What do you think of these guys?

Tell me what you think of these guys; do you consider them "black enough", why or why not?

Pharell Williams, Derek Luke, Dwayne Wade.

 

I don't mean to be rude, I am just very forward, but what in the hell is "black enough". I have issues with the "acting black" thing. They all 3 act fine to me. How do you "act black"? :?:

 

I agree w/ you 100%. That's why I put it in quotes. What I mean is, do you consider them as a black person. I.E. many blacks don't consider somebody like Wayne Brady black - even though I do.

 

Welcome to the site Authentic.
What is your definition of "Black enough"???

Just yesterday read this opinion piece on the Chicago Tribune (read it here, it is really good: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/chi-black_thinkoct28,0,822336.story ) it really hit a nerve with me. This entire discussion about either being black enough or not is BS in my mind. The reason I say that is because I think most white (and maybe blacks too) have a loopsided perception of what is "being black" based on today's pop culture, all in all it's a rather negative perception (hip hop, wannabe pimp, dumbing it down in school etc.) If the US would have dealt with the black part of their history properly we wouldn't have this discussion. Or at least then the perception would be that being black means portraying the black history of the US honest and respectful, being strong families with great and vast histories, successful members of society on all levels. (At least that is the 'being black' I experience with my friends, but again the majority of black pop culture today doesn't portray a positive stereotype at all).

So when someone says are you black enough or not, my response would always be "What is your definition of being black"?

 

I know what you mean. I do consider them black, just b/c they don't fit the stereotype of what most people would consider "acting black" doesn't mean they aren't, I agree. I've heard this before too Authentic, and I think it's ridiculous. Sorry if you felt like I was jumping on you.

 

Welcome to the site

Sorry I don't buy into the conversation about if someone is "black enough". I think it's pretty obvious that one's actions, mannerisms, way of speaking, etc does not define what color they are. I also don't think that someone has "sold out" because they don't follow some stupid stereotype.

 

Welcome Authentic.

I'd have to ask the same question as Chigirl:What's your definition of black? I also would have to ask: black enough for what? Seems to me that simply asking the question as to whether someone is black enough sets up an awful lot of people to not measure up to some unknown and thus unreasonable standard. Doesn't mean I haven't heard your question asked before though.

 

I couldn't have said it any better.

 

Hey thanks for the welcomes.

Jasie S no I understand, I hate it when people say someone isn't black. To me if your skin is black, your black. Even if your Clayton Bigsby lol.

Veema: I was asking if those people are black enough because I wanted a quick survey. If you read my New Here post, it makes more sense.

 

Sorry, Authentic. I don't always have time to read through all of the topics so I responded to your op in only the context of this thread. Guess you see that the phrase "black enough" can be a little irritating to some people. And by reading the above, I guess you are one of those people. Again, welcome.

 

I've been put into several situations regarding what Black is. Not mention people asking me if I am Black enough. I've always considered Black to be several things. It's good to dream of the future, but never forget where you come from. You must be able to carry yourself well, but also stand up when the time comes. But also, Black is Black.

We can discuss what Black is all day. But when real issues are brought up a lot of people tend to avoid them. One of my favorite songs today is U, Black Maybe by Common. It doesn't touch on all issues but it does give a insight of what Black can be like inside and outside our community. Especially with the second verse.

And as Black people sometimes we're hard on each other and ourselves. You might not think this exist but you could have a young Black man trying to pursue something to benefit himself versus a young Black man that isn't. They'll both look down upon each. One thinking the other is good for nothing while another says he thinks he's too good. Ain't that $%^ up?

I might have gone on a tangent, but all this effects us. Even interracial relationships. Prefering a white woman over a black woman. Does it matter? Not to me. But sometimes people will measure how Black you really are(no pun intended) from a situation like that; even if it's your first encounter with a white gal.

 

Hey welcome authentic,

To me I think when people talk about the whole "acting black" and "black enough" pertains to those who go against their black race and take the side of racist white people. That is what my elders has always told me it meant is when you don't show pride in your race, I think somewhere down the line it got twisted and the ignorant got a hold of it and turned it into soemthing else.

It is like the whole proper english thing not being a black thing, like at times me and my friend whenever we go on like job interviews or when he is around his sergeant and our teachers when we went to college we use proper english and sophisticated words cause those are fields that recognize that better, but when we home or in public venues aye, we slang terminologist straight up! :lol: but somehow some blacks interpret
that as acting white and to me (AND THIS NEEDS TO BE SAID ABOUT THIS) that is an insult to our race because they are basically saying only white people can talk proper and use sophisticated, knowledgeable words of purpose any other brotha feel me on that?

That is also like the white accent and the black accent, it is actually not a black or white accent it is an suburb & hood accent and feel that is another thing that needs to be cleared up.

Kenny G 8)
(imitating kid rasta) :lol:

 

Derek Luke is HOT - if he's who I'm thinking of. An actor?

 

I've had an Anthro teacher tell us you are what gets you killed.

As soon as those brothers act a fool the question won't matter. Those can't act "white" enough to get away from that basic fact.

BTW has acting "Black" saved T.I.

 

(awesome thread)
I can't tell you what "black" is, but I know what it is not. My mother told me that "you are not black enough when you don't have the courage to be who you really are." She taught me that being black means being a leader and not a follower, thinking and standing up for yourself, and having the courage to have your voice heard over all the b.s. in the world.

 

Say it with me now -



Why you drinking that hater-ade mayne??

Black enough? Shiet some people say I ain't black enough... Fuck them.

 

I don't know what the hell does acting black mean. That is a ridiculous statement to make to start with. It really bugs me when some people assume acting black mean to act like a rapper and/or gangbanger. I hate rap music and have no intentions of joining in a gang, nor have never been in one. These very same people would dog the likes of Donovan McNabb, who was moronically insulted by a member of the Philadelphia NAACP simply because he doesn't play black enough. McNabb is who he is, a classy and very smart person.

For the record, not all African-Americans are into hip-hop, watch BET (which I have been boycotting for obvious reasons), act like 50 Cent and dress a certain way.