View Full Version : What is Black? - Issue 10
http://www.ukyouthparliament.org.uk/203361/index.html
(The young person who wrote this article wishes to remain anonymous)
What makes a black person black? The way they walk, talk, dress, act, or appear. I’m raising this question as I myself am a black youth, yet, often described as “white”, or “not black enough”. So what makes the ‘perfect black person’?
Some stereotypes of a black male is that he should be muscular, good at a variety of sports especially basketball (which to be honest is not a bad stereotype, yet, I hate the assumption that you’re black, therefore, you must do a sport, and not something academic), have a gangster-ish mentality with rap ruling your life and speak in slang most of the time that is virtually impossible to understand.
I’ll be honest, I don’t wear trousers half way down my bum; or wear baggy clothes like rap stars; I don’t even listen to rap. I listen to music you can hear the words to. Yet, the thing that gives it away most is my voice that has a very distinct accent from other black people, so I can get landed with comments such as toff. But, do all these things really mean I’m not black enough? I think not, as why should I have to follow the trends of other black youths, and not be an individual?
I personally believe this is a shame, as our Asian counterparts look at education and see the potential it brings. Therefore, appreciating it more and wanting more out of their own education, in addition to having the aspirations for the top jobs, which are looked upon in the community. Whereas, a minority of the black community do not appreciate the importance of education, and see how it unlocks doors. While there is still this view of black people in the UK, it will be hard to create an image of people that want to move into different career circles.
The gang attitude also plays into the hands of right wing extremism, as they will use the excuse “blacks are coming to this country, and turning it into gang land”, which has an adverse effect on every black person. The gang attitude plays a big part in black culture, which we need to see change greatly. We now see a chav culture where white youths want to act like they’re black, and see the underworld of rap and guns as attractive.
I’ve noticed over the years being black is like a style or a trend with everyone wanting to be black, like having the latest game. Yet, I still don’t see how? What is cool about being famous, for being famous? We need to stop thinking we can flunk school and end up being a celebrity. We also have to realise the job market is becoming increasingly competitive.
The real danger is black role models. There is a lack of them, and all youths see is an image of rap stars and weed smokers. Yet, I don’t feel you need to see other peoples’ success for you to be successful. As you should do it off your own back and have your own drive. As Barack Obama commented while on the election trail “African American students should stay in school and eschew careers as rap stars or basketball players.” His comments there, are just as relevant here, with us needing to have a greater drive and zeal for different career paths. David Cameron leader of the Conservatives also said “I would say to Radio 1, do you realise that some of the stuff you play on Saturday nights encourages people to carry guns and knives?”.
The solution is simple: we need more black role models from industry, the professions and politics, to show that we can be a success and recognised in a positive light.
Matthew.
11-17-2009, 17:10
Very good article, and the author seems to be a very intelligent young person. :)
I call someone "black" if they are of African decent.
I call someone "black" if they are of African decent.
There are white Africans you know.
There are white Africans you know.
Yes but most "white" africans have European heritage.
joanne.b.
11-17-2009, 17:49
Yes but most "white" africans have European heritage.
Some black people also have European heritage.
Also, what about Caribbeans? Would you call them black?
morton700
11-17-2009, 18:08
Yes but most "white" africans have European heritage.
If you want to be really picky, we all have African heritagefor thousands of years ago ... :D
Emperor_Jackal
11-17-2009, 19:21
I myself would call someone black if their skin is black, or preferably not identify someone by their skin colour at all.
Also, what about Caribbeans? Would you call them black?
Yes they are black. Most people in the Caribbean have some african heritage in them.
And yes I know the human race came from Africa.
Hamsterwaffle
11-17-2009, 22:39
Personally I would consult the dulux colour chart.
Gotlieb Alexander
11-18-2009, 00:43
Personally I would consult the dulux colour chart.
That's so 1996....
Using the 3 byte RBG scale I'm B29698
Matthew.
11-18-2009, 15:26
http://www.theglassguy.com.au/solidc1.gif
From now on, we call them "Rooster". :)
e_inskip
11-19-2009, 09:23
What about Asian? Would you call them black?
:Vampiress:
11-19-2009, 09:41
What about Asian? Would you call them black?
Probably call them Asian.
Black, white, brown etc is the colours used to segregate individuals and communities and emphasize differences. There is only one race, the human race.
What I think the article means is a sub-culture.
Black, white, brown etc is the colours used to segregate individuals and communities and emphasize differences. There is only one race, the human race.
