Being black in America
@queenajasmina (449)
United States
January 30, 2007 11:32am CST
I recently responded to a discussion on here of someone who said they were proud to be white. I felt that that was great. He was standing up for his culture and proclaiming what he felt was true. Then he went on to say how America is basically subserviant to black culture. he started going on how it is not fair that blacks have their own tv channel, Dr. Martin Luther King Day and black history month. When I read this I was appalled. I though his discussion was going to be uplifting for his own race, but instead it seemed as if he were trying to put down mine. Why do we have our own music channel and our own month? Well for those who have wonderd these questions I'm going to answer them now.
Firstly, we have B.E.T. Before I answer this I'll ask you something. How many channels can you think of right now that are for black people. How many black people do you see on television compared to white people? I cannot think of too many. Sometimes I would like to se more of myself on television. There are very few black movies and sometimes that is just what people need, to be around other people like themselves. I have no problem with hite people at all, but ssometimes this is just what i need.
Secondly, black history month. Mind you black history month, which is in February, is the shortest month of the year. The reason why there is a black history month is because in America you do not learn about black history, point blank. Teachers don't find it important besides the fact that we were once slaves. Blacks have also shaped many things in America and it is important to learn. Which is why it is basically forced on school systems during black history month, which still does not get taught.
Lastly about Martin Luther King day. He was a great man. If it weren't for him who knows how things would be today. I probably wouldn't be here writin this to you all right now. He was a very important figure in history and deseves to be recognized. That holiday has everything to do with american culture as a whole. Not just black people. He brought us all closer together, and there are still people simple minded enough to complain about what we have that they do not, when they already have evrything else. What is the world coming to?
I hoped this cleared up anything that anyone has been thinking. SInce I am black in a predominantly white college I hear these hurtful things ALL THE TIME! It just shocks me that i, and every other minority culture in america, know s uch about white culture and yet many know so little about ours and outher minorities. Feel free to ask me anymore questions about what I have said and questions you may have about how it feels to be black in America.
14 people like this
57 responses
@chaygylmommy (2470)
• United States
31 Jan 07
I agree with everything you say! I am a white woman and have no problem with Martin Luther King day or BET. When someone has those same complaints to me or in my presence, my response is exactly as yours. Why not a MLK day? We have Washington's bday and President's Day and all...what is the big deal if we celebrate a black leader, as well???!!!
As far as BET, who cares!!! I watch some of the shows on there...most of the shows are off of "regular TV" anyhow. I mean, "The Wayans Bros" and "The Jamie Foxx show" "The Parkers"...all funny shows...who cares if the main characters are black, white or purple...if it's entertaining, i will watch it! LOL Why aren't these same people complaining about the BBC which is a British channel??? Makes no sense to me?
Black History Month...you are right...black history is NOT taught in schools. It's not the teacher's fault, though...it's the curriculum. They have things they have to teach and stick to and black history is not one of those until Feb. I think Black History is a great idea...maybe there will be less ignorant people in this world if they actually KNEW something about a black person's ancestory and not just ours--the white man!
Come on, people...get over it! White people sit and complain about black people this and that...WE ARE THE ONES WHO MISTREATED THESE PEOPLE! Yes, I realize it was a long long time ago and I do believe we have made great strides in racial equality since then, but just 60 years ago, there was still segregation. We are getting there, but let's stop the complaints and whining and just accept people for who they are...no matter race, color, or nationality.
Now, I will step off of my soap box! LOL
3 people like this
@queenajasmina (449)
• United States
1 Feb 07
Bravo! If only i would've waited to post the best response!
@HeavenUnaware (1757)
• United States
1 Feb 07
I have to disagree - I'm white but I have never owned a slave in my life. Neither did my parents nor my grandparents nor my great-grandparents .. so I haven't done anything to blacks and I do not appreciate them hating me just because I am white and someone WAY back in my heritage may have owned a slave that I had nothing to do with.
A person can not sit and say "treat me like an equal" and then turn around and ask for special treatment because of their race. I can not sit and say I will treat all others equally and then ask for an all white magazine or tv station or anything else. If I did, it would be in everyone's right to call me a hypocrite because that is what I would be. I see no difference in any race saying they want to be treated equally but then say they want special treatment because they are black, white, mexican, asian or whatever.
How can we treat you equal when you are purposely seperating yourself from us in other ways?
