Ask a black person

• sleeper

  

  http://www.buzzfeed.com/hnigatu/the-incredibly-offensive-photos-from-an-african-themed-21st
  
  Apparently this girl threw an 'Africa' themed party and she posted pictures of it on Facebook and received a ton of backlash. People have labeled her a racist and the whole party has deeply offended a lot of people.
  
  Now, besides the KKK outfit, is this really offensive to black people? There are Greek parties thrown all the time where people dress up in togas and bed sheets; there are cowboy parties, redneck parties, penis parties, etc.
  
  Being a young white male, I have no idea why minorities are so offended by their appearance(or the pain slavery has caused the great great great grandchildren of slaves), so perhaps Rmolin, Big Daddy, Con_Alma, Gblock, or maybe even LJ can explain this to me.
  
  Thanks. Feel free to post other questions about black people so we all can gain a better understanding of the black culture. I am also available to answer any questions about white people that our African friends may have. : thumbup:
• gut

  The girl herself appears to have embraced the cultural concept.
  
  However, she had to know that a bunch of clowns among 21 year olds were going to show-up in blackface and KKK outfits. And then to post those pictures on her facebook just makes her look very ignorant.
• Belly35

  

  The Australia aborigines have all the rights of any white Australia and are protected by the Australia government laws to secure their freedom and rights. The Australian people respect and cherish the native aborigines and are passionate of protecting and preserving their way of life. However if you're a dark skinned individual example Greek, Italian, African even a dark skinned American will not be permitted into the country longer than three weeks (I think it is), can never work within the country and can never gain Australia citizenship. Simple they don't want Blacks in their country... Just like the Australians eliminated all the rabbits, boar, many insects and birds that are not native to Australia. Are the Australian racist or protective to their heritage?
• Tiernan

  Why do black dudes want to date blonde chicks? And not even good looking blond chicks sometimes. I've had my share of the ebony babes and I will say on average they are more lets say "adventuresome" than most white chicks, so I'm always surprised to see the black bros going hard for the blondes.
• Con_Alma

  It's pretty tough for me to understand why anyone one is offended over anything. Can't help you sleeper.
• sherm03

  

  Belly35;1522711 wrote:However if you're a dark skinned individual example Greek, Italian, African even a dark skinned American will not be permitted into the country longer than three weeks (I think it is), can never work within the country and can never gain Australia citizenship. Simple they don't want Blacks in their country...

  LOL. You serious, Clark?
• sleeper

  

  Con_Alma;1522761 wrote:It's pretty tough for me to understand why anyone one is offended over anything. Can't help you sleeper.

  Thank you for your input Con_Alma.
• gut

  Con_Alma;1522761 wrote:It's pretty tough for me to understand why anyone one is offended over anything. Can't help you sleeper.

  Without seeing racism, sexism and bigotry everywhere, what would MSNBC have to talk about?
• Belly35

  

  sherm03;1522763 wrote:LOL. You serious, Clark?

  I've made the trip twice to Australia and have business friends. I've only repeated want I've been told. Been told that many black sailors can't leave ship and ships come and go within 24 hours
• majorspark

  

  It's aks not ask.
• sleeper

  

  Belly35;1522711 wrote:The Australia aborigines have all the rights of any white Australia and are protected by the Australia government laws to secure their freedom and rights. The Australian people respect and cherish the native aborigines and are passionate of protecting and preserving their way of life. However if you're a dark skinned individual example Greek, Italian, African even a dark skinned American will not be permitted into the country longer than three weeks (I think it is), can never work within the country and can never gain Australia citizenship. Simple they don't want Blacks in their country... Just like the Australians eliminated all the rabbits, boar, many insects and birds that are not native to Australia. Are the Australian racist or protective to their heritage?

  Belly I really wish you'd work on your communication skills. I enjoy your opinion, but mostly its just rambling about something that's kind of related to the topic but really doesn't apply. Like for example, I don't see how a thread regarding black culture has anything to do with rabbits or insects.
• sleeper

  

  majorspark;1522783 wrote:It's aks not ask.

  I really think this is the dumbest thing black people do. I mean, I work with a pretty smart gentleman who happens to have black skin and it cracks me up every time he says "ax". I mean can black people really not say the word "ask"? I'll look to Con_Alma for the answer to this one.
• sherm03

  

  Belly35;1522781 wrote:I've made the trip twice to Australia and have business friends. I've only repeated want I've been told. Been told that many black sailors can't leave ship and ships come and go within 24 hours

  Your business friends are full of shit.
• said_aouita

  

  Belly35;1522711 wrote:The Australia aborigines have all the rights of any white Australia and are protected by the Australia government laws to secure their freedom and rights. The Australian people respect and cherish the native aborigines and are passionate of protecting and preserving their way of life. However if you're a dark skinned individual example Greek, Italian, African even a dark skinned American will not be permitted into the country longer than three weeks (I think it is), can never work within the country and can never gain Australia citizenship. Simple they don't want Blacks in their country... Just like the Australians eliminated all the rabbits, boar, many insects and birds that are not native to Australia. Are the Australian racist or protective to their heritage?

