Why do white people act black?

sthldn girl wrote:

<quoted text>
im so bored of hearing about your {imageinary}black husband,and your precious daughter ,,go get a life women,or have a bath ,that trailer park is beginning to make you stink,,
lmao.....

Oh my god....I can not stop laughing at you sthldn....you are wild man...lol..lol...!!!

1)"White" culture is too vague. It discredits those whites who have a rich and beautiful history.
2)Black "American" culture is immitated
by the young, historically, as an act of rebellion against the 'establishment'.......but, since black culture is just about "mainstream" in american life today, it is becomming less and less of an act of rebellion..and more cliche'

There is no one black culture.(Or white one or whatever.) There are many cultures.

Down here (where I attend school), I have spent some time in the 'Black Belt'(not so named because it is mostly black - but rather because of the soil, though it is mostly impoverished blacks). In the Black Belt, most of the blacks are dirt poor and as ignorant as trees. It is distressing and sad. They have no skills, discipline, etc. They are the worst about doing their grocery shopping at convenience stores - contributing to their destitution. They buy lottery tickets all the time too. One makes his living by traveling to neighboring Georgia every day to purchase thousands of dollars in lottery tickets for the neighbors, some of whom live in literal shacks.

Here in this town it is quite different. Many are associated with the university and are well educated, worldly and prosperous. The culture is as completely different.

Same with whites, Hispanics, Asians, etc...

No soy negro ni blanco, pero mexicano, BTW.

Big Jake wrote:

I agree with the thread's agenda....I think it is disgusting and I think it is ugly. I hate it when I see a white girl trying to act and dress "black"....and I absolutely dispise seeing a white boy doing the same... we don't play that where I am from...if you are white and didn't grow up with us you can come to the swats, but you better act like you got some sense....some good sense.

I agree BJ! It seems to me that most but not all white people really do yearn to be a part of a worthwhile culture. Japanese is the next colored culture that whites began imitating ever since the hey day of anime's popularity here in the states. However,whites don't understand that it's not fun and easy being black in the U.S, it's hard so please stop acting black and just be your own goddamn self. I hate it when white people say whaddup to me when they're around me. You don't have to act black when you're around me so just please be yourself and learn to be satisfied with your own European culture and leave ours and every other colored persons culture the phuck alone.

Mack wrote:

<quoted text>
I agree BJ! It seems to me that most but not all white people really do yearn to be a part of a worthwhile culture. Japanese is the next colored culture that whites began imitating ever since the hey day of anime's popularity here in the states. However,whites don't understand that it's not fun and easy being black in the U.S, it's hard so please stop acting black and just be your own goddamn self. I hate it when white people say whaddup to me when they're around me. You don't have to act black when you're around me so just please be yourself and learn to be satisfied with your own European culture and leave ours and every other colored persons culture the phuck alone.

well said my friend....I believe that they feel like its "allright" to "talk" black when they are around us....sorta like kinda of an acceptance issue with them...you dig what i'm saying brotha??

Big Jake wrote:

<quoted text>well said my friend....I believe that they feel like its "allright" to "talk" black when they are around us....sorta like kinda of an acceptance issue with them...you dig what i'm saying brotha??

Yep, I dig what you saying BJ. I always known that white people suffered from cultural cringe (i.e when you hate your own culture but like sombody elses) but it seems to me that these people are trying real hard to impress us. I believe somewhere in one topic on this forum, some black women was talking about how the white women on blackplanet.com were going aorund showing off their biracial children to other users and adopting black ghetto slang sounding usernames and such. They just need to learn to be satisfied with their culture and stop trying so damn hard to impress us and gain acceptance in our culture. Holla back Big J.

This is kind of a silly topic.

What is "acting black" based on? Music? Language? What is acting white for that matter? Other black children said I "sounded white" just because i read well as a child. Even as an adult i am "white" because I've never been to jail, don't have any kids out of wedlock, and attend technology seminars. I get accused of not knowing or understanding the struggle (actually i outgrew ghetto in the 80's).

It's kind of pathetic really. Some people always have to say something about what somebody else is doing. It's as if you have to fit into their standard of living. Acting "black"," acting white", WHO defines what is what here? What makes them an authority? Where's the book?

It's all talk really.

KIP wrote:

This is kind of a silly topic.
What is "acting black" based on? Music? Language? What is acting white for that matter? Other black children said I "sounded white" just because i read well as a child. Even as an adult i am "white" because I've never been to jail, don't have any kids out of wedlock, and attend technology seminars. I get accused of not knowing or understanding the struggle (actually i outgrew ghetto in the 80's).
It's kind of pathetic really. Some people always have to say something about what somebody else is doing. It's as if you have to fit into their standard of living. Acting "black"," acting white", WHO defines what is what here? What makes them an authority? Where's the book?
It's all talk really.

