The stereotypical image of the American Black Male

A question about the stereotypical image of the American Black Male and women who love them.

Are there really women that are attracted to the stereotypical black man? If so, do they think that all black men should be perceived as the image of rappers, drug dealers, and the image of Black folk presented on television networks such as BET. What I mean by the stereotypical black man is as follows: a man with cornrows, gold teeth and excessive jewelry, a menacing demeanor, Timberland boots, baggy jeans, and an over sized t-shirt.

I know that there are people that dress like this, but they are brilliant people who are pleasant to be around. I know many. But in some minds the image of the non-Black man of the black man is of the nature I previously stated.
There is still racism in America. We all know this. And Black men aren't the only targets. There are a plethora of races of people who are being persecuted for being born the way they are. This is wrong. I feel that racism has no place in this world.

But my question is are there women who seek the stereotypical black man, and think that all black men are like this? What are your thoughts?
Don't you think its time to subvert the dominant paradigm of Black men?

 

Well first...that would not be what I think of when I think of a black man. So I guess for me in my world the "stereotypical black man" is nothing like what you described. Maybe my being 43 has something to do with this, I don't know.

Obviously there are those who go for the stereotype that you are referring to.

Personally, while that certainly would NOT be my preference...I don't really have any problem with those who act out in this way IF and WHEN they are not harming others. We could argue that by simply doing what they are doing and looking the way they are looking they are harming others by bringing negativity on the black race. I mean if it's a matter of that this is what they like and it truly represents them...hey whatever. (talking more about manner of dress, talk etc)

I think this sortof goes back to the idea of if athletes are role models or not.

But for me, as far back as I can remember...when someone has mentioned a black man that is NOT the image that comes to my mind.

Because there are a few who have bought into the stereotype as being how it is...doesn't mean that's the case.

Back to your question...of course there are women who seek that. There are women who seek all sorts of things. Stupidity is everywhere.

 

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Ive seen your posts in other threads, and I was intelligent enough to deduce that you were a woman. An interesting woman, but a woman nonetheless.

 

Thanks. I know - it wasn't you that sent it. I thought I had changed the message after she sent me the email and I let her know...but it didn't edit through.

 

I don't get to see the kind of black men you described because I don't live in or go to the hood. The kind of black man I see most often is a middle-aged black man in regular clothes with his wife and kids at the diner on Sunday afternoon.

 

When I used to read things about certain stereotypes I used to think well maybe it's the area or something. And maybe it really is. But I know I've been to the LA area several times this year (no not the hood though) and I really didn't see any one fitting the description. I live in a big college town and I don't see much of it either.

Most black men I see are either nicely casually dressed or in business attire. Even most of the black college students and high school students aren't running around looking like the OP described.

I asked my 19 and 16 year old about this and they said yah you see a bit of it in the mall but that's not the norm and most laugh at that.

 

Sounds like somebody it's best to stay the hell away from.

 

The only man I have ever dated that fits that "rapper/thuggish image" is in prison for robbery though.
I learned my lesson quick.He was the only guy of that type I have ever dated.
They don't really attract me...

 

I already know I'm not the typical black male. I can't dance, and I don't even have an ounce of athleticism. I don't dress or act like a thug, I'm just normal and I always have been. I used to have cornrows but I only cut them off because my hair-line was slowly running from my forehead.

 

Heh. My boyfriend keeps a few stereotypes alive and well. He doesn't have any damn gold in his mouth, though, and I told him I'm -really- not attracted to that, so if he decides to do it he better get a removable grill he can take out whenever he's around me. I don't like it. It looks weird, like those guys have discolored teeth. Might as well get funky wooden teeth like George Washington instead, it'd probably look better. I don't mind it on rappers, though, cause rappers, just like musicians of any genre, aren't real people anymore. They're musicians, and musicians are in a world all their own.

There's nothing wrong with Tims, or baggy jeans and t-shirts. Everyone has their own style, and sometimes it happens to be stereotypical. You could be a nerd and wear suspenders and a fucking pocket protector. That's a stereotype, but I don't really think it makes said nerd less of a person for keeping the stereotype alive. Maybe that's just how he feels more natural. I like my boy's style. It looks good on him, and he doesn't take it to extremes. The only jewelry he wears is a gold medallion on a nice, short chain, which is more for sentimental value than adornment. He had his ears pierced, but he never bothers wearing earrings so I think they've either grown up or are about to.

He's also stereotypical because he listens to hip-hop, he can dance, he loves fried chicken and watermelon, and he used to do some things that weren't very nice when he was a teenager. But that was nearly 10 years ago, and though he may not have a very good job he works hard so he doesn't have to fall into that shit. A man willing to work 80 hours a week and doesn't take the easy route to make some quick cash earns a lot of respect in my book, because I've seen too many people fall into that trap. He's a good guy, and I love him regardless of how many stereotypes he happens to be.

Maybe I'm stupid, but I just feel that people are more than stereotypes. That's when it really starts hurting people, is when stereotypes become so ingrained in us that we start believing that's all there is to a person. But I guess that also goes to my belief that one thing doesn't define a person, stereotype or not. One thing can't. We all have too many facets to us, even the shallowest of souls are still a mix of different things. Personality's are crazy varied.

But eh. I don't think I'm stupid, but I know I'm weird, and I certainly know I'm way more sympathetic and empathetic than the average person. Everything is so black and white to most people, but I see too many gray areas to make many judgment calls unless someone personally hurts me or someone I love. Except for a few things, of course.

But as for the original topic...I don't specifically seek out any type of man, even though I have a strong attraction to black men. I try to avoid those who would harm me or make me feel like they would, or if I feel like they're going to land me in a situation that'll put me in danger or at risk to be arrested, but as long as they keep it legal then who am I to judge? I know there're a lot of debates about how bad the "hip hop culture" is for the black community, but I just say let people do what they do. I ain't gonna hate on a guy who wears a grill, but I surely won't be kissing on him unless he takes that shit out and doesn't run from the cops on a nightly basis. Just like I'm not about to kiss on a redneck white boy unless there's no tobacco in his mouth, he doesn't fuck his sister, and he doesn't wear a white hood at weekly klan meetings.

...I have no idea if any of that made sense, but I ain't about to go back and check. *L*