why would any self-respecting black person want to act white?

Answer 1

It is perfectly understandable why a black person would want to act white. This is, unfortunately, a white-dominated world. And that means, that despite the advancement of ebonics, blacks must learn the white, corporate-world lingo in order to advance their people. It's not pretty, but it's real. Many of my black friends have indicated that they wish for their children to learn white ways in order to advance in society. They already know black society. They don't, however, know the white world.

Answer 2

It seems you are very racist. Isn't all whites whom are polite and educated. What about the so called "white trash"?
I think you are trying to ask why any self-respecting black person wants to act politely and educated?
If that is your question, I think it's because any smart person (black, white, etc) wants to get the best this life has to offer therefore they get prepared by getting education and becoming more polite in order to archive a better position in life.

Answer 3

This question is so racist I don't even know where to begin....

How does a black person act white?? It's that kind of mentality that kept "african americans" in slavery for so long! People act like people. You chose how you are, no matter your race.

So, if I'm mexican I can't eat curry cause that means I'm acting Indian? Or if I'm white I can't eat cornbread cause that meand I'm acting black??

Why would any self-respecting human ask a question like this is more like it....

Answer 4

Maybe its because its not a matter of acting but responding to expected criteria for a goal they want to attain and has nothing to do with the color of their skin. If you aspired to be a lifeguard, would you show up for the interview or job wearing a suit and tie? If you aspired to be a corporate engineer, would you show up in a swimming suit. If you were expected to represent corporate interest in the boardroom, would you speak to people as if you were trying to sell a rap album? Conversely, if you were trying to sell a rap album, would you come in articulating like a Harvard graduate? We all do what we have to do to put our best foot forward in the pursuit of our goals and let's face it, that means making the appropriate impression to get in the door. Why would you hold that against somebody? Why wouldn't you applaud the efforts they've gone to in order to reach higher?

Answer 5

Maybe to escape the ridiculous way black people are still treated here in the US. I can't believe that in certain areas black people are stopped for no reason, except their color. We white people have it made. We do not have to constantly look over our shoulders, or bow down to anyone. Maybe the black person wants to fit in.

Answer 6

Because there's simply no such thing as "acting white" or "acting black". Those are just stereotypes and prejudice. Some people are happy believing in them, some aren't, so they do whatever they want, and that's how it should be. Free your mind from preconceived ideas.

Answer 7

I suppose that there might be certain cultural differences between races, much like there are differences between genders, nationalities, ages, etc. But...... wouldn't it be a better idea for all of us to focus on the things we have in common. We can certainly celebrate the differences, but not idolize them to the extent that they separate us from others or cause hatred and fear.

Answer 8

Perhaps they are practical. Certain mannerisms are preffered for social/job advancement. Beside, what emcompasses acting white?

Answer 9

People are who they ARE, what they are born to be. No need for labels, this is what stunts our growth as a society, we expect people to act a certain way because of their color. Let's look beyond that.

Answer 10

Because they have not found the qualities inside that makes them special.
It is like wearing a mask to look like someone else to avoid who you really are.

Love & Blessings
Milly