“Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.”
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Oreo.
Sticks and stones…
White girl.
May break my bones…
House Negro.
But words will…
Token.
Never hurt me!
Intrigued, bemused, befuddled, saddened, and insulted after reading an article in which a presumed “white” reader scolded, chastised, and then strongly suggested to a presumed “black” reader that he should “act white” so that a host of his ills and most of his environmental miseries would somehow vanish into thin air like a David Copperfield illusion.
Really?
For edification purposes, please explain the following?
What does “act white” mean?
How does a “black” person act “white?”
Why should “blacks” act “white?” Why can’t they act Chinese?
How would you feel if I suggested that you should “act” like a “wigger?”
Do you recommend that other races act white, too? If not, why not?
Is “acting white” the panacea and antidote for black folk’s problems?
What’s “good for the goose is obviously good for the gander” so should white folks act black, Japanese, or even Korean?
What does “act” mean?
Are you expecting “blacks” to shed the color of their skin like a snake?
And, buddy, who anointed you to be a Godfather of the ethnocentric committee?
Hmmmm.
His insensitive statement made me recall some of my “white” girl blues. His condescending suggestion also made me rehash some of my duplicities. His demoralizing “put down” made me relive some of my stigmatizations!
For starters…
Spoke English rather than Ebonics and slang. Whites were “amazed” at my “articulation” skills and command of the English language while blacks insinuated that I was “putting on airs.”
Teased incessantly by suitors simply because I preferred to immerse myself into reading books instead of getting my “groove on” at boisterous parties.
Taunted mercilessly simply because my Goodwill, Salvation Army, or hand-me-down clothes were not trendy or were not black or “ethnic” enuf.
Received sarcastic looks and stares when I discussed my ambitions, career goals, political aspirations, pursuit of post secondary education, or about my travel adventures.
Called “abnormal” because I had not birthed a house full of illegitimate babies by my 16th birthday.
Criticized because I selected housing that was located in predominantly white areas.
Mocked because my genre in music consisted of the Classics, Easy Listening, Country and Western, and New Age.
Told that I was “unusual” for my race because my credit report was an “A” rating and did not reflect foreclosures, liens, bankruptcies, nor did it show evidence of me patronizing Title Loan or Same As Cash companies each pay cycle.
Considered “different” because my drink of choice was “sweet tea” instead of beer, wine, or liquor.
Never smoked cigarettes nor indulged in any types of prescription, illegal, or recreational drugs so folks thought that I was a front for Po Po (Police).
Recreation for me consisted of excursions to museums, theatrical plays, musicals, concerts, and not running numbers or chasing other women’s husbands.
And similarly to President Obama, always reminded that I wasn’t “black” enough?
So, dude, which of the aforementioned personal preferences make me “white?” Can’t my choices just be interpreted as an act of individualization and not misconstrued as a racial abandonment or a racial indictment against black people? Why must blacks abscond or obliterate their race by, as you suggest, becoming white?
As I matured into an adult, slowly rebounded from the emotional lows coming from people who shared your hurtful sentiments. Was always on the receiving end of constant childhood teasing, jokes, and snide “white girl” remarks. Still reminded of my tormentors’ viciousness in “labeling” me. Guess the wrath from those verbal scars will forever be a part of my DNA!
However, I am not alone. Studies have shown that increasingly there is a “labeling” epidemic that enters every classroom, home, and neighborhood of exceptionally bright black children. Similar to me, these kids who are identified as bookworms, geeks, or nerds are needlessly targeted and mocked because they show characterizations or traits that presumes that they are “acting” like white people.
Would you believe that most of these kids reported that they have to “dumb down” in order to survive in the community? Would you believe that reading books, displaying scholastic achievement, visiting museums, and not having a “gangstas” persona ostracizes them?
Would you believe that there is evidential documentation that young black boys and young black girls are frightened to excel in school because of being labeled “white” by their peers and others? Would you believe that being considered “white” is next to treasonous within their environments?
Reminded of an incident that took place during my high school’s Evening of Excellence ceremony. Invited to accept an award for receiving a perfect attendance. My honor erupted the civility in the auditorium. Proudly, I received a perfect attendance award for not only that academic year but for all 12 years!
Sweet!
One would have thought that this achievement was deserving of a celebration or, at least, a positive message regarding my efforts and my love for education. Surely, one could have assumed that this was an indicator and predictor of my forthcoming success in college and in my career.
To the contrary.
It’s silly, but school mates and other adolescents derided me for imitating “white” folks because it was the “black” norm to occasionally play hookey from school!
Words take on a special meaning!
If you want to diminish the harmful effects on children’s self-esteems, start by reversing the “labeling” epidemic and the “act white” syndrome. Instead, let’s nourish children’s self-perceptions by sending positive and uplifting messages.
Refrain from comparing or contrasting them and their ethnic group in a derogatory and demeaning way. Avoid inferring that your race is more accomplished or superior to theirs. Finally, get some sensitivity and diversity training and help for your cultural deprivation. While there, an “attitude” overhaul regarding your views on race is recommended, too!
Millions of gifted black children, from preschool through college, lie in bed each night conflicted because they have internalized “words” that undermined their importance as an individual or as a member of their ethnic group. As you know, positive peer acceptance and peer relations are extremely important. Stereotypic comments or inferring that they should become “white” gradually decreases one’s identification and value.
Remember, a word strengthen and promotes harmony—-and we can use some of that right about now!