IMHO sista Kip, I think acting black is your ususual hip hop thug gangsta wannabe who speaks black slang, imitates black mannerisms and customs associated with hip hop culture and acting white is dressing like a goth, emo, playing D&D, or Magic the Gathering, skateboarding, listening to Goth and Emo rock music and etc. I also think that both blacks and whites define who acts like what and such and it's a little too complicated to explain it and I'm too lazy to discuss it but I hope this answer helped.

astros108 wrote:

i dont understant?

the immense popularity of rap/hip-hop and maybe certain movies are the biggest contributor to the 'acting black' principle, but it seems to only affect pre-teens to mid 20's. it really all comes down to maturity. in most cases, once these type of white kids grow up they won't act so fake and they'll be more themselves.

petitebutcute wrote:

<quoted text>Ouch
People are who they are and again what is acting Black?I know what having fun is and being myself, but I have yet to figure out what acting Black means!lmao

don't play dumb. you and everybody else here know EXACTLY what 'acting black' means; just because peeps can't explain it well in words?

but i'll try anyway....

the biggest characteristic? the way they use words and pose their voice but also has to do with music, dress, the way they fix their cars, etc.- ways that may have been 'invented' or popularized by blacks in the first place. get where i'm going?

Mack wrote:

<quoted text>
IMHO sista Kip, I think acting black is your ususual hip hop thug gangsta wannabe who speaks black slang, imitates black mannerisms and customs associated with hip hop culture

this is a good description, too. i particularly like the 'black mannerisms' part - gotta remember that one.

Mack wrote:

<quoted text>
IMHO sista Kip, I think acting black is your ususual hip hop thug gangsta wannabe who speaks black slang, imitates black mannerisms and customs associated with hip hop culture and acting white is dressing like a goth, emo, playing D&D, or Magic the Gathering, skateboarding, listening to Goth and Emo rock music and etc. I also think that both blacks and whites define who acts like what and such and it's a little too complicated to explain it and I'm too lazy to discuss it but I hope this answer helped.

Well, a lot of black people don't aspire to hip hop any more than white people aspire to the Goth element. I like jazz, rock, and old school R&B. What does that make me? Old? Why must music define what people are anyway? Why not movies? I'm a trekkie. Now what? I also like the Sopranos very much. If I "joined the family" would that make me white? Italian? This all gets very hazy.

I think pop culture defines things for some young people but it's only part of the picture really. The rest does nothing but label people unfairly.

infinite universe wrote:

<quoted text>
don't play dumb. you and everybody else here know EXACTLY what 'acting black' means; just because peeps can't explain it well in words?
but i'll try anyway....
the biggest characteristic? the way they use words and pose their voice but also has to do with music, dress, the way they fix their cars, etc.- ways that may have been 'invented' or popularized by blacks in the first place. get where i'm going?

Ok first off I am not dumb nor do I play dumb!People like what they like and they are who they are...another words if I use slang, that does not mean I am acting black because black person made it up or invented the word...that just means I am acting like me, and maybe I admire that person...none of us can change the color of our skin so why does it matter if we act a certain way as long as we act like ourselves. "acting black" Is just a stupid stereo type.

Why do black people "act black"?

Willing Thinker wrote:

Why do black people "act black"?

Hi Willing Thinker (nice name),

If you ask that question, you also have to ask what defines "acting black". If there is a set criteria, then one has to apply that same concept to the same question for other races, such as blacks "acting white", etc....how is that defined?

My last relationship was with a black man for 5 years...and he could be, and often was, accused of "acting white", which was ludicrous. Why was he accused? Because he is educated, successful, an engineer making much $, never uses slang or ebonics, his pants fit and he buttons ALL 3 buttons on his Polo (wink/LOL),(too bad he was an arrogant, superficial, controlling, nit wit, but that has nothing to do w/ his race). But let me tell you accusing him of "acting white" is society's foul. Silly standards applied by silly folk, putting people in self defined boxes, let folk be folk I say! We are INDIVIDUALS...not Borg! Love ya!

PattyC wrote:

<quoted text>Same reason:
Whites act white
Native Americans act Native American
Asians act Asian
Koreans act Korean
Japanese act Japanese
Italians act Italian
Swedes act Swedish
Must I go on and on or do you get the connection?

Asians you say act Asian and Koreans act Korean, but Koreans are Asians as are Japanese are Asians, but they are not Koreans. Then you say Swedes act Swedish and Italians act Italian, wouldn't both act European? Then you say not all Eurpoeans act Italian or Swedish. Whites are of European descent, but don't necessarily act European not to mention not all of of them are Italian or of Swedish ancestry.

I'll bet someone who speaks Korean with Swedish features, in an Italian car on their way to a Japanese restaurant would make your head explode.

You people are funny!

PattyC wrote:

PS: KIP - I missed the scenario you posed here and no it would not make my head explode believe me. My son-in-law Latino from Costa Rica has a bachelors degree in bi-lingual studies he speaks 8 languages fluently and he looks Latino. He has a masters in business administration and drives a Asian car as does my daughter who is black and she speaks Spanish. So as you can see I am living your scenario in my own life with my family. So don't worry about my head exploding okay? HA HA LOL

That's cool!

He speaks 8 languages fluently and has an MBA? Is he a genius?
This is your family? That's quite interesting I must say.

Maybe my head is going to explode.

