So I am entering the last full week of my summer English class. After that I will have one final day, and then I will try and prepare myself for the next semester -- as well as try and hangout with people I may have not had the chance to see this summer. We'll see how it all does down. --
After working on the research for my final essay for the class, I've somewhat been in a sort of inquisitive mindset regarding my topic. While the exact direction of my topic is still unclear, the general subject in relation to African American/black culture. Maybe even the culture of Afro Amer/black men in particular. Matters that have come up in the investigation process include white-black race relations, interracial relationships, and the paradigm and direction of identity in these black men.
Of course the focus of the project could apply to me. There are just so many questions that I've had in my own personal experiences that fuel the fire for the course of where this paper might head.
After working on the research for my final essay for the class, I've somewhat been in a sort of inquisitive mindset regarding my topic. While the exact direction of my topic is still unclear, the general subject in relation to African American/black culture. Maybe even the culture of Afro Amer/black men in particular. Matters that have come up in the investigation process include white-black race relations, interracial relationships, and the paradigm and direction of identity in these black men.
Of course the focus of the project could apply to me. There are just so many questions that I've had in my own personal experiences that fuel the fire for the course of where this paper might head.
Does the dynamic between me and my "white" friends a true model of how black-white interaction should be, or is there still much understanding and change that must occur?
Should I think of my actions of "choosing" or having a "preference" for a mate that is interracial as measures of self-hatred, or even being a traitor to the ethnicity of my people?
Must I lose my individuality to obtain racial identity?
All good questions I think. And believe it or not, but this song has been provided good motivation for some of those feelings.
I think (oddly enough) black eyed peas said it best:
ReplyDelete"But if you only have love for your own race
Then you only leave space to discriminate
And to discriminate only generates hate...
Take control of your mind and meditate
Let your soul gravitate to the love, y'all, y'all"
Why do you allow other people to label you because of the amount of melanin in your skin? God doesn't label you.
And as far as dating, I dated an African American for three months last year...I don't think people would be saying I'm denying my race. Why is that standard different? If you happen to be attracted to the women in your life and those women happen to be caucasian more times than not, what's the difference? Why, if we keep trying to move toward a "color-blind" society do we continue to separate ourselves from those we love just because our skin is darker/lighter than theirs? Why do we give in to society that way?
I totally agree with the B.E.P quote. And I don't think my current concerns are in what people can/should label me. The questions I posted are rather from my previous personal experiences and will hopefully act as catalysts for getting my writing "voice" into focus for the essay.
ReplyDeleteDating wise, I personally agree with you, however this excerpt gives you a view from the other side of the coin.
"[...] The sight of a black man with a white woman. We see them, and we,(black women), feel abandoned. We feel abandoned because we have been abandoned in so many ways, by so many people, and for so many centuries. We are the group of women furthest removed from the concept of beauty and femininity which invades almost every spot on the planet, and, as a result, we are taught not to like ourselves..." -- Gloria Wade-Gayles
Its sorta like how you spoke in your blog about being surrounded by some of your liberal friends at UCLA. Its fine that they had different opinions than you during the election, but some people feel very strongly about there opinions; and they may at times come off as somewhat hostile at times. From my own experiences, and the wisdom and advice imparted to me through my mother, the subject of black men, (with white women in particular), is a sensitive subject
First of all, thanks for being so honest in these posts. It's given me a glimpse into seeing a different side of you; one i wish i'd gotten to know sooner.
ReplyDeleteI would say that you should be who you are. Not who your "race" says you should be, not who your peers think you should be, and not who the culture around us says you should be. A lot of people , myself included sometimes, will try project their point of view onto others, expecting them to feel/act the same way they do. It doesn't work. People are individuals and have different ideas/interests/backgrounds. I think if you feel attracted to a woman, you should pursue her, regardless of her race. If people have a problem with it, they ought to talk to you about how they feel
Well thank you sir Benneth! Truth be said, I'm the type of person where "better late than never" is always a welcoming idea -- At least I try to make it that way -- So I am glad that I am opening up, (in my own little way), as well.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate the both of you charming and lovely folks taking interest in my blog. And I feel that both of your advice are great words for me to remember down the road. We all have our obstacles and insecurities, so its good to reinforce myself with the furthered understanding I gain from this entire research process and your comments.
I must say that your writing style is exceptionally expressive and I find each blog entry extremely compelling. Viewing these other comments is slightly intimidating. They are such insightful responses. When it comes to writing, it is always helpful to feel passionately about the writing topic, which I can tell you do. Whichever direction you may choose to go, I don’t doubt that every word of your essay will hold the reader captive. I do not believe that being attracted to someone of a different race qualifies as traitorous or self-discriminating. If anything, it presents one’s desire to move beyond past discriminative beliefs regarding interracial couples. I believe that the most important qualities of one’s individuality isn’t reflective to one’s race. There are so many radical directions you can take for the essay. :)
ReplyDelete