Joined: 27 Nov 2004 {Posts: 168 } Location: Mid-Atlantic States; USA
Posted: Tue 15 May 2007 13:56 Post subject: Multiracialism, Mixed Ethnicity, and Racism Against Blacks?
I have decided to post this again. I have thought on this for many hours,
and I have decided that maybe my humble and often inadequate words
may hold in them some value for you, after all. So with this in mind, I
have tried to humbly put them back up again, on this forum for you.
My dear friends; nieces, nephews, and cousins; I think I may be at
least half way right about some of these things I've learned in life;
often the hard way (sigh)? You are each decent and worthy (we older
ones among you are so proud of you), and I want to share with you,
any usefulness my humble words may contain? I hope you'll find
something in them that is of some use?
I think every ethnic group is given a chance to create an image
for itself. And then the stereotypes will follow. Those stereotypes
will become like solid rock, passed on for centuries and centuries
into the future. And all the whinning and scholarly debating in the
world won't change those stereotypes.
*grin*
Today Creator is giving both the Multiracial people and the many
new types of Mixed Ethnic people of America a brand new chance.
America is watching. The entire world is watching. And they will form
their opinions. These opinions will be cast in stone and passed on
for generations to come. They will be lasting.
We of Mixed Race and/or Ethnicity have been blessed to come
from varied Ethnic backgrounds. Some of those Ethnicities are
highly thought of in America and in the world, others of them
are seen as untouchables and will have to struggle forever more
to undo these often unfair stereotypes now associated with their
Ethnicity.
Our beautiful African American cousins were called Coloreds, and
Negros, and Blacks; and now African American and Black American.
With each name change came a new chance to build a new image
for the world to see. Many of them did not see the vital importance
of not wasting this chance. When the chance is wasted, future
generations must pay and pay and pay. Almost everytime I have
ever mentioned this to an African American, my words have been
laughed at and dismissed. Almost every time, without fail. This
breaks my heart, because the African American people are
dear to me, and always will be.
I am now saying this both to our Multiracial people and to our many
new and beautifully varied types of Mixed Ethnic people. Today, this
is your chance. Be careful what Ethnic behavior you adopt, because
the World is often unforgiving; and we and our future generations
will face an almost insurmountable uphill battle to overcome the
stereotypes now being associated with us, because of our own
behavior. But the choice is yours. I am old and I am tired, and I will
respect your choice. My prayers are with you and with the people.
I wish you the very best, always. I do care deeply.
We are blessed to be of varied Ethnic background. It will be wise
if we take the best behavior from each, and if we have the strength
to stand up against any behavior that will ruin this chance Creator
is now giving us to establish a good positive image and stereotypes
that will follow us and our children for centuries to come. To every
people, Creator sends warnings and reminders. The rest is up to
them. My prayers and thoughts are for the people. My respect
and warmest regards for each of us, and for all of our loved ones.
Before I shut my computer (smile), let me add this. I may be wrong but
it seems to me that maybe a slight majority of our active members on
this site are Self-Identified Black Americans (African Americans), and
not Self-Identified Multiracials or Self-Identified Mixed Ethnics at all. If
so, I equally admire your fine choice, and to you I respectfully say this.
Sadly, your situation is so much more difficult than that being faced by
we Self-Identified Multiracials and Mixed Ethnics, because your Ethnic
group's stereotypes have already been formed. People the world over
are almost surely convinced that they know you, and their opinion of
you & your Ethnic group may not be the most favorable in the world.
However, this too can be turned into a blessing (big smile). It can be
turned into something that can end up giving you many wonderful
advantages. Creator is always good, and always caring. Be happy.
Since the world in general, and the USA in particular, don't expect much
from you and your ethnic group; almost anything you do and do well,
astonishes the world. Just be good at what you do, and the world will
be amazed and push you up, up, up. Why? Because they didn't expect
much from you, and they'll reward you handsomely for your efforts. Folks
know Black Americans have it hard. Folks know the odds against you.
People just pretend they don't know, but almost everyone knows. And
when you give it your very best, and finally overcome all the almost
insurmountable hurdles our nation and the world seem to keep putting
in you path; the world in general & our nation in particular will stand
and applaud you; and honor you greatly. That's the way it works.
Never lose hope. Life is good. There's always a way.
Nieces, nephews, and cousins; friends; my respect and good thoughts for
each of you & all of your loved ones; regardless of your race, color, creed,
gender, size, age, or national origin. My prayers are with you and I wish
you continued success in all you endeavor to do. Enjoy & live well.
*heehee*
What a wonderfully promising future you have ahead of you. Be you
Multiracial, Mixed Ethnic, African American, and/or Latino or any other
of our world's many equally beautiful Ethnicities; do your people proud;
do your people proud. It is your sacred duty to the people and to your
ancestors to do your people proud. And you are already doing so. We
older ones among you are so very proud of each of you. We and your
ancestors are grateful for your noble efforts. So far, you are doing
amazingly well. You are a gift and a blessing to your people, and
to us all.
That's my story (hahaha), and I'm sticking with it. That's a wrap.
Posted: Thu 24 May 2007 17:44 Post subject: Re: LeoSpryCat
Thank you, Leo...that was truly moving and inspirational!
Those were words of positivity that help me to know that I'm not alone in the movement. The fact is that all of us are here for a reason...to share our experiences, to belong to a community of others like ourselves, to learn from one another, to make our voices heard, to fight for change.
Identity is more than phenotype. It is about culture and environment. I'm slowly coming into my own when it comes to self-identification after years of being forced to choose. And it feels wonderful to have options in a world of uncertainty. Thanks again!
Joined: 27 Nov 2004 {Posts: 168 } Location: Mid-Atlantic States; USA
Posted: Fri 25 May 2007 17:02 Post subject: Re: LeoSpryCat
pianoplayer111 wrote:
Thank you, Leo...that was truly moving and inspirational!
Those were words of positivity that help me to know that I'm not alone in the movement. The fact is that all of us are here for a reason...to share our experiences, to belong to a community of others like ourselves, to learn from one another, to make our voices heard, to fight for change.
Identity is more than phenotype. It is about culture and environment. I'm slowly coming into my own when it comes to self-identification after years of being forced to choose. And it feels wonderful to have options in a world of uncertainty. Thanks again!
Ms. Pianoplayer (great big smile), you're quite welcome.
By the way, it was Mr. Frank W. Sweet's idea that these
words of mine should be placed here in a separate thread
where they could do more good. I'm grateful for his decision.
Niece, your touching words prove the value of this website.
Ma'am, thanks again, and may all your dreams come true.
'
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