Anonymous
Post 03/07/2012 17:31     Subject: I'm an African American. Ask me anything.
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I find it very interesting that many AA women prioritize their hair over physical fitness. Is it really worth it to have straight hair if you can't exercise?


But many of those women have careers that find dreadlocks, cornrows, and natural hair unacceptable.


That is more reception that reality. I worked in a major new york law firm for 7 years with shoulder length braids and never had any issues. I interviewed with an got a job offer from Goldman Sachs with said braids. Natural black hair can be styled professionally.


You're using anecdotes to declare that it's more perception than reality.

Your experiences don't make the rule for what's generally true.
Anonymous
Post 03/07/2012 17:31     Subject: Re:I'm an African American. Ask me anything.
Anonymous wrote:Once, just to make conversation with a co-worker while waiting for the microwave at lunch, I asked a AA women my age early 20's what she was eating for lunch. She told me to never ask a black person what they are eating. What was that all about?


Whaaat?

She must have been messing with you, this is a new one for me. I tell people what I'm eating all the time.

What you should never do is touch a black woman's hair without leave.
Anonymous
Post 03/07/2012 17:26     Subject: Re:I'm an African American. Ask me anything.
Anonymous wrote:Once, just to make conversation with a co-worker while waiting for the microwave at lunch, I asked a AA women my age early 20's what she was eating for lunch. She told me to never ask a black person what they are eating. What was that all about?


Yeah, it is a sensitive subject.

Just kidding. Ummm, yeah not sure why she said that. We have no super secret food code...unless I am not included in on it.
Anonymous
Post 03/07/2012 17:25     Subject: Re:I'm an African American. Ask me anything.
I read through 19 pages to make sure I wasn't duplicating my questions. This thread is fascinating to me.

Do you think that MLK's dream will ever be realized?
Anonymous
Post 03/07/2012 17:22     Subject: Re:I'm an African American. Ask me anything.
Once, just to make conversation with a co-worker while waiting for the microwave at lunch, I asked a AA women my age early 20's what she was eating for lunch. She told me to never ask a black person what they are eating. What was that all about?
Anonymous
Post 03/07/2012 17:15     Subject: I'm an African American. Ask me anything.
Do you feel that you receive more compliments on the street from Blacks or non-Blacks?

This is random but I can't recall a time where another AA stopped to ask about or compliment my outfit, perfume, bag, or shoes. What about you all?

Signed,
AA
Anonymous
Post 03/07/2012 17:08     Subject: I'm an African American. Ask me anything.
Why do some AA's dress bundle their kids up so much on pretty mild days?
Why are some AA's so loud in the movie theaters?

Anonymous
Post 03/07/2012 17:06     Subject: I'm an African American. Ask me anything.
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I find it very interesting that many AA women prioritize their hair over physical fitness. Is it really worth it to have straight hair if you can't exercise?


But many of those women have careers that find dreadlocks, cornrows, and natural hair unacceptable.


That is more reception that reality. I worked in a major new york law firm for 7 years with shoulder length braids and never had any issues. I interviewed with an got a job offer from Goldman Sachs with said braids. Natural black hair can be styled professionally.


I agree. While I can't think of an instance where a bush would scream anything other than Black Panther or hippie, dreads and braids look beautiful when styled in a bun. Like with all hair, styling is key.
Anonymous
Post 03/07/2012 17:04     Subject: I'm an African American. Ask me anything.
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:**Raising hand**

I've got a question!

I live in a gentrifying part of DC, and every few weeks some long term resident posts a message to the local neighborhood mailing list complaining that "white people never say hello".

I've noticed that, when I'm walking down the street, I'm usually met with a grim glare by black people coming my way. When I dutifully say "Good morning!" the response is usually one of three variations:

a) The other person gives me a look as if my head has been sculpted out of dog poop.

b) I get no response whatsoever.

c) I get a smile and a good morning in return.

Given that "not saying 'hi'" appears to be one of the major complaints about the "newcomers", one would think that 'c)' would be the most common, but in fact, I see a lot more of a) and b).