Differences arent bad - some people just make it bad.
http://artfiles.art.com/images/-/Pat-Boone-Photograph-C12148321.jpeg
http://www.blackpast.org/files/blackpast_images/fontaine_william.jpg
There is a difference. A physical difference.
Dlowe4570
11-19-2009, 15:47
It's only a difference if we make it a difference...
UNITY!
"What is cool about being famous, for being famous? We need to stop thinking we can flunk school and end up being a celebrity. We also have to realise the job market is becoming increasingly competitive."
I'm sorry but what exactly has this paragraph got anything to do with race?
:Vampiress:
11-21-2009, 17:11
Differences arent bad - some people just make it bad.
http://artfiles.art.com/images/-/Pat-Boone-Photograph-C12148321jpeg
http://www.blackpast.org/files/blackpast_images/fontaine_william.pg
There is a difference. A physical difference.
Physical idiosyncrasies does not constitute a seperation into sub-races:
http://bloggledygook.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/johnny-depp.jpeg
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1316/1436119560_8db1fc3bd7_o.jpg
It upsets me that nobody has remarked on the anonymous authors own stereotypes
It upsets me that nobody has remarked on the anonymous authors own stereotypes
I didn't read it.
I didn't read it.
it is a shame you did not read the article before commenting as it presents ignornace to something that could be an eye openerfor you
It upsets me that nobody has remarked on the anonymous authors own stereotypes
i am not sterotyping here i am just presenting an article as to how i see life from a black perspective. and when i'm being judged as white due to the actions and activities i do UKYP for example i feel i do have a point
"What is cool about being famous, for being famous? We need to stop thinking we can flunk school and end up being a celebrity. We also have to realise the job market is becoming increasingly competitive."
I'm sorry but what exactly has this paragraph got anything to do with race?
the point i was trying to demonstrate is that certian people within the black community still want conform to the stereotype rather than break it and as i quoted in my article obama also discussed how people within the black community need to eschew from the music and sporting seen an aspire further
:Vampiress:
11-28-2009, 11:02
the point i was trying to demonstrate is that certian people within the black community still want conform to the stereotype rather than break it and as i quoted in my article obama also discussed how people within the black community need to eschew from the music and sporting seen an aspire further
Are you saying that there is something intrinsically wrong with "black" culture? That reaching the top of both music and sports fields is not good enough?
Perhaps if all "black" people aspired to be accountants and politicians and instead of rap listened to classical music and sounds of the sea you'd claim that they were conforming to what society expects and rejecting their heritage.
:Vampiress:
11-28-2009, 11:03
it is a shame you did not read the article before commenting as it presents ignornace to something that could be an eye openerfor you
I wouldn't be so rude to him, if I could un-read it I would.
their heritage.
Why do all black people share the same heritage?
:Vampiress:
11-28-2009, 11:20
Why do all black people share the same heritage?
Heritage I loosely meant as inherited culture e.g. slave trade, concious of racism, a largely dominated rap scene etc
Are you saying that there is something intrinsically wrong with "black" culture? That reaching the top of both music and sports fields is not good enough?
Perhaps if all "black" people aspired to be accountants and politicians and instead of rap listened to classical music and sounds of the sea you'd claim that they were conforming to what society expects and rejecting their heritage.
No, it is good i'm just saying that not everyone should have to be like that to be black as i said before people see me as white for not following these traits
I wouldn't be so rude to him, if I could un-read it I would.
What is so bad about the article as i just giving you a view point of how i'm percieved as white due to my style of life.
:Vampiress:
11-29-2009, 16:19
No, it is good i'm just saying that not everyone should have to be like that to be black as i said before people see me as white for not following these traits
What is so bad about the article as i just giving you a view point of how i'm percieved as white due to my style of life.
All I see is what you define as being "black", I don't tend to speak in slang and I care very much about my academic performance, im part of UKYP and I have never been told I was "acting white". It seems to me that your just suffering from being marooned in cultural no man's land and it clearly shows, a sort of identity crisis.
From your article I can see why some people may call you a toff, because from the way you attempt to characterise black youth as thuggish, slang, un-intelligent and perhaps not fully aware of the function of trousers and then yourself as the polar opposite, as if your values are above theirs makes you sound a idiot toff.
All I see is what you define as being "black", I don't tend to speak in slang and I care very much about my academic performance, im part of UKYP and I have never been told I was "acting white". It seems to me that your just suffering from being marooned in cultural no man's land and it clearly shows, a sort of identity crisis.
