Why do people think blacks share the same mind?

Question

Not only on Yahoo Answers, but everywhere, people seem to assume that just because one black person does something, all black people must do it. Or just because one black person has a certain opinion, all black people share this opinion. We are not one big family who thinks alike! This is coming from a black person who was teased for not liking rap music or BET, but instead liking classical music and preferring a good book over "Boyz in da Hood."

This question is for non-blacks but especially for other blacks.

Why can't we be seen as individuals instead of "the black community"?

And for those of you who are getting highly offended, did you not read what I wrote? This question is for "non-blacks but especially blacks."

Proves my point that people see what they want to see. If you got that offended it must be because this question hit a nerve. Now why's that?

And please point out to me where I singled out whites? Or were you expecting me to do that because that's what "most black people" do? Last I checked whites weren't the only non-blacks. Stop pulling the race card.

For the last time...I am not lumping all whites together! Unlike other people, I don't feel the need to generalize. I asked a simple question. If it applies to you, great, if it doesn't, move along! I'm not targeting anyone!

Russian Assassin, does the term "non-white" offend you as much as "non-black"? It simply means "people who are not black".

So would you have preferred I say "people who are not black as well as people who are black?" Gosh, you're so PC! I'll do that next time, thanks.

Russian Assasin...I said non-blacks, but especially blacks. It was in my original question. Read the whole question first before you start making rash judgements. I did include EVERYONE. You have a great day, too.

Answer 1

Because most of society consists of sheep. They go along to get along. Those that do not are isolate and poked fun at or worse.

Just look at the types of answers I get when I asked why men can't expand their fashion choices to include skirt...like women started including pants in their wardrobe.

The answers are mostly depressing.

For your question I say, keep being who you are. Screw the whims of the croud. Be the lemming that says "hell no, I won't go!"

The examples you give of what black people think represent them, I personally think drag them down. Thugs and pimps should not be praised, instead they should be shunned.

Good luck

Answer 2

I agree with you 100%. I am white, but I really get tired of hearing the stupid stereotypes about blacks. We are all individuals, who think, feel, believe and act differently. I would like to say also that your question about black people could also be applied to Christians. I have seen SO many answers in various forums on Yahoo Answers which attack all Christians as a whole, and group us all into acting and saying and believing the exact same way. Just as people of a particular race, gender, or religious belief might act a certain way, how one acts or believes is an INDIVIDUAL thing, and NOBODY should be lumped together as one big group, incapable of being an individual. If a black person is arrested for selling drugs, one should not say that all blacks are drug addicts. If a white person happens to drive a nice car and live in the suburbs, that doesn't mean all white people do. Drug addicts come in all races. Not everyone likes rap music. Being black does not automatically mean you have rhythm or that you like a particular type of music. I am white and I love country music. Most of my white friends and family can't stand my music, but their musical tastes are varied. I live in a rented condo, but used to live in an apartment in a bad neighborhood. Three sisters own their own homes - one in the suburbs, and 2 in the mountains. My point is, you can't form an accurate opinion about any one group of people, whether they be black, white, brown or purple, or whether they are men, women, gay, straight, Christian, Jewish, Muslim or Atheist. We are all individuals with our own unique personalities, beliefs, interests and behaviors. Shame on those who stereotype others. It only hurts us all.

Answer 3

I suspect it's because the brain categorizes things very quickly upon initial exposure to a stimulus. Once the category is created, the brain tends to file similar stimuli in the same category. It's a very efficient means of organizing information.

The difficulty usually arises when, because of that method, attributes are assigned across the entire category. That can interfere with reasonable thinking.

You can see the same sort of activity going on in any category. Look at a posting that mentions "Christians," for example, and you'll see sets of assumptions made about Christians that don't at all reflect the broad range of Christian beliefs.

It is a difficult habit to overcome, and some people never quite manage to do it, but most of us do try, I hope.

Answer 4

Sadly, stereotypes exist for a reason. Blacks like fried chicken, Asians can't drive, Indians work at 7-11.

Not all blacks like fried chicken - but it is a southern american dish - and many blacks lived in the southern part of america when it became popular - and most of the black people I know DO like fried chicken - but I'm sure they all don't like it.

