Why does white people think all Black people come from the ghetto?

Question

I'm a black female born in Jamaica, WI, came to NYC when I was around 5 and when I came here, I grew up in a 2 family private house, owned by my grandparents and the whole family lived there. My grandmother worked in healthcare, my mother worked for the city, my aunt Board of Ed, the men of the house was in carpentry, plumbing and electrical work, I have my B.A in Psychology and my younger siblings are still in JHS. Never stepped foot in the projects, been on welfare, and no one in my family has been arrested. Coming from the Caribbean, my family value certain things like education and we dont take things for granted but just like my family and I there are other black people who didnt go through life living in the ghetto. So why when I surf through some of the topics, some people are posting that black people come from the ghetto?

I'm sorry, it's not ALL white people..

Answer 1

Because some people are incapable of thinking past what they see on TV. In the media, the idea of living in the ghetto and beeing from the "hood" are glorified ... especially in music. To a white person (especially the rich, country club set who live in predominantly white neighborhoods) who has never really had any contact with anyone outside of their race, they simply go on what they learn from the most accessible group of black people ... celebrities. Trust me when I tell you that not all white people feel this way.

*Edit - Well, obviously my answer didn't go over very well. But think about it ... what do most rap artists discuss in their music? Where do alot of popular movies with black characters take place? If you've never really gotten to know someone - whether you've never had the opportunity or you just haven't taken the time - you will generalize them based on what you see of others "like" them. I dealt with this personally - my fiancee (who I have been with for 2 years) is a black man who has also earned his Bachelor's degree and is very successful. My mother, who had never had much contact with black people - assumed that he would be living in the bad part of town and driving a Cadillac with huge rims. Where did she get this idea? From what she'd seen in the media! When my mother met my hunny and got to know him, she realized that society's description of black men is not always truthful. People usually judge others based on a idea, not individually.

Answer 2

That's a very good question. I was born and raised in New Orleans and even though I a from a single parent home, certain values were instilled in my family. I have never lived in the projects either, but that's the stereotype because of what is portrayed of our heritage. Most of the people that make these assumptions have never actually taken the time to find out that all black people do NOT come from the ghetto. That is why it's important for us to prove the stereotype wrong and show the world that we are more that just rappers, athletes and criminals.

Answer 3

Some black people want that persona that they came from the ghetto because it makes them seem as though they are a stronger person, no one wants to hear a riches to riches story, a rags to riches story is one of the best stories ever told. That is why most rapper's say they're from the hood or the ghetto, even though some may not. Some people want to make it seem that they've been through something that more people can relate to, not alot of people can relate to the riches to riches story.

Answer 4

Because the MAJORITY of black people in this country are poor. And MOST poor people live in the "ghetto". So that's probably why alot of people assume that, it's not just white people that make that assumption though!

BTW, I'm from the MidWest and if I go anywhere else people always assume I grew up on a farm, it's the same type of thing. And I'll admit it gets annoying.

Answer 5

Ignorance,well maybe.Like I'm from Utah and so there aren't a lot of black people out there and so people turn to the media to get their ideas about certain cultures and races. It's probably just lack of knowledge or ignorance

Answer 6

What, did you proofread that. If the man is loud and ghetto then why should he not like a girl that is loud and ghetto. Why do you care who this man likes? Do you want him? You mad cause the black girl took your man? lol

Answer 7

Remember, the M E D I A is to blame. It is the media that ONLY SHOWS negative stories about Black people. Black people being shot, blacks people selling drugs, black people arrested. The ONLY GOOD black person they only portray as a good "educated" black person is Condi Rice. I respect her degree in education, but SHE DOES NOT BELONG to Bush's administration, she belongs to an administration that helps everyone out there. Remember, AMERICANS believe what they see on TV, if not companies WOULD NOT SPENT BILLIONS for advertisement. They believe EVERYTHING they hear on TV.

Answer 8

I'm white and I don't think all balck people come from the getto. Stop sterotyping.

Answer 9

White folks know that sweetie but that won't keep them from being prejudice against you. Stop defending yourself and live your life. Screw white people.

Answer 10

Not all white people think that way. The ignorant and close minded ones do and such people exist in every community. Dont allow their comments to affect u. I know how demoralising it can be.