Dare To Ask Talk And News About Our Differences 
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One problem is that appearance alone has nothing to do with criminal behavior. Therefore, unless you’re suggesting that having an identity or nationality that is similar to that of others who have committed crimes justifies profiling, then that actually puts ALL of us at risk of being profiled, including white people. In fact, Timothy McVeigh was a white male in his 20s so, given the pro-profiling notion, all white males in their 20s should be considered a serious threat to national security. There are tons of other examples of this. The problem that I have with any group being singled out at airports is that it’s illogical for airports not to implement their best security practices for ALL airline passengers, regardless of identity. That is, every person who flies should be treated as a potential terrorism threat. That way, everyone is thoroughly checked and no stone goes unturned. We would be naive to believe that the only groups that pose a threat to the US are of Middle Eastern identity. In fact, Russians and others, who appear more mainstream, have the potential to pose a threat to airlines, etc..
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Name : Dee, City : Cleveland, State : OH, Country : United States,Hi Darnell, Interestingly, a percentage of non blacks have always had large bottoms. The issue though is that, because this was seen as unattractive or fat, they dieted and exercised ad nauseum to lose them. However, now that ‘J Lo’ has been coined the big butt queen (even though black women have had big butts forever), it’s now en vogue to have a big butt so people are either trying to get them or letting their natural assets go free! On another note, the steroid issue has more to do with the obesity epidemic because, as you likely know, steroids affect the entire body, not just the backside. Last, it’s also rumored by many black women that they’ve noticed that white men are suddenly larger in a certain area. Like you, they’re now liking what they see in white men. It’s an interesting phenomenon.
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Name : Dee, City : Cleveland, State : OH, Country : United States,This is an interesting question because the answer depends on how one defines the word ‘minority’. In America, for example, without question whites represent the majority. However, on a global scale, whites comprise only a third of the human race…the other two-thirds of the planet are people of color. In fact, it wasn’t until I traveled outside of America that this fact became more apparent to me. To answer your question though and assuming that you’re asking about what it feels like to be a minority in America, I’ll be completely honest and say to you that I absolutely love my identity (I’m black). I love black culture, love our history, our appearance, and love the deep and unique kinship that I feel towards other black people. This of course does not mean that I don’t love people of other races, etc…because I do. However, what it does mean is that, as an American minority, I’ve never felt anything other than completely honored and humbled to be a part of a group of people who have demonstrated the strength to persevere in spite of the odds. It feels good to be black, to belong to such a spirited and determined colony of people. Last, on a daily basis and on a more intrinsic level, my life is comprised of the bitter-sweet realization that the trap of racism affects every single person on the planet, including whites. In my lifetime I do not believe that we will completely move beyond racism…but we’re making progress. I’ve always said that ‘if others could be flies on the wall when a group of morally, spiritually, physically, and psychologically healthy black people are enjoying the company of one another, what they would see would be a mighty and beautiful unified spirit!’ Although many of the ‘isms’ have taken a toll on American minorities, most of us cherish who we are and are still extremely positive and hopeful. If given the chance, I wouldn’t change a thing about my identity. Great question!
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Name : Dee, City : Cleveland, State : OH, Country : United States,No, there’s no term to describe really dark skinned Black people. I happen to find very dark skinned Black people extremely attractive so, when I see one I’m usually in complete awe of their beauty. Also, just an fyi: the term ‘red bone’ is pretty outdated, so not a lot of people use that anymore. It’s probably safest to simply lean away from hue insensitive labels and just stick with the ‘call folks by their proper names’ script. Take care!
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Name : Dee, City : Cleveland, State : OH, Country : United States,The birth of a child is a very intimate and personal occurrence. In this respect, black people are no different from others. However, I am sensitive to the question and intrigued by some of the responses. My personal experience has been that pregnant women/couples do a great deal of exploring and testing to determine what to name their child. In fact, this process usually has nothing to do with a collective black group-think, nor does it have a thing to do with a quest for African roots. What usually happens is people simply want a name that sounds unique, rhythmic, strong and fluid. As well, in some cases the mother and father derive the name from combining their own names e.g. Larry (father) and Deneice (mother) becomes LaNeice (child). So, in most cases, there’s nothing political or scientific about it. While Lisa had a problem with people hyphenating names and suggested that we ‘go back’ to wherever, my concern about that is that the real issue has nothing to do with ‘names’ at all. In fact, I am African-American or black not by name but by experience. My hope is that my experiences will take me all over this world, including Africa, and that I will always have the sensitivity to know who I am regardless of the geography.
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Name : Dee, City : Cleveland, State : OH, Country : United States,I am as curious as you are about God. In fact, a very wise man once told me that ‘feedback and curiosity says more about the sender’ . Therefore, your question seems to convey that, rather than a sincere interest in the outcome of an imaginary poker game, perhaps YOU are at a spiritual crossroad in your life. If so, hang in there with that because spiritual awareness can lead to peace of mind, body, and soul. However, regarding your intriguing question, my personal belief is that God would win because, contrary to popular belief, God and the devil are not equal. Lucifer was/is a fallen angel who was actually created BY God. Therefore, God is and always has been in complete control–games included. P.S. I am sensitive to the fact that not everyone believes in God, etc… The specifics of my sentiments are certainly not intended to oppress non-believers.
