you mean about bad thing of being white straight male is not being allowed to promote anything. The good thing of it though is not HAVING to, because I don't think I am up to representing anyone, I am just trying to do a good job of being one individual! I don't mean to let any side down, I don't even know I am on a side. I don't think I even am able to express what I mean, I just want to be happy and good.
Just continue to be YOU. The individual that you are.
I don't concern myself with stereotypes. I probably get stereotyped too as being "white trash" because I am married to a black man and I sport tattooes and piercings.
I concern myself with like minded people to be in my circle, yet I will help anyone out that needs a hand, even if normally they would turn their nose up at me.
I don't take sides either.
I find it ridiculous that people box themselves into these tiny spots like that and they are missing out on so much more in life.0 -
Great thread! I wish more people were like y'all! I live in a very small southern town (pop. 3 or 4 hundred) and I don't go to church. People here are finally starting to realize (after living here over 10 years) that I am not of the devil. They are finally starting to warm up to me. I believe in God I just don't like churches.....We do live in a wonderful melting pot though. I'm Irish,German,American Indian,English,Welsh,a drop of Dutch and my kids can add Scott and more English to the mix. And who knows what else. It's all good.0
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@poshcouture My story exactly! I'm always being told I have an "accent" because I don't speak the local slang. However, apparently my local white friends never get this comment regardless.0
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It doesn't matter. God made you as you are and He loves you.
So God is a he?0 -
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I have thoughts on that mindset, but I feel like since I'm NOT black, I don't really have a right to express them.
That's kinda racist...sorta...I mean...You're not 'not-black'. You are a person. Thousands have died for your right to express whatever the hell you want within the scope of accountablility for those thoughts, and what-not.
Speak. This thread is full of lots of voices. Nobody is getting *****y or hurt. We (society) needs MORE frank discussion like this.
I wouldn't say it's racist. That's a very strong and very negative word to use for what I said.
My reasoning behind it is that there IS so much racism and black people have experiences that the rest of us probably never will. I don't think it's easy to be black in this country (and probably many others). There still are a lot of racists. Many of them are not obvious. I see it and hear it every day. I have friends who have friends who are black and are their very close friends and they love them. But when too many black people move into the neighborhood, these same people start referring to it as "the ghetto" and trying to get those people evicted from their homes just because of their color. I've had white people tell me they are not comfortable with having black neighbors.
I see what you mean, I think it ican be hard for white people to give their view on issues because, as you acknowledge, it is not something you have experience of, and also sometimes people in the discussion can be quite quick to judge and suggest the person is bad if they say something wrong/they dont agree with.
I think white people should be able to talk about race too. All the better if white people can be allies to equality, we all got to work together on it! I think as long as white people is mindful of the privileges they have in relation to race, and aware that racism happens and that they don't have personal experience of it, white people can bring just as much to any race discussion. You sound very mindful and aware about all these things, your contribution is valuable.
I love that we can all talk like this and everyone involved is just wanted to learn from each oher and become more informed. How rare to discuss online an issue that can be contentious, and to do so in such a respectful way, this is great!!
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The stereo type for "Black People" is the "thug life, gangster, gold teeth, rap music, ignorant, uneducated african american person" I hate these stereotypes. Being black does not mean that. Black is just an expression. It just really sucks that there are a lot of african american's that "live up" to that name. How do you "be black"? How do you "be white"? Just because people like fried chicken and kool aide does not mean they are black. I like fried chicken & kool aide. Am I black? No. I strongly dislike the "N" word. It is so derogatory. I am from South Fla. I do have friends that use that word, they use the word in complete ignorance. I suppose because I am white i should work at a fancy job, and drive a fancy car. Be married to a wealthy man and have 2.5 kids. HELL NO! Stereotypes are silly. Be who YOU want to be. If you want to talk in slang and live up to the stereotype that America has placed on black people, then go ahead. Be proud of WHO YOU ARE. And apparently your "friend" is not a friend, it's not like you are doing everything you can to be "white" because you have made that choice to speak properly, or be well educated. You will never change who you are inside, as long as you know where your from, that is all that matters.0
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You know, I stopped myself from saying the full of what I was thinking, and I've decided that I probably shouldn't.
