Boondocks can be very funny at times, but McGruder has the tendency to piss me the hell off whenever he gets into the biracial issue. It’s obvious that he has an ax to grind there, and it’s really sad how obvious he is about it.
I think McGruder’s approach to discussing racism on the Boondocks is similar to how Dave Chappelle satirized race on his Comedy Central show. We laugh because the racist things that these characters say and do are ridiculous and show us how silly assumptions and stereotypes based on race are. In fact, we’re invited to laugh at the ridiculous social construct of race itself while also acknowledging and bemoaning the fact that it limits many peoples lives.
The character of Jasmine has always been problematic for me. Her character isn’t all there for me, she mostly reacts to things that happen to her parents or things that Huey says. It’s disappointing to see that the only female (and biracial) character in the Boondocks universe is painted with a few broad strokes.
Sweet Jesus, it’s a *comic strip*. Why must some people interpret everything as propaganda, as “an ax to grind”. If anything, McGruder is giving voice to what some black folks and some biracial people feel, whether or not they like to admit it. If it offends you so much, perhaps it’s time for a little introspection. I am black/white biracial and I found the strip very funny.
Why not make the post about Blige’s comments instead about the strip? That would seem (to me, at least) to be more productive as far as discourse is concerned. And as for her comments, I think in terms of show business she may be right. That wasn’t the only thing she said though: she also said, the way I interpreted it, is that in order to appeal to white audiences, you have to “whiten” your image. That’s not the term she used, but it’s basically what she said. And so her logic seems to be that biracial people, or lighter skinned African-Americans (particularly women) tend to have more appeal among white audiences. I think there’s some truth to that, but perhaps not so much for men. Granted, many of the most famous black men are rappers or athletes, thereby fitting the stereotypes that some whites still hold of them. I think what it all boils down to is black or biracial Americans having a public image that makes white America feel at ease with itself.
Actually, he’s not that different than Spike Lee was with “School Daze.”
In any racist mixed society, you will have “classification by stratification.” Obviously, a lighter person will find this “sweet” (empowering), whilst a darker one will find it oppressive (”sucky”). Hence, these 2 characters have 2 diametric viewpoints on this common reality.
And it IS a reality - ESPECIALLY with Black (and mixed-Black) females who are valued on a gradient scale. This is no secret, all you have to do is look at Black entertainment with movies like “Johnson Family Vacation.”
“in order to appeal to white audiences, you have to “whiten” your image. That’s not the term she used, but it’s basically what she said. And so her logic seems to be that biracial people, or lighter skinned African-Americans (particularly women) tend to have more appeal among white audiences.”
Actually, it applies to AMERICANS, both Black OR White. Let’s not pretend that Black Americans don’t also prefer “lite-brite” women to dark African purebreds, as well. Even the “hardest” Black rappers, Pac & Biggie, became the most serious with 2 higgghh-yella mulattas - Kidada Jones & Faith Evans. So, this is no new secret that light mixed women generally have more appeal to Black men than pure dark ones. Always has been, and perhaps always will…
MJB is on point with her painful self-revelation.
Gentlemen prefer blondes…and women prefer tall, dark & handsome…
“Gentlemen prefer blondes…and women prefer tall, dark & handsome…”
Kind of a generalization. Tall and dark isn’t always handsome. This mulatta certainly doesn’t prefer black men. And frankly I am disgusted and frustrated by the constant and gratuitous pairing of black males and biracial females in the PC-era media.
“Even the “hardest” Black rappers, Pac & Biggie, became the most serious with 2 higgghh-yella mulattas”
Yes, you’re right. Black males are so insecure they desire to socially better themselves by eschewing black females for fairer-skinned women. Mulattas are considered “safe” as black men can always fall back on the one drop rule nonsense and claim to be dating a black woman. The irony here is that racist black men can exploit biracial women while decrying white racism.
“Sweet Jesus, it’s a *comic strip*. Why must some people interpret everything as propaganda, as “an ax to grind”.” Hmmm, well it’s a comic strip that attempts to tackle socioplitical issues, albeit in a puerile manner.
>Black males are so insecure they desire to socially better themselves by eschewing black females for fairer-skinned women.
