Which kind of Black person are you?

Question

I believe that there are three kinds of black people
-Those who seek integration (about 10-20%)
-Those who seek freedom (about 5-10%)
-Those who think that integration and freedom are the same thing (about 75- 85%)
Which type of black person are you, and why? And if you are not black, which kind of black person do you think we should be and why? I, for one, am the one who wants freedom (“...go back to Africa!” Yea, I’ve herd that before.) and I don’t see why that makes me an “angry black man” or someone who has got a chip on his shoulder. “Well, why is your Avatar call Black Rage?” Go look up “rage.” It doesn’t only refer to a violent anger. Although it could... but I digress.

Does freedom equal integration? Does being an American make us free? Am I wrong to want to continue the dream? Not the dream of Dr. King but the dream of Kunta Kente: For those who don’t know, Kunta Kente was the Great Ancestor of Alex Halley. The first of his family tree to be brought to this continent called America. He wasn’t an immigrant; our ancestors were not immigrants (“You blacks sold yourselves...” Yea, I herd that one too.) When we watched Roots, Kunta was the one that represented our unknown family tree. He had dreams of freedom and not integration. All of our freedom fighters like Nat Turner or Gabriel Prosser and Jim Brown wanted freedom for us. But now, all we can do is vote the Democratic ticket. This doesn’t mean that I hate white people. But there are some of them that will take this personal and start saying stuff like “Well, what if we stop giving your people jobs, what would you do then?” And that statement alone proves that there is no true “equality” in integration. It’s just equality getting a job at a business that you or your people don’t control. Equality in getting a job in a government that neither you nor your people control and if you don’t play along then you will be out of a job. That is not equality. “What about Condoleezza Rice?” ....I just thought I’d throw that one in : )

When we try and be equal in someone else’s society, That society sets the standards that we must become equal too. I respectfully suggest that this is not what I want. This is black people forever trying to play catchup in a country that is deliberately trying to leave us behind. Those black people who wish to be seen as equal... white people will never see the black people in America as equal until we are free and doing for our own people. They may see Ophra as equal. They may see Bill Cosby or Condoleezza Rice or Colon Powell as equal but the masses of Black people... I don’t think so. So I believe in Freedom. What say you?

When I talk about "Black" I am referring to those descendants of slaves in America.

When I talk about Freedom I mean Freedom as it relates to a people who were brought into captivity. Not freedom as an individual but the ability to self govern our people independent from The United States of America Something like Indians on the reservation or the Jews who freed themselves from Germany; not continuing to be governed by their oppressor but establishing a homeland of their own..

Answer 1

none

Answer 2

What say I? Well I'm no expert, however I do have some opinions. I agree that racism still exists in this country. Narrow-minded people still hold positions of power and authority and seek to keep it that way. People fear the unknown and different. I feel that these sentiments extend beyond just the United States. Maybe the circumstances are different, but the basic idea is still present. Freedom is relative and subjective. Who do you seek freedom for, yourself? Black people in general? How do you plan to gain this freedom? Integration most certainly does not equal freedom. I feel it's a synthetic solution for an organic problem. I've always been told you can't help those who don't want to help themselves. And also most people only change when the pain of staying the same is greater. You're essentially alluding to a question and answer that's much bigger than this forum. What kind of person should Black people be? How about be intelligent, be informed, be interdependent, be open-minded, have integrity and respect-- just like I would ask of anyone else. In light of that, I'll simply say start small work big. Organize your community than take it to others and others etc. Be inclusive and maintain your focus.

Answer 3

Wow...what you are trying to say can be summed up in one paragraph. I could pick this apart, but I don't want it to seem that you are not intelligent...although you make it clear that you aren't.

First, your question doesn't require an answer. People are people and that's just it. They aren't "colorized" as a being. The way you phrase your questions and comments w/racial epithets makes me think you are white pretending to be black because no one would add those dumb phrases, "You blacks sold yourselves..." Since we are in the millenium, every person in this world is certainly viewing their lives as "free." To make a statement that Kunta had dreams of integration is such a bland and uneducated statement. Do you even know Kunta Kinte's dream? He had dreams of going back home. And how in the world did you confuse Nat Turner and Gabriel Prosser with Jim Brown, who was never a slave? You should check your history books again on that one.

How can you speculate "what white people will say" when you don't even have a clue? Every person working earned their job on their own, not having it handed to them on a silver platter as you might image. You thought you'd throw in Condoleezza, who was picked for that job? You're incredibly ignorant.

"...someone else's society..." This is why I know you are not a true representation of any culture except "ignorance." You state "we" have to be free and "doing for our own people..." but you haven't a clue how to rally the troops together and get it done, you clown. All you know how to do is change your nick and photo, post these ridiculous statements and claim you want to help "your people."

