[Teresa]

My friends and I have discussed this issue many times, and to make it simple, I think that for many years, African Americans have been forced to acknowledge names given to them by slavemasters. Now I think they feel more liberated to create more unique names for their children. Although my children's names are not traditional, I feel pride in knowing that I chose them to represent their identities in my family. Some of my friends have African-originated names and have been faced with ridicule. Other cultures may think that the more common U.S. names like Sue, Bill and Kyle may be strange, just like we find other names strange. Many African Americans are developing their own identity since many of them have lost a connection with their African culture. I do feel that sometimes people may go to the extreme, like naming their children after alcoholic beverages.

User Detail :  

Name : Teresa, Gender : F, Sexual Orientation : Straight, Race : Black/African American, Age : 30, City : Detroit, State : MI Country : United States, Occupation : student/counselor, Education level : Over 4 Years of College, Social class : Middle class, 

[Teresa]

I am African American and I do feel that many whites do prejudge us by our skin color. I am very educated, had no children out of wedlock, and am not on any type of assistance, however I have been stereotyped on many occasions in many of these criterias. Many of my friends have as well. However, there are some African Americans who use this as a excuse when things don't go their way but this doesn't mean that racism doesn' exist because it does. It's sad because many of us don't feel comfortable going certain places where we may be the only ethnic group. Things have improved from years ago (1960s) but we still have a very long way to go. I think this forum can be helpful.

User Detail :  

Name : Teresa, Gender : F, Sexual Orientation : Straight, Race : Black/African American, Age : 30, City : Detroit, State : MI Country : United States, Occupation : student/counselor, Education level : Over 4 Years of College, Social class : Middle class, 

[Teresa]

First of all, I would re-evaluate where you went when you did this private study. Did you go to an theater that seemed extremely unprofessionsal and laid back thus promoting more of a carefree and expressive atmosphere? I go to the movies all the time and only see African Americans yelling at the movie screen when around more of a younger crowd (i.e teenagers). I rarely see this type of behavior and the majority of people at the theater I go to are African American. Also, I don't see only young AA but also other young ethnic groups as well, including whites taling loud and yelling at the scream. So I guess I didn't really answer your question. I just feel that some people can be disrespectful but some may think that it's cool especially if they have a crowd to give them attention. I hate this stereotype especially since I know that it doesn't represent a significant number of African Americans.

User Detail :  

Name : Teresa, Gender : F, Sexual Orientation : Straight, Race : Black/African American, Age : 30, City : Detroit, State : MI Country : United States, Occupation : student/counselor, Education level : Over 4 Years of College, Social class : Middle class, 

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