Your comments are just as biased and dare I say bigoted as those you claim “black men” hold. Please, use words like “some” or “perceived” or even “ones I’ve met.”
Sheesh. That’s my family you’re talking about. They’re my brothers and cousins. And they DON’T act or think like that.
>The irony here is that racist black men can exploit biracial women while decrying white racism.
And one could easily flip it and say that the racist biracial women exploit black male stereotypes while decrying being victimized by racism from all fronts (otherwise known as the Tragic Mulatto).
You, Sir/Madam, are a genius. Very well put. Reading RL_Model’s post was definitely an “Oh, hell no!” moment for me. I’m a black man who really (truly, honestly) has no hang-ups about skin tone. I’ve dated white, black, and biracial women, and I never saw one “type” as better than the other.
So I find it pretty sickening to read that self-aggrandizing bullshit from Ms. Model. No, my dear, we don’t all want you… and those that *do* don’t necessarily believe they’re “bettering” themselves by getting with biracial women. So please get over yourself. Sounds like somebody was raised to believe her worth could only be determined by the paper bag test.
And just out of curiosity, has it become OK to use the words “mulatto” & “mulatta?” Is nobody aware of their meanings, or is this another one of those “taking-back-the-word” things?
Glad you agree, Merq. Personally, I’ve gotten bias, subliminal racism, and outright racist treatment from all types, and some welcoming, accepting, and blessedly neutral treatment from all types of people too.
>And just out of curiosity, has it become OK to use the words “mulatto” & “mulatta?” Is nobody aware of their meanings, or is this another one of those “taking-back-the-word” things?
I’ve seen the phrase come and go, especially in recent years. I didn’t hear it growing up, but I’ve seen some groups and websites reclaiming it. I’d say that the origins of the word are under dispute (if you go w/ the Arabic origin theory, not so insulting. If you go w/ the “sterile mule” theory, very insulting). I don’t use it, as I feel it’s dated and doesn’t show any sense of unity w/ other mixed (not or not only black/white) folks. Since the phrase is offensive to a lot of people, and inspires endless debate, I tend not to use it or anything else that was used in the blood quantum pseudoscience.
I am what some people might refer to as a mulatta but I don’t live in the US anymore so am not 100% sure what is going on with the usage there. From what I can tell, it seems that in the past few years people have figured out that mulatto/a does not mean “mule” as is often assumed, but is actually a Spanish word with roots in Arabic (from when the Moors ruled Spain for 900 years). The arabic word is supposedly “muwallad” which just meant mixed ancestry. Here’s a link from wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mulatto
I have no idea why the word has become popular and actually would like to know since it is a word that potentially describes me. Can someone else explain the rise in popularity?
And back to the main thread. Aurora was right on when she wrote: “I think what it all boils down to is black or biracial Americans having a public image that makes white America feel at ease with itself.”
I thought that mixed women being “the blondes” of people of African descent ended in the early 90s by the way, but maybe I’m wrong.
Lyonside, I certainly did not mean to offend you and apologize if I did so. Perhaps I am “biased” as you say, but we are all biased based on our life experiences and I am a reflection of mine.
“And one could easily flip it and say that the racist biracial women exploit black male stereotypes while decrying being victimized by racism from all fronts (otherwise known as the Tragic Mulatto). ”
I think not. I don’t believe anything I wrote indicates that I’m “decrying being victimized from all fronts…” If anything, you could argue that I’m “exploiting” white men, but who would believe you?
“So I find it pretty sickening to read that self-aggrandizing bullshit from Ms. Model. No, my dear, we don’t all want you… and those that *do* don’t necessarily believe they’re “bettering” themselves by getting with biracial women. So please get over yourself. Sounds like somebody was raised to believe her worth could only be determined by the paper bag test.”
It is unfortunate that you couldn’t defend your position without indulging in name calling and pseudo-intellectual assumptions. It really makes your opinion seem rather inconsequential. I fail to see how anything I wrote was “self-aggrandizing” but it seems you are adding a subtext of your very own to my words.
RLModel said: “Hmmm, well it’s a comic strip that attempts to tackle socioplitical issues, albeit in a puerile manner.”
