White people acting black

[CRAZY BONE]

DISCLAIMER PLEASE READ: I’m tired of speaking in a politically correct manner, especially when I come into this extended discussion threads where if I don’t watch my every word I’ll get slammed by people for being “ignorant” or a racist or whatever the fuck. I think we’re all adults here, and we know how the world works, stereotypes exist and all that shit, so let’s not pretend they don’t. For the record, I’m the farthest thing from a racist, regardless of how the following might come off to some of you. I’m all for equality, which is why this shit pisses me right the fuck off. (By the way, if I say things like “all black people…” just know that I’m speaking in general terms, that should go without saying.) --------------------- I don’t want to discuss why white kids want to be as cool as the “black urban youth” kids, that’s not what this is about. I’m wondering why white kids (or any race, really) are looked down upon, or ridiculed for “acting black.” Most of the ridiculing is done by black people obviously, so the question then has to be asked: why are blacks so prideful over their influence, and so adamant about claiming ownership over all the things that black people made popular? Obviously there’s been some tension between blacks and whites (we can thank slavery and Jim Crow for that). Back when racism was still very prevalent in the US, black musicians weren’t very popular. Then Elvis comes along and steals rock and roll from them and becomes famous. Now that’s a legitimate case of whites stealing something from the blacks and making money enormous off of it. But it’s the year 2011, we have plenty of popular black musicians in the pop world now. So why the fuck do we have to keep hearing white people “stealing” from blacks? Look at Justin Timberlake getting shit for dancing “like he’s black”, whereas the black Usher dances in the same style and doesn’t get shit for it, even though he’s stealing his style from the same guy Justin is: Michael Jackson. And since Michael Jackson is black, he inadvertently claimed that whole style of dance exclusively for blacks. (mini tangent about MJ: Why is it that so many black people regard him as a black icon? Why not just an icon? I mean, Michael paved the way for a lot of black artists, true, but his overall scope is so much bigger that that. His popularity was global, he was a full on music legend for every race and nationality and ethnicity. So narrowing that down to specifically being a black icon is actually a disservice to him, and goes against what he stood for. Just another example of blacks trying to claim ownership of something popular, as if they had anything to do with it. Having black pride is nonsensical and counterproductive, being black is not an accomplishment, it’s a genetic accident. So by definition, no, you can’t be proud of it, you ignorant fucking knobs.) There's such a double standard too, white kids can't listen rap without being labeled wankstas, whereas black kids are given a free pass to listen rap without being called wankstas, even if they're more sheltered than the white kids listening to rap (which brings up another issue: do you really need to have experience with slingin' crack and rollin' up on people to enjoy the lyrical genius of Biggie Smalls?) Even when I look at country music, something that is very “white”, dig a little deeper and you’ll find that blacks are also claiming to have invented that style of music. Whether that’s actually true, I don’t know, but it’s irrelevant. My point is, just shut the fuck up who invented what, it doesn’t matter. When did it become a competition? I like to think of music as collaboration. Every artist is influenced by those before him/her, and why should it matter what color skin they have? And this applies to fashion and slang and everything else. Why can’t we all just influence each other and be happy about it. Fuck racial pride, we’re all just human beings; there’s no need for this pretentious sense of entitlement. Again, none of this was meant to slam black people; I could have picked on white people instead just as easily. I just thought this was a more relevant topic, considering how it seems being called out for “acting black” is more popular now than ever. Sorry it ended up turning into more of a rant than an actual issue for debate. I'd like to hear your opinions on this though.

[Original Poster]

Black people should be proud of the influence their culture has on white kids. But they're not just acting black, a white kid will be called a wigger by other whites if he acts like any kind of non-white gangster, including latino. (When you think about it, does Jesse from Breaking Bad act black or mexican, yo?)

[CRAZY BONE]

Black people should be proud of the influence their culture has on white kids. Why is that? This false sense of pride really just encourages negative stereotypes and racism, and alienates us from each other. As a white person should I be proud of all the white presidents we've had in America? Or what about the fact that as cherished as Michael Jackson is to the black community, the white Elvis out-sold him, and was only active as a musician for half as long. Can't you see how stupid this argument is (?), being proud of something that has nothing to do with you, and siding with someone/something just because it's in favor of your race.

[tommo]

DISCLAIMER PLEASE READ: I’m tired of speaking in a politically correct manner, especially when I come into this extended discussion threads.... Wait, you lost me there........ WHO THE FUCK ARE YOU? If you haven't made enough of an impression or presence here for me to notice you, you can't have been here long or often enough to get pissed off about us for any reason. Please go away. Thankyou. I actually do agree with you though. I've been thinking that for a long time, but couldn't say it properly. AmazingAtheist recently, and now you have said it pretty well. It's counterproductive to be proud of your race. Be proud of humans, not an arbitrary subset of them.

[CRAZY BONE]

Relax big guy, I'm not pissed off at anyone here. I think you misinterpreted what I said.

