Black Guy In A Crazy World
Courtney Taylor-Preville
England
I love being black.
The ‘Whitest’ Black Guy I Know
Leon Anderson Davis,
Dallas, TX.
This is by far the most offensive compliment I can be given. I have heard it since my early teens, growing up in suburban Dallas. Somewhere around the age of 25, I realized that this statement presupposed that being intelligent and well spoken were attributes of white people, and that I should be flattered to be considered on the same level. I also realized that it implies, of the person uttering it, a historical reference that A) is heavily influenced by pop culture, and B) stops in 1970. Anyone with a knowledge of history, pre-disco and blaxploitation flicks, is aware that being educated and well spoken were common values and aspirations in the black community. I am not, nor do I aspire to be, MTV’s version of a black man in America.
Tail the black guy buying moscato.
Erik
Aurora, CO
I was in a mixed-race neighborhood, in line at a convenience store behind a black man checking out with a white clerk. He asked if there were any larger sizes of the wine he was buying. After the clerk said he wasn’t sure, he went back into the store to look himself.
As he walked away, the clerk pulled a coworker over and told him to “keep an eye on him”.
The overt expression of distrust shook me. Only as I worked through my feelings did I realize how uneasy and on edge I felt in the neighborhood–out of my comfort zone. I think our self-imposed segregation breeds fear and division.
It was the night before Barack Obama’s second presidential inauguration.
Black but gay so it’s ok
Fred Wherry,
New York, NY.
An administrative assistant remarked to my (now ex) European partner: “When I first saw Fred I was a little scared of him. Then I found out he’s gay and your partner!” Somehow, if seen alone or if I appeared too “hard,” I was intimidating. By being “soft” I could disarm my detractors.
Mom’s white. Dad’s black. I’m spotted.
William Jones,
Reisterstown, MD.
It’s Vitiligo. Yes, it’s what Michael Jackson had. It basically means the cells that make skin color stop doing that. All though you can’t see it as well in lighter complexions, anyone from any race can develop it, and at the age of about 30, I became one of the 1% of humans who do. What’s funny is that, as a bi-racial person, I’ve spent a lot of time dealing with race issues, from both sides, and wondering exactly where I fit. Now that I have white spots that will slowly but eventually completely cover my whole body, the idea of the color of a person has taken on a whole new meaning… and a much smaller one I think. When people ask about the spots, I explain. When people ask how I feel about it, I simply tell them that I spent the first half of my life as a really attractive black guy, and I plan to spend the second have as a really attractive white guy.
Black men obsessed with white girls
Andy Anglin,
Cleveland, OH.
Not really.
Just that black men would sooner spit on a black woman and step on her throat if it meant getting near a white girl.
They hate white men but they are obsessed with white girls and place all of them on a pedestal.
You’re a pretty smart black guy!
Tac Mohamed,
Miami, FL.
I’ve heard it from friends, co-workers and many in between. Other variations include: You’re pretty smart for a black man. Is that a compliment?
Black guy kept US Moving Forward
Tamara Henderson,
Lewisville, NC.
We all bleed the same way!
Once again, the only Black guy!
Kehinde
Washington DC
Tired of frequently being the only person of color at DC young professional gatherings.
You’re married to a Black guy?
Jennifer Herndon,
Kansas City, MO.
“Preference: I don’t date black guys.”
Justin
Natick, MA
We must remember that a proclamation of “preference” still hurts. I am a 17 yr. old African American boy. I am also a member of the lower-middle class. Lastly to make matters “worse” I am homosexual. In today’s society this draws me victim to most social stigmas that can be associated with these traits. Luckily enough I go to a performing arts boarding school, which sort of eliminates negative response to my sexual orientation. However just because they accept me does not mean that anyone would choose me as they’re “preference”. The words heard echoing the dining hall as it relates to dating are most likely “I’m not racist. I just generally would not want to date a black guy.” Now close your eyes and imagine 11 years of going to private&public schools where you are ALWAYS the minority. It’s bad enough that you have a very small selection of students to identify with, but now you must deal with the rejection of your race in popular theme of dating amongst teenagers. At such a young, influential age these repeated messages can reinforce self hate that is already alive and thriving in the hearts of unappreciated minorities. But then again who can blame them, because social media is constantly presenting what “American society” values as “beauty”. You can survey the majority of Abercrombie & fitches, American eagles, hollisters, etc. I assure you that you will find tall, blonde boys and girls to be trending. Give us a chance!
The consequences of liking black guys.
Julie Naski
Ann Arbor, MI
Understanding Race Project- University of Michigan
As a white female, I have found that it is easier to keep my mouth shut
when it comes to my attraction to black guys. When I reveal this to people,
I am most commonly met with a surprised reaction, and then asked with a
displeased undertone “why?” The vast majority of the time this question
is brought up by white males. It seems as though interracial couples are
still taboo in a nation that prides itself on democracy and equality.
