When someone told one of my friends that they are "acting white", I got pretty ticked off with them. How is...

Question

the phrase "acting white" any less racist than someone saying "acting black"?

Don't both terms imply that a sterotype is being used as a system of judgement for another's actions?

Answer 1

You are correct. Both are using stereotypes.

But honestly, good luck getting that one through the courts. Caucasians have had a good run so far, I think some of the minorities can be cut some slack.

Answer 2

As far as I (white) have been able to find out, someone (adult) is accused of "acting white" if he or she uses proper grammar, dresses neatly and generally acts as if earning a living matters. Other little things like showing some respect to authority, no matter what skin color the person in charge has, are also included.

It seems to mean being willing to become a part of the mainstream of the country. I'm sure there will be many disagreeing with this and I'll check back to see.

Answer 3

No, they are terms that promote stereotypes. The idea of "acting white" implies that if you act in a civilized manner, or are a success, you are not fulfilling your destiny to remain a whiner and a loser. The ramification of this are the idea that black people are expected to act as uncivilized losers.

In truth, we all chose how we are going to act. It has nothing to do with our color. And the way that we act determines how we are treated by others. If we act obnixious, we can pretty much expect to not be accepted. It goes back to: you make your bed and you sleep in it.

Answer 4

That is correct; both statements are based upon negative stereotypes involving either race. My ears start hurting when I hear the terms "acting white" or "acting black." Black and white are colors--not actions! There are snobs and thugs in every race and no race holds the majority for either of these.

Answer 5

It's an insult to single mothers. Can you imagine how much more Michelle Obama would feel like a single mother if she had to support herself and the kids all by herself? Usually men work long hours because it is the man's role to be the provider, which frees up the women to spend more time with her children (since she no longer has to put in overtime to support them financially). Do you really think that men work long hours just because we enjoy work? Or that we enjoy working more than we enjoy goofing off with our family? As if! Women are ingrates.

Answer 6

Both those terms are silly and very stereotypical. I think it's silly to connect certain behavior with entire races and when they don't fit into the stereotype they're said to be not "acting their own race", being a [another race] wannabe or ashamed of their race. Why should our personality and behavior be defined exclusively on the color of our skin and some stupid stereotype people connect with that color?

Answer 7

Yeah everyone says that crap is really annoying. I like it when a white person says "that black guy acts white" and then I ask them what acting white is, because there white themselves and they don't act a certain way. Its all ignorance.

Answer 8

I agree with you, I agree with you. I am white. So I hope I act white. There is no shame in that! It is racist and why is racism toward white the "accepted norm"

Answer 9

I get really mad. when people say that to me


I'm a black chick that talks like she has some sense and likes rock and Japanese stuff. And people say that to me all day "you're acting white"

I simply reply by saying "what is acting black?"

Answer 10

I agree. I hate when people say me or my kids sound White because we speak proper english.