Do you have any idea what's going on? Is this an elaborate practical joke? Or is it possible my "old timer" neighbors might have deeper resentments and that "white folks don't say 'hi'" might just be a fig leaf to cover those up?


I think the unfriendly responders have something in common with my upper NW white neighbors because I've received the same response to my attempts at being friendly.


I don't doubt that for a second. My guess is that the "not saying 'hi'" goes both ways. And yet...do you get a lot of traffic on your local listserv from white professionals complaining that the reason the neighborhood's going to pot is that "black people just *won't* say 'Hi'!" ?



No, in my neighborhood, no one would ever admit what they were thinking. I've received "friendly advice" that the problem is that "some people" come off as unfriendly or not wanting to belong (i.e., the very few minorities in the neighborhood) and the best way to fit in is to be friendly. The truth is - for both of us - is that no matter how nice we are, some people just won't like us because of the color of our skin. Ironic that I'm having this conversation with a white person. Don't let it get to you. Were you able to make friends with at least a few people in your neighborhood?
Anonymous
Post 03/07/2012 16:59     Subject: I'm an African American. Ask me anything.
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I find it very interesting that many AA women prioritize their hair over physical fitness. Is it really worth it to have straight hair if you can't exercise?


But many of those women have careers that find dreadlocks, cornrows, and natural hair unacceptable.


That is more reception that reality. I worked in a major new york law firm for 7 years with shoulder length braids and never had any issues. I interviewed with an got a job offer from Goldman Sachs with said braids. Natural black hair can be styled professionally.
Anonymous
Post 03/07/2012 16:56     Subject: Re:I'm an African American. Ask me anything.
Anonymous wrote:What does "natural" hair look like? Does any one famous have natural AA hair so I can google a pic?


There's no one look. It's hair that hadn't been chemically processed. Any race of people can have "natural" hair, but it's usually used in reference to people of African descent who have curly-kinky hair.

Famous people with natural hair:
-Lauryn Hill
-Esperanza Spalding
-Raven Symone
-Alicia Keys
-Solange Knowles
Anonymous
Post 03/07/2012 16:48     Subject: I'm an African American. Ask me anything.
Anonymous wrote:I find it very interesting that many AA women prioritize their hair over physical fitness. Is it really worth it to have straight hair if you can't exercise?


Nope. it's more like we work around our hair to exercise. you do a quick touch up, you do something that doesn't require a lot of sweating, you wear something protective over your hair while working out, you use a fan... etc etc etc.

that said, i have natural hair, work full time and have an infant, therefore my only exercise is taking walks with the baby. my hair has nothing to do with my lack of exercise.
Anonymous
Post 03/07/2012 16:45     Subject: Re:I'm an African American. Ask me anything.
Anonymous wrote:What does "natural" hair look like? Does any one famous have natural AA hair so I can google a pic?


Viola Davis is natural. So is Jill Scott & Whoopi. There are varying degrees of natural hair.

http://www.google.com/search?q=natural+black+hair&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hl=en&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&ei=xNZXT5-fJci8twfYt4yRDw&biw=1308&bih=740&sei=xtZXT563J8Shtwf81tTwDg
Anonymous
Post 03/07/2012 16:43     Subject: Re:I'm an African American. Ask me anything.
Anonymous wrote:"How does that indicate ambition? The only thing that says is that some people are more interested in building wealth while others are more interested in building family. You can't take money with you; I'll chose family every time."

Ambition is not just wealth creation; it's an interest in position and title and power.

It's okay, you know, to say you'd rather spend time with your family. It just means you're not as ambitious as someone putting in more hours and trying to get ahead in the workplace.


ambition: Having or showing a strong desire and determination to succeed.

Everyone's idea about success is different. For some, it's to be a Big Law lawyer. For others, it's raising a family. One is not better than the other.

But your POV does that mean that career focused women aren't ambitious as it relates to raising a family? A slacker if you will?
ManHere
Post 03/07/2012 16:37     Subject: Re:I'm an African American. Ask me anything.
Anonymous wrote:What does "natural" hair look like? Does any one famous have natural AA hair so I can google a pic?

Angela Davis