Isn't it interesting that the other cultures don't jump on this kind of band wagon to make these kind of proposals for their "people?" It's always some fool with a torch for black people. Give it a rest!

Also, try to use the tool "check spelling."

Answer 4

You can be whatever you want; just don't be an Al Sharpton or a Jesse Jackson. All of their bitching about every little "racist" comment is setting blacks back a good forty years. At least that's what I think, but maybe you could enlighten me on what exactly they are trying to do.

We're not trying to leave you behind either, man. Some people are, but many aren't. I know a lot of people from all different kinds of cultures, and I respect them all. We're hitting a point in our country where all kinds of cultures are beginning to mix, so maybe as we all continue to better understand each other, we will better see each other as equals.

And I would not use the word "freedom" if I were you. It's not that you shouldn't be "free", it's that the way you describe it makes it sound as though you want to wage civil war on the country. You do have freedom, it's just what you make of it.

Answer 5

As long as there are people that will benefit from the oppression of others (economically, physically, psychologically, etc...), and can (through economic, physical, or psychological means) oppress others, no one ethnic group will be "free" and there will be no equality among all groups.

It is the tendency for the "powerful" to force their hand and agenda on those not so fortunate (or unfortunate) to be in their position. Freedom in the sense you are discussing may not be possible in this lifetime. Perhaps when people (the present powers that be) start viewing other people as "human beings" with souls, spirits and cultures rich in history, wisdom and insight; and that the contributions of these other "human beings" can be significant and self-sustainable and these "human beings" are not pawns or objects to fulfill an agenda, change will begin to occur.

Answer 6

ordinary is a real understatement. That replaced right into a loaded question. for sure there is judgment in contact on her section, so hers replaced right into a loaded remark. i might ask her "what does a individual who likes 'black music' look like, besides?" A shop on with up question: what do you advise, black music? in simple terms rap, hip-hop, & r&b? There are super black musicians of each type---classical, human beings, u . s . a ., howdy, you call it. If she skill musical types created interior the black community, bear in suggestions that those incorporate jazz, blues, rock (many might argue contained in the early days), and soul, just to call some African-united statesa. musical types, yet then bear in suggestions, you have musical types from Africa and the African diaspora, such as contained in the Caribbean. i'm taking a wager which you weren't listening to jazz whilst she advised you "you do no longer look in simple terms like this style of guy or woman that likes black music". And as an incredibly final element, the biggest demographic of mainstream hip-hop purchasers is suburban white youngsters. So, there is a few comments for her, for starters.

Answer 7

Black Nationalist, huh? There are several countires that are black/african and I doubt you want any of them. If you were born in america then you are american, bottom line. I challenge you to go to africa and refer to yourself as an african-american! You would piss off an entire village, trust me. Why does it have to be "we" and "someone else's society"? Do you realize that black americans have it better than all other black people or people from african decent? You are degrading your own people by thinking blacks not capable of adapting to american society! Where would the black nationist start? In America? I doubt it. Africa? Get real. The pride you have borders on maddness. You are of the same mold as backward@ss hillbilly racist, but you are not a racist. Oh no, you are a black nationlist.

Answer 8

Being integrated doesn't mean you are free...and what do you define as freedom: free from jail, free to choose, free to vote, free to learn, free to work?? Some people hold themselves back with their own fear and pessimism...I am the type of woman who believes that in fairness and equality for every human being. Good luck Mr. Rage!

Answer 9

Huh?

Okay that was quite an essay right there... and that is another way of trying to generalize people.

First of all.... whats your defination of "black?"

Cause it sounds to me like you mean "African Americans" and what is your defination of freedom? Cause some black people are alresy free and have integrated into society.

I am Afircan-Canadian ( if such a term exists) and ... I really don't understant the point of your question.... Sorry.

Answer 10

When you stop refering to yourself and others as "black people" thats when things will change. The fact that you see in color changes your preception on life. integration and freedom are choices given to everyone. Why must we drag this on? Yes it was horrible what happened in the past, and yes some hate crimes that happen today are horrible too. The more you agree something is not right the more it will stay the same. EVERYONE is equal. we as a nation, as people, KNOW that. Its up to the individual to choose his course. I know I didnt really answer your question, I just hate this black and white ****. Im sick of it. CANT WE ALL JUST LIVE TOGETHER?

Answer 11

im a very pale skinned black person of celtic origin, with blue eyes. i believe that we should all stop being such a pain in the *** and just integrate into society without trying to create ourown ghetto culture, either that or just go back to wherever we came from. i have no friends who are black and even if you have brown eyes in where i come from, you are the closest thing we have. apart from myself (of course) i have never really met any before except seeing them on television or the news