Why be offended when "they" identify you as "black"or "African American"? Why dislike those who put a label on you or place you in a "your type" box? If that is how "they" define you, and you consider yourself to be different, then there just might be a disagreement. One who is not fearful of labels, criticisms, etc. will and needs to stand up for his or herself.
I find some African Americans suffer with various personality disorders, because for far too long they have been passive about sharing how they really feel to "they." These non-blacks, who are at times ill-equipped, to converse with African Americans say the wrong things and do wrong, because no one has bothered to educate some on what are considered minor and major offenses in the black community. The reaction to being described as "black or African American" varies. Some of our people could care less about descriptions just don't call them out of their names. Others find assumptions are offensive when they have one parent who is not African American and the other is. Then you have those blacks or African Americans who are listening real closely how you talk about them. Is it really necessary to mention that someone in a story was black or African American while other individuals in the same story are not described as being white or otherwise?
Some of us get told we are "too sensitive" because we let what others say about us get under our skin. Being called black, African American bi-racial, or something else, depending on who you speak to, is good, bad or otherwise to them, but doesn't represent the majority even if they look black. This is why it is always best to keep one's personal observation to his or herself until the opportunity comes to discuss one's ethnicity. We don't have to embrace descriptions just because someone tells us we should. You have the privilege of being yourself whatever you define yourself to be.
I think of those men and women who either spit out "blaaack" or hesitate when they say, "African-American" and I can't help but feel a sense of sadness. It is obvious from their reaction that they are grappling with some deep emotions. Something or someone made them feel badly about saying what they are. They discovered something about the labels that left them with a bad taste in their mouths. Others just wanted to stop with all the labels. All are right in how they feel.
When one, who isn't you, says what they think you are, you can nod in agreement, correct them, educate, or ignore that person, your choice. But what we need to think twice about doing is going along just to get along when we feel differently. Of course, there will be critics and others who will tell you what to say, how to think, and what to do, but you are in control of you!
Nicholl McGuire shares spiritual insight on YouTube channel: nmenterprise7
I find some African Americans suffer with various personality disorders, because for far too long they have been passive about sharing how they really feel to "they." These non-blacks, who are at times ill-equipped, to converse with African Americans say the wrong things and do wrong, because no one has bothered to educate some on what are considered minor and major offenses in the black community. The reaction to being described as "black or African American" varies. Some of our people could care less about descriptions just don't call them out of their names. Others find assumptions are offensive when they have one parent who is not African American and the other is. Then you have those blacks or African Americans who are listening real closely how you talk about them. Is it really necessary to mention that someone in a story was black or African American while other individuals in the same story are not described as being white or otherwise?
Some of us get told we are "too sensitive" because we let what others say about us get under our skin. Being called black, African American bi-racial, or something else, depending on who you speak to, is good, bad or otherwise to them, but doesn't represent the majority even if they look black. This is why it is always best to keep one's personal observation to his or herself until the opportunity comes to discuss one's ethnicity. We don't have to embrace descriptions just because someone tells us we should. You have the privilege of being yourself whatever you define yourself to be.
I think of those men and women who either spit out "blaaack" or hesitate when they say, "African-American" and I can't help but feel a sense of sadness. It is obvious from their reaction that they are grappling with some deep emotions. Something or someone made them feel badly about saying what they are. They discovered something about the labels that left them with a bad taste in their mouths. Others just wanted to stop with all the labels. All are right in how they feel.
When one, who isn't you, says what they think you are, you can nod in agreement, correct them, educate, or ignore that person, your choice. But what we need to think twice about doing is going along just to get along when we feel differently. Of course, there will be critics and others who will tell you what to say, how to think, and what to do, but you are in control of you!
Nicholl McGuire shares spiritual insight on YouTube channel: nmenterprise7
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