I was having an on line argument with a black guy who was insisting one drop of black made you all black. Being non American I find this bizzare, as I know a quarter black girl with fair hair and green eyes (a friend's niece).
Doesn't this distort the census, making it seem like there are more black Americans than there are? Can you put down 'white' on forms if your parents are mixed? How far back does your black ancestor have to be before you are not black?
Doesn't it discriminte against the non black parent, in effect completely denying one side of the individuals ancestry. Do people claim to be black to take advantage of affirmative action?
2007-10-07 07:53:43 · 19 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Other - Cultures & Groups
The point was don't people who look white think it's odd to be called black. I'm so chilled back about race I'm sub zero.
2007-10-07 08:13:34 · update #1
In effect anyone can claim any racial identity they care to. Mixed race really leaves it to the individuals interpretation. Let me clarify however that it is not commonly accepted in the United States that have "one drop" of black blood overrides all other racial identity. If you wanted to utilize legal precedent for applying government assistance I think that looking at Native Americans would suit your needs. For instance, someone who is one quarter indian (native American) would qualify for college financial aid, while someone who is 1/128 Indian would not. (I know this seems silly, but I actually saw someones card the other day from the Department of the Interior Bureau of Indiana Affairs identifying them as 1/128 Chickasaw) I think that person receives free medical and dental. But I assure you that he most likely would be added by the census and fill out forms as caucasion.
2007-10-07 08:09:26 · answer #1 · answered by smelloyello 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
There was a white family who proved one of their ancestors was a family black man because there was a lot of money in the estate.
At one time in the history of this country, there was a notion of being able "to pass." And, that was passing for being white. That was way before my time. I can't fully explain that concept as I really don't understand it but I think in part, it was because of the lack equality and maybe fear.
This subject has been on the radio several times over the years. Black, white, Hispanic, etc., when applying for college grants or filling out applications, there's a grey line here and some admit checking different race boxes in different situations according whatever advantage they might perceive as being better. However, I think those people who do that are few.
But, it's difficult, especially, in some of the Caribbean islands where there is such a mixture of black, French, English and other races.
Whether a small percentage makes a person one race or another I believe is left up to the individual and as far as I know, there is no set standard regarding what constitutes being one race or another.
2007-10-07 10:53:42 · answer #2 · answered by rann_georgia 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm have Asian and and western European ancestry. I always just say I'm Asian. If black people are the same as me then they are trying to say their black side is stronger and who they want to be affiliated with, like I am with my Asian side. Thats the side I prefer to be affiliatedwith, my non white side. Does not mean I dislike whites or anything because I don't, infact I have many white cousins and familiy members and I care about them also.
2007-10-07 08:11:47 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
I always thought race went by which of the two you looked more like. I'm half Cherokee, half Irish, and I look more Cherokee. I speak, read and write Cherokee, have a Cherokee name and an English name, and know my clan. I don't speak Gaelic, never been to Skibberreen, and I don't look Irish. So you can understand somewhat how it would make sense in my case.
2007-10-07 08:19:37 · answer #4 · answered by Danagasta 6 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Being called black is not offensive. Black people in skin color are actually rare (not a common color among Africans as most are dark to light brown) and we need this variety in human race. White people are also very rare (only know of one MJ!). You waste your emotions taking offense.
2007-10-07 08:19:20 · answer #5 · answered by St Lusakan 3 · 8⤊ 0⤋
Hooterz says she's offended when people say she looks black. Looking at your avatar, if that is you, you look black. Deal with it. As if being Mexican is any better. We as a race wouldn't claim you anyways. You seem to be a self hater. Let the Mexicans have you.
2007-10-07 08:16:19 · answer #6 · answered by Missknowitall 4 · 12⤊ 1⤋
Why should it even be an issue?!?
I am mixed race and I personally don't like it when people mention me in terms of race in any way. Does it make me better/inferior to anyone else? Does it make me culturally confused?
I know where I came from and know where I am going.
We should not be seen on the basis of our colour, but on our achievements and statements in life.
2007-10-07 07:59:33 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 10⤊ 1⤋
What's wrong with being called black?
2007-10-07 10:46:19 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
Is it important for them to not be considered black?
2007-10-07 10:01:46 · answer #9 · answered by █ Alenon █ 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
"Being non American I find this bizzare, as I know a quarter black girl with fair hair and green eyes (a friend's niece)."
What? Is that what you think constitutes being white or black? Eye color or hair texture?
2007-10-07 08:05:16 · answer #10 · answered by kelly4u2 5 · 4⤊ 5⤋