[tommo]

Read my edit also, but.... I don't see how I misinterpreted this, or how else it could be interpreted - "I’m tired of speaking in a politically correct manner, especially when I come into this extended discussion threads where if I don’t watch my every word I’ll get slammed by people for being “ignorant” or a racist or whatever the fuck."

[CRAZY BONE]

Right, because that has been my experience with Extended Discussion threads in the past. That doesn't mean I'm pissed off at people for it, I'm not holding any grudges or anything. It probably came off as a little bitchy though. The disclaimer is there just so people understand I'm speaking candidly and not tip toeing around the issue, and also so that people don't call me out on little details and label me a racist, or even worse, try to pettifog the issue.

[Never]

It is probably ridiculed because it (usually) stems from a need for approval and makes you look stupid. Whatever though I say live and let live. There is nothing wrong with racial pride. Universalism is as retarded as religion. We like what we like, so what? People always love to say "don't judge" well how about they take some of their own advice and stop reciting the same drivel. Treating someone like shit is wrong; having pride is not and never will be...it is a GOOD thing. I would like to think that all races can be proud of who they are. Races are real...people need to stop trying to pretend they don't exist. I will probably be vilified for this.

[CRAZY BONE]

It is probably ridiculed because it (usually) stems from a need for approval and makes you look stupid. Well maybe that's legitimate, but a lot of times white kids just wear certain clothes and listen to certain music because they genuinely like it. It could be that you're incorrectly perceiving it to be about getting approval, or posing. I can speak from my own experience with listening to rap music as a white kid who grew up in the burbs. Some people think I'm just trying to be cool or something, when it really has nothing to do with that. But that's their own perception of it; because blacks are cooler than whites; ipso facto, a white kid emulating black music must be trying to look cool. There is nothing wrong with racial pride. Universalism is as retarded as religion. I agree, I'm not saying people need to be color blind. Treating someone like shit is wrong; having pride is not and never will be...it is a GOOD thing. I would like to think that all races can be proud of who they are. Having racial pride is a bad thing when you take every opportunity to bash someone of a different color because he's behaving in a way not normally associated with people of his color. It's like everyone is supposed to fit into these neat little groups, and are expected to act a certain way in accordance with their race. If someone deviates from that social norm, they get made fun of.

[Never]

We are in agreement then. I got the impression you were criticizng racial pride in and of itself. I stand corrected.

[Carôusoul]

White Pride World Wide

[CRAZY BONE]

I was waiting for someone to come in here and say something like that.

[Skybridge]

I don't understand why people have problems with people. Just stand your ground, be yourself and stop caring about what others have to say about it

[Ne-yo]

Or what about the fact that as cherished as Michael Jackson is to the black community, the white Elvis out-sold him, and was only active as a musician for half as long. Elvis is the leading sales solo artist world wide, selling 2.5Billion records but Michael Jackson's Thriller album has been recognized as the top-selling album of all time in human history since February 7, 1984, (re-acknowledged in 2009) according to worldwide sales and the R.I.A.A. certification. (estimated 120 million copies sold) Not to mention Thriller is also the first album by any artist in music history, to go triple diamond. (30 X Platinum). Elvis has sold more albums overall as a solo artist but Michael's work as a solo artist combined with his work within group efforts in the Jackson 5 has sold over 2.5Billion.

[eldante]

Yellow Black Red Brown Negro or white. I don't really care unless it makes 40 or more mpg. Apparently I am in the market to get a new car, and don't really give a F about the race of any of you. I don't even think it is important, unless you can get me a new car for less dollars. Then your race still won't matter to me so who cares about your or my race?

[Ne-yo]

Just to add also. I don't see a problem with any particular race being proud of their heritage. I think this is the foundation of what "Black Pride" truly means, which is an affinity of heritage and personal pride of black people. Also possessing close ties to the American Civil Rights movement, in which, keep in mind, the generation that has endured such a cause are still alive today. To say that someone who is black is a genetic accident appears racist to me. (just putting that out there). You may want to rephrase that unless you personally feel that blacks are genetically abnormal whereas their white counterparts are normal. I believe the expression of being "black and proud" is far more prevalent being that blacks are the minority in this country. No matter how much stardom one gets or world-wide presence one achieves as a African American, the roots are always the predominant factor regardless, in part due to the triumph of being recognized as having certain abilities and influential power that can only be mimicked by others but never originally introduced by others. I believe there is something far more spiritual that lies deep within the overall acknowledgment of this particular cultural pride. Something imo, that's hard-wired genetically. There is a connection obtained and made through what I see as spiritual that unfortunately anyone outside of this particular group cannot associate with completely and probably would never be able to fully understand. I believe for most, to be black and proud is a connection among blacks on a world-wide scale and it displays a true-sense of togetherness because they "feel" what each other endures. On to Michael Jackson, who wasn't just proud but was proud to be an African American in which he didn't feel expressing this showed any type of disservice to what he has accomplished or any future accomplishments.

[eldante]

Dudes (and dudettes), nobody really cares what color or race anyone is anymore these days.

