Let’s talk about race in America… 

 

Kidding! This is NOT that kind of post. So what are we doing here?

The idea actually struck me when I was talking about the reality of some black people’s generally conservative views and found that it was a relatively unheard perspective. People really have no idea about the drastic differences in black culture. Why? Because people are afraid of getting called the r-word (yes, racist) if they are being too stereotypical or being called fake “woke.”

But that is not fair.

We need to talk about it and learn from it. I mean, right? We need to learn to address where stereotypes come from and explore the different experiences that can occur within a single race. If we can do that I believe we are one step closer to appreciating the human experience, in all its ways. Too optimistic? Maybe, but I want to do my part.

Please, laugh if you get the jokes, watch the videos and read the articles if you need more of an explanation or some comedic relief, do not be afraid to comment a question, and DO NOT TAKE YOURSELF TOO SERIOUSLY. So, without further ado, I present 6 (of the many) types of black people you will meet when you leave Naperville.

 

1. The “Oreo”

 

 

This kind of black person is thought to be rare and is usually coupled with another kind of personality. Found mainly in suburban areas but, do not be surprised to find them in urban settings as well. The “Oreo” has gotten the name through the belief that despite their complexion, their actual character traits are more common in a white person AKA they are the ‘whitewashed’ segment of the black population. Common interactions from outsiders directed towards this subgroup include: “You talk so white,” “Who are you trying to impress,” and my personal favorite “You’re not REALLY black though.” This particular stereotype is harmful because it is not based on talents, interests or personal beliefs at all. People are shoved in this category based mostly on geographic factors. Black people raised in predominantly white areas are more exposed to that kind of culture. Simple as that. The other bad thing is that this particular stereotype reinforces the bias that traits that the majority of people see as positive, such as talking with a certain level of vocabulary, are associated with acting ‘white’. 

Kinda sucky, huh?

 

2. Barack and Michelle

Much like the “Oreos,” (cringe) this group is considered “whitewashed” by society as a whole. However, unlike the prior group, the ethnic diversity of your geographic location is not the deciding factor to be placed here. This category boils down to Academics. Notice how I did not say intellectual capacity. Barack and Michelle’s are found in the honors/accelerated track. They cry about 92%s and get most of the shit for affirmative action. They are also the most pissed off when people accredit their successes to the diversity card. Why? Because they live by the “twice as hard” mantra, most eloquently explained by none other than Eli Pope from Scandal. They work twice as hard to combat the stereotypes based on their complexion and keep up with their peers. Much like their namesake, these people do not stop at excelling academically, they excel EVERYWHERE they possibly can. They pop up at every award ceremony and often are praised in the black community for “doing it for the culture.” Motivations for that can vary. Some feel like it’s a way to be accepted by society as a whole, others believe they have to “do it for the culture.” No matter why they are on the grind, there’s no doubt about it, these people came to kick ass and take names.  

 

 

 

3. WOKE-ish

She wears Ankara print prom dress, never uses sulfate shampoo, and swears on coconut oil. Do not try her in a debate because there is an 80% chance she is at least minoring in African American studies and if you try it, you will lose. These people have paid for a DNA test to “connect with the motherland” and that trip to the Ivory Coast changed their lives. They own at least a couple masks in their house and one of those Harlem renaissance oil paintings. Catch them at Essensefest and Curlfest. Do not equate them with the “woke trend,” these are people who seek cultural connection with their history and want to use that pride to spur political changes, not “cancel culture.” https://www.politico.com/video/2019/10/30/obama-woke-cancel-culture-activism-069022

 

4. Straight Outta Atlanta

These people have their fingers on the pulse of everything.  They make trends that will eventually captivate the world. Every SoundCloud rapper that made it big, most dance trends, street fashion waves, and even the slang used day to day owes its popularity to these people. Whether you want to admit it or not, black people have always been able to redefine pop culture. From jazz to lip fillers, our mark can be seen everywhere and it’s this stereotype we owe it to. “Straight out Nawf Atlanta” is a lyric from the group Migos, who have been herald as a new voice in hip-hop and a mark of a new generational shift(https://www.thefader.com/2017/01/23/migos-interview-culture). And the impact of this new generation shows. Trap music, a subcategory of rap, has quickly taken its place on the top of the charts. The Kardashians and Co. have modeled their “boxer braids” and lip injections after the black form and style… no shade. But never forget the people making the trends you are quick to jump on.

 

5. Tell it on the Mountain

Break out the white sheet and sneak in some snacks because this sermon is not ending… ever…like ever… Also before you come, memorize a book of hymns because you WILL be singing, dancing, playing the tambourine…reciting scripture… and be expected to do it without being prompted. So get your best testimony and your hat…. we are going to church! Good old black church folk. They will pray for you and your runny nose or paper cut, and please don’t be dramatic about your problems (@ me about college apps) or brace yourself for “If He did it before He will do it again, WHEW CHILE let me tell you about… ” But in all seriousness, the church is a big part of the black experience, it is a meeting place, a political center, and an extended family. Rooted in history, black churches house some of the first civil rights meetings and provided for communities and members when the government could be expected to, it is no surprise that it still has such a powerful impact today and that those in such communities have it seep into every element of their lives.

https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=97572839

 

6. Omarosa

First 40 seconds, please.

 

Surprise!!!! Black Conservatives!!! They exist!!! Even though we pretend they do not… I have to confess the overwhelming disappointment and the audible groans of my family whenever a “Blacks for Trump” sign is spotted. Or when 98% of black women voted against Roy Moore, and all black people saw was the 2% that supported him.

The point is on social issues, as the last subcategory hopefully described to you,  black people are VERY religious and because of that religion, certain personal views are actually more in line with your average Right-Wing voter than people think. So when I say conservative, I do not mean Republican (simply put, we vote for the democratic party, not the candidates, and often they just happen to be the better of two bad choices.

When I say conservative I mean Cheryl from church who goes to pro-life rallies on Ogden (yeah you’ve seen it too) and think that her son’s “roommate” of 12 years in a one-bedroom apartment is really just a roommate who sleeps on the couch… you get it…

_______________________

All right we’ve had our fun. Now I have to answer the ‘so what?’ Why is it important that I wrote this and that you read it (thank you for that btw). Because no matter how many articles you read on Reparations or projects you do on civil rights or jim crow, no matter how many rallies you attend, or how much you “know the black culture.” You can never gain a full understanding of anything without a dialogue. And the only way for that dialogue to occur is for the wall to come down and for people to open up. What’s confusing? What do you not understand? What do you wish I knew? There are too many divides in our society for us to pretend like we know everything about everything. I hope that you read this and got a new perspective, an oooooo moment, an ahhhhhh moment, or even a laugh. Most importantly, I hope talking about race and learning about the complexities of a community got a little less intimidating. 

Also while you’re logged on, go check out Neil’s post, and get ready to meet the 6 Types of Asians you’ll meet in Naperville.