Black Beauty: God's Gifted Colour

[SweetJoyGirl]

Howdy peeps!

It has been a hot minute since I have been on G@G. I just needed a change, and restart on G@G.

There are lot's of interesting changes I see on the site! 💜🧚🏾‍♀️

@ChicoFromThe305 missed me, and I know it. You can't and will never be able to dodge me. Forever a winner! 💯

Anyways, there was a very interesting question that caught my attention. "Why did God make me black?" The description was...

"Why do some people want to hate me and not know the person within? Black is what people are "listed" when others want to keep them away."

Of course I said...🧚🏾‍♀️

"Black is beautiful. Black is sexy. Black glows in the sun. There is beauty in melanin, sweetheart. Don't let anyone else make you feel otherwise."

I would like to expand on that, so grab your popcorn, juice *cough* wine, and relax! ( '-')

We all know the United States has painted a rather interesting image of black people, and a lot of people know the history, so there is no need to repeat it on this myTake. It is too depressing.

Due to the depiction the American media has created, black people are seen as ratched, uneducated etc. They are also seen as a race that is the least desired to have a relationship with.

BUT! Hold on!

What people seem to forget is that black people are everywhere! Not every black person is African-American, and not every African-American is "ratched". Let us not forget white trash exists. LOL

So, would you call them "ratched", too?

Just saying... ( '-')...take a deep breath, and keep reading, before typing. In fact, let us take a quick break! I need this thing called food. 😌

Back!

Now, where were we. Oh, yes!

So, the fact that there is a lable on ALL black people, is due to the medias incompetency, and in justice in the law. To be honest though, I am not going to lie and say that African-Americans' are helping the case. I am not African-American, but rather Nigerian-American. We are typically loud, but not to the extent we see African-Americans' being loud. There have been times that I am in a group and an African-American does something I would never have thought of doing, or behaves in a way I would never behaved. It makes me feel embarassed and uncomfotable, due to the fact that in America, there are stereotype put on ALL black people, which then leaks to the world.

Not every black person is African-American!

Now, this doesn't mean that they are bad people. Their history runs deep and is very painful. I feel for them, I really do. So, a lot of the reason they may act aggressive is due to the fact that they feel unheard, and underappreciated. So, it comes out as aggression, even though some of them don't mean to be. I have met African-Americans' who are soft spoken, and are just normal. They are well educated, have a family, and are just living their lives. For instance, one of them is a lawyer. She has her own firm, is happly married, and has little children.

They don't fit into the stereotype that has been created, which at times I wonder if it makes some people mad, so they just keep the stereotypes going, just so that they are able to feed people negative opinions about black people. Regradless of if the black person is African-American, Jamacian-American, German-American (yes, there are black Germans...wake up...lol) Nigerian-American etc.

So, the law and the media is at fault for making them feel unheard.

I am happy to annouce though, that as of the 15/06/24, the percent of black inmates has decresed! 🎉

Please, before you come for me, and tell me that I am lying, take a look at this chart from the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

Where tf is the hispanic category, tho? LMAO

For my doubtful peeps, please look up BOP Statistics: Inmate Race on Google.

Anyways...

So, perhaps the law is slowly shifting to make things fair, but why can't the media? Why can't the mindset of the people change, too? Why can't the white people in America let go of racism. What makes you feel so entitled? Your ancestors? You mean the ones that stole the lands we walk on from the Native-Americans'? Before you start typing, think...there is no lie in what I just said.

I am not saying don't have pride in your roots. Heck, I am proud to be Nigerian and southern at the same time. I love both world!

I am saying, though, remember you stole the pride from a different group. You want people to look forward and forget about that. Yet, you can't look forward and let go of racism. Just in case some of you don't know, there are white people who actually take the time to TEACH their children racism, which is absolutely wrong. Children don't put a stereotype to a colour, unless they are taught. Move on, and accept that we should all be equal!

My beloved black peeps, my beloved African-Americans, you are loved, and you are heard. Maybe not enough, but perhaps change your demeanour a bit. Prove the sterotypes wrong. The world is watching, regardless of if you know it or not. Will you changing your demeanour make some people mad, because they can't use it against you? Absolutely, but it shows that you are willing to start looking forward, too.

God didn't make you black as a punishment. Don't let anyone tell you that. lol

He made you black, because he loves you. Being black is absolutely wonderful! I love it here! Being black is...a sun kiss...I love the way my skin glows in the sun. I love the way I stand out. I love being a soft feminine black woman. Hard to believe, yea? Black women can be feminine? Yes, we can. LOL

Yes, your history runs deep. Yes, it is a very painful history, but let us look forward. Let us create the change that needs to be created, together. Let us start by being accepting of ourseves: our skin colour, our ability to stand out. Let us stand out in a good way. Be soft, but don't let anyone step on you. Be silent, but don't let anyone silence you.

Thank you for reading baddies!!!!
Time for me to go complete my uni assignment! Much love! 💜🧚🏾‍♀️

*******************************************************************

I had this song on repeat the whole time while writing this. Real hot girl shiiiii!

Yea, but I am not outside. The streets don't suit me. lol.

Too soft for that shi.

