Borderline racist question no. 3475938?

Question

Now that I've got your attention...
I've been teased most of my life for not being "black enough." My mother raised me in a home where we used proper grammar, no slang or "ebonics" or anything like that. I also love reading, and I read a lot of advanced books for my age. Put the two together and you've got a recipe for disaster in an inner-city school. I was always the one with a Charles Dickens novel in my hands while my peers were downloading rap lyrics off the internet. I was always accused of using too many "big words" (words with more than 2 syllables--plus, I don't think the word "ain't" has crossed my lips more than 10 times in my 19-odd years of existence on this mortal coil), and "acting like a white girl"(reading real books and actually doing my homework:). My question is this:Why do you think some(if not most) black people tend to look down on education as being a "white" thing?

Answer 1

oh, poor you. I'm probably the farthest thing from being black you have ever seen, but I see this as one of the problems of black society. You are doing you best to bring yourself up, but other people just can't accept that. The problem is that there just aren't enough black role models who don't throw a ball or talk bad on rap albums about women, at least none that have any respect from the black community. Sorry I couldn't help you.

Answer 2

Maybe education is looked down upon from fears of being culturally assimilated.

Ask yourself these questions:If all African Americans were to start speaking grammatically correct English then Ebonics would die out and become a forgotten part of Black history.

If a traditional education was sought by all African Americans then perhaps African Americans would be assimulated into mainstream White society.

As you know, African Amercians have a long and rich cultual history in America. Some of it has been (recently) recognized, some of it has not.

Maybe the backlash you have felt is a resistance to fit in. The people who taunt you, perhaps they are just afraid that black culture will be lost from too many blacks adopting the societal norm?

These are just my thoughts, as an outsider ( I'm white). But, when I left my family's rural farm for life in the big city I felt some resistance from my family. "You're gonna forget your roots," is what was most commonly said. They were just afraid I would forget where I had come from. Of course I haven't.

Maybe some black people are afraid that we'll forget that African Americans have a very different history and culture than the rest of America, and they don't want that to be forgotten.

Answer 3

I think it stems back from slavery, it used to be only white children were allowed to go to school and once black children were allowed the black schools weren't the greatest schools in the world. I know it has nothing to do with being ancestors of Africans, because every African I have ever met was very intelligent and many want or have an education. It has to be the way they were brought up, most African-American parents don't push their children as much in school. I think it is one of those things that just passes from generation to generation. I mean if a person (of any color) doesn't view education as a big deal then when they have children they wont instill the need of an education to their children and it just passes on down the family. I wouldn't be offended by being called "too white" though. They are probably just jealous because you know what those "big words" mean. Its important to be proud of what you are, and that isn't all about ethnicity or race, you are an intelligent young woman, what difference does it make if you are black or not?

Answer 4

You remind me alot of myself. And, I am very proud to say so.



There is nothing wrong with you. Your being "not black enough" is a minor problem in the grand scheme of things. That is a really ignorant thing to label someone. Don't fall into the negative stereotypes. But, I understand how it can become a burden to you.



Black culture is suffering for a variety of reasons. The young people are placing too much value and emphasis on self-destructive behavior. Education is not valued because the culture and society; does not encourage and nuture education among blacks. Sad but true. Many people would say that is an excuse; it isn't. I think you know what I mean.



I suspect that one day you may become successful and still have this burden on your back. The best thing you can do is look for those who share your interests. I know it would be nice if you would have been able to have more of your peers share your interest. That is not the case.

Answer 5

Most African American adults don't. It's just our kids who believe the pop/rap culture that is thrown at them. You see David Banner doesn't brag about the fact that he has a bachelor’s degree. And Ludacris rarely tells anyone that he was an honor student at West Georgia College. And young black kids would be stunned to know that CeeLo Green, Andre 3000 and Big Boy send their kids to very upscale, high ranking, predominately white private schools in Atlanta.



It's buying into a myth. And since so many parents allow their kids to do that without breaking down the truth to their kids, their kids think can just do whatever in school and society and become a huge success in the rap industry.



Now, I'm the product of an English teacher and a Math teacher. I can speak perfect English, as well as write it. I read my first major novel in 4th grade. My mother pushed the classics, but I was more into poetry and black 60's literature, and she was cool with that. I had a huge vocabulary and love to use it. I always had my poetry notebook and I was cheerleader (only one of 2 blacks on a 20 person squad) and editor of the newspaper. I got called all kinda white girl wanna be's.



