African-Americans

[ATL_EG]

So me and my buddies were sitting around the other night in the midst of an in depth post-sesh argument when the question was asked, is a white person, who moves to the united states from say South Africa, considered African-American?

discuss...

[BluesClues]

So me and my buddies were sitting around the other night in the midst of an in depth post-sesh argument when the question was asked, is a white person, who moves to the united states from say South Africa, considered African-American?

discuss...
I think so :thinking:

[02SloWrx]

lolol good question.

[Revmaynard]

I don't see why not.

[Halfwit]

yes. most ppl in the united states taht call themselves "african americans' are americans, and that only (born in usa) but want the AA title in case reparations are ever paid.

[browningboy7]

Most South Africans are white obv., So I would have to say...No fucking clue. lol

[jdm>usdm]

LOL.

I know a white south african.

I just always say hes african.lol

[browningboy7]

I dated a girl from South Africa, I always just called her "whafrican".

[SampaGuy]

Originally he's a south african, naturalized american.

Race-wise, he was white, he is still white.

[Ms Dollar]

If he is from Africa, regardless of his skin color he is African. Just like if you are born in America, regardless of your skin color you are American.

Now if you are born in Africa and you move to America, then you would be considered African American.

I try my best to study in Geography, so I believe this is how it works.

Another example. Someone born in China, but moves to America would be Chinese American, but if a person whose family is of Chinese decent is just born in America, they are American with a Chinese background.

If I have messed this up I apologize, but I think this is right...it's what we are studying in my class right now.


Oh yeah I also found out that everyone has ancestors that date back to Africa at some point...

Anyways I am rambling....my bad. It's the Jack Daniels, it takes control sometimes.

[quickdodge®]

So me and my buddies were sitting around the other night in the midst of an in depth post-sesh argument when the question was asked, is a white person, who moves to the united states from say South Africa, considered African-American?

discuss...

There are white African Americans. If you're African decent, you're African. That's how it is. Later, QD.

[Ms Dollar]

There are white African Americans. If you're African decent, you're African. That's how it is. Later, QD.

You're my hero...I don't know why. You just are. :D

[BluesClues]

yes. most ppl in the united states taht call themselves "african americans' are americans, and that only (born in usa) but want the AA title in case reparations are ever paid.
CASEY!!! Boo what's up?!

[ATL_EG]

personally yes I would say there african-american for sure, but one of the people present is exactly that,white and from south africa. at least for college he is indeed considered white. makes absolutely no sense to me.

[RandomGuy]

in high school, there was this one really ghetto girl in one of my classes who got into a log spirited argument with our teacher during some sort of test. Basically on a race thing, she bubbled in "other" instead of "african american" and put "black" on the line next to it. My teacher figured this was a joke (which it probably was, - or for attention)

but regardless, she's like "I'm Not African American, there's nothign african about me I've never been there, my parents have never been there... i'm Black"... i thought about it that day and agreed with her. I'm sure she made the scene for attention and she wasn't genuinely passionate about it like she was in the argument, but IMO she was justified in selecting "other"

[tony]

yes. most ppl in the united states taht call themselves "african americans' are americans, and that only (born in usa) but want the AA title in case reparations are ever paid.

Yes because every time we mention AA we're thinking of nothing but reparations.. :thinking:

Any time I've met someone living here from S. Africa that is white they will just say they are South African, nothing more. If I meet someone who is black from Africa they will typically say the country (i.e "I am Nigerian" or "I am from Zimbabwe) they do not associate their selves with being American just because they have moved here.

African American implies that you are a descendent of slaves brought over from Africa, nothing more.. so I don't understand why that pisses people off. Big deal if it offends you, and if you don't want to be referred to as that then correct the individual using it as needed.

[BABY J]

Dave Matthews

[quickdodge®]

African American implies that you are a descendent of slaves brought over from Africa, nothing more..

You probably won't respond to this, but I disagree. Later, QD.

[tony]

You probably won't respond to this, but I disagree. Later, QD.

What more does it imply?

[Double_0_Rusty]

Yes because every time we mention AA we're thinking of nothing but reparations.. :thinking:

Any time I've met someone living here from S. Africa that is white they will just say they are South African, nothing more. If I meet someone who is black from Africa they will typically say the country (i.e "I am Nigerian" or "I am from Zimbabwe) they do not associate their selves with being American just because they have moved here.

