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what exactly qualifies someone as being black?
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I'm wondering about how 'Black' is defined and who exactly falls under the umbrella around the world. For instance, are Australian Aboriginals or darker-skinned Indians black? How do different regions and cultures define Black identity? I've noticed that some Somalis and other East Africans resemble darker-skinned Indians in terms of features and complexion yet they are seen as black and dark Indians are not.
Top Comment: Quarter brick, half a brick, whole brick ____
I hate being black and I would do anything to be white AMA
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It's sad, but it's true. I wish I was born white because being black is like a curse. White women are the epitome of pure beauty, it's rare to hear someone say that they think that white girls are ugly, but being black, no race, hell not even black guys, thinks we're attractive. White women are the symbol of beauty that every minority race aspires to look like, and for some races, it's easier than others. Black women are low on the totem pole.
Also I would love to be white because I wouldn't have to prove myself worthy, or dissprove a stereotype, because when you're white, you're just white. When you're black, the thought of how you appear to people is ALWAYS on your mind, because let's face it, black people have the worst stereotype ever next to Muslim people. When people first meet us, they assume that we're loud, angry, violent, foolish, bad tippers, and welfare lovers. I would love to not have to be under a stereotype 24/7. The thing that bothers me the most about being black is that so many people, you're not excused either Redditors, believe that we're stupid, loud, and ignorant people. It just gets under my skin when I see what people actually believe about us.
So ask away!
EDIT: It's getting late and I have a busy day tommorow, so I'm hitting the hay. Thank you all for your comments and advice, and you can keep commenting and PM'ing me and I'll be sure to respond ASAP. Have a good night.
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I love how people who are like "try to change stereotypes" don't realize how that's also putting someone at a disadvantage because of their race.
Why should someone work harder and behave better than a white person just to be held in the same regard?
Furthermore, why should minorities be saddled with the burden of having to defeat stereotypes? They were imposed on them, it's not like it's their own fault which they have to own up to.
If some guy believes you eat fried chicken and listen to rap music all the time (well, when you aren't robbing gas stations) because of the color of your skin, why is the onus on you to dispel that notion? Why isn't the guy who puts forward such nonsensical opinions tasked with that?
The whole approach seems to suggest that people are guilty until proven innocent.
I hate being black so much.
Main Post: I hate being black so much.
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Ah, yes. But no matter what you do, that seed will grow to be a peach tree. You may wish for an apple or an orange, but you will get a peach.
- Master Oogway
I hate being black
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Tbh. I hate being Black. I face racism and stereotypes I can't have cool hairstyles I hate the stigmas I hate the fact that I can't fit in no matter what I can't do specific things bc of the stereotypes like my type of music and vtubing I just hate myself But I'll be considered whitewashed depending on the hairstyle I want I always wanted to grow my hair longI want to have a unique hairstyle but I don't wanna be judged like that
Edit: Ty for the comments I see these really mean a lot, I just wanted to add one event that I think could have sparked this thinking
TW: there was a time where I was being inappropriately touched during picture day and I couldn't say anything bc it'll reflect badly on me bc people would think I started shit and wont believe me
Top Comment: You can't have cool hairstyles? I thought it was common knowledge that black people have the coolest hairstyles.
i HATE being black
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this is OffMyChest meaning that i am allowed to express myself without people assuming that i'm racist or i'm a troll. I DO NOT HATE BLACK PEOPLE. I HATE BEING A BLACK PERSON. I AM ALLOWED TO VENT.
i hate everything about being black, everyone hates us as much as they like to cope and pretend, the reality is that every other race hates us. i don't feel black. why should i force myself to like being this race and the second i want to change i am considered racist and i have to just "embrace it"? why should i be trapped in this skin and not be able to change? i dont feel comfortable in my race and i want out. why shouldn't society be accepting of tjose who want to change? what would you do if you were stuck being a race you hate and you're not even allowed to change it without people calling you racist or cultural appropriating? i never chose to be black and i feel so uncomfortable when people see me as a race that i am not.
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I hope that you will find peace with your skin color someday
Being Black is so hard sometimes.
Main Post: Being Black is so hard sometimes.
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I’m a black guy from the United States in Uganda for the time being.
It’s so weird being in a place where people feel like you look them, but but you’re not one of them. I don’t even have to speak. I’ll walk to the shops and kids will yell “mzungu” to me to get my attention. I feel like stared at way more over here. A lot of the time, you don’t know you’re being watched, but you can feel it. I thought I would have a harder time proving that I’m American, but they figured it out pretty quick. Mostly because they say black people from the United States talk different than white people and it makes it harder for us to be understood. It’s a lovely country with great people, but it’s a weird experience.
