All too many people make the mistake of assuming that we are limited in scope from our lifestyles to our personal interests. Despite popular belief, Black women epitomize multiplicity in a vast array of forms, which continually defy long held stereotypes. Here’s a look of some of the many factors that blow some of those archaic labels right out of the water.
Just because we’re Black doesn’t mean:
•We can’t enjoy music that plays on non-Black radio stations.
•Issues of animal rights or environmental preservation aren’t of paramount interest to us.
•We don’t watch shows like Curb Your Enthusiasm or Arrested Development and the Colbert Report.
•We can’t be outdoorsy types.
•One should assume that we are unwed with children.
•We don’t engage in extreme or winter weather sports.
•We don’t love cats.
•Don’t embrace religions other than Islam or Christianity.
•Independent films are off limits.
•That we don’t find men from other nationalities sexy.
•That we’re not interested in traveling to far away places like Fiji, Vietnam, or Bali.
•We are angry, or aggressive, or loose cannons.
•We can’t have rare or arbitrary tastes in fashion, art or music.
•That we are obligated to adore Beyonce.
•We aren’t vegetarians or vegans.
•We don’t have an interest in the fields of technology, science or engineering.
Alex
Does not mean we didn’t earn scholarships, but were handed to us because of Affirmative Action
Can’t adopt or be foster parents (and to children outside our own race)
That we don’t use cloth diapers.
That we can’t enjoy Daft Punk and detest 50 cent
That we didn’t take 3 years of Latin and 1 year of French in high school
That we would not be interested in joining the Peace Corps
That my best friend can’t be Hispanic
That we date outside our race because there are no good Black men
That we don’t watch C-SPAN.
That we watch reality t.v shows, period
That we can dance
Speak slang constantly
Don’t know our fathers’
Wish we had straight hair
That we are not paranoid about the New World Order
That I can’t have family members that make over $250,000, that are not in the entertaining business.
That we call each other ni%&^*s , bitches ,and ho’s on a regular base.
That we want hand outs and welfare (we are not multinational corporations :)
Aura
1. I am automatically part of what some call the “african-american –hood” culture. Someone can actually be international, mixed with different cultures, and not understand black culture as some define it. I’m Dutch-Caribbean and I was raised to value family, education and to have a sense of pride in being refined.
2. I have to be loud, obnoxious, curse like a sailor, and cannot properly use the full English vernacular. It is so annoying that people insist on sounding ignorant even in professional environment. Stereotypes are so pervasive already, why affirm it even more?
3. That I’m automatically going to dignify your derogatory sleazy come-ons because you think that I haven’t been affirmed in my life.
4. That I don’t read Wired, Forbes, Redbook, Good Housekeeping, Harper’s Bazaar, Fitness Magazine and my fav Body+ Soul. I LOVE the whole organic and recycling movement!
5. That I don’t like anything “white”– from clothing store preferences, to music, food, to social events. No, I don’t believe the white man is trying to hold you down. Yes, I believe there is still a disgusting undercurrent of racism in this country. Bring understanding instead of division no matter what others are doing.
0 Comments
Before you comment remember...
1. Don't be rude!
2. Stay on topic of the post. If you don't stay on topic, either state "off-topic" or your comment will be deleted.
3. If you want to ask an off-topic question and don't see the proper post for it, please e-mail me about it.
4. Don't spam or promote your blog or service. Please e-mail me if you'd like an add to my blog list or need for me to update your blog's URL. If your blog is similar in subject to mine, you will be added to the list.