Fighting the Black Stereotypes

The other night I went for drinks with some coursemates, who are white for future reference.

I was late for the drinks - in hindsight that was the first stereotype - and when asked why I was late, I explained I had to eat before I came, to which my friend asked "How was the chicken?" genuinely.

That has to be the most typical black stereotype, and I found myself slightly fumed at the crass assumption that all black people eat is chicken.

This was pushed to the back of my mind after a few drinks and was forgotten.

UNTIL today.

My friend and I were speaking about the African and Caribbean Society (ACS) and when I expressed my interest in attending an event one day I was told it 'may not be my scene' and that I am a 'polar opposite to a typical black'

Polar. Opposite.

Were the exact words used.

I didn't know whether to be offended or not, because somedays I pride my self on not being a typical black guy as in:

- i'm never late
- I don't get defensive over chicken
- I don't have a story about my hood life etc.
- and I don't keep up with slang.

Reasons?

- I don't like people waiting on me. If I'm going to be late I'll let people know unlike a typical black who would just arrive when they arrive.

- Chicken is not the be all and end all. There are other meats on the planet.

- I am fortunate enough to have strong role models in my family. And we don't live in the rough suburbs.

- Slang is fine - up to a certain point. Speak properly, because the street won't pay your bills. Jobs do. You don't get jobs with slang...it's not a criteria. Speak properly.

Are these down to black people only? No. So why are we labelled with such grotesque connotations?

It makes me sick that we are labelled like this.

Some white people have these tendencies but they aren't associated with them negatively.

LET'S SORT IT OUT!

CAN WE PLEASE MOVE AWAY FROM THIS? For the salvation of our people?

That is all.

I.K