From your article I can see why some people may call you a toff, because from the way you attempt to characterise black youth as thuggish, slang, un-intelligent and perhaps not fully aware of the function of trousers and then yourself as the polar opposite, as if your values are above theirs makes you sound a idiot toff.
well i'm sorry you don't see things for my point of view but we have to remember our upbringing affects the way we view life and society and coming from a shire county will be diffeent to someone from a cosmopolitian city.
:Vampiress:
12-18-2009, 19:52
well i'm sorry you don't see things for my point of view but we have to remember our upbringing affects the way we view life and society and coming from a shire county will be diffeent to someone from a cosmopolitian city.
I see things from your point of view I just violently disagree with them. Upbringing does not excuse blatant sterotyping and to some extent intolerance.
FluffyZoë
12-20-2009, 19:19
I have to be honest. I live in Cornwall and there aren't an awful lot of black people about. I didn't really know there were stereotypes of black people - well, there are stereotypes of any race - but it just never crossed my mind. I'm not racist or anything, I just never thought about it. So in answer to the question: What is Black? I would say that it is skin colour and nothing else. But then, how do you define colour? Where is the line between black people and those of mixed race? Can you actually tell just by looking at someone?
The amount of DNA that separates skin colour is the same that separates those who can roll their tongues and those who can't, and seeing as I can rool my tongue and my IDENTICAL TWIN can't, that can't be a lot of DNA (we share 80% of the DNA of a carrot, just to put this into perspective...)
I have to be honest. I live in Cornwall and there aren't an awful lot of black people about. I didn't really know there were stereotypes of black people - well, there are stereotypes of any race - but it just never crossed my mind. I'm not racist or anything, I just never thought about it. So in answer to the question: What is Black? I would say that it is skin colour and nothing else. But then, how do you define colour? Where is the line between black people and those of mixed race? Can you actually tell just by looking at someone?
The amount of DNA that separates skin colour is the same that separates those who can roll their tongues and those who can't, and seeing as I can rool my tongue and my IDENTICAL TWIN can't, that can't be a lot of DNA (we share 80% of the DNA of a carrot, just to put this into perspective...)
Black: Someone with African heritage.
White: Someone with European heritage.
Obviously they aren't scientific terms. They are a simply way to distinguish between people who have a different appearance.
FluffyZoë
12-21-2009, 20:41
Black: Someone with African heritage.
White: Someone with European heritage.
Obviously they aren't scientific terms. They are a simply way to distinguish between people who have a different appearance.
I know "white" people with african heritage.
I know "white" people with african heritage.
They will have European heritage somewhere.
The Boers for example (Dutch farmers) are technically "African" because they have lived there for generations. However they still have European heritage - you can see in the appearance.
What is their ancestry?
Most likely South Africa.
Most likely South Africa.
It could be any of the southern countries to be fair, but your probably right.
FluffyZoë
12-22-2009, 19:30
[QUOTE=Jamest;170359]They will have European heritage somewhere.
QUOTE]
So what do you do about people with both>?
You say they are "mixed".
[QUOTE=Jamest;170080]Black: Someone with African heritage.
White: Someone with European heritage.
what about the argument that everyone originated from Africa
[QUOTE=Jamest;170080]
what about the argument that everyone originated from Africa
That's probably true. There is still a difference in skin colour.
:Vampiress:
12-27-2009, 16:25
[QUOTE=alex;171403]
That's probably true. There is still a difference in skin colour.
Yet the impregnable problem of the fact we all originated from Eastern Africa, then the conundrum that is Michael Jackson, would he still qualify as being one of the "African heritage" folk?
I mean if skin colour is how were to be defined?
Yet the impregnable problem of the fact we all originated from Eastern Africa, then the conundrum that is Michael Jackson, would he still qualify as being one of the "African heritage" folk?
I mean if skin colour is how were to be defined?
Okay, if you have darker skin like this:
http://blogs.dallasobserver.com/dc9/chapelle.jpg
Your appearance is different, when compared to this:
http://themixtapemonster.files.wordpress.com/2009/09/george-w-bush-picture.jpg
Okay?
Is there a difference? One has white European heritage, one has African heritage.
FluffyZoë
12-28-2009, 19:56
They will have European heritage somewhere.
The Boers for example (Dutch farmers) are technically "African" because they have lived there for generations. However they still have European heritage - you can see in the appearance.
But sometimes 'white' people can have 'black' african heritage and end up having a 'black' child (which obviously creates suspicion about the mother having an affair), so how can you know that a 'white' person has no 'black' heritage? And vice versa - what about 'black' people who may have 'white' heritage?
