[CrimsonTide4]

We are having a similar discussion about Black Identity based on last night's episode of Girlfriends. This is what I shared with the list.

First the whole "acting Black versus acting White" issue is a divisive problem in our culture. For some acting Black is equivalent to KEEPING IT REAL, to me at times it means KEEPING IT REAL IGNANT. I think for some of our brothers and sisters, when we go on to achieve, that age old crab mentality kicks in and they have to throw some sort of insult at us to "keep us in check" hence the Acting Black/acting white comments that many of us may have been the target of. I remember the first time my former best friend and former stepfather told me I sounded white on the phone, I went off -- sounded BLACK then, I bet. Anyway I digress.

In today's culture/society, this hip hop culture dominates the way of thinking, living, and behaving. Too many of our Black brothers and sisters are trying to keep up with the Joneses and Big Willies and P Diddys. Not realizing or recognizing the inherent value in themselves.

I do believe that hip hop culture has made it "seem acceptable" for whites and other non Blacks to use the N word. I don't think so. My kids, white and Black, get it from me if I hear the N word. We must change their way of thinking. However it is hard when that is all they hear at home. Hell I heard it at home. It wasn't until I went away to college that I thought "WHOA!!" No more!! I still occassionally slip and use it but I realize that in using it I continue to give our oppressors power over how I treat my fellow Blacks.