TOO BLACK.....NOT BLACK ENOUGH

This topic was inspired by a group discussion that I had last night with several young African American men and women. We all come from different backgrounds, so the different discussions that we had were interesting. I actually believe that group discussions among people of all races, sex, and ages is very productive. You learn so much about one another that you otherwise may not have known.


What does it mean to be black?

Actually, this question is not as easy to answer as it may seem. At least I had difficulty answering the question. I'm not even sure if I ever really answered the question. I really did not know what to say because I feel like there are so many factors involved. I personally don't think people should be defined by their skin color but by their culture. Unfortunately, in society we are all judged by our skin color both positively and negatively. I also believe that economic status plays a huge role in how you view yourself in society. I believe many black people are defined by their skin color and then we are all put into this one category.


How do those around you defines blackness?

When I think about how others (or society) may define blackness, many times I feel that I am not black enough. However, I only feel this way around other black people. If I am not familiar with things that most black people are accustomed to I am made to feel like I am not black enough. There are even times when black people will tell other black people that "I'm taking your black card away." What exactly does that mean? Does that even make sense? Many times if I don't speak a certain way or act a certain way, I am considered to not be talking or acting black. Again, I say that this is a difference in culture and experience and not a matter of how black I am. I think because society stereotypes blacks and black culture in one way, we tend to only think of certain things when the term black comes up.

THE VOTE THAT DIVIDES...

I think we may all need a reminder on voting etiquette. Just because someone doesn't have the same political views as you does not mean that you should write them off as a friend. Personally, I will be glad when the election is over. I believe I have heard more negative comments than positive comments during this presidential campaign.

Never assume that you know a person's political affiliation:

Someone's gender, race or sexuality does not automatically determine who they are voting for:

You can't make someone vote, so don't force your views on anyone:

Your verbal acknowledgment of who you are voting for will not change the minds of others:

An rational explanation of your political views may change the mind of an undecided voter.

It is okay to inform others, but it is their decision to make with the information that they are given:

Never tell anyone who to vote for:

Voting is personal:
"It is never appropriate to ask who and how a person voted" http://votinghowto.blogspot.com/2012/04/voting-etiquette.html

Know who you are voting for and what you are voting for:

Never assume that my reasons for not voting for a particular person are the same as yours:

Don't bash those who are not voting if you haven't taken the time to ask them why:

Contrary to popular belief  not voting is not always a negative thing:

Don't let an election change who you are and what you believe in:


Have you informed yourself before making a decision about who you are voting for?

Have you lost friendships because of differences in political views during this campaign?


"United We Stand, Divided We Fall"

In God I Put My Trust. Always remember to keep our leaders in prayer no matter who they are. Be Blessed.