Ms.CuriousCat
All Star
I've had a problem with the "black" label previously, it just seemed very dismissive of heritage but I shrugged it off and carried on.
But over this past weekend I have come to the conclusion that continued classification using this word, amongst other things, wilfully diminishes African sense of worth and self.
If you don't believe me do this:
You need one other person.
You will look into the distance then say these 3 words, loudly and like you mean it, you will put your arm out to the side parallel to the floor (dumbbell not necessary :p)
So say these words: "Strong. Powerful. Firm" say it loud like you mean it. Keep looking ahead and let the other person try to push your arm down while you resist.
Now do this, say the words with just as much strength and conviction, repeat it loud: "Weak. Miserable. Poor". Now let them try to push your arm down.
It will go down, you won't be able to resist their force. Trust me, if you don't believe me, try it. But before you do, remember not to leave it at that, repeat the Strong. Powerful. Firm. Never ever leave anyone in the weak position.
But that makes my point. Why oh Why, would we be classified as "black". Black by definition is the unknown, the dangerous, the dirty, the evil, it is language, it is linked with out emotion, it's natural even to use that word to mean those things.
We are African or of African descent. It is offensive to classify an entire people on a colour that creates and has the connotation of such negativity. It shouts at us constantly: Weak. Miserable. Poor.
From now and until I die I will tick "Other" and be what I have always been, African.
But over this past weekend I have come to the conclusion that continued classification using this word, amongst other things, wilfully diminishes African sense of worth and self.
If you don't believe me do this:
You need one other person.
You will look into the distance then say these 3 words, loudly and like you mean it, you will put your arm out to the side parallel to the floor (dumbbell not necessary :p)
So say these words: "Strong. Powerful. Firm" say it loud like you mean it. Keep looking ahead and let the other person try to push your arm down while you resist.
Now do this, say the words with just as much strength and conviction, repeat it loud: "Weak. Miserable. Poor". Now let them try to push your arm down.
It will go down, you won't be able to resist their force. Trust me, if you don't believe me, try it. But before you do, remember not to leave it at that, repeat the Strong. Powerful. Firm. Never ever leave anyone in the weak position.
But that makes my point. Why oh Why, would we be classified as "black". Black by definition is the unknown, the dangerous, the dirty, the evil, it is language, it is linked with out emotion, it's natural even to use that word to mean those things.
We are African or of African descent. It is offensive to classify an entire people on a colour that creates and has the connotation of such negativity. It shouts at us constantly: Weak. Miserable. Poor.
From now and until I die I will tick "Other" and be what I have always been, African.
of your arm growing weak without your permission, take a moment and then tell me the conclusion you've reached. 