African American implies that you are a descendent of slaves brought over from Africa, nothing more.. so I don't understand why that pisses people off. Big deal if it offends you, and if you don't want to be referred to as that then correct the individual using it as needed.

Who is pissed off?

[blaknoize]

Le tme just remove my comment...

[tony]

Who is pissed off?


People seem to get almost offended by the AA American thing otherwise it wouldn't be so much of an issue but it constantly gets brought up.

[quickdodge®]

What more does it imply?

African American is simply an American that is from Africa that has been "Americanized." If I were born in France and moved here and became a citizen, I could be a French American. You don't have to be a descendant of a slve or slavery to be African American (although this is not recognized). The only people that aren't actual African Americans are those that are born over here as American citizens. Later, QD.

[quickdodge®]

People seem to get almost offended by the AA American thing otherwise it wouldn't be so much of an issue but it constantly gets brought up.

See it's the little things that keep this world from fully moving forward. Who gives a fuck what you call yourself? You know. Later, QD.

[tony]

African American is simply an American that is from Africa that has been "Americanized." If I were born in France and moved here and became a citizen, I could be a French American. You don't have to be a descendant of a slve or slavery to be African American (although this is not recognized). The only people that aren't actual African Americans are those that are born over here as American citizens. Later, QD.

What you've stated ignores the identity of those who are descendents of slaves. They/we are of African descent which is very much a part of the culture and is not to be forgotten. African American has more weight than just a classification, it takes examination of what it means to be African as well as American to really understand. (especially the latter) I guarantee the common sentiment of being American by someone who is white is different than someone who is black, because the experience is different.

I could go all into it but I find that the time is often wasted and the energy is better used elsewhere, which is why you don't always see me respond.

[81911SC]

You probably won't respond to this, but I disagree. Later, QD.I agree with you. Slavery has nothing to do with it.

[BKgen®]

I believe the correct term is "Wigger".

[Ziptied]

Can you prove you are decendent of a slave? Not that it matters one bit. One of my good friends is from South Africa and now lives here, he laughs at all the black people who call themselves "african american" and he does so to their faces and asks where they are from, he then tells them to shut up. Im irish and you dont see me demanding to be called an irish or european american, nope. im just an american plain and simple. It seems to me in these days in times blacks as a general rule complain about equality, fairness and unity but also want to distance themselves from the general population by stating they are "african american". I for one have never used the term unless speaking about someone who was born and lived in africa then moved to the US and I wont use it unless its such a circumstance. Fuck political correctness. /rant

[Init2winit]

So me and my buddies were sitting around the other night in the midst of an in depth post-sesh argument when the question was asked, is a white person, who moves to the united states from say South Africa, considered African-American?

discuss...
Yes, and most of the black people in the states aren't African American, nor are their parents.

[Init2winit]

The only real African American that I have ever known, is white.

[ATL_EG]

Can you prove you are decendent of a slave? Not that it matters one bit. One of my good friends is from South Africa and now lives here, he laughs at all the black people who call themselves "african american" and he does so to their faces and asks where they are from, he then tells them to shut up. Im irish and you dont see me demanding to be called an irish or european american, nope. im just an american plain and simple. It seems to me in these days in times blacks as a general rule complain about equality, fairness and unity but also want to distance themselves from the general population by stating they are "african american". I for one have never used the term unless speaking about someone who was born and lived in africa then moved to the US and I wont use it unless its such a circumstance. Fuck political correctness. /rant

nice! kind of off-topic but i love when people act like black people from africa were the only race to ever be enslaved. the irish, the jews, for fucks sake just about every race has at one point or another been enslaved by someone else, the only difference is they quit bitching about it 100+ years ago. quit usuing slavery as a crutch. :goodjob:

[TIGERJC]

lol I wonder why Blacks in the U.S. would rather call themselves AA than a American, remember we refered to AA more than 30-40 years ago. Just think about those times

[quickdodge®]

What you've stated ignores the identity of those who are descendents of slaves. They/we are of African descent which is very much a part of the culture and is not to be forgotten. African American has more weight than just a classification, it takes examination of what it means to be African as well as American to really understand. (especially the latter) I guarantee the common sentiment of being American by someone who is white is different than someone who is black, because the experience is different.