Plus, uni has me tied up. lmao

Happy Summer Break! 🧚🏾‍♀️💜

[BrassRaven]

Ok please read to the end. A few things. I do not 100% agree or disagree with you on much of anything here except for the fact that racism itself is a bullshit concept and shouldn't even exist. It is 2024. There are a few things I want to touch base on here though. I'm going to preface this. Yes I am "white" as I do not get to claim my heritage/ race as "NORSE PAGAN" or a
" Native American Irishmen". But here's the thing. The only "African Americans" are the people born in Africa and have American citizenship. Otherwise, their just American. I am tired of seeing that shit. Mexican American, Asian American, African American, but yet you say White American and it sounds a hate thing these days as the "white race" has been so demonized in this day and age.

1000% white trash is a thing. Sadly I know several. But! (As you said yourself read this whole thing first!) Here is the thing. Not all "white people" are this "white devil" neo nazis that everyone thinks "we are" Not all "White People" in the US are descendant from slave owners. ( Again in paragraph 1, Native American Irishmen) MY "white" predecessors didn't get here until slavery had already been abolished. It was still a prominent and despicable, recent incident, but they were made bust there asses damn near for free just to eat and sleep on docks, empty warehouses and bandos. The Irish and Russians were treated pretty terribly when they came here as well. But being Irish or russian doesn't qualify you to get grants for hardships, or for being "Diverse". My oldest daughters mother, is "White" but she is actually actually mexican.. blonde hair blue eyed MEXICAN.

ANYHOW. ! AGAIN! read till the end. "White People" do not get away with rioting and burning businesses to the ground when a group of black "thugs" want to beat a white kid to death over a pair of fucking sneakers. However black people are perfectly fine to riot and burn businesses to the ground in the name of a piece of shit like George Floyd. And build monuments to a dude who held a pregnant woman hostage with a gun pointed at her unborn child. FACT, dude should have been taken care of a lot sooner than he was. Now if you ask if I think the way he went out was ok? I do not. That cop should have been incarcerated for that shifty excessive use of force.

If your Cuban, Puerto Rican, Mexican, you are one of those things. Not just " hispanic" , if your black, you are Somalian, African, Nigerian, Jamaican, etc. Not just black. But in the US. if your Italian, Russian, Irish, British, etc. Your just white. Automatically it doesn't matter. I recognize the certain hardships. But I also recognize that from any group.

Something you said as a quite "matter of fact" also stuck with me here though,
The whole. paragaraph about how the law is slowly shifting to fairness. Sorry that one right there is total bullshit. The law changed decades ago in the name of "Fairness" and equality. HOWEVER, "white people" don't get scholarships for their ethnicity. "White people" do not boasted about their family owned businesses. I mean... no, they do not get pulled over solely for being white, the police are predominantly "white" but I'll tell you what. The looks from black cops that I get are pretty fucked up. Not to mention, I was held on my knees at gun point BY A BLACK COP, AND A WHITE COP, while other cops searched my house after they came out from the woods at 2 in the morning, because I came out of my house wearing a red t shirt and "matched the description" of another white guy who was caught breaking into cars and holding up a gas station. And was not told. wtf was going on until an hour and a half of being on my knees at gun point and in cuffs. But I digress. And to answer your questions "Why do white people feel so entitled, is it the heritage, or etc". No, most of the "white people" these days do not feel entitled. I am not saying there aren't those that do. But I for one, have been busting my ass, working since I was a child, but yet I am still standing on that starting line in the hood. And to further answer your question, why can't "white people move on from racism?" I'm gonna answer that question with another one. WHY won't "BLACK PEOPLE" LET US? Every day I open an article or post, or radio station, and all I hear about is "black engineer" black cop. Black farmer, black owned car dealership, black owned businesses.. why can't it just be "Engineer designed gloves that translate sign language into Speech". Or family owned dealership/ businesses or so on and so forth. I do not support blm, I do not support "black owned business" I support cops shouldn't have thrown that poor child into their cruiser. I support small businesses and family owned businesses. I do not care about race. I agree with a lot of what you say. But only to an extent.

I know, I know "racism, oppression, culture aprpriation" how the he'll are "black people" Being oppressed by getting free college grants for being black, or getting prioritized as getting hired due to diversity instead of qualifications. How are "black people" being oppressed by getting away with rioting, and burning businesses to the ground. Then there is "Hey Brass, why do you braid your hair? Or want to lock a part of your hair? Thats culture appropriation you know!" Who's culture? Black people? They were not the only "race" to utilize braids or dreadlocks. The irish and scots used locks and braids in their mens hair, the norsemen and danes or "vikings" took great pride in their hair and hygiene. Some cultures (not black culture) used to do this thing, whenever they would have a life changing event, or overcome a hardship, survive a battle, or anything they shouldn't have survived would add a lock. Every lock had a story. "OK brass... what about slavery?" What the fuck about it? "White people" did not just go to Africa and round up their slaves. They were initially PURCHASED from Africans. Now I am not saying that shit was ok. AT ALL. But when they teach this shit, they do not teach the full history.
Everyone wants to blame "white people" as a whole for everything. And I will not say that "white people" or Europeans didn't have their unjust fair share of bloody history. But too many people, way too often blame it on white ethnicity.