That wasn’t my point. What I meant was some people assume that everything in the strip is automatically McGruder’s POV and should be dismissed becuause of his portrayal and views of people of mixed background is unfair/bigoted/etc, or whatever the reason of the day is. They leave no room for dramatic dialogue. Have you ever considered that McGruder’s intention is to spark debate about said sociopolitical issues by taking up one extreme side of the issue, and not just making the strip his soapbox?
RLModel, when I said “one could easily flip it and say that the racist biracial women exploit black male stereotypes while decrying being victimized” I wasn’t saying YOU said this. However, it’s a flip-side to your claims, and it was meant to make a point.
I still object to your portrayal of black men. And yes, you can say that those are the men you know (the “out” I gave you earlier), but to that I say that you might need to hang around a better class of menfolk (or people in general).
meh, whatever you say, Model. I’m not going to sit here and bicker with you on that when I’m fairly certain I’ve seen your self-hating type before. One day, it’ll all become clear, my dear.
Back to the issue at hand,
I think the problem many people have (as illustrated by some of these posts) is that they believe in some monolithic “black community.” So if McGruder says it, it must be what all black people (or men) think.
More interesting is the belief that because he’s black, his work can’t be racist. But that’s a whole other discussion.
“…you might need to hang around a better class of menfolk (or people in general).”
Well, I’m comfortable with the people I hang around with now, and that doesn’t include black men. We are hopelessly off-topic, but my point was that I don’t care for the manner in which biracial women are portrayed in the American media, particularly by Blacks.
“I’m not going to sit here and bicker with you on that when I’m fairly certain I’ve seen your self-hating type before. One day, it’ll all become clear, my dear.”
How civil of you. Nor do I wish to discuss anything with somone who hides behind callow name-calling and assorted insults.
“I think the problem many people have (as illustrated by some of these posts) is that they believe in some monolithic “black community.” So if McGruder says it, it must be what all black people (or men) think.”
Black Americans tend to encourage social/cultural homogeneity. If they want to be regarded as individuals, perhaps they should start acting (and thinking) like it.
>I’m comfortable with the people I hang around with now, and that doesn’t include black men.
Once again missing the entire point… *le sigh*
>my point was that I don’t care for the manner in which biracial women are portrayed in the American media, particularly by Blacks.
Oh puhleeze. Cause ALL blacks must be the ones who have so much influence over the media - wha…? See where those grand generalizations get you into trouble again? I don’t like it either, but I don’t assume that anyone on MTV speaks for me. Who do you think employs all those rappers and videographers? *hint* the people w/ the money are NOT part of “Black America.” Chris Rock has a great routine about the difference between being “rich” and being “wealthy,” and the color lines associated w/ both terms.
>Black Americans tend to encourage social/cultural homogeneity. If they want to be regarded as individuals, perhaps they should start acting (and thinking) like it.
Funny, coming from someone who openly says that they don’t socialize w/ black people. Since you don’t treat black people as individuals, how would you know what “THEY” do or don’t encourage? So again, w/ the generalizations… if you as a mixed person want to be seen as an individual and not a steretype or token, then why in hell don’t you try treating other people like that too?
The color (read: colonial) complex is EVERYWHERE, no matter what culture. It’s so pronounced in some cultures that preach cultural homogeneity (like certain East Asian cultures, for example).
I interpret McGrudder’s portrayal of Jazmine to be perpetuating the whole “tragic mulatto” image. Sigh.
“Black Americans tend to encourage social/cultural homogeneity. If they want to be regarded as individuals, perhaps they should start acting (and thinking) like it. ”
Nope. The media tends to only portray Black Americans a certain way. We are individuals who have different viewpoints and the only ones who can’t tolerate a different opinion are the uneducated - but that’s true of all races.
As far as the Black Men - Mixed Women and it being a sign of Black male insecurity, that can be true. I think it depends on where you are. If you’re in America, the West Coast seems to have the insecurity thing going. You can tell because Black men on the street won’t even look at or speak to a dark-skinned woman and people in general are very image-concious (this is most pronounce in Los Angeles, but trickles out elsewhere). This doesn’t apply to ALL Black men out here, but it happens enough to notice and comment on.