I had similar problems to you, until I went to college and there I found hundreds of other black students who'd grown up like me. I love my Alma alter, the University of Georgia. I was a great experience. I even got to use Ebonics when we were just chillin' at the dorm.



You are not "acting white". You are acting like an articulate, intelligent, well informed young black woman. Press on, my sistah! Don't let it hold ya down. You'll be better for it in the long run. And hug your mom everyday for loving u enough to make up step up to your true potential.



And don't hold it against the black kids who give u a hard time. They are not as fortunate as u to have a mother like u do and the common sense to use what they got to get ahead in the game.



Good Luck

Answer 6

Get over it no we don't look at it that way i go 2 a public school all my life i love books and i speak slang or whatever u know what ain't nobody lookin down on u its the person inside u tell u i have 2 get mad when these kids which half the girls r going 2 have a baby by r in high school r these dudes that going 2 end up on the streets, dead or in jail. you just have 2 not listen to the stupid people in life because in the long run ur going 2 be the one getting paid r doing what u want remember that next time anyone says somethin bout the way u talk r act because u will succed and they won't

Answer 7

It's a funny thing. BUT< Believe me, no one who cares about you, the community, and or the state of the world right now, would "look down" on you for being educated. There is nothing worse in this day and age than a beautiful young person of any age or race, creed etc. that can't express thereselves without resorting to profanity or ubonics. I remeber the first time I saw Alishia Keys. She is a beautiful young lady with talent just oozing from every essence of her being. She opened her mouth....How disappointing. BUT, somebody must of gotten to her, ever since, she is gracious, polite, and has a certain command of the english language. Now she is, at least in public, as beautiful in every way as her incredible talent. So, to make a long story long, anybody that would put you down for improving yourself, must have ther own issues for such a reaction. Also remember it's the 21st century. The time for ethnic diversities, just for the sake of being a "different race or color" are over. Be proud of who you are and where you are from, but we are all created equal, grab a hold, the world is truley wonderful, despite all the negative people that you might be near.

Answer 8

Sometimes when we strive to better ourselves, our peers take it as an abandonment of them. As if we are looking down at them for not wanting more for themselves. Of course this is not true. But they may feel that the lifestyle they lead is good enough for them - why shouldn't it be for you? This transcends all races, classes and social levels so don't feel like you're alone. Each of those people that treats you this way will or has experienced the same thing on one level or another with family, friends or other peers. I'm speaking from the experience of being half asian/white. I never really let it bother me because I didn't care about the opinion of someone that refused to see my side as well.

Answer 9

I read about this in freakonomics,



basically the A students have to be A students and get harrased or pretend to rebel against "white america" and pretend like they are "stupid"



the reality is in all white school suburb america where i went, the A students were razed too,



obviouisly there was no racial component,



but there is always a desire to bring a "good" person down

a "smarter" person then "me" must be made fun of in order for me to have "balance"



youve heard of street smarts vs book smarts



i used to believe that



now i understand of course the difference between the 8 components of iq, and that one of them is the ability to read and respond to other peoples emotions



some if not most black people look at education as being a "white thing" because historically it was whites who got the education,



its only two generations back in america that black people started attending college in great numbers



i could give you a smart @ss answer to your question like look at all the black role models, but i don't like that nonsense



ill give you this role model

a guy named sean, you might have seen him on yahoo answers as jim darwin

sean graduted from college and joined the military, got married, had a kid, and left the military, and got a job on the 18th floor of a skyscraper in downtown chicago,

and today he got a raise,



the f____k did the color of my skin have to do with any of that



so just keep that in the back of your mind,

that you keep doing what your doing,



and in time,



you will be in a position where no one is going to care what color your skin is,



and all that will be important will be how fast you learn and how soon you become independent



i just got a 1000 dollar raise today



the people who approved it never saw me and dont know im a white man



whats to stop that from being you, where no one knows what color your skin is, when you are up for a raise on your own 18th floor

Answer 10

Probably because for generations black people were slaves and didnt have the chance to get educated. Then as the slaves were "freed" they did not have much money and still there are not an equal mix of white and black people with and without lots of money. You should go away to college and hang out with intelligent people (black, white, everything) then no one will say stupid things like you arent black enough. Remind people that how you speak doesnt represent a race, but how you speak does show that you are intelligent.