But remember... Native Americans and the Irish aren't going to peoples houses I'm mobs trying to force people out of their houses and trying to take it over "because it's what they deserve. That was the black community. But again... I digress. And don't get it twisted. I've got nothing against black people by any means. Nothing at all as an ethnicity. But I do have a problem with people who are ignorant as fuck, have no respect, shoot and kill their own, but want to blame their community shortcomings all on "white people". "White people", didn't make you sling Crack, or shoot the dude down the block for wearing the wrong color. "White people" didn't make you fuck around on your baby mama, with multiple people and then bail out when you end up with 10 kids due all around the same time and i am not saying there aren't white people doing that disgraceful shit too, because there are plenty like that , (like my baby sisters piece of shit baby daddy who literally has 17 kids by 16 different women by our last count 3 or 4 years ago, that range from now 3 years old to 7 years old). "White people" aren't the ones who keep bringing up racism and "Give us reparations", or "we want equality and to get everything we want".

Think ill of me if you will. But you told a lot of facts and truths. But just like our public education system. It is all one sided and not a completed diagram of our social issues as a whole. And if you have actually read to the end as I did yours, I implore you to do as I do. Think more about what is going on in our society as a whole in the US. And I would definitely be ok with keeping this conversation going. It's one that can be had. I do not care about race or religion. I care about facts. I do not mind differing opinions, and this conversation is not a politically fueled one either. I believe that demonizing a race or ethnicity, or even a sexuality, is a despicable thing. Good people, equate good people. Dog shit people, equate dog shit people. It doesn't matter who you are. Let's keep this conversation going. And I respect your opinions and your side of things. And you sound like an intelligent person. So I feel like we can have this conversation with nothing but respect on both sides. So, good morning to you. Have some coffee, monster, redbull what ever your choice morning beverage and sustenance may be. And I genuinely hope you have a great day!

[SweetJoyGirl]

This is packed, so if I miss something, please feel free to point it out! 💜🧚🏾‍♀️

“ But here's the thing. The only "African Americans" are the people born in Africa and have American citizenship. Otherwise, they’re just American. I am tired of seeing that shit. Mexican American, Asian American, African American, but yet you say White American and it sounds a hate thing these days as the "white race" has been so demonized in this day and age.”

I don’t agree with the African-American line, because in reality that is not the actual concept.
I do love how you said about disliking the whole Mexican-American, African-American etc. concept. True, if someone said White-American, it would be an issue. Which isn’t fair. So, yea, getting rid of the whole be idea would honestly be the best. I wish we would just go with the label “human”, but that is an unrealistic way of thinking. 🥺

Oh, yea! Most certainly! I know that when some white people came to America, they were not treated as white. They were seen as some degraded race. Which is honestly confusing, but they clearly look white. I forgot which group it was, but there was one that was treated really bad, like animals. I think it was the Irish. I don’t remember Russians being treated badly, tho. That is a new one for me. 🤔

[SweetJoyGirl]

The concept and the idea of braids is in every culture! Tbh, I love Vikings and their braids! It is so pretty, and it debunks the stereotype that only black people should have braids. Now, even though braids are in every culture, it is kind of easy to look at someone braids and put it in a class. For example, African braids are different from the braids of the Scots and the Irish.
African braids are meant to protect the hair, which could be the same for the Scots and the Irish. It is just the style difference, and I think some people just get worked up when someone other than a darker colour try’s to copy African braids. Which tbh, I have not thought about it. I am a very indifferent person in a lot of things.

As for the law, I think the government is just trying to create in inclusivity and peace between the blacks and the whites. Is it doing a good job? Well…only time can tell.
The whole blacks having more scholarships and stuff is because in all honesty, the majority of black people are poor. Way more than the whites. Now, I am not sure on the stats for this, so pardon me if I am wrong. 💜

[SweetJoyGirl]

I just know a lot of African-Americans live in unsafe neighbourhoods (the ghetto), and they get into the drug industry. Why? The drug industry provides them with money to support themselves and families. So, perhaps, you can look at the scholarships or extra support that black people get as a way to pull them out of such situations? Some of them don’t actually want to be in that situation. 💜

Remember in the myTake I mentioned being soft, but not letting anyone step on them. Being silent, but not letting anyone silence them? Well, let us take a look at the whole BLM movement. I think it was a very interesting movement. I like that the movement was started, but I don’t like how violent it got. I mean, Martin Luther King also started a movement and it was peaceful. I am not sure what the need for violence was for in BLM. I am indifferent about that whole movement. What I do have opinion on is the guy that was treated badly, which started the movement. It wasn’t fair to him or his family, and it showed how flawed the system is.
Also, yes, white people are also gunned down by cops, it is just not as common, ya know? Less discrimination on whites than blacks.

Yes, this is a very interesting conversation we should keep going! I respect your opinion and ideas you bring to the table! 💜🧚🏾‍♀️🫧

[BrassRaven]

See... I like you.. you can have a conversation. And most definitely on the concept of different cultures having different types. Realistically that comes down more to the type of hair. Blondes are more wired, red heads and brunettes are more oily and full, black hair (Asian) I don't know much about but I feel like it styles. better than others lol. And of course black peoples hair, is more coarse.

That said. As for the more poor thing. Realistically, it hasn't been that way since AT LEAST 9.11. Growing up I have seen so many more successful black men and women than I was ever told that there were. Like growing up, people made it seem like it wasn't normal for a black family to have a nice house, nice cars, etc without. Being a drug dealer. I have met black cops, bankers, investors, tech designers, engineers. And the list just goes on. But you know what I seen in the worst parts of neighborhoods? Mostly families like mine.. living paycheck to paycheck barely getting by. And most likely not even that. Even now, my wife and I, we had to take on a room mate with us and our two year old daughter in a tiny 2 bedroom apartment that is costing 1400 bucks a month. And for what? Our cars to get broken into, underside getting chopped, people slamming there car doors into ours. All on a brand new car. That my wife was only able to make the down payment for, AFTER TWO AND A HALF YEARS, of driving my old beat up ass pickup, and backing up all of my change and the change people would give me at the gas station I was working at, to pay for the down-payment on a car we can't afford.

