What do you like the most about being a black man?

In previous forums, the ladies answered the question: What do they like about black men or why do they specifically prefer us over other types of men?

Now, I'd like to turn the question outside-in to the black men here. What do you like the most about being a black man?

Why do I ask this question? It's because at times when I was much younger, I shared society's view that being black was a disadvantage. I thought that my colour would prevent me from achieving certain goals. I no longer hold that belief, though I still maintain that specifically black men (and, in general, visible minorities) must work at least twice as hard to achieve half as much. As I matured, I realized that most people are born with "disadvantages", whether real or perceived and it's up to them to decide how they should best use those "disadvantages" to become successful and happy.

Instead of viewing being black as a disadvantage, I consider it a source of strength. Here are some reasons why I like being black:

1) Being able to relate to people who are as unfortunate as or less fortunate than me

2) Being misjudged and then proving stereotypes wrong or being underestimated and then exceeding expectations

3) Being adaptable to many situations, and resourceful and creative in the face of adversity

4) Being able to appreciate my accomplishments as well as the effort, sacrifices and obstacles I need to overcome to achieve them

Obviously, these qualities can apply to other groups and may not apply to all black men, but I think that they are especially true for most successful black men I've met and read about.

On a lighter note, the list can include items that are more superficial such as being able to wear clothing of almost any colour. Several people have commented that someone with my skin tone can pull off unique colours such as lime green or hallowe'en orange.

You're welcome to add to the list.

 

This was a good idea. I'll have to come back to this when I have more time.

 

being strong and not having to fall to peer pressure and what society thinks because they already think negatively of us

being a descendant of African slaves, and africans and carribeans

being descendant of Europeans, and native americans and not afraid to say so, unlike most whites who would be afraid of saying they have african and afro american ancestors,

being rooted to the Southern US history, land and culture, the foods.

being rooted in the culture, land, people and foods and history of african and carribean

Being able to see through the forest through the trees and cuttting through the BS of society

dark brown skin, curly hair, high cheekbones

 

Just being different. I don't know why a lot of the young white girls all want to be blonde haired, blue eyed, with big boobies (because they'll all look the same) but i'm just glad to be different from the rest. Being black makes us stand out, and even though the extra attention may be more negative than positive sometimes, it's just really nice being different you know. And yeah, it's also really fun proving stereotypes wrong. You should see the look on some of the white guys' faces when they see that i scored 20 points higher than them on an important exam. That look is absolutely priceless. :mrgreen:

 

Well, bruddas, some of you are probably gonna keeeel me but, gotta speak your mind right???

I don`t like anything special about being a BLACK MAN

I would like myself just as much as I do if I was white, indian, asian or anything else.
What is there to like? the melanin in my skin that is more cncentrated than it is in other races` skin? A black man adopted from birth by an amish family in Pennsylvania will think exactly like them , behave like them...the only difference will be the melanin...and I`m not particularly "in love" with a pigment!

I like my culture...international culture that my parents (God bless them for that) gave me by enabling me to see many places in the world!

I like my personality, and the flaws I have I try to change them...and these aren`t in my skin either...

And if I suddenly had vitiligo (disease in which the skin loses its melanin) and my skin turned white like Michael Jackson, I would still like myself the same!!

My two bucks folks!

 

good post, i agree with most and happy for international upbringing too!!!

 

Well I Black man for different reasons

1 for man - I don't have to bear children

1 for Black and man - women are attracted to me

1 for Black - The chances of getting skin cancer

1 for Black - Athleticism

1 for Black - I'm the priority not the minority

more to come ...

 

pig feet,

collard greens

pig tails and butter beans

rice and gravy

okra soup

hot sauce

all pork products

 

Thank you all for your posts so far! You certainly added a lot of items that I wouldn't have thought of.

 

Haha I know that experience all too well.

 

Actually, I'm glad that you brought up this unique point of view. The fact that you mentioned it also leads to another reason why I like being black: we all come from different backgrounds with various viewpoints, and it's possible (as is the case here) to discuss and debate peacefully.

Also, your points tie in well with the "A Man Who Happens to be Black" topic.

I believe that you can like your colour and what it brings, and not look down people of other colours. In fact, the only way that I would have attacked you is if you used this topic to promote a pro-black, anti-white (or anti-non-black) agenda, which is not what this topic is about.

 

Like I said in another post, being black is a segment of my whole persona. Given that, there are certain things that I like about it.

1) I like my actual skin color. It just seems appealing to me.

2) Breaking stereotypes gives me such a thrill. I often confuse people because I don't fit most of their preconceived notions. (this applies to those who attach too much significance to skin color. Sounds like a contradiction? go figure)

Now the more concrete (or to me, more meaningful) response has less to do with my color, but a whole lot more with my culture. But as it is, the world (that is, non Africans) assign it the mantra "black". For this purpose, I decline to answer. If there ever exists a thread about what you like about your culture, I would kindly oblige.

It is however a good post and I am curious to see what people (especially SardonicGenie) has to say.

 

The glow of the skin tone in the sun.

The stamina. (being able to dish out as much as I can take in society)

Being the most logical, compassionate, forgiving, dynamic, creative, humorous, spontaneous, modest, generous, spiritual, etc. on average in comparison to other ethnic groups of people (note: I said on average)

The spirituality that's normally associated with it. (only the positive things, of course)



The sexual prowess. 8)

The ability to self-sacrifice.

 

Phew...I felt the edge of your sword, Samurai Genuine San, and my neck felt the subtle breath of death...but you spared my life...thank you, I will not disappoint you!!

This indeed is a good thread Genuine...

 

I find this intriguing:

Well, the truth of the matter is, different colors actually do bring different things into the world, other than just different colors of skin. There are cultures, spirituality's, mindsets, and personality traits, commonly associated with all of them (on average).

 

I disagree, it's not your colour. It's your culture, religion and, in particular, your upbringing and environment that determine your outlook on life and on the world.

Black people who come from Africa can view life quite differently from blacks who live in North America and even those from the Caribbean. I've met many at work who do. The first friends I ever made, spent most of my childhood with (from the old 'hood) and still keep in contact with are black. Yet, we each have followed different paths in life.

I know European Canadians who will tell you that their lifestyles would have been so much different, if they had grown up in their homelands in Europe.

Finally, I met people of different colours, yet with the same culture who have more in common with each other than they do with people of the same colour, but from different cultures. For example, I met Chinese and Indian people born and raised in Trinidad who will be more Trinidadian than I ever will be because I was born here in Canada after my mom immigrated from Trinidad.

 

(With my Cameroonian accent and in broken-pidgin-english):

Ok now, me fully agree with you mista Ge-new-in!!!!

Not Color man, Cultchor!!!! Ya man!!!

 

Thank you, sir!

No worries, my student! You've done well! Continue your training with my blessing.

You need not fear because this samurai's bushido prevents him from unleashing his sword unless necessary. Only the would-be opponents of decency and common sense who lurk the dark alleys of this forum need to beware. Those who take that path will feel the wrath.

:smt067 :smt068 :smt070 :smt071 :smt066

 

I see what you mean, but I still think that it influences your outlook on people of different colors, as well as your own.

 

Also, you said earlier that people can like their color and what it brings, so you have to admit that things such as a culture, spirituality, mindset, etc. have something to do with all of that.