On Being Black

I was asked some very thought-filled questions yesterday. It's nice knowing that in blog land, there is a place where we can question, answer and just be ourselves. So with....here goes!!

****Do you prefer, woman of color, black, or African American?
I don't make an issue of how I'm referred. I call myself either Black or African American. When I was a kid, I couldn't understand why we were called Black because frankly, anyone can see that I'm brown. I don't necessarily like the term woman of color because being the artistic person that I am, I envision a woman with various color (sorta like a crayon box) walking around. Frankly, we're all women of color unless you know of anyone that is clear.

****Even though we elected the first black president, do you feel prejudice is alive and well in the US?
I believe racism will always exist in some form. My hope is that with having a Black president, there will be more of an understanding and respect of Black people. The stereotypes contribute to the misconceptions of Black people. I can't tell you how many times I've had people comment that I "talk white" or that I'm "very articulate". It's almost as if there is a sense of shock that "we" don't all speak the same. I was raised with the awareness that not everyone would be accepting of me because of the color of my skin but they don't determine who I am or who I will be. I am tickled to death to see Barack and Michelle's little girls growing up in the White House. Just seeing that brings a smile on my face to know that years and years ago, that wouldn't have been a possibility. So, I believe that as a result of his Presidency, there is an awakening and acceptance happening.

How close are we to being judged by the content of our charactor as opposed to the color of skin?
****I hope we're very close. Years ago, as I was getting ready to enter into a book store, a White lady tripped over the parking block and fell. I rushed to help her up and find out if she was okay. Her son basically called me the N word and told me not to touch her. I walked away with tears in my eyes. It hurt to the core because a part of me is to help and reach out. I never imagined that the color of my skin would be a reason to deny me the opportunity to help. But, that was then and this is now and we can only continue to look for ways to make it better for our kids and their futures.

****Do you feel you have been treated in the work force on a level playing field?
I have been blessed to work at a huge variety of jobs. I have dealt with racism at two of the places of employment. The last job was at an elementary school, as a secretary/office manager. The town that I worked was very racist and non-accepting. I always felt like I was being forced out of the position. That soon became true when money turned up missing from the safe and the first person that was accused was me. Weeks later, the money was found in a cupboard, randomly placed there. Not once was I given an apology. My character was slammed and I couldn't walk in the office without feeling like I didn't belong. After I quit there, I felt a huge sense of relief.

****I heard that black people prefer other blacks with lighter skin.. urban legend?
It's sad but true in some cases. I have dated guys of various shades. It just so happens that my Boo is very fair skinned with green eyes. But, my dad was also mistaken as white because he was very fair skinned with hazel eyes. Yet, my mom is a darker shade of brown and gorgeous!

My ex's mom was totally against him marrying anyone dark because she didn't want "dark" grandbabies. It was sickening to hear her go on and on about how "light" my daughters were when they were born. But, for her, she was brought up to believe that the lighter you were, the more advantages were given. That belief has changed quite a bit. Yes, there is still Black on black racism, in regards to the shade of our skin but there is more appreciation for the beauty and hues that we are. We are like a huge crayon box filled with different hues of brown. I love it!

I will answer more questions tomorrow so feel free to ask any more that you may have.