[BrassRaven]

There is an old social experiment these guys did. They line up a bunch of people. Both black and white. They tell them they are going to race, but prefaces it giving handicaps or advantages to people who have had certain life experiences. Most of the people in the back at that time that did not get to move forward were black. But realistically it sounded like they took the white guys from a culdisack and the black kids from the hood. Not a diverse selection of each. And I can say that from personal life experiences. I would have been back on the starting line with the black kids. Now I am not saying that is true for everywhere. But if your up for it, I'd like you to look up a song that for me hit home.

King 810-Never going back again

[SweetJoyGirl]

So, we can say the kind of braid depends on the hair type! Braids are universal! 💜🧚🏾‍♀️

I will say that things have gotten a lot better for the black race. Some people just like to keep looking back.

Nah, the economy is just really bad, rn! I am sorry that happened to you! 💜
Our family mechanic told my mother that this is not even the best time to buy a new car. The economy is that bad. Which is affecting everyone regardless of race. 😭

Yea, that line up doesn’t sound diverse at all. That’s not a good experiment. Who would fund that experiment…😭

I am playing the song for the third time. I like how it sounds. It is giving NF vibes. I get what the song is saying, tho. 💜

[BrassRaven]

NF vibes?

[SweetJoyGirl]

Look up “Let you Down” by NF. 💜🧚🏾‍♀️

[KostasKouvalis]

Bravo! BRAVO! That needed to be said! As a White man, I'm so sick and tired of this black nationalist hypocritical bullshit!

I feel stuff like "black owned business" or "black engineer" are almost an insult to black people, because it's making it seem like it's some sensational achievement when a black person because successful, because blacks aren't supposed to be successful. So it's almost as if black people are putting themselves down and don't have faith in themselves.

[SweetJoyGirl]

@KostasKouvalis The 360 attitude you just had is wild. lmao
What are you doing? 😂
Don’t come and sabotage, please. I actually enjoyed this peaceful conversation. With a mutual understanding and respect of opinions. 🧚🏾‍♀️

[BrassRaven]

@KostasKouvalis (sp?). I mean. I get where you're coming from. But I do not think it's about having faith in themselves. But the recognition with how much has happened in the last two hundred years. But I digress, and reiterate. Race just needs to be taken out of the equation.

Here's the thing. I do not quote them as much as I used to, but I think INSANE CLOWN POSSE said it best in the 90s/00s
"FUCK SKIN COLOUR! EVERYBODIES BLUE! now what would all these bigots do?"
Realistically if we took pigmentation out of the conversation we would be a lot more peaceful of a culture as AMERICANS.
Raven Symone actually said it best. She doesn't identify as African America. Because she doesn't know wtf in Africa or any other parts of the world her ancestors are from, and she's never been there. She was born here. She's not African American. She is a proud AMERICA woman.

[SweetJoyGirl]

Here, let me unblock him for you, so you too can talk. He was doing a bit too much. 😅

[SweetJoyGirl]

@KostasKouvalis
You are free to speak, now. Please, keep in mind that is a negative free myTake area. If you do have a problem with that, I could just always block you, again. 💜🧚🏾‍♀️

[BrassRaven]

ALSO! Morgan freeman has a great outlook on so many things in the black community. He does not think black history month is a good thing, and i agree with him and his reasoning. You can not equate someone's culture. and history to a single month. And it's kind of fucked to try. They need more places for that rather than days of the year. For instance here in ohio there is a black historical museum down in Columbus. @SweetJoyGirl. I am glad you and I could have this exchange. It has been refreshingly pleasant. And I can appreciate the conversation!

I could have these types of conversations for days! Lol. And not just about the racial aspects. How about the holidays? That's my favorite thing to tear apart. I am curious, you said your Nigerian? What is the primary culture there? Religion wise?

[SweetJoyGirl]

I never understood the need for Black History Month, tbh. I am honestly indifferent about that one. I just go with the flow of life and the wind. 🧚🏾‍♀️

Me too! Thank you! 💜💜💜

Same same! I love intellectual conversations. The ability to bounce ideas around even if one doesn’t 100% agreed. 💜💜💜

Hmmm…in Nigeria, the country has two main religions. One is Christianity, and the other is Islam. Ahhh…I know in some parts they are at war with each other and one thinks they are better than the other. 😭
My family is Christian, but we have no problems with those who are of the Islamic faith. ^-^

[BrassRaven]

That's good that you do not have issues towards Islam though. Ik the two sects have been warring with each other for... well since the beginning of their fundamentals correct?

[SweetJoyGirl]

Yap! At this point, it is what it is. 😂

[BrassRaven]

I see where your coming from with the ghetto. Realistically though. The ghetto these days aren't even a black thing. I have lived in "the ghetto" slmy whole life. ours is called the bottoms here. We actually have a few here. But none the less.