Lots of Asians can't drive. I think it's because they come to America - and LEARN to drive after they get here. I do know American born Asians - and they drive very well.

I've noticed that lots of people from India work at 7-11. It's not a coincidence.

There are lots of ways to group people - I'm white. I'm a female. I'm an adult student. I'm an administrative assistant. I'm a brunette. I'm a bit overweight. Each one of those things puts me into a category. BUT - it doesn't keep me from being an individual. I'm both. So are you. When people make assumptions - they are doing just that MAKING ASSUMPTIONS - and it's kind of ignorant - but as I pointed out above - there is very often a reason for it. So - when people make an assumption - point it out to them - politely - and move on. It will make you even more of an individual!!

On a personal note - I LOVE that you don't like rap. I don't like it at all. So when somebody - anybody - of any color or background or age or shoe size says they don't like rap - I celebrate a bit.

Answer 5

To start: I am not offended by this question andI don't understand why people are getting offended. I am a "non-black" I liked how you put that!
I've never thought of lumping all black people together. My husband is black and he is into school, computers and taking care of his family. He listens to some rap, but mostly listens to church music.
Many blacks insist on being one big "black community" and put these stereotypes onto themselves. Were you teased by other blacks?
A lot of people think that all white people like country music and go line dancing or are Republicans. There are stereotypes on all racial groups.

Answer 6

I hope you can get rid of this issue asap. The world is already full of hatred and wickedness everywhere. Being paranoia like this is so unhealthy for our emotional health. Racism and bigotry are really everywhere you go in this world. You won't escape them. By being paranoia doesn't resolve any problems in the societies. Self-righteousness, obnoxious and pride always make things worse in a matter for not being superior towards other races.
For every action there is a reaction. Basically you'd pull in what you've pulled out. If we want compassion then we must to give compassion. If we want tolerance, then we must give tolerance. If we don't want to be judged, then we must not judge......

Answer 7

EVERY group is seen as a group, because people are lazy. It's called stereotyping.

I'm English, from the south east. According to every other Briton, I am therefore stuck up and rich.

I use the same things myself, but mainly as a joke
Scots - mean with money
Welsh - have a thing about sheep.
Northerners - criminals.
Midlanders - stupid.
South Westerners - thick.

Answer 8

I completely agree with your sentiments, and as a white person, I often check myself to make sure I'm not thinking or responding in the way you describe. I very much prefer to deal with people as individuals, rather than as nodes on a cultural matrix. However, there does seem to be the attitude among many blacks that there is a "black" and a "white" way to think and behave, as evidenced by the teasing you received. I hear similar accounts of black-on-black ridicule from my son, whose high school consists of equal parts black, hispanic and white. Black students who strive for academic excellence are overheard being accused by their peers of "trying to act white." There are also several black leaders who appear to be dividing America along racial/cultural lines, and often claim to speak for the black community at large. Frankly, this leaves me a bit confused, as it seems to contradict the expressed desire of many blacks (such as yourself) to be treated as individuals. I do realize this is a complex issue that carries with it a great deal of historical "baggage," which has produced widespread distrust of whites. In any case, there are many of us out here with white skin who look forward to a day when no member of the black community feels the need to be on the defensive, culturally speaking. Each of you should have the freedom to follow traditions without being stereotyped, or to break from them without being ostracized.

Answer 9

I don't know why, other than it's the way racism has evolved and persists. It's definitely come out with Barack Obama's campaign. Many people take for granted that Obama automatically has the black vote when that just isn't so.

Answer 10

But there is no good way to phrase this question, I mean, if you said everyone, you might sound paranoid... lol, but I DO understand where you're coming from (Believe it or not!), and I know what you mean, it is horrible that so many people are taken for granted and thought of as one group of people (No matter who they may be)... and I'm sorry this has happened to you, but it has happened to a lot of us. I. e. I get called a terrorist b/c I speak Russian and no one around here (where I live ) does, (Literally, I've asked), and I get called a communist, and believe it or not, I've even been called a "Spaghetti n-i-gg-e-(You got the idea)... b/c I'm also Italian...lol, the world is ignorant and idiotic, I'm sorry you've had bad experiences, but not all of us are horrible people.

________________________

BTW, let me apologize for being so rude, I'm sorry for MY ignorance... I really do hope you have a nice day...