However, my friends on the East Coast tell me that it’s different there and that Black men are different there and that they tend to date everyone. I guess what I’m trying to say is that several people with different viewpoints can all be “right” because the experiences are different based on where you live.
Or try various EU countries like Holland. Where you will see many tall Aryan men coupled with pitch-dark Black women. Women who would be treated as subhumans here.
You just don’t realize how racist the US is until you travel elsewhere…
“Nope. The media tends to only portray Black Americans a certain way. We are individuals who have different viewpoints and the only ones who can’t tolerate a different opinion are the uneducated - but that’s true of all races.”
I understand that entertainment execs would rather pigeonhole people into “types” and cater to the lowest common denominator because it’s easier. Still, we aren’t operating under the studio system anymore. Nobody forces Black people to crank out degrading, misogynistic trash. There are more Black writers, directors, actors, etc. in Hollywood than ever before. Surely, if you accept that Black people deserve the same respect as whites in their media representations, you must hold Black people accountable too for not upholding this standard.
“However, my friends on the East Coast tell me that it’s different there and that Black men are different there and that they tend to date everyone. I guess what I’m trying to say is that several people with different viewpoints can all be “right” because the experiences are different based on where you live. ”
Absolutely, that’s what I meant by one’s experiences informing one’s opinions. Although I do believe there are other factors here.
I’m a black woman who is very dark-skinned, has typically West-African facial features and has always refused to wear weaves. Black american men always discriminated against me on the dating scene. Those black women they claimed to like (for those who did) tended to be those with long hair and more caucasian facial features. I’m currently living on the East Coast and am married to my wonderful white european husband. Funnily I seem to be happier than many of my black girlfriends who are in relationships with black men.
To MERQ:
“And just out of curiosity, has it become OK to use the words “mulatto” & “mulatta?” Is nobody aware of their meanings, or is this another one of those “taking-back-the-word” things?”
I identify myself as mulatta. I took it back. I feel being called biracial is fine on a general “don’t know your race” kinda thing, for instance when people use “latino/a” when you don’t know if that person is puerto rican, mexican, columbian, or cuban. or when people use “asian” if they don’t know if said person is korean, japanese, chinese, or tawainese. However, just like my asian and latino friends feel that asian and latino is too broad for them, I feel biracial is too broad for me. I like making the distinction between black/white biracial and other sorts of biracial because I feel I’m entitled to my own specific title just as much as anyone else.
Arthur J. Graham coined the term “subliminal racism” and has established http://wwwsubliminalracism.com to deal with the term sources and origins, currency, and downright ignorant and misguided application of “labelling” others “racist.”
Kaonashi wrote:
What the Hell?
Boondocks can be very funny at times, but McGruder has the tendency to piss me the hell off whenever he gets into the biracial issue. It’s obvious that he has an ax to grind there, and it’s really sad how obvious he is about it.
Posted 27 Dec 2005 at 12:16 pm ¶
Didi wrote:
I think McGruder’s approach to discussing racism on the Boondocks is similar to how Dave Chappelle satirized race on his Comedy Central show. We laugh because the racist things that these characters say and do are ridiculous and show us how silly assumptions and stereotypes based on race are. In fact, we’re invited to laugh at the ridiculous social construct of race itself while also acknowledging and bemoaning the fact that it limits many peoples lives.
The character of Jasmine has always been problematic for me. Her character isn’t all there for me, she mostly reacts to things that happen to her parents or things that Huey says. It’s disappointing to see that the only female (and biracial) character in the Boondocks universe is painted with a few broad strokes.
Posted 27 Dec 2005 at 1:58 pm ¶
Aurora wrote:
Sweet Jesus, it’s a *comic strip*. Why must some people interpret everything as propaganda, as “an ax to grind”. If anything, McGruder is giving voice to what some black folks and some biracial people feel, whether or not they like to admit it. If it offends you so much, perhaps it’s time for a little introspection. I am black/white biracial and I found the strip very funny.
