I think there are definite cultural differences which factor into the relationships between Africans and African Americans such as different religions, protocol for interacting with elders and different expectations for men and women and children. Neither group is better or worse than the other b/c we are all victims of a divide and conquer strategy to keep oppressed people from building alliances and rising up against our oppressors.
I think that the problems ladygreek is referring to in MN and other parts of the Midwest is a result of the refugee relocation agreement the U.S. has with Somalia. There was a relocation package for Vietnamese immigrants as well. Instead of creating relocation packages based on newer sources of funding, the fed and state gov't often take money from existing gov't sponsored programs, usually those ear-marked for the poor and/or those living in urban areas. These packages include full welfare and Medi-care benefits, reduced college tuition, work visas and section 8 housing.
What this does, however, is pit other minority and/or improverished groups against one another for scarce resources. Furthermore, several states agree to these packages at the insistence of local businesses who want to undercut native-born workers who might be asking for too much in wages and benefits. In California, a similar trend occurred with the Mexicans during WWII with the bracero program which was designed to bring Mexican agricultural workers to the state to work crops while native born American workers were serving in the war and those that remained demanded higher wages and better working conditions. The Bracero program opened the door for a surge in legal and illegal immigration and Mexicans moved into areas that were affordable which put them into direct contact with Black folks. So now you have 2 groups fighting from crumbs, there is bound to be conflict.
I think a large part of the problem between Africans and African Americans is due to this pitting oppressed groups against one another by making life in urban, improverished areas so unbearable that people lash out at those groups who are "different". This is a result of slavery in the U.S. and colonization in Africa - we're playing right into the oppressors' hand when we target one another.
I recall about a year ago, I went out with a Black guy (African American) who asked me if I would ever date an African.
Me: "Sure, why not?".
Him: "You must not like yourself then!"
Me: "Excuse me?"
Him: "Those people are not like us."
Me: "You know you descended from THOSE people."
Him: "Not me. I'm more American than African"
Me: "Ask a white person if they see your American-ness more than your African identity. By the way, you know this is our first and only date!"
Him: "Suit yourself. If you want to mix yourself up with them, that's your perogative"
Me: "I know...I'd rather "mix myself up with them" than entertain an f#$%ing moron!!"
Sometimes all I can do is shake my head and pray God delivers us from our own psychosis
PhDiva
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