2007-10-04 09:29:27 · 21 answers · asked by Lioness 6 in Social Science ➔ Gender Studies
Steph: Please don't attack me lol. I don't find black men intimidating, if I did, I wouldn't have married one. I ask this question because I find many to be intimidated by the "stereotype" of what being a black man is.
2007-10-04 09:38:48 · update #1
All good Steph. I can be as protective sometimes.
2007-10-04 10:00:45 · update #2
Let me see? Do I find myself intimidating? When I first get up in the morning (late afternoon) and look at myself in the mirror, I might be inclined to ask "who the hell is that, and what is he doing in my house?
But seriously. As you should be able to tell from my joking above, I am indeed black. 51 years old, 5'8", and more intelligent than most people are comfortable with. And I can't tell you how many times I've had people look at me as though I were some sort of monster. Granted, I have this single dreadlock that reaches below my belt, and before that have always worn a pony tail. And as far as appearance goes, I am very light skinned. Enough so, that many whites are inclined to ask which of my parents is white (neither).
If any of you have paid close attention to my writings here, you should know that I speak with as much clarity as I write. So, the bottom line is, there is no rational reason for anyone to be suspicious of me or my behavior. But that doesn't stop the typical DWB (driving while black) perception that I am "entitled" to by cops and others. So like someone else said here, most of you need to get real. If not with yourselves, then with your family and friends. Even those of you who are inter-racially married, should be honest about how the majority of your family members reacted to the prospect of your doing so. Especially if you're white.
That's not to say that some are not racist. It's just that the majority of this (American) society is racist, and the ramifications of that are pervasive and detrimental to blacks (male and female). If you don't want to believe me, just follow some of your black friends around (if you really have any), without letting on to others that you're associated. And then take an inventory of the reactions of whites to their presence. Go into stores that sell high end merchandise. See how long it takes for them to be served (if at all). And then stay in the same location after the blacks have left, and listen to the comments that may be made upon their departure. Practice this a few times and refine your approach. And see if the reactions of whites are any different. My guess is, that no matter how refined your approach may be, the reactions will remain the same.
So if you're really as non-racist as you think you are, this shouldn't bother you. You should in fact be intrigued to determine if there is any validity in what I have said. Because for whites, you suffer from what could be called a perceptual immunity. It boils down to the inability to see that things are not what you want to believe they are. Because as long as you don't see the problem, you don't have to be personally responsible for fixing it.
Shingoshi Dao
2007-10-04 13:24:33 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 2⤋
No, there are very few people on this earth who intimidate me.
I think to generalize and say that 'black men are intimidating' would be racist. There are many stereotypes of black men and most of them are from a long time ago and they still linger today.
I would guess that anyone who answers the question with a yes probably has not had a lot of contact with people who are a different colour than they are. Ignorance is the root of all fear.
2007-10-04 12:28:52 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I recently moved to find that I am in a cultural minority...the island is 90% black. This, of course, was a bit of a culture shock. We can say all we want about being politically correct and racially open and not at all prejudice, but when you can go out everyday for two weeks and not see another single white person, you begin to see things a little differently. I am now, from time to time, the victim of reverse discrimination. And it has taught me alot about myself and others.
With this experience, now, I can truly say that I don't find black men intimidating because they are black - but I have found some to be intimidating because I am white.
2007-10-04 09:59:04 · answer #3 · answered by Super Ruper 6 · 5⤊ 0⤋
I must admit that I haven't had much opportunity to be intimidated by black men — there don't seem to be too many of them where I come from. But I wouldn't be either way.
2007-10-04 09:39:57 · answer #4 · answered by Rio Madeira 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Even if someone was I doubt they would admit it. They'd be too intimidated to. Or better yet they would be unaware of how they are intimidated by them and would subconsiously mask it as some other feeling of disdain. I am sure most people who are racist/prejudice are indimidated by black people
2007-10-04 11:13:27 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Nope, not at all, LOL!!!
But I think if I came across a Sasquatch or something in the forest I would feel pretty intimidated.... hehe.
P.S. Also in an interracial marriage :)
2007-10-04 09:59:28 · answer #6 · answered by bijou 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I agree with Ave.
If you are asking such a question maybe you should broaden your circle of friends and you would see that there is no reason to be intimidated by black men, or anyone else for that matter.
Wow, I'm just still kind of in shock that you ask the question.
In response to the edit:
I apologize for attacking, Lioness. My husband is black too and my kids are mixed so I can get a little miffed about racial things. I guess the momma bear in me was coming out. I am quick to call people when I think they're being prejudice. Again I apologize. It bothers me when people start with the stereotypes and misconceptions. Sorry.
2007-10-04 09:35:14 · answer #7 · answered by Steph 5 · 2⤊ 5⤋
Ha ha. It's interesting to see your question provoke some people...just funny.
No, I don't.
After moving to the U.S. (close to my adolescence), I grew up in Queens (NY), so wasn't sheltered from diversity, as many people who are intimidated by differences, may have been.
I was also fortunate that my father advocates human rights through his music and poetry, and taught me to embrace all cultures, as we are all humans at the end of the day...so that was also instrumental in shaping my opennes to other ethnicities.
2007-10-04 10:12:46 · answer #8 · answered by Quelararí 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
If he were standing over me and asking me that question - yes.
Or anyone for that matter.
So no. In normal situations I wouldn't be intimidated by a black man (or men).
2007-10-04 09:38:07 · answer #9 · answered by Done 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Oh, please people, stop it with the holier-than-thou attitudes. Remember the scene in Bowling for Columbine with all the news clips of "black man shot __" "Black man black man black man." Don't pretend that racism doesn't exist and that there isn't a system against black men and that the media doesn't portray black men in a horrible way. Lioness is just asking if we buy into this because we HEAR IT EVERY DAY.
Geesh.
Lioness: To answer your q, no.
2007-10-04 09:39:45 · answer #10 · answered by ©å®®ĩε 2 · 5⤊ 2⤋