OP has not once discussed the destructive choices that are problematic for the AA community, she has only labelled herself white because she gets along with white people? Does that actually make sense? I am not AA, I do not glorify any destructive choices of ANY community. I share almost nothing with AA culture, I am who I am and capable of having my own identity. I also am broad minded enough to not make generalizations that if OP is not embodying ignorant stereotypes that she is a white. I am upper middle class, married to a white man and raising a multiracial daughter, and share a lot with OP on interests and environment. I still don't understand her. It just seems silly. I'm waiting to hear if there is something deeper compelling her to see herself the way she does, behind these superficial examples. |
I'm not OP. But I do have a question, if you really "share nothing with AA culture", then do you not identify with any culture? Any at all? That seems self-denying to me. There are people you hang out with, people who share the same quirks and likes as you. That is, by definition, their culture. Are there no group of people who have the same little tastes (in food, music, sports, discussion topics, etc) that you feel you belong to? At least OP does feel a part of a culture, even if it is not the one we would guess she would feel a part of due to her appearance. I think she is very honest to admit this to herself. |
OP is not at all unique, that is what I think she doesn't understand. There are plenty of aa women who don't embody the negative stereotypes that we are inundated with. We are everywhere, except on reality tv of course. |
This |
What I find interesting is that the bad behavior of black people is somehow considered our culture. Why is our culture defined by our lower class folks? Is white culture meth and heroin addiction, pedophilia and white collar crime? |
I identify as black, as mixed race, with elements of my Indian culture with elements of my Latina culture. I do not identify with AA culture because I am not AA. I do not share anything with AA culture because the cultures I was raised with are nothing like AA culture, not sure how that is self denying. My point is being smart, middle class, liking pop or being nerdy has nothing to do with being black or white. You said that your quirks are the definition of your culture, well that is wrong I'm afraid, that is the definition of your personality. And the personalities can be found in many different races. I am black, I identify as such without embodying anything that people believe to be stereotypically AA. |
Exactly! |
+1 Thank you |
I haven't read all the responses, but I find this so sad. Everything you like? There are other black people who like it also. You are not "not black" bc you don't fit some stereotypical image of a black person.
Signed, A black woman who can't dance, speaks properly, has high SES, plenty of white friends, and otherwise defies ignorant stereotyping, but still knows that I am black. |
I just read the posts prior to mine and am happy to see others making the same point. |
Why is this offensive to you. Every race has contributed to the arts, jazz and literature - nothing in particular stood out to me other than the traits I mentioned. |
I am not sure. But I presume that the black nerds that do exist are usually the children of Blacks of a higher socioeconomic status. It would not be "cool" to be a nerd just like it's not cool among white kids. |
Some but not all. |
I usually would talk to everyone. But I would make an effort to talk to some of the white people because I know what it feels like to be the "only one" or one of few in a room. |
This is OP. I agree. The black immigrant experience is very different than the AA experience. My husband has no AA friends - he just does not relate to the culture. |