I could go all into it but I find that the time is often wasted and the energy is better used elsewhere, which is why you don't always see me respond.

It doesn't ignore anything. If you are from Africa, you're African. Whether you're a descendant of slaves or not. If you move to become an American, the you are African American. Slave or no. This is just an example where some people want to be equal but separate. Where people think they deserve their own special title because of their history.

And I know why I don't see you respond. Believe that. You're smart on a lot of things, but not so smart on others, man. Later, QD.

[Ziptied]

My family got here by indentured servitude. And I have proof of it, you dont see me bitching. They got here and worked like slaves for 20 years to earn the RIGHT to be in a free country. The epitome of an American if you ask me.

[quickdodge®]

worked like slaves for 20 years to earn the RIGHT to be in a free country.

And if anyone deserves and earned the RIGHT to be here, it's people like him and their families, man. I'm truly fascinated by that time in history. My oldest daughter's great-great grandmother (before she passed of course) used to tell us all about that "lifestyle." It's really awe-inspiring to me. I'm proud, as a white dude, to have some "roots" in the black culture. Later, QD.

[tony]

Can you prove you are decendent of a slave? Not that it matters one bit. One of my good friends is from South Africa and now lives here, he laughs at all the black people who call themselves "african american" and he does so to their faces and asks where they are from, he then tells them to shut up. Im irish and you dont see me demanding to be called an irish or european american, nope. im just an american plain and simple. It seems to me in these days in times blacks as a general rule complain about equality, fairness and unity but also want to distance themselves from the general population by stating they are "african american". I for one have never used the term unless speaking about someone who was born and lived in africa then moved to the US and I wont use it unless its such a circumstance. Fuck political correctness. /rant

This right here is proof of what I am talking about, how people take for granted the abilities they have and do not understand what it is to be black. Blacks can't trace their lineage because Census records only date back to the early 1900's for black families, or did you not understand that when you asked if anyone can prove they're descendants of slaves? I guess going by your rationale black people just started showing up in the United States spontaneously when they heard they were being treated so well here.

It's a building block, typically if you can trace your family back to the southern states like South Carolina, Virginia, and other states that were in deep in the Jim Crowe era somewhere in your blood line will lead you back to Africa, but you're talking about 300 years of undocumented ancestry so you can attribute that to putting pieces to a puzzle together in the dark.

This whole thing is funny to me really because it is exactly what I explain to people, the lack of understanding or the care to understand. I don't even use the term African American but I can understand those who do.

And about your South African friend, you wouldn't understand the tension between blacks from America and Africans but your friend is entitled to his opinion either way.

[BABY J]

This right here is proof of what I am talking about, how people take for granted the abilities they have and do not understand what it is to be black. Blacks can't trace their lineage because Census records only date back to the early 1900's for black families, or did you not understand that when you asked if anyone can prove they're descendants of slaves? I guess going by your rationale black people just started showing up in the United States spontaneously when they heard they were being treated so well here.

It's a building block, typically if you can trace your family back to the southern states like South Carolina, Virginia, and other states that were in deep in the Jim Crowe era somewhere in your blood line will lead you back to Africa, but you're talking about 300 years of undocumented ancestry so you can attribute that to putting pieces to a puzzle together in the dark.

This whole thing is funny to me really because it is exactly what I explain to people, the lack of understanding or the care to understand. I don't even use the term African American but I can understand those who do.

And about your South African friend, you wouldn't understand the tension between blacks from America and Africans but your friend is entitled to his opinion either way.

Funny what people THINK they know huh Tony? Some battles aren't worth fighting bro --- I'm wondering why you even try really. We're seeing eye to eye kid - for whatever it's worth. :)

+1

http://www.importatlanta.com/forums/showthread.php?t=94669

[tony]

It doesn't ignore anything. If you are from Africa, you're African. Whether you're a descendant of slaves or not. If you move to become an American, the you are African American. Slave or no. This is just an example where some people want to be equal but separate. Where people think they deserve their own special title because of their history.

And I know why I don't see you respond. Believe that. You're smart on a lot of things, but not so smart on others, man. Later, QD.

What does American mean QD? Is it being born here? If so then there are a LOT of Mexicans that come under unwarranted scrutiny for being here illegally. How about those indigenous to the Land, are they American too? Because they sure as hell don't get treated like it. Thats my problem with this whole "we're all American and nothing else" sentiment, it ignores the fact that there are various cultures in this country that have their own identity, one that does not conform to the dominant culture, that is whats supposed to make this country so great.

