why are people so racist against african americans?

Question

are we not liked for our color?
are we not liked for our talent?
are we not liked because of the false labels ignorant people give us?
is there a real reason, or do people just envy us? i've been trying to figure out for 16 years or should i say 11years (i was 5 when i found out what racism is), but i just can't find a reason that actully make sense.

Answer 1

The primary reason is color. You're an easily (in most cases) identifiable minority. Man is tribal in nature and it is in that nature to reject those who are different for any reason. And, this natural response is not limited only to race. It also goes to religion, nationalism, regionalism and just about anything that divides humans by category.

It's even evident in something as innocuous as sports. It makes no difference that none of the players on "our" team are from "our" city, as long as "our" city beats "their" city.

I'm sure that you're aware that if you bring a white (or member of any other race) friend into a black neighborhood or social event, while they may be treated well, they will not be accepted on the same level as your black friends. And, you will notice that, to at least some degree, you won't be treated the same as if you had brought a black friend.

The bottom line is that racism is a natural condition. That's not to say it's "right," but it is natural.

It is also natural that the largest, strongest tribe will impose itself on minority tribes. Again, not right, but natural.

Answer 2

You're stuck too much in a "group" mindset, looking for a "group" reason why every white person might be racist against every black person.

Such a reason does not exist. While some white people may be racist against black people, the reasons for their racism will vary greatly depending on the individual who is racist.

Specific instances of all the reasons you suggested may very well exist. "Black people" in general may or may not have any noticible talent, and so nobody could really hate all black people for that reason, but some may hate specific, talented black people out of jealousy for their talents.

However, I would guess that the majority of the people who are racist against black people are so simply because their parents taught them to be, and they never questioned the belief.

Answer 3

Why are african americans so predudiced against against others? I was called a racist a few weeks ago because I caught my next door neighbor's kids defacing my property. Instead of calling the cops, I went to the parents. The response I got was, "Not My Child!" My God-child is half-black, my neighbor on the other side is black (and a teacher, so she knows what I'm talking about), I was raised in a mixed neighborhood. If my neighbors, when I was a kid, went to my parents with this, they would have both been allowed to disipline me! Well, when you figure it out, tell me.

Answer 4

Racism is hard to explain. Basically human nature is to attack or fear anything different and to feel superior about your own race. Race gets the most coverage but racism comes in many forms and all races are capable of hate.
Arabs, Native American Indians, African Americans and Asians have all faced racism at one time in history. I don't know about racism in Europe or Africa but I doubt if there is no racism in either.
Over the years , I have seen racism directed at many people and have had it directed at me. Personally I judge each person I met as an individual not by their race , social standing , occupation or religion. All I ask in return is equal treatment - not better but not worse. Sorry if my rambing didn't help with your questions.

Answer 5

It’s not everyone, I have many African Americans and I enjoy their color, culture, talents. I have always loved hip hop music and I felt a little out of place when it wasn't so popular with Hispanics. Now it doesn't make a difference. Its ignorance that makes people racist, not only against blacks but other cultures as well.

Answer 6

If you want to know I guess you have to look back at history.

During slavery, it became apparent that people need to explain why Black people are being enslaved and treated so badly. This is where the ideals of Black being less then human come into play. As well as where the bases of most stereotypical images of Blacks we still have to this day.

These ideals were then ingrained into our society at large. They were everywhere in the media, on products and of course where though to children of each generation.

jump to today and even though we over came a lot we still have to deal with these stereotypes or false labels as you call them, even though they are watered down from their olden days.

and people are still being thought the same stupid views to their kids.

plus you can throw in other factors...like some people have the need to feel better then someone and with these stereotypes around about Black people it makes us an easy mark for racist to have someone they can point to and feel better then.

and of course this works for any group that has had any negative stereotypes created about them.

Answer 7

There is racism against every color, not just african americans. But racism is usually caused by fear. People tend to fear what they don't understand.(culturally speaking). It just boils down to ignorance.

Answer 8

Hey, be glad you live in today's society. If it was 50 or so years ago, you'd have it much worse.

Ignore the assholes who don't like you just because of your skin color. Just remember that you're better than they are.

Answer 9

we like you fine, but your group are the racists, ever here of Miss Black America or the NAACP, what the heck are they?

Answer 10

It works both ways.