1 person likes this
@margieanneart (26423)
• United States
30 Jan 07
You are a very bright women, and stated a lot of wonderful things. I hope everyone gets a chance to read it.
I am an minority too. But, mine doesn't show, only in my name.
America is basically a wasp nation. And a melting pot world wide of people.
I find that so many people are raised in ingnorancy, and it just keeps going.
I think that everyone is the same. We all love, cry, bleed, eat, and so forth. No body is better than someone else.
My husband just was fired from a new job because of his nationality. I have lived my life with people like that.
I put all my trust in the Lord. I do not listen or look to people that are so narrow and prejudiced. I pray for them only.
Keep your head up high dear, as you have a lot to be proud of no matter what anyone thinks.
I am white, and I would like to commend you on your reactions and your view points. Bless you dear. Keep up your good work and positive attitudes.
3 people like this
@margieanneart (26423)
• United States
31 Jan 07
Never ever let a human bring you down dear. You are ever bit as good and they are, maybe more so. It is only God you must please. He created you in His image, and He loves you just as you are. Thank you for the best response, I appreciate that. Keep your head up high and just be proud of who you are. You are a bright and lovely young lady who will go far. Blessings, M&M
@queenajasmina (449)
• United States
31 Jan 07
Thank you very much for your psoitive statements. I too believe that evryone is equal. God created us all equally, but the reason I write what I did is because there are always people who bring me back down to earth and tell me that i am different. I know that I am different, what two people are the same? i'm sorry about your husband. Those are the types of things that make me realize that I am a minority. Thank You for understanding.
@meishalicious (672)
• United States
31 Jan 07
dont mind them..im an asian..i love whites and black..i love DREAMGIRLS which is all black movie.. many talented and rich people are black..eventhough they are also violent people which is black.. but dont mind them just stay sweet kind as you are and thats great..
2 people like this
@kitchenwitchoftupper (2290)
• United States
30 Jan 07
Goddess Blessings Sweet Queen, Although I am white, I can say that I have never been proud of it. I have never been proud to be a part of the race that holds racism so dear to their hearts. When my black granddaughter, at age 4 stepped out of the bathtub and we were drying her and putting poweder on her and she said, "Please don't rub it in, and please put more of it on - I want to be white like you", I have never had words hurt so much in my life - that is, until the first time she was called the "n" word and came home to tell us about it. Tears of shame and pain are now rolling down my cheeks. You are so right, Queen. You have the right to shout. You have the right to scream back at anyone who has the nerve to make you feel "less than". Thank you so much for posting this ~Donna
1 person likes this
@sirensanssmile (3764)
• Netherlands
30 Jan 07
That is quite an ignorant thing to say that white people hold hate dear to their hearts. Of course there are those that do, but honey they come from all races and all walks of life. It isn't just white people that are racist. I am half eastern european and half middle eastern and I have heard racial things come from the mouths of many different people from different walks of life. I think it is horrible, but it is also quite horrible to sit there and place the blame on one race.
@dutchess67 (917)
• United States
31 Jan 07
EXCUSE me? Holds racism so dear to their hearts?
I grew up in the Southern United States and I can tell you, there's not an area in this country that is more racially charged than that. I do NOT hold racism near and dear to my heart. In find racism apalling.
Our ancestors certainly weren't kind to black people, there's no denying that, but the people of this country, over time, changed those wrongs. You can't make them right, nothing ever will, but the fact is that, these things happened years ago. You can't punish the son for the sins of the Father. It doesn't work that way.
And guess what? I'm white, and yes, I'm proud of it. If that makes me a bad person, then so be it!
@chaygylmommy (2470)
• United States
31 Jan 07
nobody said you shouldn't feel proud of your race, duchess...all she said was that SHE sees that racism is in white people's hearts. And, it's true. I, too, am white and I, too, was born and raised in the south and SORRY to tell you, but it's true...the south is TERRIBLE with racism! I was raised in it and when I finally moved North for a while, I saw a whole new side of things. Yes, there is racism in every race...I do beleive that...some black people hate white people...some Cubans hate white people or black people...yes, it's ridiculous. And, yes, we have made great strides, but being black is still difficult.
My sister has a child with a black guy and I KNOW from experience how hard this is. They are looked at and talked about. It's so hard to see it so for you to say that we have made great strides and to elude that people should get over it is a bit stupid. Since we obviously haven't made ENOUGH changes!