  This nonsense ended in the early 70's.
  
  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Australia_policy
  
  

  Wiki wrote:The term White Australia Policy comprises various historical policies that intentionally favoured immigration to Australia from certain European countries, and especially from Britain. It came into fruition with the Federation in 1901, and the policies were progressively dismantled between 1949 and 1973.
  
  The Whitlam Government passed laws to ensure that race would be totally disregarded as a component for immigration to Australia in 1973. In 1975 the Whitlam Government passed the Racial Discrimination Act, which made racially-based selection criteria illegal. In the decades since, Australia has maintained largescale multi-ethnic immigration.
  

  
  
  

  Belly35;1522781 wrote:I've made the trip twice to Australia and have business friends. I've only repeated want I've been told. Been told that many black sailors can't leave ship and ships come and go within 24 hours

  If sooner than '75 your business friends lie.
• raiderbuck

  sleeper;1522653 wrote:http://www.buzzfeed.com/hnigatu/the-incredibly-offensive-photos-from-an-african-themed-21st
  
  Apparently this girl threw an 'Africa' themed party and she posted pictures of it on Facebook and received a ton of backlash. People have labeled her a racist and the whole party has deeply offended a lot of people.
  
  Now, besides the KKK outfit, is this really offensive to black people? There are Greek parties thrown all the time where people dress up in togas and bed sheets; there are cowboy parties, redneck parties, penis parties, etc.
  
  Being a young white male, I have no idea why minorities are so offended by their appearance(or the pain slavery has caused the great great great grandchildren of slaves), so perhaps Rmolin, Big Daddy, Con_Alma, Gblock, or maybe even LJ can explain this to me.
  
  Thanks. Feel free to post other questions about black people so we all can gain a better understanding of the black culture. I am also available to answer any questions about white people that our African friends may have. : thumbup:

  As one of probably..three..black people on here. I find it offensive. But not in that "she needs to burn in hell, kill whitey, racist ****" kind of way. It's just more or less insensitive. White people probably won't ever understand, and black people probably won't ever stop complaining, but at the end of the day, it's an act that's in poor taste. There are white people in Africa, you can dress in traditional African garb, or whatever, but it crosses the offensive line when you put on the blackface. It's ignorant, offensive, and stupid. But, that's young white America (hell young America, period. Black youths aren't doing much to get rid of the stereotype anyway. But that's another story).
  
  Dress up in dashikis and other cultural wardrobe, fine. Put on the blackface? Not cool.
  
  
  Edit...I should say that I do truly believe that this girl meant well. However, there were a few people there who spoiled it for everyone.
• sleeper

  

  raiderbuck;1522869 wrote:As one of probably..three..black people on here. I find it offensive. But not in that "she needs to burn in hell, kill whitey, racist ****" kind of way. It's just more or less insensitive. White people probably won't ever understand, and black people probably won't ever stop complaining, but at the end of the day, it's an act that's in poor taste. There are white people in Africa, you can dress in traditional African garb, or whatever, but it crosses the offensive line when you put on the blackface. It's ignorant, offensive, and stupid. But, that's young white America (hell young America, period. Black youths aren't doing much to get rid of the stereotype anyway. But that's another story).
  
  Dress up in dashikis and other cultural wardrobe, fine. Put on the blackface? Not cool.
  
  
  Edit...I should say that I do truly believe that this girl meant well. However, there were a few people there who spoiled it for everyone.

  Thank you for your opinion and I apologize for not knowing your skin color in my OP.
  
  I guess I will never understand why black people would find someone painting their skin black as offensive especially given Africa has a majority of people with darker skin(think about why skin is darker, it has to do with melanin generated by the body from so much damn sun). You also have to understand some blacks find it offensive to call them anything other than African American with a emphasis on African because you'd never call a white person "African" American even if they were from Africa. I'd probably laugh if a bunch of black people put white chalk on their face and pretending to be white people at a redneck party instead of being outraged that they don't truly understand the culture. And let's not act like any black person in this country actually know anything about Africa(if they did, they'd understand slaves were sold by other black people); they are no more or less American than I am. I don't sit around and pretend to given a damn about any German culture bullshit just because my ancestors happen to be from there.
  
  I do however find it interesting that black people are so sensitive over everything about race. I honestly think they are taught to be that way(potentially because you can exploit race to get your way). I have many Indian friends who CONSTANTLY make fun of their culture and their brown skin and they have no problem with me making fun of them as well. However, I also have many friends with black skin and god forbid you mention anything to do with race. I'm always told "You will never understand" but then never follow up with any explanation when pressed further(which leads me to believe they are taught to be this way even subconsciously).
• TedSheckler

  

  sleeper;1522793 wrote: I work with a pretty smart gentleman who happens to have black skin

  Oxymoron
• majorspark

  

  sleeper;1522925 wrote:I guess I will never understand why black people would find someone painting their skin black as offensive especially given Africa has a majority of people with darker skin(think about why skin is darker, it has to do with melanin generated by the body from so much damn sun).

