Im black, but I dont feel like it?

Question

I am 13 years old and I've been living here in the Philippines all my life. My mother is filipina and my dad is african-american. When I was 3, my dad left us. I feel so pressured all the time because people always expect me to act like a gangster or listen to rap, but i dont care what they think. I like rap, but i love jimi hendrix. I play the guitar, and wish to be a professional guitarist when i grow up. I dont have alot of friends because im black, and its tough because me and my mom are planning to move to the states soon and I dont think there are alot of kids like me. I dont really fit in with alot of people. the only way i can express myself is through my guitar. My family isnt rich, we are actually pretty poor. My mom works all week so we can make money to go to the states. How can i feel more comfortable with my situation?

Answer 1

I understand what you feel...

Just be yourself !

You are not obliged to be exactly the way that black people expect you to be ! And you are not obliged to be exactly the way that filipino people expect you to be !

You are half -blooded moxed african and filipino, you can be proud of a rich heritage...You are the result of 2 races, but you are especially the result of 2 cultures, and finally you are simply a human ...

Don't let people try to drive you the way they want you to take,...

There are a lot of stereoptypes concerning black people; latinos, arabs,etc...But we have to struggle against theses sterotypes, against the racism...

Just live your life, and you have still much to learn, you are only 13, you will grow up and be an adult.
Be honest, keep studying,respect your family and society,and that's all ! The other people don't matter, be yourself, be proud...

Answer 2

Well, everyone is going to HATE ME for saying this, but don't make any enemies, since you are poor and 13, the people you will be around will expect you to like rap and all that. Just wear baggy pants, sweatshirts, and pretend you like rap music, But then listen to whatever you want when you know the friends you're around also like it or noone else is around. Because at the age of 13 everyone truely is an ****** and it's a tough time to be "different". You might be able to get away without pretending to like rap music, but don't advertise to everyone else that you like Jimmy Hendrix, because that might make people think you're weird. Just be cool. Don't try too hard to fit in either, if you don't have anything to say don't say anything at all. I forgot to say that this is a big problem with America, but it could just be what you should do to lower your risk factors for getting into fights or being made fun of. So much can also vary on where exactly are you moving to, what school, do you have an accent, so many other things. If somebody makes fun of you, don't let it drive you nuts.

Answer 3

It sounds like you don't "feel" black because you don't fit into all the stereotypes that people have of african-americans. But you are not only black, you are Filipino too. Try not to be one or the other. You are a unique, beautiful, exotic blend of two wonderful races...be proud of it! If people don't like you then don't waste your time with them! Continue expressing yourself with your guitar. Anything you do with passion, do it often. Stop focusing on what you DON'T want and start focusing on what you DO. What your resist, persists. If you want friends that click with you, start visualizing in your mind the friends you'd like to have and start thanking God in advance for the souls He has surrounded you with. Since you seem to be so passionate with your guitar, try visualising while playing. You will realize that you are no longer seeking friends, but they are seeking you. Good luck and remember.... Call things forward as if you already have them!

Answer 4

First off you only feel like a certain race in your own head do to propaganda. Certain interests being designated to a certain race is one of the things that causes so much dissension between us in the first place. No matter what you do feel or say part of your genetic makeup will be black and the other half Filipino. You are always 100% human though so just be you. if others don't like it, tell them where to shove it. Good luck in life youngin.

PS. Move to New York. It's expensive and hard but it's the ultimate land of opportunity. And cultural diversity.

Answer 5

Whoever expects you to like Rap and act "thug like" is ignorant. That is a terrible stereotype. You are a unique young man, having two nationalities running through your veins. Embraces both your Black and Philippine heritage and don't let anyone pressure you into feeling any differently. If you do like rap, like it because you want to, not because it's what you're "suppose" to like as a half black person. Just do your best to not let people get to you.

Answer 6

I'm a"mutt"and I've felt that I never fit in either as a young kid,everybody expected for me to be and act a certain way.When I tried to please them ,all I felt was unhappy. But now that I'm an adult I think back and I should have never done it.Now I'm happy to be the person I am.Sweetheart don't let people change who you are and how you feel because you will be very unhappy just do what you do best and don't let it take you years to find that out about yourself because you miss out on a lot.

Answer 7

i know what you mean. Kind of like how people stereotype every mexican to be cholo, chola, ghetto, a beaner, or a gangster. Just ignore it! Oh and I live in Southern California 20 mins from a very heavy filipino/black community and there are many who are mixed like you. If u move to the suburbs or Midwest you might not find many like you but here in California or in other urban areas i'm sure you will, there's a lot of mixed people here! U will fit in

Answer 8

I feel sorry for you. This is a great example of why interracial relationships are wrong. The kid ends up feeling left out or different. I wish you the best young man, don't let people get to you, ignore them and know that you are good no matter what people tell you. I wish I could hug you and make your problems go away.

Answer 9

COME HOME TO THE UNITED STATES!.

You don't have a lot of friends, not because you are half-Black, I think it is because you are unique, and often people look different things that are different from them. You are not different in human, but different in nationality. Imagine if you take a Black person in the middle of rural area China. I am sure some would look me like,, "what the hell".

Leave them and their begging third world.

Answer 10

Give yourself to God and he will find a place for you music and racial issues. Its o.k. to be Black and unable to identify with the culture. I'm white and while i was growing up found myself acting like i was Hard up( I thought being black was cool and come to find out full of anger and violent aggression). My parents were some of the most disciplined thinkers. Ive had alot of issues trying to be someone else and wish i could of worked harder at being me. Never let someone get in the way of being the one person you are inside.