@dutchess67 (917)
• United States
31 Jan 07
You know, i don't have any desire to diminish any persons right to celebrate who they are and where they come from. I believe that Martin Luther King Jr was a great man and that yes, his life SHOULD be celebrated, right along with many other people's.
However, I do have to acknowledge that there IS a double standard about certain things.
Let's be honest about this. If someone created White TV, a channel dedicated purely to white history and white interests, you would be appalled, wouldn't you? The person or people who created this channel would be ridiculed and ostracized and very likely find themselves slapped with an endless string of law suits.
If a bill were put before Congress to institute a holiday, let's call it White American's Day, there would be no end to the protests over it, claiming that it was racist and wrong, would there?
The fact of the matter is that while you can celebrate being black, we can't celebrate being white without being called names for it. It's the truth, plain and simple.
2 people like this
@queenajasmina (449)
• United States
31 Jan 07
There has been many people who feel this way about the white t.v thing and i am finally gonna share how i feel about it. There are so many races and cultures out there. If t.v. were equal, where every race got their own channel, than okay i wouldn't mind their being a white t.v channel, i really wouldn't. But the simple fact that white america is every channel! Then I would get offended simply because they have so many other channels. i get upset how on the lifetime channel( for women) there are no movies about black women. why is that? We are women too. And that is the reason why there is B.E.T
@dutchess67 (917)
• United States
1 Feb 07
I get what you're saying, truly, but things being as they are, you have to admit that if there someone came out with an exclusively white tv network, you would find it offensive. I certainly would.
Don't misunderstand me, I am not one of those people who is running around saying that I proudly white. I am, quite simply, who I am. I just hate that all of this has to about race. Why do we have to things geared toward one race or another at all? The chick tv thing, I kind of get, just like ESPN and Spike are more geared toward women, though I do watch both sometimes. I think that it would all be better if these things were simply geared more toward interests than race. Let's not exclude anyone.
@CatEyes (2448)
• United States
30 Jan 07
I am sorry, but this whole topic insults me as a human. I consider this a racist discussion, so the one who starts discsussion such as this is no better than the one who called you names in the first place. I have had such horrible experiences with my in-laws and my spouse; does this mean I am allowed to be predudiced against all in laws and husbands? No, they are just a few in a whole world of many. I can not and will not judge one because of their status or their color. becuase I have extreamly light eyes so many have called me a witch. Many people will not look me in the eye becuase of this , and then I hear things behind my back all of the time. When I speak to a person (any one) they are think I am being condsending or just have manners and a good grasp on my vocabulary. Because of the way I dress, or my accent. It makes life very hard when it is hard already. Growing up I was very poor and was called white trash, trash diggers, trailer trash (which I never lived in) all because I was poor. I never had "new" clothes so again I got made fun of for that. I never had a new back pack, never had new shoes (in fact for 6 months I went to school with holes in both shoes with tape over them, and I would get sent to the principal all of the time, and I was 6, then they said if we did not get a new pair for me I would get expelled.) I have many friends from different walks of life, and I try to stay away from those who are offensive and abusive with their words; it will only bring me down as a human being and I would be a enalbler for them by allowing it. I have had a very rough time being "WHITE" while others I have known do not. So, please do not write such offensive and racist discussions, for they are just that; racist. I realy do not know for sure why I am even responding to this discussion, but I hope I can at least give you pause for a moment and look at the broad view, not just your small cube you are in. Every one deals with this what ever "race" you are.
1 person likes this
@Idlewild (6090)
• United States
31 Jan 07
I disagree; I don't find this discussion "racist" at all. It's terrible that people treated you the way they did because you were poor. But I think there's a difference between that and the way blacks have been treated.
It's outrageous to think that a person would be expelled from school for having worn clothing. But I don't think a person who is poor would find themselves in the situation of being legally denied the right to vote or to attend schools, or being legally required to use a separate bathroom or drinking fountain.
@Idlewild (6090)
• United States
31 Jan 07
ItTakesAllSorts, I understand what you mean, but class and financial status can be changed, race cannot (except for Michael Jackson, maybe).
People from lower classes can become financially successful; an English person with a working-class accent can take lessons and speak like an upper crust person (like Margaret Thatcher). In both cases, no one would ever know necessarily of the person's origins. Covering up one's skin color is not so easily done.
