I've been reading this thread for a long time and I try not to get upset over topics such as this one. Prettygyrl, much love to you for representing and holding your own. I think, however, that this discussion should be closed because no one is going to change anyone's mind.
For the White folks who do not understand what the "slave mentality" is (and if there are African-Americans who are not sure, that's pretty sad)
let me clarify for you.
Slave mentality: the mentality of the average slave! Slaves learned to appease their White masters and White people in general --to do and give them everything their little hearts desired (in order to avoid being mistreated of course).
What Prettygyrl is trying to say is that we are our own people and should be proud of that. I don't think we have to include everyone in what is rightfully ours. I don't mean to offend anyone, but this is a White person's world and what little we have, we should hold dear to us. In my personal opinion, when a White person joins an organization founded by and for African Americans instead of one of their own they are simply flaunting their power and their ability to do whatever they want. We've been stripped of our prized possessions long enough, why offer it voluntarily?
It's hurts me to know that many African Americans equate success with White. This is evident in the relationships of many of our successful Black men (some women, not many). When we feel like we've 'reached the top' and have acquired quite a bit of cash flow, then we want to go out and get a White mate. How many African American actors/actresses and athletes with White partners can you think of? What happened? We were good enough when they didn't have any money!
Anyway, I think it's time we expressed pride in ourselves and our culture (we have one, you know). I sincerly apologize if I've hurt anyone by my statements, but they are my opinions and mine alone. Thanks!
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