Answer 11

I don't think you are doing anything wrong. The African Americans who act as if education is a "white thing" are the ones who tend to give the black community its negative stigma. Think of the strongest African Americans you know. The ones who not only black people look up to, but the rest of America looks up to. They don't have "grills" on their teeth or talk in Ebonics. Martin Luther King Jr, Maya Angelo, Colin Powell, the list goes on.

You are who you are and be proud of that. Besides, I find educated girls very attractive, no matter what race they are.

Answer 12

I think African American students are not alone in thinking this way. I know a lot of Hispanic, Asian, and Caucasian students who think it's dorky to do their homework or they speak a lot of slang. The hip hop image is popular right now and everyone is following it. Don't worry about what people think about you. You'll find a lot of people who know where you're coming from in college.



Every race has a subculture. It's amazing that there are so few African American girls that are anorexic or feel the need to get plastic surgery because they're comfortable with who they are. Take the good things from your culture and leave the not-so-good stuff behind...

Answer 13

I grew up sort of in an environment like yours, where I was not allowed to use slang for the first years of my life. Now I easily switch between ebonics and proper english. I also grew up in the inner cities (the projects). I think you are mistaken in your view that black kids view education as a "white" thing. However, when you are unable to relate to your peers or hide behind your intelligence, then it's really no different than the white "nerdy" kid being teased for his intelligence. I've known plenty of intelligent, articulate black kids, and many of them were very popular and were not looked down on for their achievements. Many black people will, however, look down on you if you use your King's English, 330 page books, and straight A's as a way to look snobbishly down your nose at people.

Answer 14

Basically, it's their fear of not fitting in. They are afraid to stand out or be different. It all stems from poor self esteem-- they don't have any so they want to break down yours. After High School it will get much better. The peer pressure to conform isn't there and your world should open up to embrace a multitude of peoples. We are after all a much more global society. Sounds like a really good Liberal Arts College would be a nice place for you to be who you are. And that's someone really special. Hoorah for your Mom and your strength to do and be what you want and not what everyone else thinks you should be just because they don't have the courage or intelligience.

Answer 15

Because they can, and seem to get away with it. Some people choose to take the dirt road, it takes longer to get there & is full of bumps & holes, some people choose to take the paved road, individuals such as yourself, the path is smoother, & they get to their goals more quickly. Then some find themselves left behind, & in trouble, they can scream civil rights, BECAUSE THEY CAN, this is the way some get thru life, hollering civil rights, & getting every hand out instead of getting off there back & making a difference. Don't give up YOUR value system. Share your views with others. Education is something that can never be taken from you; when you get accused of "acting like a white girl", tell them, "Don't worry about me, worry about yourself"! They should get the picture!

You are your own person & with a body & brain. You may like it or hate it, but it will be yours for as long as you live. How you can take care of it or fail to take care of it can make an enormous difference in the QUALITY of your life.

You will learn lessons. You are enrolled in a full-time school called Life. Each day, you will be presented with opportunities to learn what you need to know. The lessons presented are often completely different from those you THINK you need.

There are no mistakes - only lessons. Growth is a process of trial and error and experimentation. [this is where these others are testing you] You can learn as much from failures as you can from success.

A lesson is repeated until it is learned. Some people want to hang onto not changing their thoughts, as this is their "learned" behavior. A lesson will be presented to you in various forms until you have learned from it (as evidenced by a change in your attitude and behavior), then you can go on to the next lesson.

Learning lessons does not end. There is no stage of life that does not contain some lessons. As long as you live, there will be something more to learn. "There" is no better than "here." When your "there" has become a "here," you will obtain another "there" that will again look better than your "here." Don't be fooled by believing that the unattainable is better than what you have. Here's a reflecting thought:

Others are merely mirrors of you. You cannot love or hate something about another person unless it reflects something you love or hate about yourself. When tempted to criticize others, ask yourself why you feel so strongly. You might want to ask them why they feel as strongly as they do about this "white thing"!

What you make of your life is up to you. You have all the tools and resources you need. Remember that through desire, goal-setting and unflagging effort you can have anything you want. Persistence is the key to success.