Why not make the post about Blige’s comments instead about the strip? That would seem (to me, at least) to be more productive as far as discourse is concerned. And as for her comments, I think in terms of show business she may be right. That wasn’t the only thing she said though: she also said, the way I interpreted it, is that in order to appeal to white audiences, you have to “whiten” your image. That’s not the term she used, but it’s basically what she said. And so her logic seems to be that biracial people, or lighter skinned African-Americans (particularly women) tend to have more appeal among white audiences. I think there’s some truth to that, but perhaps not so much for men. Granted, many of the most famous black men are rappers or athletes, thereby fitting the stereotypes that some whites still hold of them. I think what it all boils down to is black or biracial Americans having a public image that makes white America feel at ease with itself.
*This* is the real issue at hand.
Posted 27 Dec 2005 at 3:01 pm ¶
Color-Coding wrote:
Actually, he’s not that different than Spike Lee was with “School Daze.”
In any racist mixed society, you will have “classification by stratification.” Obviously, a lighter person will find this “sweet” (empowering), whilst a darker one will find it oppressive (”sucky”). Hence, these 2 characters have 2 diametric viewpoints on this common reality.
And it IS a reality - ESPECIALLY with Black (and mixed-Black) females who are valued on a gradient scale. This is no secret, all you have to do is look at Black entertainment with movies like “Johnson Family Vacation.”
Posted 27 Dec 2005 at 3:02 pm ¶
werd wrote:
“in order to appeal to white audiences, you have to “whiten” your image. That’s not the term she used, but it’s basically what she said. And so her logic seems to be that biracial people, or lighter skinned African-Americans (particularly women) tend to have more appeal among white audiences.”
Actually, it applies to AMERICANS, both Black OR White. Let’s not pretend that Black Americans don’t also prefer “lite-brite” women to dark African purebreds, as well. Even the “hardest” Black rappers, Pac & Biggie, became the most serious with 2 higgghh-yella mulattas - Kidada Jones & Faith Evans. So, this is no new secret that light mixed women generally have more appeal to Black men than pure dark ones. Always has been, and perhaps always will…
MJB is on point with her painful self-revelation.
Gentlemen prefer blondes…and women prefer tall, dark & handsome…
Posted 27 Dec 2005 at 4:26 pm ¶
RL_Model wrote:
“Gentlemen prefer blondes…and women prefer tall, dark & handsome…”
Kind of a generalization. Tall and dark isn’t always handsome. This mulatta certainly doesn’t prefer black men. And frankly I am disgusted and frustrated by the constant and gratuitous pairing of black males and biracial females in the PC-era media.
“Even the “hardest” Black rappers, Pac & Biggie, became the most serious with 2 higgghh-yella mulattas”
Yes, you’re right. Black males are so insecure they desire to socially better themselves by eschewing black females for fairer-skinned women. Mulattas are considered “safe” as black men can always fall back on the one drop rule nonsense and claim to be dating a black woman. The irony here is that racist black men can exploit biracial women while decrying white racism.
“Sweet Jesus, it’s a *comic strip*. Why must some people interpret everything as propaganda, as “an ax to grind”.” Hmmm, well it’s a comic strip that attempts to tackle socioplitical issues, albeit in a puerile manner.
Posted 27 Dec 2005 at 10:53 pm ¶
tony wrote:
“Gentlemen prefer blondes…and women prefer tall, dark & handsome…”
Wrong.
Blondes are out nowadays. For me they have never been in.
Posted 28 Dec 2005 at 11:11 am ¶
Lyonside wrote:
>Black males are so insecure they desire to socially better themselves by eschewing black females for fairer-skinned women.
Your comments are just as biased and dare I say bigoted as those you claim “black men” hold. Please, use words like “some” or “perceived” or even “ones I’ve met.”
Sheesh. That’s my family you’re talking about. They’re my brothers and cousins. And they DON’T act or think like that.
>The irony here is that racist black men can exploit biracial women while decrying white racism.
And one could easily flip it and say that the racist biracial women exploit black male stereotypes while decrying being victimized by racism from all fronts (otherwise known as the Tragic Mulatto).
Posted 28 Dec 2005 at 11:31 am ¶
Merq wrote:
Lyonside.
You, Sir/Madam, are a genius. Very well put. Reading RL_Model’s post was definitely an “Oh, hell no!” moment for me. I’m a black man who really (truly, honestly) has no hang-ups about skin tone. I’ve dated white, black, and biracial women, and I never saw one “type” as better than the other.
