Quote:
Originally posted by sigmagrrl:
I know I stereotype, doesn't mean it's right, but don't we all? Regardless, let's get back to my situation: Time and time again, I have failed to "qualify" as a black enough from high school on thru college. When I tried to do what I was "supposed to": join the African Cultural clubs, Caribbean Cultural groups, etc, I did not feel accepted, but I also didn't like them. So, I moved on to drama, my sorority, and other clubs that had nothing to do with race and I made more friends there and felt more accepted and appreciated there...So, now, I just don't even bother! And the beautiful thing is is that I don't HAVE to! I learned my lesson. When you are burned over and over, you learn to not put yourself in that fire again. It's a waste of both my time and theirs, usually. The two black women I am friends with have been persecuted the same way. For example, we are both chastized for dating outside of our race, both of us have been asked "Why you talk so white?" while the person's nose is scrunched up and eyes rolling, and both of us have found that WE DON'T NEED TO PLEASE ANYONE BUT OURSELVES! I am tired of having to justify WHY I don't hang out with any other blacks, I just hang out with people who are like me: we love to laugh, love to have good conversation over wonderful meals, and travel. And I find that the ones who ACCEPT ME FOR WHO I AM AND WHAT I AM have NOT been black!! Why does it BOTHER other black people SO much if I do not to associate with them? I want THAT answered...
|
Sigmagrrl, just a question: Did you say you were raised around white people? I ask you this because I can seriously relate. I was was in all-white classes, had white friends, BUT my mother saw to it (when she noticed this at an early age) that I got a taste of OUR culture and enrolled me in different activities that exposed me to other black people. That helped me out a lot in meeting other people like me and getting to know my ethnic group. Again, this is when I was young so I really cannot imagine being "sheltered" like that and then going off to college & trying to "fit in" at 18 or older. Not saying that "you're too late" or anything like that, but I was just curious to know if you were even exposed to black people?...not just as acquaintances, but involved in any time of social groups where you interacted w/ people of your own kind. Like someone said earlier in this post, if this is the case, I just feel like you were misguided. And I find it hard to believe that in college (where people are supposed to act like adults) black people are shunning you like they are. Shame on them. I know you're tired of trying, but I cannot stress the importance of knowing your culture and history. And how will you know that if you are not around people of your culture? How will you know where you're going if you don't know were you've been?
------------------
*someday...if it's in God's will*
[This message has been edited by NOWorNEVER (edited May 04, 2001).]
Hybrid Mode