As far as blm is concerned. I am not saying I disagree with what their initial ideas were. Getting rid of white supremacy and this whole "white power" shit is a must. But what blm has become. is essentially the black communities "proud boys". Sadly I can not say that I was always this mindful. I will openly admit. For a long time growing up. I absolutely HATED black people. (Hold judgement please lol.) Growing up I got jumped incessantly. By a group of black kids. I was one of like 15 white kids in this school. Our principal was even black. (She was a racist bitch as well) I constantly got suspended without even throwing a punch or defending myself. Then got expelled the moment I snapped and beat the brakes off this kid in one of the art rooms. So because of that group, I was seething with rage towards the wrong ideals. When I got a little older I realized how ridiculous it was that I hated black people as a whole because of some assclown kids. I lt wasn't black people I hated. It was those kids. And that principal. I am man enough to admit my faults.

[BrassRaven]

And as far as white American. OH yeah. Don't get me started... dude. Because of the racist shit, I can't even cosplay as my favorite power ranger 😭😭😭😭 JDF FAN THROUGH AND THROUGH. but the moment I grab my power saber and run around with my kid playing and say White power (referring to the MMPR) IM THE ASSHOLE! lol. Realistically Canadians are Americans, Mexicans are Americans. Brazilians. ALL COUNTRIES FROM. NORTH AND SOUTH AMERICA ARE TECHNICALLY AMERICANS! I am really feeling like I'm the only one that sees that at times lol.

[BrassRaven]

And yes, it was the Irish. But Russians were not treated much better. You gotta think. There was a boon of russian immigration during the cold war... EVERYONE hated the Russians. So they were not treated the best

[SweetJoyGirl]

Hahaha
No judgement! I am sorry they jumped you and you were not treated fairly. That sucks! ;-;

I am glad you are very open minded now, tho! 💜💜💜

[menina]

This is a great Take. Thank you for sharing it! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

I'm not from the United States, I don't live in the United States but I'm black so I can relate to some of the things you wrote.

"Their history runs deep and is very painful. I feel for them, I really do. So, a lot of the reason they may act aggressive is due to the fact that they feel unheard, and underappreciated. So, it comes out as aggression, even though some of them don't mean to be." - Exactly. That's what some people don't understand. I totally agree with you.

I admire black people from the United States, I really do. Sure, they're not perfect, they have problems but they're united. I live in a country where black people don't accept that they're black. Many have this fantasy in their minds that they're white. They're racist towards other black people. It's unbelievable, sad and ridiculous!

However, I disagree that black people are everywhere. Unless by "everywhere" you mean in the United States. For instance I highly doubt there are black people in Lithuania, in Montenegro or in Bhutan. I might be wrong, but I'm not imagining black people living in these countries.

It's nice to see a positive note on black people. There's so much hatred against us online and offline so this like a fresh breeze. 🥰

You're absolutely right, we need to appreciate our beauty. Contrary to what racists believe in , WE ARE NOT INFERIOR, WE ARE NOT DUMB, WE ARE NOT WORTHLESS, WE ARE NOT ALL CRIMINALS, WE ARE NOT AGGRESSIVE.

At the end of the day, we are human beings just like everyone else. We deserve to live in peace and contribute to the world like other racial/ethnic groups do. We exist and we will keep existing.

[SweetJoyGirl]

Yes girl!!! 💜
This is the energy I like! 💜

There is a Sociologist who came up with the concept of Black Skin, White Masks. His name is Frantz Fanon. In a small part of his writing, he talks about black people being influenced by the French. The Francophone are light in complexion, we know this. Now, the black people who were influenced by the French wanted to be white, but were not able to. They are reminded that although they can speak French, they are not one hundred percent French.
I remembered his writing, when I read what you said…

“ I admire black people from the United States, I really do. Sure, they're not perfect, they have problems but they're united. I live in a country where black people don't accept that they're black. Many have this fantasy in their minds that they're white. They're racist towards other black people. It's unbelievable, sad and ridiculous!”

Yea, some countries may not have black people. If there are any, you can probably count them. 😭😂

I agree! 💜🧚🏾‍♀️🫧

[menina]

Thank you! I also like to see the energy you had on this post. 💙

I think I've heard about the concept you're describing. It's exactly what happens where I live. Thanks for the tip, I might look for his books.

I'm glad you agree with me. 💙

[SweetJoyGirl]

💜💜💜

[menina]

Thank you for the MHO. 😊

[SweetJoyGirl]

You are quite welcome! 💜🧚🏾‍♀️

[menina]

🥰🥰

[Lliam]

When I was eleven and got my first guitar, my dad worked as a top machinist for a major aerospace manufacturer. He worked with an engineer who offered to come over and give me some lessons.

This was in 1965. The Civil Rights Act had just passed a year earlier. The Watts Riots were taking place, motivated by anger at the racist and abusive practices of the Los Angeles Police Department, as well as grievances over employment discrimination, residential segregation, and poverty in L. A.

When the guy arrived at our house, I was blown away. He was a tall, slender black man with a cool goatee. As it turned out, he didn't just know how to play guitar. He was a master flamenco guitarist and had traveled to Spain twice to study. I assume he could probably play jazz like a fiend or play just about any style.

He was soft-spoken, patient, kind, and more sophisticated than my parents.

I had no racist thoughts at the time, but I had never met a back man. I came to admire him greatly and realized that black people were equal to anybody.

Keep in mind that he had become an aerospace engineer and master guitarist, and traveled to other countries, all while growing up during segregation. He didn't have any chip on his shoulder.

I don't know if he realized it, but, for me, he was an ambassador from the black community. He set the best example of any man. I could never be racist after meeting him.

