FIGGYS OBSERVATIONS FROM THE PEANUT GALLERY: Where are we in American society that a White man, when introduced to a Black person is surprised the name of said Black person is NOT of the faux-Africanized/ethnic nomenclature? Though bi-racial I was raised by a Black woman in a Black neighborhood. And most Black people I know dont have what I would consider ethnic names. Is the idea that all Black folks are culturally monolithic so ingrained in our society that White people are truly surprised when theres a Bob, John, Gina or even Erika among us? I was struck by my instantaneously virulent response to this conversation (previously recorded podcast). My emotions ran the gamut, primarily because the person who said it shouldve known better. But once I released my righteous indignation I had to consider the possibility that this gentleman was simply being facetious. :-) And probably was. However, it reminded me that unlike the White community, Blacks, Hispanics, Native Americans as well as Asians are often painted with a broad cultural brush. It still bothers me that Whites would consider someone like myself an anomaly as opposed to the norm, whereas I consider myself quite normal within my race/ethnicity. Almost every person I know of color is educated and/or highly skilled, work in their chosen profession, hard working, raising families or are happily single, dont have a criminal record and are financially stable. Conversely, I know far more Whites that dont fall within those parameters. Yet, I dont consider those people to be completely representative of their race. Frankly, Im not surprised when I see a White person in a suit or NOT selling meth. Sure we can discuss the high incarceration and out-of-wedlock birth rates within the Black community. But I can guaradanmedtee you that in spite of those statistics, most Blacks arent named Sheniqua or Jakwan and are contributing members of this society (not to infer that most Blacks with those types of names cant or arent). Hell, I had a child out-of-wedlock and not only did I never avail myself of welfare or food stamps, Im a highly educated professional and FAR from unique. In fact, Im boringly normal. Why must I have to explain to the world that Black folks arent all what FoxNews and MSNBC would have folk believe? Dang man, what other stereotypes must I refute in 2014?
Posted on: Sun, 20 Jul 2014 21:14:55 +0000