[Angel]

I also am from the area and have seen the same types of things. Blacks in the area seem to have an affinity for expensive cars, but home ownership and living in decent housing seems secondary. I think the answer lies in the psychological effects of slavery. During slavery and the Jim Crow era, blacks were not allowed (either through law, discrimination or financial constraints) to own homes, thus we set our sights on things that were realistically attainable at the time. Clothing, shoes, jewelery and cars were things that became our status symbols. This is the same reason many blacks dress to the nines to go to church (church was one of the few activities that black families were allowed to manage and participate in during slavery), whereas many traditionally white congregations(Catholic churches, for example) place less value on your dress during the service.

Blacks have suffered psychologically in many ways from slavery, and you are just witnessing one of the ways it has affected and continues to affect many of the values passed from generation to generation in black culture.

User Detail :  

Name : Angel, Gender : F, Sexual Orientation : Straight, Race : Black/African American, Religion : Baptist, Age : 23, City : Detroit, State : MI Country : United States, Occupation : Research, Education level : 4 Years of College, Social class : Middle class, 

[Angel]

I think it is easy for Caucasians to view African Americans as a whole as angry and bitter. It is amazing just how much whites don't understand about the black experience in this country. I venture to say that whites do have an easier time with things in this country. As a child, I was taught that not only did I have to do my best (as I assume many white parents tell their children), but that my 'best' had to be better than the average white person's. I feel that blacks in this country can achieve as much as any other race, but I also believe that they face many more obstacles than whites.

Although it may seem farfetched, I do believe that as a people, blacks still feel the effects of slavery. Blatant racism on the part of whites has decreased greatly, but the biggest effects of slavery have been its effects on the black psyche. It affects us in the way we raise our children, the formation of our work ethic, the way we handle our financial resources and even our health. In the Detroit area (where I am from), many blacks have expensive cars but live with parents or other relatives, or in non-ownership situations. I believe this comes from the days of slavery and immediately thereafter - blacks weren't allowed to own homes. Thus, we gave value to things that were more attainable, such as clothes, and later, cars. Not all blacks make such ignorant financial decisions, but one only has to look at black videos and music to see the emphasis placed on having material things, as opposed to having WEALTH. Today, blacks are ravaged by illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, etc. , many of which result from poor diet, another remnant of our days as slaves. I feel that whites cannot understand the obstacles faced by blacks in this country - because many blacks don't fully understand the issues affecting them THEMSELVES. I consider myself very afrocentric and want to see my race succeed. I have no hatred for white people. Yes, I think (just from the stereotypes I regrettably know that I hold about white people) that they can be discriminated against. In my opinion, whites have the luxury of not looking at life in the guarded way that blacks do.

Blacks have been hurt by this country - and this affects everything that we do. Whites, as they hold the power and wealth -- thus the opportunity in this country, have the option of looking at life from a more positive, happy and focused perspective.

User Detail :  

Name : Angel, Gender : F, Sexual Orientation : Straight, Race : Black/African American, Religion : Baptist, Age : 23, City : Detroit, State : MI Country : United States, Occupation : Research, Education level : 4 Years of College, Social class : Middle class, 

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