I went on to support the ongoing civil rights struggle. When integration took place, I became friends with some black kids in high school and later at various jobs.

I worked in the L. A. area as a vehicle damage field adjuster/appraiser from 1980 to 2000, went to many black-owned businesses and black people's homes. I looked at them like anyone else. As far as I was concerned, we were the same. And I never had any problems, even in the worst parts of town.

At that company, I had many black co-workers. Quite a few were in management and executive positions. They were more educated than I and were super nice. I was good friends with lots of black co-workers of both genders. I went out with one super cool lady a few times.

The only thing that I noticed with many black people I encountered was 1) a concealed air of distrust and possible resentment or antipathy toward whites and 2) a cultural difference that had developed over the 100 years of forced segregation.
Keep in mind that this was barely 15 to 35 years after the official end of segregation and most of the people I met had lived during that horrific period.

After segregation ended, though, I saw constant improvement in race relations and equal treatment of blacks. They were on TV and movies; black music became widey popular; schools and businesses were integrated; neighborhoods became integrated; mixed race romances and marriages became common; ...
The American people even overwhelmingly voted for a black president.
I thought things would continue to improve.

But things changed during Obama's administration. The Democratic party began using race as a political weapon, cynically stereotyping Republicans and conservatives as racist.

I always had 1960s-70's liberal values. But I don't know any conservatives who are racist. Most are ardently anti-racist.

Then they began supporting BLM violence and pushing Critical Race Theory in schools.

I fully support of teaching a history of America that is more honest, balanced and nuanced than the traditional versions. But critical race and the 1619 project seem to be focused on white guilt and promote resentment and racism toward "white" people. It is not a unifying ideology.

The media constantly talks about race, as well, mentioning "black" or "white" people in the news; focusing on crimes against blacks by whites, but not talking about black on back crime. Acting like racism is still rampant.

[SweetJoyGirl]

Wow! This was a very interesting read! I like your like your outlook on the whole situation! 💜🧚🏾‍♀️

[Lliam]

The Democratic party's divisive tactics ignore its own history of racism. Its attempts to pander to blacks is cynical, dishonest, hypocritical, and self-serving. And the way it blames the rise of racism in American on Trump and those who support him is patently false. However, it has caused an understandable backlash that only feeds into the reemergence of racism by certain types of individuals - black, white, liberal and conservative.

The messaging is deliberately divisive. We're not living in the 1960s anymore. Why were my guitar teacher and co-workers so normal and so many black people today, who never experienced segregation, are so focused on race? I think it is because they are being taught to be racist.

Because of the constant talk about "racism" by Democrats and mainstream media, it's on everyone's minds, even where it doesn't exist. Now people call negativity toward different ethnicities racism even when those ethnicities are the same race.

Race, itself is an antiquated notion that has been rejected by science.
Research indicates that the concept of “five races” does, to an extent, describe the way human populations are distributed among the continents—but the lines between races are much more blurred. There is a wide variation of people whose ancestry is European. The same with the large continents of Africa and Asia. And there is lot of intermixing. So where are the lines drawn?
Why should "race" have any importance at all?

[SweetJoyGirl]

I am sorry, I try to stay away from politics. It is a very toxic area. 😭😭😭
But I will agree that we do need to stop focusing on race, now. 💜

[BrassRaven]

I am glad you had that experience with a good advocate from another ethnicity. Sadly a bad example can ruin that for people. And I did not have that until highschool when I ended up having an awesome, older black man as a art teacher. And I mean this dude was OLD SCHOOL.. martial arts, street gang type shit. But turned it around. Worked as a C. O voluntarily at a facility for minors. . M. A instructor and her honestly kept me out of some. seriously big issues. He is part of the reason my mentality changed.

[KostasKouvalis]

Excuses, excuses. Are you saying the media is making up stories about black people? They aren't reporting what's actually happening?

LOL. I love how of all the potential reasons, your biggest criticism of black Americans is that they're too loud. Also, Nigerians have one of the worst reputations in the world so they shouldn't be talking. There was a Nigerian eye doctor in my town (I used to go to him), he hired a bunch of Mexicans to do some work on his vacation house then never paid them. So maybe take a look at your own people first before criticizing American blacks.

Of course the incarceration rate is lower if the Democrats are no longer punishing criminals.

Awwwwwww, boo hoo! Like natives never "stole" land from other natives. Maybe if they'd figured out how to make gun powder instead of making bows and arrows, they'd still have their land.

We stole pride from a different group? Laughing my ass off! We had an empire stretching around the entire Mediterranean and covering half of Europe, and we were building grand cities and buildings, establishing universities and making innovations in medicine, science, technology, trade and exploration, while blacks and indigenous were living in their little bubble hunting with primitive tools. I can give the Native Americans credit for establishing some pretty advanced cities and societies, but they were still nowhere close to being as advanced or civilized as White people. And black people, even less! They barely achieved anything and only started having mass influence on the world after the slave trade. Their influence was restricted to Africa. They never sailed, engaged in large scale trade or invented anything that changed the world. Literally if black people never existed, world history would look almost exactly the same. You think the people who built the Roman Empire and Venice needed black people to build America? Absolutely not! Only reason they used slaves is because they felt they were too good for manual labor.

Oh can you deny THAT truth?

