As black people, we have to endure a lot. We have to deal with prejudice, untrue stereotypes, and discrimination, to name but a few. These can range from annoying, to saddening, and finally to disrespectful. There are so many of these comments you can practically play a game of bingo with them. Here are 12 of the worst:
1. “Can I touch your hair?”
This should be number one on your stereotypical bingo card. It’s just making a fetish out of something that should be considered normal. Hair is normal, no matter what texture. Asking to touch our hair can make us feel that we’re some strange beings from outer space. We’re actually human beings, just like you. We’re not animals in a petting zoo; we’re human beings.
2. “You’re black; you must like watermelon/chicken/Kool-Aid.”
Why does my skin color instantly dictate that I like this food, or that food? Why can’t I just like this food or that food because it tastes really good?
3. “Look! I’m almost as tanned as you are!”
My skin color is not a yardstick for how well your holiday in the sun went. Don’t use it as such. You may think it’s a funny joke, but it’s just uncomfortable to any black person involved.
4. “I like reggae and hip-hop, too.”
That’s great, and good for you, but why make this statement? Just because I’m black doesn’t necessarily mean I’m into such music. I personally hate reggae, but love hip-hop. That has absolutely nothing to do with my skin color. If I did like reggae or hip-hop, can I not just like it because it sounds good and not because I’m black?
5. “My other black friend likes this, so you must, too.”
Similar, to the point above–just because your black friend likes something doesn’t mean all black people do. He may like it not because it’s black, but because it’s cool!
6. “Why is it always about race?”
Race is an important issue that needs to be discussed. It can’t be swept under the rug like a bunch of old candy wrappers and ignored. It has to be addressed in order to move forward. That’s why it’s always about race.
7. “You speak so well!”
The main issue with this is the tone it’s used in. It’s a tone of surprise/shock/horror. A black person speaking articulately? Color me confused! Isn’t speaking articulately reserved for the white middle class? Newsflash–it isn’t.
8. “I don’t see color.”
You not seeing in color doesn’t do anyone any favors. You choosing not to see in color means you’re willfully blinding yourself to racial issues. If you choose not to see color, then you’ll miss out on a particular color being mistreated since everyone will be gray to you–when in actual fact not everyone is.
9. “You’re hot for a black person.”
It’s the most backhanded compliment you can ever give. You’ve basically just said the entire race is ugly, but the individual you’re talking to is an exception. If that’s not completely unacceptable, then I don’t know what is.
10. “I’m not a racist, but…”
Nothing positive has ever come after this statement. It’s like saying, “No offense, but…” You are inevitably going to cause offense. Just like in this case, you’re inevitably going to say something racist, so don’t say it. Keep it to yourself.
11. “You’re so white!”
There’s a big problem with this statement. The problem is, it’s usually said in reference to a black person displaying positive attributes. For example, look back at number seven. “You speak so well!” is usually used in tandem with, “You’re so white.” Is being white synonymous with speaking well? Is it only white people who speak well? This is the problem with this statement. When positives are displayed, it’s “You’re so white,” as if only white people display positive attributes.
12. “You’re not like all the other black people I know.”
Well of course I’m not; I’m a unique individual! Not all white people are the same; not all Asian people are the same; not all black people are the same. This isn’t news. This shouldn’t be a shock at all.
This isn’t an exhaustive list, but it gives you an insight into some of the irritating questions and comments black people have to put up with. If there was a bingo game based on stereotypes, these statements and questions would definitely appear on them without a doubt.
Featured image by geralt via Pixabay, available under the Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial license.
