Why do some African Americans see the need to attack other AAs?

Question

Loaded question I know, but thought I'd put it out there and see people's thoughts. I found it rather disconcerting that Barack Obama was branded as not essentially being "black enough" because of his mixed heritage, and not sharing in the "struggle" because he was raised middle class. Never mind the fact that he identifies with and acknowledges the Black race. The difference with him is that he makes race a non-issue and focuses on things at hand instead of being a stereotypical incendiary lightning rod like say, Al Sharpton. Bill Cosby has been attacked by some in the Black community for having the nerve to demand accountability from the Black race at large in typical fashion - "Uncle Tom", etc. etc. How many young Black children who don't conform to societal expectations of AAs - wearing "urban" clothes and using slang - get ridiculed and berated by their fellow AA classmates because they don't "act/speak Black". I just want to know why this exists.

You have to sit and wonder what is the definition of "being Black"? Why is it that all the negatives are embraced but positives are reviled? Why is it that violent rappers/foul mouth sports figures/etc. are considered heroes, being middle classed is something to be ashamed of, getting an education gets you mocked. Why is it that some see no need to rise above stereotypes, and instead choose to pull down those who do? I really do wonder how many young Black kids respect Booker T. Washington, George Washington Carver, Charles Drew or any successful Black person today as much as they do some rapper or NBA person.

I am Brasilian and Black.

Chrystalonyx: Thank goodness I don't cry if someone found my question 'stupid'. A correction though, I didn't pit Al Sharpton vs. Bill Cosby. I suppose I pitted him vs. Barack Obama :) Of course, it exists, that's a GIVEN. But I am singling the AA race out BECAUSE, you rarely hear a Latino call another Latino out because "he isn't Latino" enough, or an Asian. If there is some grumbling, it's from people from the first country vs. those born here, but in the end they support their own. The Black race has been fractured for time and again, and is the constant subject of many cartoons, editorials, TV shows, etc. written by other Black people. To just take the post apart and get defensive/offended/irritated is the big easy.

Some things are generalized, but by and large I base this on what I've seen, outside of the media. Just look around, it's out there

Answer 1

Well you are making huge generalizations here. You are going by what you see and hear from the media which selects the information that they give to the public. They will not show you all of the Blacks that do support it because hey, that's boring. Instead they want to stir up drama and once again portray blacks to look like they always go against their own kind. I am black and all of the blacks that I know have nothing but good things to say about Obama. And I also know plenty of blacks that agree with Bill Cosby. Naturally it's really easy to believe what the media feeds us but all I am saying is take a step back and really think about the other side of the story that is never heard. There is ALWAYS another side to what the media gives us.

Answer 2

This question isn't loaded, it's stupid. All races have the same problem. While some black people say "not black enough" others say "You are too westernized," or "He's a nerd" . It's the same thing. This line of thinking is not singularly a black issue. The human race as a whole has always kept others out and it started long before Africans were ever dragged to America. And don't start knocking Al Sharpton, because as long as racism exist men and women like him will always be needed. Why do you have to pit him against Bill Cosby? They're both right.

Answer 3

This is simple. All African Americans are not identical. The fact is that Black people are continuously talked about in this country- and it appears as if all problems are only in the Black community. This is of course- a myth of titanic proportions. If you compare the Black community today and a 100 years ago, you will see the strides that have been made. Also, check out how well minority women are doing in particular in doing in the business sector. Just because some dumb felon like snoop dog is on TV 24/7, it does not mean that the whole community is in the same spot.

Answer 4

I would not say African Americans are heavily mixed but we're no longer 100% black- that's for sure. Most Americans are a combination of ethnicities. If you want proof, my mom and one of my brothers are so light skinned that people don't even believe them when they say they're full African Americans. They have green eyes and pale skin. I am neither ashamed nor proud. It's just the way things are.

Answer 5

Because people like their drama, they like to always be right and they like to tell YOU what right is... Right or not.

It's ignorance basically.

Personally, I would have voted for Colin Powell. But then they threatened him... I honestly don't know much about this obama dude... and personally, as long as it isn't someone like Al Sharpton who is a rediculous "1-800-ask Gary" type of vigalante cartoon character that rants and raves like a black woman at a funeral... Then I don't mind who it is. The Black community needs hero's not Zero's. But people love their drama...

It is similar to the plight in Ireland of the people and Parnell. The people abandoned what was good and right because when faced with the opportunity for change and social correction, they will almost always rather gripe and complain about what is wrong rather than fix it. That is not limited to the Black community.

It has been going on since Moses in the desert with the Jews with the potentiality of freedom from oppresion and slavery behind them, they complained for the journey and wished for Garlic over manna from heaven. It is an age old problem. Welcome to humanity... Ignorance at it's finest and worst.

"Don't curse the darkness... Light a damn candle."

Answer 6

Oh my Gosh I totally agree with you! That gets me sooo mad that people are saying the man isnt black enough? Just what exactly makes you Black, speaking improperly, not being educated, wearing baggy clothes and listen to gangster rap? I dont get it. He is of mixed race so he is never going to be Black and African Americans that say that crap are just really ignorant. I am glad the man ignores these comments because race should have nothing to do with anything. African Americans that say such outrageous things want someone like 50 cent to be President, not an educated non white person.

Answer 7

That's an easy question to answer.

The black community has this nasty habbit of viewing other blacks as their family members and they think that we should all fit into the same mold.

This is why blacks are ostracized for
-getting good grades
-going to college (not on a football scholarship)
-speaking proper English
-making a lot of money
-doing well for themselves
-getting out of the ghetto

Blacks (not all of course) think that when other blacks do well, they're betraying the race. I have no idea why. I think that's a horrible way to think.

I also think it's horrible for blacks to say that I "talk white" just because I don't speak in Ebonics. As if blacks shouldn't be expected to do things right.

Blacks are the most racist to other blacks (in today's world) in my opinion.

Good luck to Obama.

Answer 8

African Americans have a serious case of self-hate and when they see another African-American doing better than they are they attempt to bring him/her down.

Answer 9

you may be interested in the work of Bell Hooks or Riggs, both are black sociologists who address this question and have written books and articles. They blame the exploitration of black culture by the media. and 70's-80's blackploitation films where the producers tell them to act blacker. and the money and benefits to be had in acting blacker. and giving others what they expect and desire.

Answer 10

Because they are uneducated. I've been told that I act and speak "white." Hmmm, is it becasue I am college educated, speak and use proper grammar, don't wear thuggish clothing, or watch BET, and eat fried chicken?! Lol - What exactly is "acting" white anyway?