@ItTakesAllSorts (4096)
•
31 Jan 07
Do you not think that class issues then are just as damaging to a person as are race issues.
Many people are badly judged by what class they come from, we have this problem in the UK.
By what you have said it seems that this is what has happened to you because you were poor.
Money and class rule this world and it is those who have all the power who are the bigots of this world, as they are the ones who can change so much, but unfortunately choose not too!! Whatever race they belong to.
@vhansen (2029)
• United States
31 Jan 07
I understand how you feel.Living in San Antonio,white people are the minority and are hated on.I don't understand people's need to say and do hurtful things.I never considered myself better than anyone else regardless of color,age,religion,etc. We are all human and our differences are what makes each of us unique.In my perfect world everyone would understand and respect that.I think it is wonderful that you know so much about your culture and are proud of your heritage.I applaud you for enlightening us with the correct information and stating it so well.Thank you.
@estherlou (5015)
• United States
1 Feb 07
Thanks for the wonderful post! Some of what you wrote I'm sure a lot of people just never thought about. I think most of the hurtful comments are probably from people who don't think before they speak and from just plain ignorance of the facts! Thanks for enlightening us!
1 person likes this
@MrNiceGuy (4141)
• United States
31 Jan 07
Just a few points, although I totally agree with your anger.
-BET is stupid. Its unfair and racist. Why would their be a "Black" Entertainment Television network when there most certainly can be no white counterpart. Why exclude white people from that television? I disagree that there are no black people on television, it just isn't so. ANd look at sports and music, black people all over television and pop culture.
-Black history month is a crash course because we don't learn black history in schools in AMerica. Thats just bogus. We are beaten over the head with all kinds of history, particularly black history. We obviously get our share of black history in AMerica. That being said, I have nothing against black history month as a month to celebrate and remember, thats fine, good idea.
1 person likes this
@Idlewild (6090)
• United States
31 Jan 07
The criticism of BET makes absolutely no sense to me.
Why is BET 'stupid'? 'Black Entertainment Television' is just a name the founder gave the network, because it appeals to blacks. I don't see what's wrong with it, it's a private business and the owner can call it whatever he wants. Like I said in a previous comment, it's not like BET is an official government sponsored station.
Does that mean there's something wrong with the WE network (Women's Entertainment), or networks with the words Asian, Japanese, Latino, etc.? That point just makes no sense to me. Do we really need a golf channel? A game channel? A Playboy channel?
Regarding Black History Month--I guess you won't be happy that March is Women's History Month, either!
@ItTakesAllSorts (4096)
•
30 Jan 07
I understand what you are saying.
I saw this discussion and decided not to answer it.
What I find sad is that we do not learn from history and things have not got better but even worse.
I watched Spike Lee's When The Levees Broke and could not believe I was witnessing the most richest countries disgusting attitude and response to such a tragic event. It left me shocked and saddened that this could happen and only reinforced the racist and classist views your government holds.
I do feel that we should move more towards integration for minorities to not be looked upon as victims within society.
In the UK, schools will have seperate awards for black students achievements. This is like telling them that they cannot compete against other races at the same level, so we will give you a different award.
We celebrate Black History month in October and in this country it is like a form of tokenism.
Books, photo's etc often only depict black people from Africa instead of showing how many came to the UK in the 50's and were hard working and helped this country.
Alot of black kids need to see this as well. Black people need to feel they belong to a country they call their home and be shown what relates more to their lives in the country they have been born in, instead of being made to feel they are still just visitors.
The more we know about each other the more we can understand how people feel. I believe most who read your discussion will understand what message you are putting across, but there will always be those who have racist views because they feel inferior in their own life's.
I hope you understand where I am coming from as it is quite hard to put into words sometimes exactly what I am trying to say.
I wish you peace and happiness.
1 person likes this
@queenajasmina (449)
• United States
31 Jan 07
Thank you for your commment. I understand exactly what you are trying to say and it is greatly appreciated.
@smiley20903 (495)
• United States
30 Jan 07
well spoken argument queenajasmina......why is it that some whites think that we as black are the majority and they are the minority is crazy....in movies, tv, and everywhere else u see more white then black...and or you see blacks light and bright and almost white....just take a look at most must videos...u rarely see a dark skin chick.....also look at how blacks are protrade in movies, music videos, etc.....I am proud to be black....people need to learn to look beyond the color lines these days......because when the lights go out we are all black and bleed the same blood...