The answers lie within you. The solutions to all of life's problems lie within your grasp. All you need to do is ask, look, listen and trust.

You will forget all this. Unless you consistently stay focused on the goals you have set for yourself, everything you've just read won't mean a thing, but remember this: "don't worry about me, worry about yourself"! [I'll bet they can't! as they have nothing better to do, than to worry about what your reading, & where you got the 50 cent word! That makes you different and makes them wonder!] Take care of you! I Hope this helps!

Answer 16

Good question. I am a high school math teacher and I just finished my third year at a school that is in the suburbs of Washington DC. Its student population roughly 80% black, 10% hispanic/latino, and 10% other.



I've noticed this negative attitude toward education in pretty much all the races of students at my school. It might be an issue of today's teen culture. Perhaps teens have a stronger desire to resist authority than they used to and percieve the education system as authorititive force they choose not to conform to. I should also mention that there are many students at my school who have recently immigrated from other countries (and of those many from Africa). The negative attitude seems to be more prevalent with the American students. But this doesn't really answer your question fully, because you mentioned that you've experience this rejection of 'acting whiite', or shall we say 'acting educated', your whole life, not just in your teen years. I think one possibility that might address your question more thoroughly is that many blacks (and other minorities) are well aware that that our (America's) education system is not exactly providing the same quality education for them as opposed to schools that are majority white. I'm speaking out of my *** here since I myself am white, so I can't legitimately voice what a minority thinks/experiences, but it is safe to say that this disfunctionality of our education system could be a major player in the answer to your question.

Answer 17

I can only assume that these people are STUPID to the nth degree! Black people are great and I get sick when I watch some rap slob mouthing off. If I were black I would be sick with grief that that rapper was putting down my people! Bill Cosby is correct-- as long as people keep themselves down by immitating stupid rappers and thinking it is cool to be illiterate people will be relegated to slum dwellings, filling the prisons etc. I hope by now most people know that black folks are as intellegent at anyone - they fill the prisons because black folks are KEEPING THEMSELVES DOWN!



" What colour of skin did the man known as Jesus Christ have ? "

A -- No problem ! I can answer you. Your answer in one word "Brown" !





All the people on this planet Earth are descendants from the first couple -

Adam and Eve. We are ALL just shades of that same colour !





Hold a sheet of Real White and Real Black paper up against your skin.

I can tell you "for certain" that your skin colour matches neither of these

paper colour samples. We are all "off white - or - BROWN !





WE ARE ALL OF THE SAME COLOUR because we are all indeed

descendants of that couple. Because of protective pigmentation we

are of different shades indeed.





What a beautiful example of how OUR MAKER designed us and built

a protective system into our skins to protect us from the suns rays !





Few people realize that The Bible does not say anything in opposition to

what is referred to as "mixed marriages". This is precisely why.





If "mixed marriages" do not work in our society, as it is today, it is because

of the arrogance of man. To "prove" superiority they often use gross

misinterpretations of Bible passages or misapply a Bible passage to

make it look like it proves them correct.

Answer 18

Sadly it is still taught in some homes and in popular culture.Overall,it makes them feel better about not challenging the status quo and taking responsibility for their own actions or lack thereof. Case in point,did you see or read some of the negative comments about Bill Cosby,PhD after he made statements to the effect of stop having babies out of wedlock and improve your lives etc..? The activists were out in droves. This testing is bias stuff is the latest nonsense.Be who you are. Invite them to see what it is like to be you for a day.Ask to be them for a day. Those of African America descent can only move forward by accepting and loving each other and finding a place of unity. Peace.

Answer 19

I applaud you not only for asking this question, but also for asking an intelligent and mature question. It sounds as if it may actually be a jealousy and ignorance thing...not necessarily that you aren't "black enough"; or that being well educated is necessarily regarded as a "white thing”. Be happy you are who you are, and that you have accomplished what you have. Don't forget to thank your mother for teaching you proper English and grammar; and not to use slang.

Answer 20

If you find a legitimate credible answer to this question you may well have solved one of the worlds great mysteries. I can only theorize here, but the behavior you described may be an attempt to distance themselves from a cultural more that is seen as oppressive. This would be understandable in the generations nearest the oppression but the passing of this attitude to subsequent generations is disturbing at best.

Answer 21

Ain't life a *****, sometimes you just can't win. Just be yourself, you will find your place eventually, or make it.



