Quote:
Originally Posted by AKA_Monet
I do not think that many in the D9 have an assumption that an interest from a different ethnic group would have a lower commitment than an acceptable African American one.
I do think that without a historical balance or a true sense of what happens in the African American community, there will be a cultural disadvantage.
Just go to the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. greekchat board and see how we all are discussing what it is like growing up Black. Yes, relative to other cultures there are several similarities. At the same time, there are differences that one would not know unless they grew up in that culture. Is there anything wrong with that.
Now this young man who started this thread decided to grow up in a culture unlike his own family's. And now he wants to further become acculturated and indoctrinated in the pinnacle African American of culture. Think about the book entitled "Our Kind of People". And he has reservations about joining because he feels as if "toes" would be stepped on if he get accepted verses another candidate who "fits the profile". At least that is what I am interpreting from his comments.
I think most of us here of GC are in agreement that if he is about community service and appropriate representation of his organization of choice, then his ethnic heritage will not be an issue. Yes, he will get snarky comments or even sneers, that's the reality of it. There is no way we can protect ourselves from that ignorance. But just like interracial relationships, folks are going to have to get over it because it is happening. So what?
You know it is fine that you comment and you earnestly want to learn, but as you can see folks are getting defensive about your comments because they view it as invalidating their perspectives or belittling their experiences. Many a Black woman have told me publically and privately endure a constant barage of comments similar to yours that overtime begin to naw at one's soul until what is left is a hollow shell of a hopeless person. I think sociologists call it institutionalized racism, but you would have to as DSTChaos because that is her field of expertise.
So, when I explain that this is going on in the minds and souls of Black folks, the educated folks are more understanding, whereas, the hateful and heartless folks, well, now you know why some Black hate groups say the things they do. Is it right? No. But that is how stereotypes perpetuate.
What most in the D9 are saying here is that we are dispelling myths perpetuated by haters. We have to endure these hateful comments all the time. Long time ago, we never had to endure hateful comments from our own community. But, now, even our own community dislikes our existence but loves it when we have a party, step or give out scholarships.
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I appreciate the long reply, I really do understand the bulk of this and am only commenting on one aspect that compelled me to speak up. I do not feel like I'm contributing to institutionalized racism with this discussion nor am I saying that a white person knows what its like to be black.
Yes, most of GC agrees on the matter. And I'll repeat, I don't think the D9 discriminates based on race as whole organizations. Individuals do. I spoke up because of that and because it is such a blanket statement it doesn't parse to me. (That and the blow off type comment of "That's just me." which to me implies that one knows it goes against their org.'s policy)
Quote:
Originally Posted by preciousjeni
You talk about "skin color" as if it were an objective concept, divorced from culture and experience.
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No, actually I'm objecting to one divorcing skin color from culture and experience. To make a comment based only on skin color and the assumption that a person is one way because of their skin color is ignoring that person's culture and experience. To say no white person is worthy without knowing the individual white person involved individually is ignoring that individual's culture and experience. Do I make sense?
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