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Originally Posted by SomeRandomGuy  I don't think that blacks (in general) are racist. My point was that they contribute to racism against them by insisting on being different. My point was that if the only thing they had in common was the color of their skin, then by creating their own culture they were contributing to the creation of a society in which racism against them exists. Now that I better understand why black who descended from different countries developed a common culture during and following slavery it makes more sense.
Racism, or any sort of prejudice, only exists when people are different. In fact, I believe that that prejudice exists anytime one group is seen as being different from another group (even if the separation is only idealogical, such as with politics or religion). As much as I disapprove of racism, however, I would never suggest that people should become more homogenized in order to avoid racism. I especially would not suggest anyone lose their cultural heritage to avoid being the target of racism. Before you pointed out to me the shared African heritage (as opposed to a national heritage) shared by most of the black community, it seemed that by coming together based on skin color alone the community was unnecessarily setting themselves aside as different. My thinking was, why create a different culture and face racism just because your skin is a different color? I would not have asked the community to change, if that is what they wanted, but it was hard to understand the point. Now that I understand the African Culture aspect better, it makes more sense.
I am glad that you dropped by and joined in this thread. I feel like I have learned something today. |
I'm glad you learned something. I'm actually glad you posted your opinions too. That way other people could get a chance to express themselves on this topic. Race is always a touchy issue but I encourage people to be open about their feelings. Even if it turns into a heated debate, I'm still all for it.
To me, Black people have a very a unique history. I honestly don't know everything about my history. So much of it has been tucked away, dismissed, or not taught all together. But if you can take anything away from what I am saying just please ask questions about Black people. The thing that bothers me is when people (not necessarily you) watch TV, listen to commentators, and then form an opinion on Black people and Black culture. Television does not begin to describe who we are and what our history is.
Being different is great. I don't care how different people are, as long as they are good people. That's really all that matters.