Miss Sha wrote:

<quoted text>
Hi Willing Thinker (nice name),
If you ask that question, you also have to ask what defines "acting black". If there is a set criteria, then one has to apply that same concept to the same question for other races, such as blacks "acting white", etc....how is that defined?
My last relationship was with a black man for 5 years...and he could be, and often was, accused of "acting white", which was ludicrous. Why was he accused? Because he is educated, successful, an engineer making much $, never uses slang or ebonics, his pants fit and he buttons ALL 3 buttons on his Polo (wink/LOL),(too bad he was an arrogant, superficial, controlling, nit wit, but that has nothing to do w/ his race).

Bravo. <claps>

People should oppose these classifications, but not only for human and individual reasons, but another as you shall see...

Miss Sha wrote:

<quoted text>But let me tell you accusing him of "acting white" is society's foul.

<Applause>

Indeed society's foul.

Miss Sha wrote:

<quoted text> Silly standards applied by silly folk, putting people in self defined boxes, let folk be folk I say! We are INDIVIDUALS...not Borg! Love ya!

Fellow african-americans, don't play by the rules.

You may think you are just rejecting 'white' culture and accepting 'black'.

Man they have you spinning so many ways you don't even know where you are - let me explain:

You are actually accepting AND maintaining what I like to call THE RULEZ.

*Blacks can't do what whites do, and that's that.

You can't be educated, especially males and males can't NOT be whores.

You can't speak proper English.

You can't make good money, the legal way.

Finance and society are supposed to be the white man's game. Being half-way civilized is enough for you.

This above train of thought is utterly rediculous, both factually and theologically.

Notice the positive/negative connotations black holds.

Blacks are cool, have skills and talents, they can play video games, sing, dance, play sports, and #uck. Oh, and they can cook.

Blacks can't do math, be organized, comprehend anything that takes thought, speak proper english, or do anything without the white man.

Obviously, a bit of the perspective depends on race:

From a black perspective the latters (ie what we can't do) simply aren't cool anyway. Remember white[s/ white juveniles] may not think its cool either, but it is more intense with blacks.

Also, from a black perspective the former (what we're good at) are desired.

Which is why when I talk with my fellow black youth 99.99%999999999999999999999999 999999999999999999999999999999 9% of the ones who are still in black environments want to be a thug, foot-ball player, singer, rapper, R&B singer (they get the ho's), a DJ, a dancer, or some sort of M.C.(Nothin wrong with MC's in my opinion)

Then they wonder why we dominate at those, yet don't know anything else. I'm not saying there aren't other aspects to AA's, but that's not the point.

WE CAN'T BE DEFINED, PROGRAMMED AND LIMITED.

I know some stereotypes existed, like the ones we gladly put on today, but people used to THINK OF BLACK PEOPLE AS UNIQUE, STRANGE AND ORIGINAL.

NOW I SEE DRONES, LOOKING CHILDISH AND PROGRAMMED TO SELF-DESTRUCT.

That's gotta go. It's troubling.

I have NO PROBLEM WITH THE FACT THAT DIFFERENT PEOPLE HAVE DIFERENT CULTURES.

However, don't let racist reverse psychology teach you that CULTURE = WORTH / SKILL

It doesn't.

Notice alot of our talents and stereotypes that keep re-surfacing are slave/servant related. We can do work, cook, sing, but aren't good for thinking.

Thinkin's for the white man.

As MC aceylone says "how come all the homies are waiters?"

Oh, and this isn't some petty little tirade against black stereotypes. I find some partially true, and others fun/ny.

Water-melon, funny.

Chicken, is true.(majority of time)

Cooking has extremes (when we can cook, we can COOK) MY family can cook better than anyone.

Common sense. On average I find we tend to have more compared to whites, but there are lots of exeptions. Me, and others I've seen.

Late. This one is up there. Pretty true. I (sadly) fit the bill here.

PattyC wrote:

<quoted text>Same reason:
Whites act white
Native Americans act Native American
Asians act Asian
Koreans act Korean
Japanese act Japanese
Italians act Italian
Swedes act Swedish
Must I go on and on or do you get the connection?

What is acting white to you?

That's the question. Define white.

In my opinion, it is none other than a SOCIAL DESIGNATION.

PattyC wrote:

<quoted text>I believe you are right to a point, however, even though they are all in the same continent shall we say? They however each have their own heritage and ethnic traditions. Take for example my mother's parents one came from Sweden and the other came from Norway. Each of them had similiarities however the language is different, the foods were different, the traditional similiar in some areas were also different in alot of areas.
I worked for an insurance company years back and we had Hmong and Laotians they come from the same country but the traditions very different. The Hmongs absolutely hated the Laotians and vice versa the Laotians were so horrible to the Laotians that several of the laotian women could not stand the way they treated them and quit the job.
From what you are saying you would think that all Europeans would all act the same and that is difinitely not true. In this country Northern whites and southern whites are completely different mindset.
And blacks have a freud going east coast/west coast as we know some famous people have died over it.
So to answer your question I would say respectfully I say NO they are not the same.

I think he already knows that. Yes, not all Europeans act the same, nor do all African Americans. The point is that the concept of "acting black" as well "acting white" are based on black and white stereotypes, respectively.