Just Because I’m Black Doesn’t Mean…
Published on 3/16/2009
All too many people make the mistake of assuming that we are limited in scope from our lifestyles to our personal interests. Despite popular belief, Black women epitomize multiplicity in a vast array of forms, which continually defy long held stereotypes. Here’s a look of some of the many factors that blow some of those archaic labels right out of the water.
Just because we’re Black doesn’t mean:
- We can’t enjoy music that plays on non-Black radio stations.
- Issues of animal rights or environmental preservation aren’t of paramount interest to us.
- We don’t watch shows like Curb Your Enthusiasm or Arrested Development and the Colbert Report.
- We can’t be outdoorsy types.
- One should assume that we are unwed with children.
- We don’t engage in extreme or winter weather sports.
- We don’t love cats.
- Don’t embrace religions other than Islam or Christianity.
- Independent films are off limits.
- That we don’t find men from other nationalities sexy.
- That we’re not interested in traveling to far away places like Fiji, Vietnam, or Bali.
- We are angry, or aggressive, or loose cannons.
- We can’t have rare or arbitrary tastes in fashion, art or music.
- That we are obligated to adore Beyonce.
- We aren’t vegetarians or vegans.
- We don’t have an interest in the fields of technology, science or engineering.
Clutchettes and gentleman please free to add on to the list!
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Just because I’m black doesn’t mean
1. I can’t speak proper English or choose not to.
2. I love chicken (although I do).
3. I don’t know who my father is.
4. I voted for Obama.
5. I support OJ.
6. I hate Tiger Woods.
7. I hate white people.
8. I’ve seen Boyz N’ The Hood.
9. I worship Weezy.
10. My ancestors were slaves.
11. I prefer basketball and football over all other sports.
12. I’m destined for failure.
13. I belong to the most hated yet most remarkable race on the planet. (oh wait yes it does).
I agree with everyone. But at the same time, there is nothing wrong with liking some sterotypical “black things”. We dont have to prove anything to anybody, especially White America.
I’m Black and I’m not gonna be ashamed to say I like fried chicken because of some silly stereotype, created by ignorant people. I do enjoy listening to hip-hop(sometimes) & so what If I enjoy kool-aid now and then.
Is it a crime to like, above mentioned ? Its whatever for me.
I work in your sterotypical American newsroom. Its like; 87% White and the remaining percentage are token minorities scattered around (mostly asian). I’m one of the only 2 black women working there. We get stereotypes and preconceived notions applied to us everyday from co-workers “I hear Black women do….” ” Black guys are….” ” But I thought Black people do this, that, third”…..stereotype after stereotype…..
Fact of the matter is, people are gonna think the way they wanna think. You dont have to prove anything to them. If someone wants to judge you even before knowing you, you better thank god. Cause ignorant people are no fun to be around. Sucks for me :p
Just Because I’m Black Doesn’t Mean–
I talk like I’m “hood” or am from the hood
I aspire to be a video vixen or 5 star chick
I don’t like dogs lol
I yell in the movie theater (ok I do sometimes)
I can’t have friends or relationships with people of different races
I have a weave
I have to know how to survive in the hood
I love fried chicken, watermelon, and kool aid although I pretty much do lol
I stereotype people of my own race for not being “black” enough
The funny thing is many of the steretoypes I associate with and am not ashamed of however I do not want anyone to ever judge based solely on the fact that I’m black. Unfortunately being that i’m only 14 I’ll have to face many prejudices and have stereotypes thrust upon me by many people who believe that I should be a certain way.That does not mean at all though, that I will change myself in any context out of fear or shame. I am though proud to be Black.
Just Because I’m Black Doesn’t Mean–
1. I couldnt be a scientist
2. I am not an architect
3. I couldnt be an engineer
4. Im not a physicist
5. I dont drink soy, rice, or almond milk
6. I dont wish for organic roma tomatoes
7. I dont eat whole grain cereal, bread, or rice
8. I dont search for free range or on antibiotic pumped meats
9. I dont eat vegan
1
Just because I’m black:
* doesn’t mean I can’t be black with a culture (Cuban).
* doesn’t mean I speak ebonics or slang
* doesn’t mean that I don’t eat sushi
* doesn’t mean that my hair isn’t grown from my own scalp
* doesn’t mean I relax or perm my hair
* doesn’t mean I won’t wear black nail polish
* doesn’t mean I can’t rock out to Country music
Some of these responses are have me in tears. Keep ‘em coming! Lmao!
Just because I’m black doesn’t mean:
-I can’t listen to classical music.
-I can’t be intelligent.
-I can’t speak “proper” english.
-I can’t aspire to be something great.
just because i’m a black chick doesn’t mean….
*i care about black men dating white women. what makes you think i don’t get down with the swirl/bumblebee/etc?