[SweetJoyGirl]

Hmmm…I am getting childish vibes from your post. Not giving the energy it should be giving. Why not just be normal and have a conversation?
I never said Nigerians are better. It makes me think you actually didn’t read the post. You just picked and chose. Well, that is ok.
Thank you for stopping by! Have a blessed day! 💜🧚🏾‍♀️

[KostasKouvalis]

Sounds like someone is triggered

[RebelinSteel]

I rarely read My Takes on here, as a lot are really rubbish, however I noticed that @exitseven had commented and was intrigued. As someone from the UK, I understand racism, especially from the Police, I don’t experience it but have friends that grew up living and breathing it. The bit I don’t get is the way it is such a large thing in the US, I would have thought by now in 2024, a lot of this would be consigned to history, however it is a very constant theme on GaG, so much so the only people that seem to mention colour of a persons skin are US members.

I would not even think of commenting on a persons skin colour or even their ethnicity, a person is how they are, act, interact with others and not their skin colour. One thing I do know as I mentioned this on a skin colour question, was how WW2 and the UK treatment of US black service people (guys and girls) and how it really pissed off the US forces.

So for me it’s a good My Take even though I had to google some of it.

[SweetJoyGirl]

Thank you! 💜💜💜

Yea, ikr! I made the myTake, because someone had a question regarding her skin colour.
An anon said that it was God’s way of punishing her. Like what…

I wish I could say it is not as huge as people make it sound in the US, but it is. We need to stop that, and just look forward. Like everyone just needs to look forward and to the future. We should all just love each other regardless of skin tone. 💜

Thank you for sharing your opinion! 💜🧚🏾‍♀️🫧

[exitseven]

@RebelinSteel. I work at an urban college. A lot of kids come from the inner city both black and white. When I first started working there in 2002 the black kids and the white kids all sat together in the cafeteria. Fast forward about ten years and the black kids sit on one side and the white kids sit on the other. I don't know exactly what caused this but we are going backwards. Somebody did a survey asking how many black men are killed by police a year. Most people thought it was in the thousands. The real answer is eleven. i don't know what caused that either.

[SweetJoyGirl]

@exitseven Societal mindset, perhaps. The media feeding the negativity, perhaps. 🤔

[RebelinSteel]

@SweetJoyGirl this is how we viewed the colour side of things back in the 1940’s

mixedmuseum.org.uk/.../

Extract The British general public initially greeted the Black GIs with enthusiasm. Reports from the Home Intelligence Unit (set up in November 1939 to monitor British morale) frequently mentioned people’s appreciation of ‘the extremely pleasing manners of the coloured troops.’ As writer George Orwell expressed it:

The general consensus of opinion appears to be that the only American soldiers with decent manners are the N*******.

Many may have agreed with the response of a West Country farmer when asked about the GIs: ‘I love the Americans, but I don’t like those white ones that they have brought with them.’ White GIs in contrast were often thought brash, boastful and rude, although all the GIs were commended for their generosity.

[SweetJoyGirl]

Wow!
According to what you sent, does this mean that racism in the U. K. is not as bad as in the US, if at all there is any? 🤔

[exitseven]

When I was in basic training in Texas there were several black kids in my flight. (A flight is a group of about 30 guys that train together as a group). One of them became my best friend. He was a helicopter pilot in the Marines before he wanted to join the Air Force and fly jets. He was the best guy i ever met. There were also a lot of guys who were racist. They would not associate with the black cadets and they also had it in for me because of who I partnered with. I was sort of startled at their attitude but this was many years ago. Today I probably would not think twice about it because I guess things have really gotten worse over the last 20 years.

[RebelinSteel]

@SweetJoyGirl oh there is racism, at times a lot, however it’s mainly from specific areas, for example my mate was driving his car and me mine, he gets stopped far more than me, he ain’t white, however same make car.
However we don’t seem to be that concerned or bother as much about it in the general public.
But short version is yes it exists here but not as a huge thing it is in the US.

[SweetJoyGirl]

@exitseven Dang…🫠

[SweetJoyGirl]

@RebelinSteel Oooooh, ok! That makes sense. 🤔

[BrassRaven]

I was not aware that racial inequality from the police was a prominent occurrence in the U. K. I have dated two different girls from the U. K in my life and neither had ever mentioned it. I mean other than her brother who was in the military. Something about he REALLY DID NOT LIKE IRISHMEN. But is that racist? He was white... so white on ginger hate? Lol I don't know. But I agree and disagree with your take on mentioning someone's ethnicity. I would not want to mention it in a negative light. BUT! I am always interested in learning about different cultures and countries. As I'll probably never be able to go anywhere I want to go. Even when I was an ignorant p. o. s kid I was always interested in different cultures. Especially Asian culture. And I loved learning a bit about the Romani as well. So I do agree, and disagree with that statement. But not for the reason it would sound! I only disagree in the interested of educational perspectives..

[Joshydavid25]

"So, a lot of the reason they may act aggressive is due to the fact that they feel unheard, and underappreciated."

This is a good take, even though I pretty much disagree with the premise, but I do agree that a lot of "Black" people just misbehave and are anti-social (actually anti-social).. But I don't agree that it's due to being unheard, and underappreciated.. It's because we celebrate degeneracy.. Most "Black" people are normal people but, we excuse the terrible behavior of the hood dwellers..

We hate their behavior, while vilifying the "non- Black" people who also hate it and would rather avoid us altogether.. Many "White" and other "Non- Black" people are more cautious around us than anything.. Hell, even "Black" people from the hood are more cautious around each other.. "Black" people recognize the problem, but many would rather scoff at "White" people..