[DuB]

I was waiting for someone to come in here and say something like that. Do you really think that the little tantrum you threw in the OP deserves more thoughtful responses than that? I read the OP twice and I still can't see that you have much or anything of substance to say. You noted yourself that the thread was "more of a rant than an actual issue for debate," so what do you honestly expect? Only after you formulate your thoughts into a coherent thesis with some supporting arguments are you entitled to deride other posters for not contributing to a thoughtful discussion.

[Marvo]

I'm not racist but

[AURON]

It sounds like you already have your answer...but lets get into it. Take away someones entire identity. Where they're from, who they are, hell even their name, and who they come from. Take away everything a person strives to be, and do it for generations upon generations. Black people hold on to every single accomplishment because there's a point in time where they were treated like machines. Re-programed, for one purpose....to do work. Can you imagine generations upon generations, knowing (not thinking like some people do today) actually knowing, they're not going to be anything in life. Now give them the right to actually do what they want to do. Watch them create, watch them re-individualize themselves. Watch them hold on to every single accomplishment because at one point in time, they couldn't even dream of it. Damn right someones going to get upset if someone takes the little piece of history they can actually claim....especially if so much of it has been covered up or rewritten in the history books.

[eldante]

It sounds like you already have your answer...but lets get into it. Take away someones entire identity. Where they're from, who they are, hell even their name, and who they come from. Take away everything a person strives to be, and do it for generations upon generations. Black people hold on to every single accomplishment because there's a point in time where they were treated like machines. Re-programed, for one purpose....to do work. Can you imagine generations upon generations, knowing (not thinking like some people do today) actually knowing, they're not going to be anything in life. Now give them the right to actually do what they want to do. Watch them create, watch them re-individualize themselves. Watch them hold on to every single accomplishment because at one point in time, they couldn't even dream of it. Damn right someones going to get upset if someone takes the little piece of history they can actually claim....especially if so much of it has been covered up or rewritten in the history books. I don't really think it is appropriate to completely categorize all black people like that. There are individuals who think for themselves in any and all categories of beings and I sincerely hope you retract that post. You cannot speak for others. Down tight? Dream Guide issue 109. Ok, I haven't written it yet, but dream guide issues are not bound by silly time frames or human skin color issues. No time for such silliness. Copish? If not, let me slow it down. In all classes of individuals there are always individuals not bound by the generalities imposed on them by others (well meaning or not) and so they go on alone and think for themselves. So if you say to me I have to be this or that because of skin color or gender or looks or age, I would suggest you stand back and think again. Power to the individual.

[Jeff777]

being black is not an accomplishment, it’s a genetic accident.. -adjusts overalls- Boy, you dun goofed. Even when I look at country music, something that is very “white”, dig a little deeper and you’ll find that blacks are also claiming to have invented that style of music. Whether that’s actually true, I don’t know, but it’s irrelevant. My point is, just shut the fuck up who invented what, it doesn’t matter. What blacks are saying this? You look hard enough and you'll find a crazy idiot who'll claim the invention of anything. You really sound like the kind of guy who met a few blacks who called you out on your biggie smalls cd so you rushed home and straight into the comfort of DV to lash out your rage at three or four blacks upon the entire black race as a whole. Or something similar to that. Anyway, understand something man, you have races..and cultures. And cultures in races. The melanin kind. You seemed to be pretty much venting at blacks a part of the hip hop culture which seems kinda stupid. Thats like me venting at whites in the country music culture because they wouldn't validate my pass into their non-physical club. That would be wrong of me because country music, while predominately white is all inclusive. There is no such thing as "acting black" because one cannot act out ones own melanin levels. So your post should address ignorant people, not blacks. I am a black male who grew up in private schools, have a great education, and wear clothes from hollister, aeropostale etc. Everyone assumes I grew up in the north because I don't speak like I'm from the south..nor am I fluent in Ebonics. I've been accused of acting white, wanting to be white and even disliking my own skin color because I frequently date outside my race. My issue with your post isn't about your message, it's about who you are addressing as a whole. BLACKS. As if I've somehow aided the guilty parties whom you loathe so much. Ignorance and stupidity have no racial boundaries, so be more careful when speaking as if they do. If you're confident in who you are and what makes up your entire identity, stop trying to change how others act or feel. The only one you can control is you. Everything else is irrelevant.

[Darkmatters]

^ Translation:

[tommo]

I still think you're all missing the point. Which is easy given the retarded OP. The point is, why be proud of your race? Most of your race as done nothing of significance. (Whatever race you belong to). Be proud of a certain individual, yes. Michael Jackson was a genius human being, he came from being poor and getting abused by his dad, to being one of the most recognised people in music, ever. I don't feel proud of my race because we basically started what you see in the developed world today, technology, medicine; scientific thought and fields in general. I am proud of the people who helped us get to this stage. Do you not think it is kind of stupid to be proud of a whole race for the accomplishments of one or a few people? Black people, Latinos, Asians and Albinos once they were all allowed, also helped us get to this stage. Who are you proud of now? Everyone? Or just those select individuals?

[eldante]

BLUE EYES CRYING IN THE RAIN by CHARLEY PRIDE - YouTube OK I knew his cousin.