But when I defend my position I'm whining or complaining, when in reality some of you are scared to just talk about the truth. No big deal, I just wonder at what point would I feel justified in telling someone else what their heritage is, something I most likely havent taken the time to study or understand.

[quickdodge®]

Funny what people THINK they know huh Tony? Some battles aren't worth fighting bro --- I'm wondering why you even try really. We're seeing eye to eye kid - for whatever it's worth. :)


I don't post what I "think" I know. I tend to stick with what I "do" know. Or at least what I was taught by others. I'm not black, nor am I one of the many white dudes that get involved with the black race to "look cool" to blacks. I actually immersed myself, to an extent, in the black culture. I've been to many services in black churches, I've sat around and listened to the people that have been there talk. I've sat and learned. For the last two years, my riding partner was (cue Ice Cube voice) Straight Outta Kenya. Dude's been here for only 2 years. I can't tell you how many hours we talked about his home, his culture, him being right in the thick of all the battles going on around him. I love to learn.

I have no problem learning. If I am wrong on a point, I have no problem being corrected. But I won't be talked down on if I'm not 100% in the know. Later, QD.

[quickdodge®]

What does American mean QD? Is it being born here? If so then there are a LOT of Mexicans that come under unwarranted scrutiny for being here illegally. How about those indigenous to the Land, are they American too? Because they sure as hell don't get treated like it. Thats my problem with this whole "we're all American and nothing else" sentiment, it ignores the fact that there are various cultures in this country that have their own identity, one that does not conform to the dominant culture, that is whats supposed to make this country so great.

Being born in your country under legal citizenship is what American, or any other nationality, is. If my parents were French citizens and I was born in France, then I'm French. If my parents were American citizens in France and I was born over there, I'm American born abroad. If you're here illegally, then you're still the nationality of the country of your legal citizenship.

The original American Indians is who you're referring to? You've obviously not seen some of my posts on Thanksgiving. I think it's shitty how the people coming over here took the land from these people and then were "kind enough" to let them have some of that land back for themselves (reservations). I think that you think I have a problem with black folks calling themselves African Americans. If that's it, then that just proves you're not really reading my posts, because I've never said that. And I don't feel that way.


But when I defend my position I'm whining or complaining, when in reality some of you are scared to just talk about the truth.

What truth do you THINK I'm afraid to talk about? I'm not afraid to talk about anything. We can get up and talk about whatever on race and stuff. As I said in my post above, I love to listen and learn about the black culture. Later, QD.

[BABY J]

I don't post what I "think" I know. I tend to stick with what I "do" know. Or at least what I was taught by others.

You think you can "teach" me about being white? What it is like? You think b/c I have a mixed kid (you know that) that I 'all of a sudden' "KNOW" white people? Just b/c I go to church w/ her moms parents when I go to Birmingham to see them I'm "in the know"? Maybe b/c my best boy Terry is white and I hang out w/ him when I can and we roll out and fuck bitches that I'm "in the know??" I wouldn't DARE pretend that I am "in the know" just by those few areas where my life overlaps w/ the "white" culture. For 1 it's dumb - and 2 I wouldn't wanna offend a whole sect of people and pretend that their existence is so shallow that I can "be in the know" by naming a few unimportant things that I have done to mesh myself in their culture. The things I have learned from and about white culture from white men/women can ONLY be the tip of the iceberg. And even if it wasn't, that'd be ONE story out of MILLIONS of other stories. Get that right bro. We have a lot in common w/ the interracial kids - so yeah, I'd tell a BLACK man that I prob know a bit more about "white" culture than he - but I'd never say that to another white man. I'm not that "brave".

You DO have one up on a lot of people... and that is that you WILL "go there" to that point and learn for YOURSELF what little you have learned (this is not an insult, but I assure you that it's JUST a little') instead of walking around like lots of people quoting shit they "learned" in school and heard from other people and watch on the 1 sided newscasts thinking that they got shit figured out about an entire race of people.