If you look at history the same thing happened with the Irish and the Southern British people.. They were seen as rowdy, rough people.. People would have rather had "Black" people around than the Irish, since they were so nasty, and rough.. It's the same with "Black" people..

[SweetJoyGirl]

This too makes sense and could be a good add on to the myTake. 🤔

[Joshydavid25]

Of course, if you wanna add it..

[SweetJoyGirl]

💜💜💜

[exitseven]

Glad you are back. We do not interact much but this was a good MyTake. I actually read the whole thing through. I agree with what you say but it is hard to divorce yourself from racism if you have a government that separates people by race and then gives benefits to one race at the expense of another. this has been going on since tho 60s and the quality of life for most black people has not improved. If anything it has gotten worse in some places.

[SweetJoyGirl]

Thank you! 💜
I am glad you read it all and understood! 💜💜💜
Yes, I agree it is hard for people to divorce themselves from the concept of racism, due to how the government does things. So, would you say the government should make ALL things equal, regardless of race? Would that help to move forward, and cause people not to look back? 🤔

[exitseven]

Yes, equality , not equity. Equity is the polar opposite of equality. i used to work in state government and I was an IT manager a d had 7 technicians that worked for me. I had to hire new technicians every time one of my guys found a better job. I was actually told by HR that if I had a minority candidate that was qualified I had to hire them It did not matter if there was a better candidate that was not a minority that would have done a better job. They also made it very difficult to get rid of them. I hired a black woman who had a terrible attitude. She would not do what she was supposed to do and would complain to HR that she was being singled out because she was black. Finally she got really stupid one day and swore at me in front of some of the other tech. Then I was finally able to fire her.

[SweetJoyGirl]

Ahhhh…see that’s where the fine line comes in. I think they do the whole equity thing, because they feel like white people will discriminate black people. Which, we can’t lie, it is true.
So, it is all about the mindset. Changing the mindset to where no one sees colour, but rather peoples skills!
It is a very unrealistic concept/idea, but I wish it could be possible. 🫠

[findacure4wokeness]

All most every white person I know has had to deal with being singled out by multiple hateful tribalistic blacks at least once in their lives. Many blacks I've met enjoy trying to stand over, intimidate and even gang beat us, But then they wonder why we don't want to live with them. It shouldn't come as a surprise to you really if you have ever tried to think about it for a moment.

[SweetJoyGirl]

Yea, I noticed that. Nothing wrong with standing out. I think there is something wrong in stand out in the wrong way, tho. Their aggression comes from a place of feeling unheard and trying to make a claim. All that can still be done with gentleness, and it may have more affect on creating a change. 💜

Thank you for sharing your opinion! 💜🧚🏾‍♀️🫧

[Dargil]

When we stop talking about racism, racial bias or bigotry, that kind of thing then The narrative will go away. That is what we should be doing and in that case Morgan Freeman is Right.

[SweetJoyGirl]

Agreed!

[strateguy632]

i guess in london they are African British?

but seriously, pandering is also ugly.

bringing god into this topic is odd, which god said they prefer any color?

you didn't bring any god about your title.

skin color is genetic, not a god intervention. and "catch n release" means not in prison but doesn't show if crime is more or less.

[SweetJoyGirl]

Please, read the beginning of the myTake. Thank you and have a blessed day! 💜🧚🏾‍♀️

[ChicoFromThe305]

I only missed bragging about how bad you are at trying to hit me cause you are just terrible at it 😌

[SweetJoyGirl]

I never miss! 😏

[ChicoFromThe305]

Way to lie to all your followers pff smh

[SweetJoyGirl]

*shhhhh* >-<

[ChicoFromThe305]

Cause red handed smh shame... on... you 👉🏽

[ChicoFromThe305]

Caught*

[SweetJoyGirl]

Chris, accept defeat. 😌

[ChicoFromThe305]

I think you mean dafeet, cause I've accepted it a long time ago that I have da foot that will stomp on you giving me victory *mic drop* 🎤

[SweetJoyGirl]

LMAOOOOO
I am laughing so hard. Dang, that was good. LOL 😂😂😂

[ChicoFromThe305]

Please please, no autographs 😎

[SweetJoyGirl]

LMAOOO 😭😂

[ChicoFromThe305]

Lol.

[Bklynbadboy12]

I don't agree with this post and it's post like this that the problem with black people and it's sad that you can't see it. This is yet something else made to divide us. Smh

[SweetJoyGirl]

I see you didn’t read it all! It is ok, tho! Thank you for stopping by! Have a blessed day! 💜🧚🏾‍♀️🫧

[Anonymous]

Lol skipped through this rubbish, one of the worst and inaccurate MyTakes i have come across. This is just racism towards non blacks, and you are so wrong in your title.

[SweetJoyGirl]

Oh, I am sorry. Seems like you didn’t read the whole myTake. Thank you for stopping by, tho! Have a blessed day! 💜🧚🏾‍♀️🫧

[MysticDevice]

Someone's been watching Nagatoro.

[SweetJoyGirl]

I like the anime! 🥹🥹🥹

[MysticDevice]

Nothin wrong with that, I dabble in the Japanese entertainment as well

[SweetJoyGirl]

Good good 😌

[swettannie]

black is best color !

[BrassRaven]

TECHNICALLY, black is the absence of all color. Lol

[Emmytexrex]

Yh I totally agree

[mayurr]

🖤🖤