  This. My grandpa after spending extended periods of time at my Aunt and Uncles house in Sarasota, Florida with his snow white hair looks like a native American Indian chief. The only thing missing is the feathered head dress. Amazing what the sun can do to a guy born Amish and of German decent.
• raiderbuck

  sleeper;1522925 wrote:Thank you for your opinion and I apologize for not knowing your skin color in my OP.
  
  I guess I will never understand why black people would find someone painting their skin black as offensive especially given Africa has a majority of people with darker skin(think about why skin is darker, it has to do with melanin generated by the body from so much damn sun). You also have to understand some blacks find it offensive to call them anything other than African American with a emphasis on African because you'd never call a white person "African" American even if they were from Africa. I'd probably laugh if a bunch of black people put white chalk on their face and pretending to be white people at a redneck party instead of being outraged that they don't truly understand the culture. And let's not act like any black person in this country actually know anything about Africa(if they did, they'd understand slaves were sold by other black people); they are no more or less American than I am. I don't sit around and pretend to given a damn about any German culture bullshit just because my ancestors happen to be from there.
  
  I do however find it interesting that black people are so sensitive over everything about race. I honestly think they are taught to be that way(potentially because you can exploit race to get your way). I have many Indian friends who CONSTANTLY make fun of their culture and their brown skin and they have no problem with me making fun of them as well. However, I also have many friends with black skin and god forbid you mention anything to do with race. I'm always told "You will never understand" but then never follow up with any explanation when pressed further(which leads me to believe they are taught to be this way even subconsciously).

  To your point about black people being brought up to be sensitive towards race. Hell yea we are, lol. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that we're brought up to be racists; I'm saying that we're brought up to be "aware" that racism still exists, and is a factor in society. I believe that comes from parents and grandparents being brought up in the same (albeit, much more obvious racial times) manner, and then passing that down to the younger generation. The downside to that is you get black folks who play the race card. Those are the ones who bark the loudest. And to be honest with you, more and more blacks are sick of those types of people anyway.
  
  But to answer your other question, it causes a stir because frankly there's racial history between blacks and whites (duh). That's the short of it. I can go into a long drawn out explanation as to specifically why blackface is offensive, but I don't want to bore you guys.
• gut

  raiderbuck;1523007 wrote:I can go into a long drawn out explanation as to specifically why blackface is offensive, but I don't want to bore you guys.

  Not to mention it's just stupid. Why would I want to put all that crap unnecessarily on my body?
  
  Which brings up an interesting question...if someone in blackface gets a beatdown - is it a hate crime if the perp is black? what if the perp is white?
• majorspark

  

  raiderbuck;1523007 wrote:To your point about black people being brought up to be sensitive towards race. Hell yea we are, lol. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that we're brought up to be racists; I'm saying that we're brought up to be "aware" that racism still exists, and is a factor in society. I believe that comes from parents and grandparents being brought up in the same (albeit, much more obvious racial times) manner, and then passing that down to the younger generation. The downside to that is you get black folks who play the race card. Those are the ones who bark the loudest. And to be honest with you, more and more blacks are sick of those types of people anyway.

  I agree and you are right.
  

  raiderbuck;1523007 wrote:But to answer your other question, it causes a stir because frankly there's racial history between blacks and whites (duh). That's the short of it. I can go into a long drawn out explanation as to specifically why blackface is offensive, but I don't want to bore you guys.

  I get the history. History has consequences. I understand that. But at what point do white adults having innocent fun by painting their face to reflect African culture cease to be offensive? If that was their intent. When does common sense intervene?
• cbus4life

  Belly35;1522711 wrote:The Australia aborigines have all the rights of any white Australia and are protected by the Australia government laws to secure their freedom and rights. The Australian people respect and cherish the native aborigines and are passionate of protecting and preserving their way of life. However if you're a dark skinned individual example Greek, Italian, African even a dark skinned American will not be permitted into the country longer than three weeks (I think it is), can never work within the country and can never gain Australia citizenship. Simple they don't want Blacks in their country... Just like the Australians eliminated all the rabbits, boar, many insects and birds that are not native to Australia. Are the Australian racist or protective to their heritage?

  This is so astonishingly stupid i don't even know where to begin.
  
  Before you go spouting nonsense you heard from a bunch of other morons, try doing just a little bit of research.
  
  You're like 40-50 years too late on some of it, completely incorrect on other parts, and the rest i can't even figure out what you're talking about.
• hang_loose

  Comedians help cause this behavior, but they also open "eyes" to others. And some of my favorite comedians had some so called "racist" jokes in their routines. And thank you comedians.....sometimes you guys can give me a good laugh on a really bad day: thumbup:. I don't look at them as racist jokes, just funny observations.
• #1DBag

  

  That square bitch thinks Africa is country but wants to teach English there.
• #1DBag

  

  Tiernan;1522722 wrote:Why do black dudes want to date blonde chicks? And not even good looking blond chicks sometimes. I've had my share of the ebony babes and I will say on average they are more lets say "adventuresome" than most white chicks, so I'm always surprised to see the black bros going hard for the blondes.

  Black dudes receive a complex for being attracted to white females.
  
  The ebony babes are happy to receive your attention and do not purport their "attitude". The same reason "Scandal" is popular among ebony babes.