I'm not black, nor am I one of the many white dudes that get involved with the black race to "look cool" to blacks. I actually immersed myself, to an extent, in the black culture. I've been to many services in black churches, I've sat around and listened to the people that have been there talk. I've sat and learned. For the last two years, my riding partner was (cue Ice Cube voice) Straight Outta Kenya. Dude's been here for only 2 years. I can't tell you how many hours we talked about his home, his culture, him being right in the thick of all the battles going on around him. I love to learn.

I have no problem learning. If I am wrong on a point, I have no problem being corrected. But I won't be talked down on if I'm not 100% in the know. Later, QD.

I know you don't have a problem learning - that's why we clicked from the day we met - the people that don't like "QD" is b/c they don't know "Mike". I understand that. If I didn't know Mike - I'd say you were a fuckin' asshole too (lol) -- and I wouldn't try to learn otherwise. And that's where most of society is... "learning" about black people - black culture - Jews - Germans - Indians from books when they are sitting RIGHT beside them at the bookstore - at the park - etc. "Learning" about blacks from books written by whites w/ "quotes" from black people they interviewed - THA FUCK?? Black people "learning" about white people/culture by reading books wriiten by BLACK people w/ only a few "quotes" from the 3 white people they interviewed and put in the credits. FUCKING QUIT BEING PUSSIES AND GO UP TO THEM AND ASK. We as a people (ALL PEOPLE) have missed the WHOLE FUCKING ship and it's ugly. You hate/don't like black/white/mexican people - you MIGHT get the conversation of a lifetime from some1 NOT like you @ Starbucks if you step outside of your own funk and offer them a hot chocolate and a seat at your table.

I'll keep this shit simple for all involved. You got 80 little years on this rock IF YOU'RE LUCKY! What are you gonna do w/ it? Stay in your backyard or venture out? Who are you gonna know? People like you or LOTS of people? It's all up to you - there's a LOT of world out there... GO SEE IT. There are LOTS of people out there not like you - GO LEARN ABOUT THEM - it's not hard.

/rant

[quickdodge®]

You think you can "teach" me about being white? What it is like? I have a mixed kid (you know that) my daughter is mixed - so I "KNOW" white people? B/c my best boy Terri is white and I hang out w/ him then I'm "in the know??" I wouldn't DARE pretend that I am "in the know" just by those few areas where my life overlaps w/ the "white" cluture. For 1 it's dumb - and 2 I wouldn't wanna offend a whole sect of people andpretend that their existence is so shallow that I can "be in the know" by naming a few things that I have done to mesh myself in their culture. The things I have learned from and about white culture from white men/women can ONLY be the tip of the iceberg. And even if it wasn't, that'd be ONE story out of MILLIONS of other stories. Get that right bro. We have a lot in common w/ the interracial kids - so yeah, I'd tell a BLACK man that I prob know a bit more about "white" culture than he - but I'd never say that to another white man. I'm not that "brave".

Here's where a lot of people can get it mixed up, I think you just did. I don't claim to know all about blacks. I don't claim to know half. I have NEVER claimed to know what it's like to walk in their shoes. I can understand what it's like because the compassion/humanity that is in me for another human race and their treatment is so great.... I really don't know how to explain it. Please, don't take me literally when I say I know things or learn things. So I'm not, nor have I ever, saying to anyone, you, Tony, that I know more about your culture. I know I don't. But I also won't be told that I don't know shit.


You DO have one up on a lot of people... and that is that you WILL "go there" to that point and learn for YOURSELF what little you have learned (this is not an insult, but I assure you that it's JUST 'a little') instead of walking around like lots of people quoting shit they "learned" in school and heard from other people and thinking that they got shit figured out.

Like you said, we both have mixed children and with that a more extensive knowledge on the opposite's culture than someone without. And you don't have to insist that I don't know shit (compared to what there is to know) about you motherfuckers (lolol---joke). Again, I don't claim to know all.

Also, I'm glad we clicked. You're a dude I'd hate to NOT have as a friend or not know period. I'm glad you met Mike and forgot about who QD is. Props to you, homeboy. Later, QD.

[BABY J]

^^^ THAT'S MY N1GGA!!! LOL. QD fucks off about a lot of shit and pisses people off just b/c people ALLOW him to. LOL. But make no mistake, he can elevate more than most when it's time to - real talk.

[quickdodge®]

^^^ THAT'S MY N1GGA!!! LOL. QD fucks off about a lot of shit and pisses people off just b/c people ALLOW him to. LOL. But make no mistake, he can elevate more than most when it's time to - real talk.

