Why do people (Americans mostly)...???

Question

My question is...: why do Americans only think of one origin for a person? Everytime,I say I'm very mixed when asking for hair ideas in the hair category, and everyone just assumes that I'm totally black for some reason and give me ideas for blacks. I mean, I don't feel insulted at all to be thought of as black, I'm just confused. It seems people just focus on one thing about you and make that the main thing, thinking of you as a complete black or whatever! I'm not... so, why can't Americans stop stereotyping and generalizing so much? Thanks very much for reading...

Answer 1

That happens to be a problem everywhere and not just limited to the U.S. There's a whole history behind it, but to make it as short as possible, some people have to put people under a class to understand it. Fortunatley that kind of understanding leads to more ignorance. The fact is that, for them, anyone darker than their color or lighter than their color, has to be classified eiter white or black.

I work with a man who's parents are from North Africa and he looks white. He's born in the U.S. Does that classify him as being African-American? Technicaly, under The U.S. Census yes, but if he walks in the streets, because of his appearance, he would be assumed white.

Just to remind you, The U.S. was in part, like many other countries west of the Atlantic, was built on slavery-an instittution that has lasted to this day (in the form of more sinister racism). An uncomfortable subject for many Americans.

Answer 2

Check this out,

You opened that possibility for everyone to think that when you say that you're "very mixed". Look, you have to understand that generally when people hear that a person is "mixed" automatically they'll think that that person has some "African" American in them, at least that's how Americans think...that's all, don't get upset, as this is generally assumed by mostly everyone in America... Bottom line, girlfriend, if you stop saying that you're "mixed" then no one would "assume" that you're part "black" point blank.

Answer 3

I think we should go more generalized...How about saying I'm an American? And let "them" sort it out on their own.

Most Americans (to say nothing of the rest of the world) are pretty much a mixed bag.

Although I do know where the majority of my ancestors came from, it is far more entertaining to tell people that my "ethnicity" is Northern Californian. That is where I grew-up and certainly had a lot more to do with my perspectives than my bloodline. (The most recent "immigrant" in my family came to America about 150 years ago.)

(Cheek-bones are American Indian, hazel eyes are Scottish, Olive complexion is French, large feet are Danish, dark hair comes from Miss Clairol.) .

Answer 4

Look at the historical seperation of Black and White in the States. In order for Whites to oppress those of African origins, they had to see them all as less than human, and see all traits even remotely related to Blackness as inferior. A person with any Africian heritage was classified as Black, there were even laws to that effect (the one drop rule). It is only recently that mixed heritage has even been acknowledged, and not really widely. People with Black heritage who tried to claim any bit of their Whiteness or other racial identiry were just seen as either being in deniel and not really wanting to be Black or thinking themselves better than other Blacks because they had White/Native American/whatever blood.

Answer 5

well first you start out with generalizing yourself saying americans only think of one origin for a person....thats stereotyping and generalizing a vast number of people of one nation. perhaps the problem starts with you, you accused a whole group of people of something that you complained they do to you. ironic. too you have never really listened to other peoples from other countries as each and every person on this earth no matter who you are or where you come from grows up with ideas from their families, friends and experiences of others that just aren't true....like all americans stereotype and generalize. look to yourself for your answer and start with changing your own bias before you try to change other.

Answer 6

I think now you are stereotyping. Firstly, your avatar is black, so people just assume that you are. Also, you do state you are mixed. Why? Just ask a hair question.

Answer 7

There is an old saying: "Never judge a book by it's cover", but most people do. Are these people looking at your hair type maybe? I don't really know, but if your hair is curly then maybe there are only certain hair styles that will work with it.

Answer 8

For some people, it's easier to make snap judgments and sweeping generalizations if everyone is forced into a box and labeled.

As for your original question, it may help to try some multiracial/multi-cultural sites.

Answer 9

Probably because black people have thick, wiry hair that is hard to control......It's easier for people to generalize someone into a category because then they do not have to think.....Sorry, that's just life......

Answer 10

because most americans think they know everything and what they say goes. i know what you mean iam also mixed and if you get hair products that are for african americans it can totally ruin your hair! its a pain, thats why i hate going to get my hair done