Let me fill in a couple of blanks for you, this lovely couple is from Italy...both of them born over there. I am African American...as far as I know. That is the dilemma 'as far as I know'. I want to be clear the question was not in anyway out of line or rude, not in anyway. However the question struck me as quite odd because to me it's obvious that I'm African American. I have a very dark complexion and have course curly hair, that makes me African American right?
So my response to the question "Where are you from?" is "I'm African American"..."but where are you from?" they asked again, to which I replied "Africa". In my mind I felt uncomfortable because the fact of the matter is I don't REALLY know where I am from. This is a problem that is quite unique here in America.
ALMOST everyone here in America knows where they are from. Italian, Irish, Albanian, French, Puerto Rican, Mexican, etc. I think the couple I was dining with assumed that I, like them, and most Americans, knew exactly where my heritage came from. They were asking an innocent question. The problem is that I and almost all African Americans have no idea what country we are from. Most of us say we're African American only because of the color of our skin and not because we have any idea whatsoever where our country of origin is.
I think that most "black folks" generally don't think about it. As for me when I do...it hurts. The legacy of America's 'Original Sin', the institution of slavery, is countless people with no roots. Countless people who can only feel in a superficial way any ethnic pride. Countless people who have a wonderful, colorful, and rich history that is beyond their reach.
Slavery has long since been abolished so why do many African Americans still have a chip on their shoulder? Maybe...just maybe because when somebody asks us "Where are you from?' we don't have a good answer. Perhaps you can understand why that makes me sad.
Stay Fly and Fly High!
KLH
2 comments:
I hear you, and as much as I can I understand your sadness. I hope for a day when we all look one layer deeper and see that we really all come from the very same place. I'm looking forward to the day when we all feel the same sense of belonging and remember our divine roots.
The answers are varied to the question, "where are you from?", but I hope we can all agree on the answer to "where are you going?"
Thanks for your thought-provoking statements. You are the king of keeping it stirred up. (that's meant as a compliment in this case!)
Slavery has long time been abolished. America is a great place where all people (regardless of their origin or race) have the same rights. I hate it when I hear racist remarks from any one. But I have to say…. the younger generation of African-American people need to get it together and should stop using the phrase “Is it because I am black?” even if it does not even apply. As far as the older generation …..I have to say I love them. They are pleasure to talk to, nice and mellow. You are one of them Ken…( luv u)
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