Answer your phone, fucker. Later, QD.

[BABY J]

I will - I'm on this GAWT DAMN conference call - (iPhones not activating via the handset in New York)

[DieselNuts]

It's politically incorrect for a white person to be "african american".

Example:http://www.1010wins.com/pages/4374417.php?

[BKgen®]

FACT: We all came from Africa in the beginning anyway. It's science.

[Ziptied]

Mesopotamia isn't Africa.... FAIL.

[The Ninja]

Why do people act like there aren't white people that were born and raised in Africa? And when they do admit it, why does said white person have to be from South Africa? Lmao, I'm sure there are thousands of white people who were born and raised in all countries in Africa.

[tony]

Any time I've met someone living here from S. Africa that is white they will just say they are South African, nothing more. If I meet someone who is black from Africa they will typically say the country (i.e "I am Nigerian" or "I am from Zimbabwe) they do not associate their selves with being American just because they have moved here.



Bolded part conveys my experiences not actual demographics but I guess reading and understanding that was a task too difficult. I don't tend to run into many white Nigerians.

[quickdodge®]

Bolded part conveys my experiences not actual demographics but I guess reading and understanding that was a task too difficult. I don't tend to run into many white Nigerians.
Ok, Tony. You've made your "point." You know it all and I know shit. It's all good. Later, QD.

[tony]

Ok, Tony. You've made your "point." You know it all and I know shit. It's all good. Later, QD.

lol QD that wasn't directed at you. Look, its not a matter of know it all.. you will never see me post in a thread about Civics or I dont know.. Mustangs because I don't know anything about them, I may look to learn but I wont pretend I have any knowledge about it. Talk about G35's and I'm in my element and this subject right here, this is my study in academics.. I love learning and talking about it. So again its not a matter of being a know it all, I'm just passionate about the subject.

[quickdodge®]

lol QD that wasn't directed at you. Look, its not a matter of know it all.. you will never see me post in a thread about Civics or I dont know.. Mustangs because I don't know anything about them, I may look to learn but I wont pretend I have any knowledge about it. Talk about G35's and I'm in my element and this subject right here, this is my study in academics.. I love learning and talking about it. So again its not a matter of being a know it all, I'm just passionate about the subject.

My apologies, then, sir. And I'm exactly the same way. I don't post in the Tech section because I know nothing about cars. I do post if there is something I do know, but the majority of the time, I don't. I post what I do know. If I post wrong, then by all means, I'm up for corrections, but I'd like it to be a respectful correction, you know.

Again my apologies for the comment. Salute, QD.

[Sammich]

YES, I HAVE A FEW FRIENDS THAT MOVED FROM AFRICA THAT ARE WHITE AND I CONSIDER THEM AFRICAN AMERICANS

[David88vert]

Tony, are you a US citizen? If so, you are American. It doesn't matter what color your skin is, or what culture you come from. America is a melting pot of races and cultures, if you haven't noticed.
Take a look from a US enemy's country/culture from outside of the US. They see us under one flag, and we are all hated Americans in their eyes. They do not separate us based upon color, and neither should we.
Your avatar shows what we should really see, now stop separating people based upon the color of their skin, and start being pro-active in encouraging communication between all Americans. That is the only way to reduce the amount of racial tensions in this country.

[AirMax95]

Blah......Tony, QD, Baby-J......great job. No mudslinging had, rather open-minded people willing to understand each others views.

You old fuckers make me proud, lol!

[quickdodge®]

Blah......Tony, QD, Baby-J......great job. No mudslinging had, rather open-minded people willing to understand each others views.

You old fuckers make me proud, lol!

All three of us are black deep down so we get each other, lolol. Later, QD.

[tony]

Tony, are you a US citizen? If so, you are American. It doesn't matter what color your skin is, or what culture you come from. America is a melting pot of races and cultures, if you haven't noticed.
Take a look from a US enemy's country/culture from outside of the US. They see us under one flag, and we are all hated Americans in their eyes. They do not separate us based upon color, and neither should we.
Your avatar shows what we should really see, now stop separating people based upon the color of their skin, and start being pro-active in encouraging communication between all Americans. That is the only way to reduce the amount of racial tensions in this country.

