A Question About Race For African Americans?

Question

I had a strange thing happen to me today, and I just wanted to ask a question about it.

I was at a department store, and I was waiting in line to pay for my purchases. There was an elderly lady (I would guess in her 80s) standing by me, and as we were waiting, we started talking. She made the comment that I have "good hair" and "good skin" just as her granddaughter walked up. Her granddaughter looked at her in horror and said, "Nana, she's not black!" The lady looked at her, and then at me, and then patted my arm and apologized. I told her there was nothing to apologize for, and she gave me a wink.

What I was wondering is if "good hair", or features, or skin are something that is still considered desirable by older African American people. Unless I am mistaken, she was saying that I look like I am Caucasian. I was not offended in any way, but I did wonder if that stuff is still considered important by some people.

Any input you can offer is appreciated. Thanks!

Answer 1

Unfortunately, it's still important to many black Americans, not just the older ones. There are some sub-cultures (many in the south, where I'm originally from) of lighter skinned blacks that will only marry other light skinned blacks to "keep the color in the family." It is a bane of society that stems from the past and continues to plague us as a people today.

Answer 2

Pretty nice!

The old lady said you looked great, while the granddaughter said you are not 'black', which implies that the older lady possibly used to boast about black beauty and such things (without looking down at other 'colors') to the younger generation (probably to make them feel more confident about their color - for some strange reason even amongst the colored, the darker you are, the 'badder' you are! - now don't ask me why!).

I think this is just plain confusion...I believe you should not be taking this seriously at all...only that the old lady liked you inspite of being 'non-black' which means it pays just being human.

And she was not saying you look 'white' but great!!!

Answer 3

the after effects of slavery may remain in the minds of the black for generations to come.....its the aftermath of what they have been subjected to....similarly just look at the response of a black woman who is stopped by a law enforcer and the 1st response would be that since i am black this is happening....you would see such racial comments during job interviews and many other occasions....its about time things are put behind.