Why does it seem like African American people cross the street "at their leisure"?

Question

While other races tend to scurry to the other side in an apologetic manner, especially if they cross when the light is turning green? Meanwhile, African Americans take their time.

This question is NOT meant to incite an argument nor am I racist but I would be interested in knowing if this is a cultural thing or some kind of "stick it to the man" gesture, as one of my friends suggested.

I live in a high pedestrian area and African Americans tend to cross the street in front of my car while the light is green, too! Expecting me to stop. Which, of course, I have to.

I would like some intelligent responses, thank you.

Answer 1

It is a protest at the sub-conscious level- a protest against what they perceive as the wrong perpetrated on them collectively as a race. An invisible fist raised at the more privileged, the better off. I surprised, at this, in a way. I have been under the impression that in your countries, traffic violations are dealt with seriously by the law enforcing agencies.

Answer 2

This is such an interesting question. I am happy to see that we are able to talk about this openly. Fifty years ago people would not stop. Then for the past twenty years people have been so scared to say anything for fear of being called a racist.
So I think we are now past a time where these kind of questions can be asked. So, is it a phenomena where black people are less considerate? I don't know. I have not seen any data, just personal observations.
But for me I think that questions need to be asked about how the different races deal with things and how they are different. If black people are protect against any question with a protective cloak of racism, a true understanding between the people can never be achieved.

Answer 3

I think that Golgi Body is correct. This question does say a lot about you. You are generalizing and pointing out one race over another.
Though I do think that scurry to the other side is a very good word, some might feel offended by the notion that Indians, Native Americans, Caucasians, or Mexicans scurry about. Like mice...

Answer 4

The same can be said for white people too..I live in Maine (predominantly white) and everyone takes their time crossing the street as if the world revolves around them. I don't think it's a cultural thing, it's more of a attitude thing.

Answer 5

Maybe that was just a coincidence that afro-american are coming your way,but there are lots of different races who does not follow the traffic rules and regulation as well as the one who drive their own cars! I am not an african -american but I am just expressing my opinion that color has nothing to do with such disobedience!Sorry!

Answer 6

Maybe due to classical conditioning those people were able to discern the lack of pedestrian law enforcement in your area, thus causing them to ignore traffic light meanings.

Answer 7

Some people are considerate of others and some think that it is all about them. This is a mostly a matter of being self-centered and less of a cultural characteristic.

Answer 8

This is so true. Its an attitude thing. Most of the ones who do this are thugs anyway and are looking for trouble. They have very little respect of you as a stranger and are basically daring you to do something about it

Answer 9

That's because they think you owe them years of reward and apology for slavery. So they act like they own overything. Next time, if the light is green, dont stop.

Answer 10

first of all its not just african americans its just people that care
whether there gonna be disrespected or not. Rap musics
influence maybe so if they get hit they sue and then buy gold chains escalades and girls with booty or something.