Being a black girl is hard
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I grew up in Kenya, so i never experienced racism growing up and i never hated my self cause of my race, but as i have grown older I have started to realise that racism isn't a thing of the past and its very much alive, i have been called slurs, insluted cause of my features and one time this lady followed me around a store thinking i was stealing simply because I am black (i was studying abroad during this time) and it's is so weird to me how black people are instantly always judged, like people don't give us a chance, i have always been labelled things i am not and i am tried, one time this guy got pissed i rejected him and called me a prostitute and a slave like?? I was being nice while rejecting him. Another thing I have noticed is that it's just not white people who are like this poc as well, they say the n word and tell me to cope like it wasn't a word slaves heard before they died / were beaten, sometimes i feel like non black people don't even view me as a human worthy of basic decency and l didn't even choose to be black. It has come to a point where even black men humiliate us, i am so tried like genuinely.
Top Comment: I’m so sorry that society is still pretty fucking ignorant and awful to you and many others who don’t deserve it. I wish I could say things are getting so much better, but in many parts of the world (U.S. included) it seems like we're backsliding into an authoritarian regime. i wish there was more i could do or say to comfort you. 😕
I can't take being black in this city anymore : r/sanfrancisco
Main Post: I can't take being black in this city anymore : r/sanfrancisco
Whats it like being black in the Pacific northwest?
Main Post: Whats it like being black in the Pacific northwest?
Top Comment: Born and raised here. First time I had a class with another black student I was in the 5th grade. I constantly have people ask me where I'm from and regularly get prying follow ups when I say I'm a local. SOO MANY HAIR TOUCHERS AND STORIES OF YOUR ONE BLACK FREIND. I swear the number of unsolicited "black friend stories" I hear about is more then the amount of other black people I know. Beautiful surroundings with every type of scenery I want in a 2 hour drive and national forest just 20 minutes away. (I may be local but 100% it's the nature and weather that keep me here) Before legal weed I couldn't go near a mall or high school without some kid asking me for weed. I've found that many small and rural areas are not nearly as racist as people claim. My experience is these small town hicks are more apprehensive but treat you better then most other people do once you have talked enough to find common ground. These small areas are also usually so free of black people that no crime ever gets blamed on black people so that association isn't as strong.
Being a Black Male is incredibly frustrating, especially when you have traditionally uncommon hobbies/interests.
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I grew up in a primarily Jewish community and went to a really diverse school. Even though I only lived 30 minutes from downtown Philadelphia, I mainly kept out in the suburbs. The majority of my friends growing up where non-black. All my girlfriends except two were non-black. I was never particularly into black American culture. Being around other black people made me feel like an outsider. Commonly hearing the term "oreo" or something similar. I don't see race. I'm not ignorant to it, and I know other people may feel differently. But everyone is equal in my eyes. I never was into what most would consider "black" hobbies. I love house music, I'm a huge sci-fi/fantasy dork, I do archery/rockclimbing on weekends, I train muay thai, I love cooking, etc etc. It sounds crazy, but you really start to notice it when you're sitting around one day, watching game of thrones with your friends, and you're the only black guy in the room. One out of two black guys in a college fraternity of 40+ dudes. The only black person in a yoga class. The only black guy at the cafeteria table with a group of other people. You really start to question if you're "normal". Luckily, I don't give a shit anymore. I see it as a strength, something that makes me stick out. I accept who I am, because I know it's fine being different. But it's frustrating sometimes. I'm going to catch flak for this, but I honestly wish more Black people were open to different things. I know I'm not alone in this feeling. I've met other black guys in the same boat as me that felt the same way. It's like, they're in this stupid bubble. There's an entire world out there full of amazing, beautiful stuff. Why limit yourself? I'm tired of hearing "That's what white people do". Shooting a bow and arrow for fun is not a white hobby. Going snowboarding is not restricted by race. It's so goddam frustrating sometimes man. Dating is even more frustrating. I've almost completely given up on trying to date black women. I have my reasons, but I basically boils down to just being not worth the effort. Especially when non-black women I have way more chemistry and stuff in common with, show me attention. The experience is... mind blowing...
I needed to rant, I mean no disrespect to anyone. I apoligze if I did. Maybe I need to move. Far away from the city or something. If I ever have kids, I'm going to raise them to be themselves and always be open to trying new things.
If it matters, I'm 23 y/o.
Edit: Thank you for all the replies! Didn't respond to everyone but read them and gave an upvote.
Edit 2: I learned a lot from you guys. I'll try to be more mindful about how I view certain things going forward. In regards to my comment about Black women, I've just had some bad experiences in the past and working on it. I haven't given up completely, but I think I'd like to take a break from dating.
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I bet a lot of black youth are growing up in an environment where social pressures are forcing them to try to fit in and adopt black culture and reject everything else, even at the cost of their own likes and interests. It's a damned shame. I'm glad you're at least able to be yourself and live as you please.