[Akina]

Perhaps because of differences in history, Jamaicans are not as preoccupied with race relations as Americans (of all races) seem to be. I attribute my ability to transcend racial boundaries that American people of my race (black) are unwilling or unable to, because of my background in Jamaica, where race is not a major concern. So upon benig faced with issues of race/identity, to many African Americans’ dismay, in assertion of my identity (“Tell me who you are?”), black is not in my response, my race does not define me. I tend to view Americans primarily as Americans…. not African, Asian, White American or whatever. I am comfortable in my skin around people of other ‘races’, and I am more than capable of holding conversations with & sustaining meaningful relationships with people of all races (my best friends at school are white, native American, Caribbean); without race preoccupation,(& given that race has no relevance or bearing on the conversation at hand). Also at times because of plain old race fatigue I just stay clear of race! Point: It’s important to remember people within any cultural group are not homogenous, and try not to be put off by others for whom race is a pressing issue, and their race is inseparable from their identity. Just as my experiences affect my outlook, I suppose these people of whom you speak are speaking from some experience, and in order to understand those who race is important to, this aspect must be accepted in order for any discourse to be meaningful and not superficial.

User Detail :  

Name : Akina, Gender : F, Sexual Orientation : Straight, Race : Jamaican/West Indian, Religion : Christian, Age : 19, City : Kingston, State : NA, Country : JAMAICA, Occupation : Undergrad student, Education level : 2 Years of College, 

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