I live in a country where the majority population is Black and I have watched racism become a larger and larger issue over the last 12 or so years, supported greatly by our Government and it really is a sad thing to watch.
Successful, well educated, well spoken blacks are called 'uncle tom's' or are accused of 'sucking up to whitey' unless they also overtly exhibit racism or questionable ethics and morals.
If being successful, well educated, and well spoken is trying to be 'white', then what do these people perceive being 'black' as? Unsuccessful? Uneducated? Poorly spoken? Criminals? Filled with hatred?0 -
It shouldn't matter what skin color, nationality, race, sexuality, religion that ANYONE is. For Any reason. Period.:drinker:0
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I see what you mean, I think it ican be hard for white people to give their view on issues because, as you acknowledge, it is not something you have experience of, and also sometimes people in the discussion can be quite quick to judge and suggest the person is bad if they say something wrong/they dont agree with.
I think white people should be able to talk about race too. All the better if white people can be allies to equality, we all got to work together on it! I think as long as white people is mindful of the privileges they have in relation to race, and aware that racism happens and that they don't have personal experience of it, white people can bring just as much to any race discussion. You sound very mindful and aware about all these things, your contribution is valuable.
I love that we can all talk like this and everyone involved is just wanted to learn from each oher and become more informed. How rare to discuss online an issue that can be contentious, and to do so in such a respectful way, this is great!!
xxx
I was lucky to be raised by color blind parents. I mean, obviously I see that a person is black, white, green or yellow just like I see that a person has blue or green eyes or whatever. To me, that is just what you look like, not who you are. But unfortunately, not everyone thinks that way. It really wasn't until I was an adult and more exposed to the world that I saw how much irrational fear and hatred is still out there and it's very sad.
I hear so many people who care more about the color of the person their children date than whether that person is good or bad. The only thing I care about for my daughter's future boyfriends/husband is that he is kind and treats her well and loves her. The rest is irrelevant, though I do hope he's also educated and intelligent and successful. :-)
Funny story. My daughter has a friend who is black and when I met him the first time, he introduced himself as her "black friend." So I always pick on him about that. He came to her graduation party and when he left, he was saying goodbye to someone and said he was going to show the person how black people shake hands. And then he just held out his hand and shook hands. lol0 -
haha0 -
I love everyone's responses!! This topic, along with many others, needs to be talked about. Thank you for bringing this up, and I hope everyone has an awesome, fabulous, amazing, fantastic, wonderful, terrific day!0
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Ha ha, people always say this stereotype of black people and fried chicken. Especially fat black people. This is where I am a stereotype!!! I love it, lol. I didn't happen to mention but I live in the UK. I suppose race issues are similar in UK and USA but maybe also is subtle differences. Oh wow, I am getting so wrapped up in this, I need to go, ctach you all later!! Thanks for all your thoughts!
Oh, that guy is laughable in the pciture. But what people who talk about uncle Toms and coconuts when a black person is intelligent or succesful, don't understand is theur mindset is not so far from his!!
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Chicken and Waffles. Food of the gods.
Cheers, Jose!Ha ha, people always say this stereotype of black people and fried chicken. Especially fat black people. This is where I am a stereotype!!! I love it, lol. I didn't happen to mention but I live in the UK. I suppose race issues are similar in UK and USA but maybe also is subtle differences. Oh wow, I am getting so wrapped up in this, I need to go, ctach you all later!! Thanks for all your thoughts!
Oh, that guy is laughable in the pciture. But what people who talk about uncle Toms and coconuts when a black person is intelligent or succesful, don't understand is theur mindset is not so far from his!!
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The color of our skin shouldn't matter to anyone. Our skin doesnt make us who we are its our personality does. I have so many different races in my family.
Feel free to add me.0 -
For me, it has even gone as far as the things I enjoy. I love going to the museums, the zoo, mini-putt. I listen to metal, rock, classical, jazz, electronica. I have pictures of my dog on my FB page. Seriously! I've been told that these things are stereotyped as "White" activities. Such ignorance! I've been called everything from Oreo Cookie to Coconut. Sadly it's been a life-long problem.
Sometimes, having green eyes and light skin is another mark on my record.
*Sighs*
I suppose that I've also dated interracially doesn't bode well for me either.0
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