[Elle]

When I read your post, the first thing I thought of was the 'acting and talking black or white' issue because your question is along the same lines. First, let me clarify your choice of words: you are not wearing 'black clothes.' You are wearing clothes created by a designer who happens to be African American. There is nothing wrong with you wearing clothes by African-American designers. Those in the dominant group (whites) have been appropriating aspects that are attributed to the African-American culture since forever. However, there is something wrong with you wearing the clothing if you are trying to be someone other than yourself. Clothing is nothing more than self-expression.

I don't know why some African Americans would have a problem with you wearing clothes created by African Americans, unless they ignorantly perceive your self-expression as misappropriating the African-American culture or not being yourself.

Lastly, I would refrain from using the term 'ghetto' to describe clothing or anything else you may attribute to African-American culture. It is a pejorative term and considered offensive to those who live in public housing. I encourage you to look up the word and how it relates to the Jewish culture.

User Detail :  

Name : Elle, Gender : F, Sexual Orientation : Straight, Race : Black/African American, Age : 30, City : Chicago, State : IL Country : United States, Occupation : Black educated at home mom, Education level : 4 Years of College, Social class : Lower middle class, 

[Elle]

I decided to respond again to this post based upon some of the replys received. Apparently, there are some people who have wrongly assumed that there is no such thing as 'white privilege'. Why do we remain oblivious to our individual advantages and privileges? I would just like to set the record straight by informing a select few that their is a such thing as 'white privilege'. A better description of white privilege would be UNEARNED PRIVILEGES. By unearned privileges, I am referring to those benefits that we (both Black and Whites) received that we have through no effort of our own. Those in the dominate group (Whites) benefit daily from unearned privileges to the disadvantage of those in the non-dominate group. Just so we are clear about what white privileges are, I would like to refer to a book written by, Peggy McIntosh, entitled 'White Privilege and Male Privilege. She describes white privilege as being 'invisible, weightless knapsack of special provisions, assurances, tools, maps and guides....' When was the last time you were shopping in an upscale store and harrassed by security? When was the last time that you went to a mall, restaurant, and etc and received inferior services based upon your race? When was the last time that you were at the check out counter and paid by personal check and asked to show the clerk additional identification outside of the standard drivers license and major credit card? When was the last time you tried hailing a cab and were passed over for an African-American? When was the last time you were denied housing in certain markets because of your race? I could go on and on with instances like the above and I am certain your answer would be A resounding NEVER! The point that I am simply making is that their is such a thing as White privilege and it is my hopes that these examples will raise your consciousness. It is also my hope that you will begin to closely examine when and how you have been the recipient of white/unearned privilege. We do not live in a meritocracy. Lastly, Affirmative Action is NOT synonymous with less qualified and unworthy!

User Detail :  

Name : Elle, Gender : F, Sexual Orientation : Straight, Race : Black/African American, Age : 30, City : Chicago, State : IL Country : United States, Occupation : Black educated at home mom, Education level : 4 Years of College, Social class : Lower middle class, 

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