*that i represent/know all black chicks everywhere, and can answer why who-and-so does such-and-such
*i don’t have a KORN station on pandora
*i’ve ever eaten ‘chitlins’
*i like tyler perry’s movies and shows
*i draw attention to my figure at all times
*i don’t knit/paint/sew/get creative
*i like guys with rims, candy paint, and a system that cost more than the car itself
I’m completely astonished. I don’t think any of these things of black people. It never even crossed my mind that a black guy or girl can’t like the Office. I mean I know and experience racism almost daily but stereotypes are a whole different issue. To say it lightly, that’s so 70s. And seriously, it sounds to me like you guys put these stereo types on your selves. C’mon! Fried chicken? Everybody loves that. Why does it have to be a black thing?
well some people don’t have any kind of relationship with black people, and their only access is through mainstream media which [with some exceptions] doesn’t really portray us as varied in our interests and activities. the point is we are people like anyone else but we get put into little categories [the sista girl, the mammy, etc...] and when we don’t fit the role, it surprises people. it shouldn’t but it does, and we are not making it up.
it could be possible that because you have your own problems to deal with in terms of race, you don’t really notice stereotypes coming out to play for others. perspective is a hell of a thing…It’s also a lot more subtle than it used to be. What used to be yelled out in the street is now whispered among friends behind closed doors, and that keeps the stereotypes going.
wow. what if a ‘Just Because I’m African/of African descent…’
*got started…. smh.
it cld go from just bcuz im african doesnt mean i smell to just becuase im african doesnt mean i speak another language or speak “african”
honestly, the whole point of this is just that ppl are IGNORANT!
Just because I’m black doesn’t mean…
-I buy knock-offs.
-I only buy Jordan and Nike tennis shoes.
-I never left the country.
-I want multiracial children with “good” hair.
-I use or believe in the term “good hair”
-I use the word “ain’t”.
-That I have food stamps or other governmental assistance.
-That I drink Kool-Aid.
-That I can dance, sing or cook.
-That I can fry chicken, pork chops, etc.
-That I was raised in the “hood” or the “south”.
I can sooo relate to what everyone wrote on here. Media makes it seem like we’re one-dimensional, but we’re not. I relate most to what Brit and Crystal wrote.
I also agree with Jenn. Just cause I’m Black and I live in America, doesnt mean I’m Black American….per se. Nothing wrong with Black Americans, but I come from a completely different Black culture (Bahamas) and dont always relate to American culture much.
But this article is great! I went to the doctors office the other day, and doctor was asking me some questions. She asked if I had kids, when said “no” she was shocked. Then she made an ignorant statement that it was common for “girls like me” to have kids ?!?!
Despite stats on Black teen pregnancy rates and how many baby-mamas you see….Not every black chick, has kids or even wants one.
I had the hugest crush on this guy… I’m of a mixed complexion, my dads black and my moms white, and my crush is white. we were hitting it off, everything was going great until he told my friend that he is too racist to date a black “chick”… and that if I was white he would maybe concider dating me. I am devistated, and angry that in 2010 people are still hung up on skin colour! Can’t we all grow up and realize skin, race and culture doesnt mean anything… its about the personality and who the person is inside… not the outside what so ever. But i’ve come to realize that I dont want to waste my time on someone so shallow, and racist… and some might even call him a dick. I’m glad that I am not wasting another breath, or second on that low life, piece of scum. In the long run I’ve taught myself to say, it’s his loss, and yes it truly is.
We don’t need to see this. All the ignorant people in the world that withhold prejudice thoughts should and those that execute them.This kid in my class the other day asked what is the difference between “stereotypes and facts” which in his opinion should be used as an excuse to decide that all white people are innocent and that anyones race is an excuse for the suffering of immigrants, their descendants, Native Americans who were deemed inferior and undeserving of sharing the land they already rightful possessed, and especially the poverty some of us experience because they don’t always let us move up to name a few (I’m sorry if I didn’t address more important matters I figured you would get the idea). Maybe I should print this out and shove this in this kids face and say that the that is the difference between stereotypes and facts dumb… you know the rest. This Just World Phenomenon does not apply to white people apparently and people don’t want it to stop there. I know that its 2010 but the point is that numbers don’t make a person, a man that was racist in 1975 with all of his might can still be racist today. If they don’t want to accept that other people of all races are capable of interracial friendships, marriages, and can actually be concerned with other problems that don’t concern their own race well that is what makes those ignorant people ignorant. I’m going to focus on the people that can tell the difference between stereotypes and facts and appreciate that I have them as positive influences in my life.
I can’t like classical music or play a classical instrument
I love this!
-that I can break out and sing with an amazing soulfull voice.
I hate it when people assume that.
That all of us like to eat barbecue every weekend. That all of us have to have a 40 to go to sleep. That all of us like to sleep around with whomever. That all of us like to use profanity when we talk. That all of us are constantly late.
Just because I’m black doesn’t mean:
I voted for Obama
afraid of taking risk like camping
I’m mean
I get jealous whenever I see white women with black men
I don’t care about my health
I don’t care about things like animals and the environment
I try to act cool
I can’t be sophisticated
I’m promiscious and like to shake my ass
I’m obsessed with Beyonce or Rihanna
I’m loud and clown on people
Im an urban resident and/or trouble maker
It also doesn’t mean I am obsessed with “bling and money”
I’m on welfare
or can’t be a virgin into my thirties
doesn’t mean because I grow up in the suberbs and well behaved I am weak, can’t protect myself
or don’t appreciate my heritage
1) i am a hood rat
2) that i dont like classic music (i love it actually)
3) that i am at the mall whenever a new pair of Jordans come out waiting in line
4) that i cant be a Rhodes Scholar
5) i cant afford to shop in coach, bebe, or saks
6)i dont know my father
7) that i cant be a powerful executive
8) that i dont have a balanced home enviroment
9) that i need YOU to validate that i am a beautiful christian black woman!