1 person likes this
@Justareceptionist (869)
• United States
30 Jan 07
It's really the Hispanics who are going to be the majority come the next generation or 25 years down the road.
1 person likes this
@grievingbeauty (94)
• United States
31 Jan 07
don't be offended, but so long as blacks seperate themselves they will not blend in to mainstream...
1 person likes this
@bonbon50 (659)
• United States
31 Jan 07
I do know about black culture. And one thing you never hear blacks talk about is how some sold their OWN family members into slavery! But, they would much rather put all the blame of slavery to rest on the shoulders of the white race . Also, many slaves stayed on after obtaining freedom because they made good wages and were treated fairly, some like family. But blacks just like to trump up the sickos and abusers of slaves.
Also, while you walk freely amid an all white campus, it's nearly impossible for a white person to do the same amidst mostly blacks without them taking revenge of some sort.
@mkirby624 (1598)
• United States
31 Jan 07
Yes, I wish it could be as simple as the first responder said. I wish we could all just be PEOPLE instead of seperating ourselves by the color of our skin or where our great great great great grandfather is from. I do want to let you know, however, that not all schools ignore black history. During my student teaching, my entire unit was dedicated to black history, and I taught the kids about it through articles, real history, and a book called The Diary of Miss Jane Pittman. And I didn't teach it in February, either. The kids were enlightened and learned so much. I think a lot of the problem is that focusing on black history isn't a big part of the curriculum, which is not aligned by the school.
1 person likes this
@craftyqueen2007 (151)
• United States
31 Jan 07
I've had friends of all cultures. I love everyone of them. I totally agree with you! I'm white. But I don't think it's nice of all cultures to have hate names for one another. I feel it is sad for white parents to look at their children and tell them that "they would be very disappointed in them if they dated/married a black person". That happened to me. I was actually rather interested in a black man until I found out he was married and had children and that repulsed me but other than that, I have NO issues with your culture at all!
1 person likes this
@minerc (1373)
• United States
31 Jan 07
Let me say to you I agree on alot of things you are saying, I am a White American, I do not consider myself a racist in any way. BET, I personally like this channel, I do beleive that they have other channels that are a pay type channel that I have also watched nothing wrong with having a black or white channel, actually I think society has come along way, when I turn on the new's or watch tv there are black and white, mexican all kinds of people on this and I think it is good. Black History month, I personally think is good, when my son went to public school it was taught to him in Feb and we encouraged him to learn, there are amazing people that done amazing things, he is now homeschooled and he learns about everything no specific months. Martin Luther King, He was a great man, he taught not only black but white he trully was an incrediable person. Slavery, I have never had a slave my ancestors might have I don't know I think I shouldnt have to suffer because of there ignorance, but if you look in times, not only blacks were slaves, look in the bible there were slaves in the bible and they werent black. I do get sick of hereing about slavery only because I didnt do it why do I have to suffer, I would have never agreed to something so horable. You and I are American's no matter what color, I hold nothing against you for your color as I would hope you would hold nothing against me for mine. Thank You for this post, you have every right to defend yourself against other peoples ignorance, they really need a history lesson, and they need to quit letting the past eat inside of them.
1 person likes this
@vicky1 (240)
• United States
31 Jan 07
I understand what you are saying. But there are just as many good white people as black. And just as many bad white people as there is black. I worked with a lady and all you would here all day was it's beause I am black. One day I said you how would you like me to say it's because I am Mexican all day. I also said you know you are not the only black person here but you are the only one that says this every day.I am Mexican born in the U.S.A. and growing up some kids couldn't hang around with me. Me I tend to look at the person who is like that and not say all or most of the people are.
Martin Luther King was so important that he gave me and and many others a paid day off from work.And because of this I thought he was recongnized By his Holiday.
1 person likes this
@here_for_you (325)
• Philippines
31 Jan 07
We all have our own differences and it is very inevitable for some people, esp. the whites, to think of their selves as superior beings over the blacks. We must not worry about this for the basis of a person's real color is not through the color of his skin but the beauty of his personality. I am black and I don't care if people judged me by the color of my skin for as long as I don't do the same. What other people think of me is less important than what I think of my self. What is even better nowadays is that more whites look at black people with equal respect.
