DSTLove girl, your post was potent, to say the least. You are exactly correct. You have also managed to widen the issue a bit... This thread reaches a bit deeper into our community than just the way we practice/perform our social skills.
Blacks in America are the only ones who can/do validate the assumption made by the general populous that we are socially "inept"... Unfortunately, the more we play into that the more we lose ourselves in the labyrinth of conditions and qualifications set by people who are nothing like ourselves. Our culture as Americans is so ill-defined because of our own lack of public backbone. Many of us have
not learned to be ourselves in the presence of our diverse counterparts. The only clue we should take from "them" @ this point in our history is this: WE SHOULD SET and MAINTAIN OUR OWN STANDARDS. Don't bend and shift with the whims of others. Being yourself is what rewards you with the most gratifying forms of "respect."
There
are some very valid and applicable rules of etiquette which, traditionally, derive from "white" society... DST Love commented on the rules of dining etiquette, for example. As she stated, there are ways to accomodate the "Romans" without losing yourself. But hey, once you become comfortable
with yourself that's not tough to do. And it can be done with grace.
Quote:
Originally posted by DST Love
I'll leave you with this, it's good to be aware of how Romans act, but keep in mind that you are not and never will be Roman. So when in Rome, act as you would in the presence of any other people but not as if you wish to be Roman.'
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I am gonna hafta work that one into my Cliche' Comeback Library... I agree with you, Ideal, and 'Quiz as well. Wholeheartedly.