[Stacey-W]

Here’s my take on why the rift exists: In the times of slavery, the more distanced an African-American slave was from African customs and physical appearance, the more likely that slave was to move up in “white” society. The lighter-skinned slaves worked in the homes rather than fields, where they were exposed to American medicine and customs. “Light was right.”

As time passed, images such as “little black Sambo” appeared, satirizing “African-like” blacks (usually meaning dark-skinned and dressed with voodoo adornments). Soon, many blacks fell prey to the warped idea that “African” was a derogatory term. Afro-Americans who retained an African “look” (kinky hair, dark skin) or maintained publicly African dress or customs were often not advanced, while ones who looked more European assimilated more easily into American society.

I believe the idea that looking and behaving “less African, more European” is still rewarded in our modern society as a result of deeply ingrained stereotypes. When I was a child, some American black kids would call other American black kids “Africans” as insults. Years later, We finally had an African-American “Miss America” – one who is part white, with blue eyes, straight hair and European features. The myth definitely persists that the most beautiful black person is one who doesn’t look too African.

I feel that the distancing on the African side has a lot to do with the fact that we are American in their eyes – much more than we are African.

User Detail :  

Name : Stacey-W, Gender : F, Sexual Orientation : Straight, Race : Black/African American, Religion : Christian, Age : 33, City : NYC, State : NY, Country : United States, Occupation : Consultant, Education level : Over 4 Years of College, Social class : Upper middle class, 

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