:Vampiress:
12-29-2009, 13:14
Okay, if you have darker skin like this:
http://blogs.dallasobserver.com/dc9/chapelle.jg
Your appearance is different, when compared to this:
http://themixtapemonter.files.wordpress.com/2009/09/george-w-bush-picture.jpg
Okay?
Is there a difference? One has white European heritage, one has African heritage.
I believe I already answered your question on physical differences, still waiting for a reply whenever your ready.
But what if I had a mixed race parent and ethnically black parent, then how would you define my cultural heritage?
Then like I said the big issue of us all originating from east Africa, I mean defining people by colour is a real bit'ch of a problem.
What do you suggest?
FluffyZoë
12-30-2009, 20:16
I believe I already answered your question on physical differences, still waiting for a reply whenever your ready.
But what if I had a mixed race parent and ethnically black parent, then how would you define my cultural heritage?
Then like I said the big issue of us all originating from east Africa, I mean defining people by colour is a real bit'ch of a problem.
What do you suggest?
I'm with her.
I believe I already answered your question on physical differences, still waiting for a reply whenever your ready.
But what if I had a mixed race parent and ethnically black parent, then how would you define my cultural heritage?
You would have European and African heritage. From the outset they would look "black", and you would be correct because they do have African heritage in them.
Then like I said the big issue of us all originating from east Africa, I mean defining people by colour is a real bit'ch of a problem.
What do you suggest?
What would you call someone with darker skin? What's wrong with white and black?
Calling someone "black" is no different to calling someone "African".
kingston1991
01-20-2010, 07:45
Why are you all debating this? I can't believe there is a conversation about "What" black is. The question is worded terribly, and it has the most obvious answer ever. You are black if you are not white, and white if you are not black. Everything in between means that you are mixed race. In the 21st century I don't think it matters to be honest. I wouldn't not talk to someone if they are black, I don't stereotype black people. Its a persons personality that matters, not their skin colour which after all is beyond their control.
Why are you all debating this? I can't believe there is a conversation about "What" black is. The question is worded terribly, and it has the most obvious answer ever. You are black if you are not white, and white if you are not black. Everything in between means that you are mixed race. In the 21st century I don't think it matters to be honest. I wouldn't not talk to someone if they are black, I don't stereotype black people. Its a persons personality that matters, not their skin colour which after all is beyond their control.
Exactly. (filler)
:Vampiress:
02-08-2010, 17:11
You would have European and African heritage. From the outset they would look "black", and you would be correct because they do have African heritage in them.
What would you call someone with darker skin? What's wrong with white and black?
Calling someone "black" is no different to calling someone "African".
This applies also to albino's?
There is no problem with white and black, there is a problem with your definitions.
Because all black people are from Africa?
:Vampiress:
02-08-2010, 17:12
Why are you all debating this? I can't believe there is a conversation about "What" black is. The question is worded terribly, and it has the most obvious answer ever. You are black if you are not white, and white if you are not black. Everything in between means that you are mixed race. In the 21st century I don't think it matters to be honest. I wouldn't not talk to someone if they are black, I don't stereotype black people. Its a persons personality that matters, not their skin colour which after all is beyond their control.
Ermm..correct me if Im wrong but is that not what your article is about and is the title of this thread not "What is Black?"...
The hypocrisy is amazing, you don't stereotype "black" people, did you even read your own article?
There is no problem with white and black, there is a problem with your definitions.
Because all black people are from Africa?
Most people that are "black" originate from Africa.
What are your definitions of black and white?
:Vampiress:
02-11-2010, 21:03
Most people that are "black" originate from Africa.
What are your definitions of black and white?
As does every other human being!
I don't define people by colour.
Conzales
02-11-2010, 21:08
As does every other human being!
I don't define people by colour.
Nope, you define them from where they are from! You Geographist!
I call some one black or white based upon their skin colour.
It doesn't mean anything its just a descriptor, like their wearing blue jeans or shes got straight black hair etc.
:Vampiress:
02-11-2010, 21:13
Nope, you define them from where they are from! You Geographist!
More like TV Shows!
If anyone says Taggart I punch em right in the kisser.
Conzales
02-11-2010, 21:15
More like TV Shows!
If anyone says Taggart I punch em right in the kisser.
There's bin a murrrrdeeeerrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.
FluffyZoë
02-28-2010, 19:00
There's bin a murrrrdeeeerrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.
:rolleyes:
I call some one black or white based upon their skin colour.
It doesn't mean anything its just a descriptor, like their wearing blue jeans or shes got straight black hair etc.
Yes this. (filler)
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