Black is your skin tone, not your personality. Maybe some people (and it applies to ignorant white people too) just feel threatened if you challenge their thinking. Black people sometimes get trapped by racism, and the stereotypes that go with it, it's easier to just go with the flow. I bet you get accused of not being a proper girl sometimes too? If you're black you're not supposed to be educated, and if you're female you shouldn't be too smart.



Love the headline by the way, but I make it 3475964.

Answer 22

Just remember that if we all but our race, religion, age and sexual orientation behind us it would leave us with just a human being.



Don't worry what others think. I know that it is always easier said then done. If you believe what others say about you then maybe you are what they say. A SELL OUT!



But I'm sure that you know different about yourself! You seem like a very bright young lady. Don't let others get you down.



People put others down to make them self feel better! Keep your head up girl!

Answer 23

they are ignorant fools, don't pay any attention of what they're talking about, just be your unique you,at least you distinguish yourself apart from that mentality. Not all blacks think that education is a white thing, most educated black people think it's a non biased thing.

Watch those fools when they get older they will be hitting themselves upside the head when they'll see you prospering and they'll be doing some gutter work.

Answer 24

Honey I think there jealous!! They know your smarter and that you actually do care... I'm not sure if a 'black' thing or a 'white' thing... They say your acting like a 'white girl' cause you read and do homework? Gimmie a break!! Maybe they also 'look down' onto it because they are not as educated as you... Next time they say your more 'white girl' than 'black girl' say 'no honey that's where your wrong... your just jealous I know how to read' :oD

Answer 25

Well welcome to the accused "sellout" group. Unfortunately, within our community, if you are around people that arent aspiring, your aspiration is very threatening. People that are threatened by your aspirations have to say something to feel better about themselves so they are much happier insulting you rather than setting and accomplishing their own goals. But fear not, there are lots of black folks that dont consider it selling out or being too white for doing the right thing. You have to change your environment though and get around the people that embrace your direction.

Answer 26

The whole being "black enough" thing is a bunch of crap black is not a frame of mind its a skin color if your born black your black no matter if you read charles dickens, or a novel by tupac. Crap like this makes my blood boil!!! not your question just the topic its about

Answer 27

People tend to be jealous of someone who is different; i understand your situation because i have lived it over and over; but in the end you are what you think. I'm not talking about: "I think i'm great" but what you do with your thinking. Stepping on and standing for what you believe for. I represent my people by trying to break the stereotype that's how i'm differentt. Being different is not bad; it is being unique and independent, living above the influence of others for you to be just one from the bunch.

Answer 28

i am not black, and not inner city, and am old, but to me it stems back to earlier years like the 60s and maybe since slavery but i think it is the system they don't like, and maybe feel like white history, etc is forced on them. i could be way off, tho.

also, their are plenty of people (all races) that are "bookworms" and they have never been part of the "in" crowd - but they learn to think independantly, and are usually more successful in life. my best friend in school & in the neighborhood was half-black and an avid reader, and was not accepted in school-but she is the one person that is still my friend today. God bless you

Answer 29

i feel that the question is a little cruel towards african americans because i've been told the same thing and i myself is african american so to point a finger at all or most african americans is a little cruel. the people you need to be pointing the finger at is the small group of ignorant people who spend they're time making fun of people who are are going to achieve great success

life.

Answer 30

People tend to put down other people to make themselves feel better about them. They are unsatisfied with how they are or that you are smarter than them and it makes them feel like s!it. Keep it up. Good for you. If only the rest of those kids would look up to you and want to be like you! - Imagine that.

Answer 31

you must admit although everyone insists they hate racism and that its vanished from the usa, still most of the poor unpriviledged are black people and most black people are poor so they might implicitly consider all luxuries as belonging or becoming of white folk .

Answer 32

I wouldn't say its that way your whole life. Kids are often cruel to people who are different. Its just another way for kids to pick on people who don't conform to the mass majority.

Answer 33

That's good keep doing what you doing, but I have to disagree with you on your question.

Answer 34

Hey, it won't let me respond to you (your email address isnt verified?). Go to:



http://360.yahoo.com/tattooed_temptress_69



(that's mine) then click on "None" in the friends list, and it will take you to her page.



Thanks

Answer 35

Because they are jealous of what you got.