A few years back, okay more like 45 years back, blacks in America
begin using a new term to define their ethnicity. African American. There are
variations on this; most notably Afro-American which has all but disappeared
from normal speak. I find it difficult to recognize the reasoning behind a need
to distance ourselves from the general populous at the same time we strive for
equality. I have had an opportunity to set foot on the African continent and am
here to tell you that I am all American! Baleeve dat.
Our country has a second term mulatto in office that African
Americans are happy to claim as their own. Even though his roots show that he
is not of native born black blood. The nerve of that boy. His daddy came from
over there! Blacks have had so many ‘name-changes’ over the years that I expect
there will be a new moniker cresting the horizon soon. Some of you may remember
blacks being referred to as colored. OMGEEEE, wanna get somebody riled up, just
call them colored! You will get a ration of shit that you’ll not come from
under for quite some time. I find it humoring that many activists that will
take insult to that are also card carrying members of the NAA’C’P. This is one
of the silly tidbits that I just can’t seem to wrap my head around.
I’m often asked if I refer to myself as black or AA…….I’m
going to shorten that……..and the answer is simple, I’m black. Let’s stick with
the obvious. A question for all my pale friends. When is the last time a black,
Asian, or Latino asked if you were white or Anglo-American? Let me be me. Big
brown guy right here.
Since I’m on the color wagon why don’t we go over a few
things that really chap my hide?
Q: Why is it okay for black people to call each other nigga
but I can’t?
A: Why is so important for you to be able to use one of the
most demoralizing slurs known in our country? I know, I know I answered with a
question but that is just stupid! I don’t know why and I am black. I can’t
imagine a conversation with another black that would have me freely insulting
them the whole time. Sorry, no real answer there. For the excuses you may have
gotten as justification to that query……well, they’re stupid too.
Q: Why don’t you act like most of the black guys I know? You
are the whitest black guy I know.
A: I would usually shut you up with a smart-assed comment
like “Don’t worry, I’m black where it counts” all the while thinking…..F-U! The
fact that I embrace English, our country’s primary language, and utilize it to communicate
with everybody around me (all while trying to maintain proper grammar) wear clothes that fit and pass on the Yo MTV Raps is an issue for you? Wow. I don’t
think I could be more insulted. I’m an educated well-spoken man and you’re
surprised that I can stand upright.
Q: Why do you only like white women?
A: Umm, this here brutha is EEO. I could not care less what
color, race, or ethnic background a woman comes from. If you consider for a
minute the things that make me the V the answer is pretty clear. I like:
Reptiles, the ocean, rock classical & alternative music, giant dogs,
tarantulas…..the list goes on and on. I’m sure there is a black woman out there
that may fill the billet, but I’m not going on any damned expeditions to please
somebody else’s idea of who I should be with.
I really wish color wasn’t an issue in day to day American
life. We just not gotten there yet.
