i have experienced this alot in my life i am black but have never lived in mostly black areas or went to mostly black schools i can't stand to be around the ghetto people of any color when their all loud and rude and i get made fun of cause of the way i talk and act even some of the white guys i have dated have told me i need to wear braids talk more "black" what they meant was be the stereotypical black girl some black girls say i must have white in me cause i can't be black and act and talk like i do i am glad to be black and am fine with the way i talk and act but i wanted to know why do people act like that
2007-03-27 18:26:36 · 19 answers · asked by shyababy05 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Other - Cultures & Groups
This girl who I've been kinda into for awhile, and whose a really good friend of mine, goes through the same thing. Like you, dating can be extremely difficult because of what some guys think are stereotypical about black girls. She's told me that there are black guys who think she's "misrepresenting" the black race and white guys who think she's "mocking" the white race. She is constantly told to "be herself". Thing is, she's been around MANY different people all her life. Her parents do not speak the "Ebonics" way either. They have taught her that there is a right place and wrong place for things, and mannerisms are important. My point is, some people are so caught up in pulling the race card, they forget about intelligence, and what is really important to them. It's all society, and stereotypes. There is no "Black" or "White" way of speaking. If YOU choose to become intelligent then kudos to you. I personally have no problem with slang, but I also believe that there are right and wrong times to act certain ways. People tend to think it is all about image. It's not. Don't listen to them. You will know your real friends are.
2007-03-30 11:22:58 · answer #1 · answered by Craig M 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ignorance is the simplest answer I can give. Just like when a white speaks well they are called eloquent, but when a black speaks well they are called articulate. As if we can't possibly grasp the art of speaking the English language. Hollywood has stereotyped blacks for so long that white people actually think that we all act like that. Though many of the black race have forgotten the lessons we learned from our forefathers many have not. As for white men who dare to ask you to wear braids and act more black, they are not really dating you for you. They want what they call a taste of that jungle fever. They believe what they have seen on TV. I reiterate pure ignorance.
2007-03-28 01:57:14 · answer #2 · answered by Glenda A 1 · 4⤊ 1⤋
I've had this problem all my life. I'm 19 years old, african-american, and I've lived in many places. Whether they be poor or upperclass neighborhoods I get the same treatment and accusations of being "too white." I don't use slang. I refuse to say the "n" word. I'm not loud or obnoxious.
Because of all of this I am "whitebred." I just can't lower myself and neither should you.
Please don't listen to anybody. Like everyones been telling you they ARE jealous. They'll never be able to grasp your greatness because they're so stuck on this image and persona they have to keep up.
Just do what you have to do and leave the losers behind. Anyone who questions your background or tells you to act differently is not worth your time.
2007-03-28 03:19:23 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunately in the eyes of many (black, white, etc.) intelligent and articulate= white. When these features are attributed to a black person, people find it funny, and people tease or make fun of things that are funny/different.
I've dealt with what you deal with but I've had it worse because I grew up in an all-black neighborhood and attended an all-black school until I reached my college years. I've always been called "white" or "Uncle Tom" because I chose to speak correct English and make all "A"s.
It's jealousy and fear that causes these reactions.
Ignore them and continue to thrive.
2007-03-29 00:53:17 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Anytime someone puts you down, they are just trying to make themselves feel better about the poor choices they have made in life. I know that my black ancestors did not fight as hard as they did to educate and uplift themselves just for the following generations to throw it all away and act like criminals. The ghetto image keeps blacks down and only reinforces stereotypes. Good for you that you have intelligence and a strong sense of self!!! You are honoring those who came before you by refusing to act ghetto. The ancestors who gave so much to achieve their dreams and break free of oppression would be proud.
2007-03-28 01:48:11 · answer #5 · answered by geoxena 3 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Just ignore it. You don't have to be ashamed for being an intelligent, articulate black female. It's a good thing. Perhaps the "ghetto" people who make fun of you are just jealous because you're smarter than they are.
Even in the movies this stereotype is shown. I believe in Barbershop, the intelligent black male was viewed as annoying, as if he somehow betrayed his people. By saying this, those people are saying that black people are not (or should not) be intelligent. That's an awful and completely false message. Stay strong! This is a stereotype that is LONG overdue for a change!
2007-03-28 01:30:27 · answer #6 · answered by Rabbityama 6 · 15⤊ 1⤋
hi,
i have the same problem as you,i just dont relate with ghetto people,whatever their colour.i just even worse for me coz i live in the ghetto.
people do that because they think thats how all black people should be acting,if you act anything but ghetto they do make fun.
you are fine the way you are...it shows that not all black people act ghetto.
2007-03-30 12:45:04 · answer #7 · answered by :/ 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
people do that out of sheer ignorance they believe the stereotypes they see in the media and what they see in public it's not fair and maybe they may feel threatened for whatever reason due to their own perception of how a certain people should behave and act. I am from south louisiana and a lot of people still think we live in the swamps and eat God knows what
2007-03-28 02:36:46 · answer #8 · answered by sandij88 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Because Blacks in this country have been brain washed to think that they have to play that stereo type role of ignorance they fell to realize it's all part of the plan to keep them down , don't let a stereotype define you be yourself at the end of the day you have to live your life not others
2007-03-28 12:56:33 · answer #9 · answered by canielany 3 · 7⤊ 1⤋
I know a girl that happened to too!
BECAUSE YOU ARE SMART! You dont want to talk and act like a dumb *** like they are. "GHETTO" shall I say?
2007-03-30 13:00:58 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