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Name : Dee, City : Cleveland, State : OH, Country : United States,Whites usually find themselves in a position of trying to ‘figure out’ black culture primarily by observing their physical appearance. For example, hair texture and style are commonly used as indicators of how one should categorize blacks. However, your question about teeth is new to me. I suspect you are attempting to use physical characteristics to try to ease some of your curiosity about blacks. If so, keep in mind that whatever you are observing as common among blacks is likely as prevalent in other group – more specifically, bucked teeth is not a race-specific phenomenon. However, gold teeth are usually a cultural fad or statement of fashion. Like tattoos, body piercing, etc., gold teeth are yet another means of using body image as a means of expression. The messages vary from individual to individual, i.e. some do it because everyone else is doing it, to express social status, popularity, attention, ‘just like the look,’ can afford it or want to appear gainful, the sexes like it, etc. Again, gold teeth are likely influenced by a need to be in an ‘in’ group, but usually it is an individual decision. Keep looking; not all blacks have bucked or gold teeth.
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Name : Dee, City : Cleveland, State : OH, Country : United States,Racism is a social problem that derives from oppression, discrimination and systemic marginalization of groups by the dominant culture. AIDS is a lethal, infectious disease. Both are preventable. On the other hand, the physically challenged are equal citizens who deserve equality rather than sympathy. I believe these three distinct issues can be addressed in a manner that does not prioritize one as being more vital than the other. In fact, if left unattended, each of them eventually results in poor quality of life and/or death. Shouldn’t we simply work on eradicating all forms of disadvantage and affliction?
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Name : Dee, City : Cleveland, State : OH, Country : United States,The only way to understand African-Americans is to embrace the reality that Blacks, like other ethnic groups, are not monolithic. We represent the full range of personalities, ids, and egos as does any other group. So, while you’ll find some African Americans ‘loud and boistrous’, others may be more quiet and reserved–it really depends upon the who, what, when, and where of a given situation rather than an ingrained cultural enigma. I’d agree though that, when we are in our comfort zones, many of us usually opt. to express ourselves more liberally than when we are aware of the scrutiny of others. Perhaps these patterns of socialization derive from managing the delicate demands of a need for cultural definition and individual identity.
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Name : Dee, City : Cleveland, State : OH, Country : United States,To suggest that blacks simply disassociate themselves from slavery “because it happened so long ago” is shocking. Those held in captivity were not only slaves, they were and still are people, family members, human beings just like you and me. The government’s involvement, whether intentional or by default, in a system that was inhumane, brutal, toxic and criminal cannot be underscored. Personally, I would never take a penny offered for what was done to my forefathers. There isn’t a dollar amount that would satisfy such a void.
Some of us maintain links to slavery because we know that we stand on the backs of giants. The irony of freedom is that people were set “free” into a system that was hostile and did not want them. For us, the slaves are more than simply political figures. They are a matter of the heart, and we revisit their memories and legacies with respect and adulation. Had they not made it, there would be no me. They were more than a faceless entity or victims of a greedy relationship between for-profit slave traders and African slave catchers. The Holocaust and other ethnic injustices are constant reminders of the importance of global civil rights and social justice. Rather than a political totem pole of “who was done worst, when and where,” perhaps we can begin to see all of these issues within the equal historical frameworks in which they rightfully belong. However, to ask blacks to “stop whining about it and get over it” would be the same as asking your future generations, 200 years from now, to never know that you or your family members existed. All they would know is that you were one day simply wiped out in a race riot loosely orchestrated by the government. Perhaps it wouldn’t matter to you, but it probably would to them. Like the slaves, you probably never anticipate the possibility that one day you may be completely forgotten: No name, no face, no identitity, no personality. Get over that.
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Name : Dee, City : Cleveland, State : OH, Country : United States,I don’t have a scholarly theory but rather a few off-the-cuff remarks. First, most people are, to some degree, of mixed heritage. So it’s considerably unlikely that your ethnic/genetic makeup has much, if anything, to do with whom you choose to date. There’s nothing twisted or freaky about making choices that meet your personal preferences. To admit that you prefer white men almost exclusively as partners is fine (sometimes we forget that white men are beautiful and worthy beings, too!). Unfortunately, many people who are biracial by physical appearance feel pressured to organize their lives in ways that capture every angle of their bloodline. As impressive as this is, it’s an almost impossible task. It does no one any real harm if you opt not to date, sleep with, or are even repulsed by the thought of intimacy with black or Asian men (trust me, there are plenty of people who feel the complete opposite). I hope you find love that allows you to be who you are both inside and out. By the way, we all have preferences (short, tall, thin, large, wealthy, educated, outgoing, shy, etc.). Personally, some of these characteristics appeal to me, others don’t.
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Name : Dee, City : Cleveland, State : OH, Country : United States,