I do believe that the diverse population is what makes this country so great. The fact that I have the opportunity to serve in the capacity that I do, the fact that I have an opportunity to pursue my dream does not go unrecognized by me.

But what I don't overlook is my heritage, it means a lot to me and I can't see failing to acknowledge that in the name of being American. And it is not just my heritage I value, just as mine as a black male is not to be overlooked, those who migrate from Israel, the one who seeks asylum in the U.S from Somalia, Mexicans who come here to better provide for their family. White, black, brown, yellow, everyone has a story to tell and while we are one country, we are still individuals with differences and when we learn to embrace and educate our selves on those differences (good and bad) then we are a better country.

And on the last statement, its easy to say or assume what our proclaimed enemies think of us but sometimes I think the enemy label gets blanketed. For exampe its common to point the finger at Palestinians and Hamas as opposition to the United States but they have a story as well and I believe there would be a lot less animosity and more diplomacy if that story was heard and understood rather than dismissed.

I've said all of this to just basically say before forming an opinion take the time to put yourself in the other persons shoes. I constantly try to understand the perception of the black community to other races so I can better address the conflict and ill admit I struggle to do it but I still try.

[AirMax95]

I've said all of this to just basically say before forming an opinion take the time to put yourself in the other persons shoes. I constantly try to understand the perception of the black community to other races so I can better address the conflict and ill admit I struggle to do it but I still try.

That alone would solve many problems on an everyday social level as well. To understand how any society functions you must understand the relationship between the ethnicities and backgrounds. Seeing one side only gives you half of a possible solution.

[eYezs1ck]

a freakin southern african

[David88vert]

I do believe that the diverse population is what makes this country so great. The fact that I have the opportunity to serve in the capacity that I do, the fact that I have an opportunity to pursue my dream does not go unrecognized by me.

But what I don't overlook is my heritage, it means a lot to me and I can't see failing to acknowledge that in the name of being American. And it is not just my heritage I value, just as mine as a black male is not to be overlooked, those who migrate from Israel, the one who seeks asylum in the U.S from Somalia, Mexicans who come here to better provide for their family. White, black, brown, yellow, everyone has a story to tell and while we are one country, we are still individuals with differences and when we learn to embrace and educate our selves on those differences (good and bad) then we are a better country.

And on the last statement, its easy to say or assume what our proclaimed enemies think of us but sometimes I think the enemy label gets blanketed. For exampe its common to point the finger at Palestinians and Hamas as opposition to the United States but they have a story as well and I believe there would be a lot less animosity and more diplomacy if that story was heard and understood rather than dismissed.

I've said all of this to just basically say before forming an opinion take the time to put yourself in the other persons shoes. I constantly try to understand the perception of the black community to other races so I can better address the conflict and ill admit I struggle to do it but I still try.


No one wants anyone to give up or forget their heritage.

The problem is this - you appear to see black Americans as different than white Americans, hispanic Americans, etc. We are all equal Americans, and we need to recognize that while we have some differences, but our similarities are more important to focus on.
In serving, you serve all Americans - regardless of race, belief, etc. Why should daily life be any different?

Enemys of America do not see a difference between you and I. When they chant, "Death to America", they do not add black, white, African, or any other adjective in front of America.

[Ruiner]

YES! Funny story...

A buddy of mine opened up the two Atlanta Bread Companies at Hartsfield-Jackson Airport. When he was doing the "bid" he put "African American" on his bid app. Now, he is white and from South Africa. He got the bid and they were PISSED that he was white as the application section for "African American" was supposed to mean Black. Sucks for them.

Another buddy from South Africa got a scholarship because he, too, put African American. He was also white and they felt cheated. Once again, they were looking for a "black" guy, not white. Go figure. They got busted on their terminology.

[Total_Blender]

My experience with White people from South Africa is that they will quickly point out that they are from South Africa. They don't really seek to associate themselves with the rest of Africa where the lekwerekweres (immigrants from poorer countries like Nigeria) come from.

Lets not forget that South Africa has its own history with racism and xenophobia (fear of foreigners) that's lasted well beyond the "official" end of apartheid.

[1000cckiller]

I dated a girl from South Africa, I always just called her "whafrican".no you didn't you just made that up:D

[Kevykev]

Why can anyone ever just answer a question?

'YES' is the answer

Damn!