So I find it pretty sickening to read that self-aggrandizing bullshit from Ms. Model. No, my dear, we don’t all want you… and those that *do* don’t necessarily believe they’re “bettering” themselves by getting with biracial women. So please get over yourself. Sounds like somebody was raised to believe her worth could only be determined by the paper bag test.
And just out of curiosity, has it become OK to use the words “mulatto” & “mulatta?” Is nobody aware of their meanings, or is this another one of those “taking-back-the-word” things?
Not being sarcastic here. Really wanna know.
Posted 29 Dec 2005 at 1:57 am ¶
Lyonside wrote:
Glad you agree, Merq. Personally, I’ve gotten bias, subliminal racism, and outright racist treatment from all types, and some welcoming, accepting, and blessedly neutral treatment from all types of people too.
>And just out of curiosity, has it become OK to use the words “mulatto” & “mulatta?” Is nobody aware of their meanings, or is this another one of those “taking-back-the-word” things?
I’ve seen the phrase come and go, especially in recent years. I didn’t hear it growing up, but I’ve seen some groups and websites reclaiming it. I’d say that the origins of the word are under dispute (if you go w/ the Arabic origin theory, not so insulting. If you go w/ the “sterile mule” theory, very insulting). I don’t use it, as I feel it’s dated and doesn’t show any sense of unity w/ other mixed (not or not only black/white) folks. Since the phrase is offensive to a lot of people, and inspires endless debate, I tend not to use it or anything else that was used in the blood quantum pseudoscience.
Posted 29 Dec 2005 at 1:42 pm ¶
sigrid wrote:
I am what some people might refer to as a mulatta but I don’t live in the US anymore so am not 100% sure what is going on with the usage there. From what I can tell, it seems that in the past few years people have figured out that mulatto/a does not mean “mule” as is often assumed, but is actually a Spanish word with roots in Arabic (from when the Moors ruled Spain for 900 years). The arabic word is supposedly “muwallad” which just meant mixed ancestry. Here’s a link from wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mulatto
I have no idea why the word has become popular and actually would like to know since it is a word that potentially describes me. Can someone else explain the rise in popularity?
And back to the main thread. Aurora was right on when she wrote: “I think what it all boils down to is black or biracial Americans having a public image that makes white America feel at ease with itself.”
I thought that mixed women being “the blondes” of people of African descent ended in the early 90s by the way, but maybe I’m wrong.
Posted 29 Dec 2005 at 3:06 pm ¶
tony wrote:
Its accurate and too the point, thats why it is used.
Posted 29 Dec 2005 at 4:08 pm ¶
RL_Model wrote:
Lyonside, I certainly did not mean to offend you and apologize if I did so. Perhaps I am “biased” as you say, but we are all biased based on our life experiences and I am a reflection of mine.
“And one could easily flip it and say that the racist biracial women exploit black male stereotypes while decrying being victimized by racism from all fronts (otherwise known as the Tragic Mulatto). ”
I think not. I don’t believe anything I wrote indicates that I’m “decrying being victimized from all fronts…” If anything, you could argue that I’m “exploiting” white men, but who would believe you?
Posted 29 Dec 2005 at 5:06 pm ¶
RL_Model wrote:
“So I find it pretty sickening to read that self-aggrandizing bullshit from Ms. Model. No, my dear, we don’t all want you… and those that *do* don’t necessarily believe they’re “bettering” themselves by getting with biracial women. So please get over yourself. Sounds like somebody was raised to believe her worth could only be determined by the paper bag test.”
It is unfortunate that you couldn’t defend your position without indulging in name calling and pseudo-intellectual assumptions. It really makes your opinion seem rather inconsequential. I fail to see how anything I wrote was “self-aggrandizing” but it seems you are adding a subtext of your very own to my words.
Posted 29 Dec 2005 at 9:40 pm ¶
Aurora wrote:
RLModel said: “Hmmm, well it’s a comic strip that attempts to tackle socioplitical issues, albeit in a puerile manner.”
That wasn’t my point. What I meant was some people assume that everything in the strip is automatically McGruder’s POV and should be dismissed becuause of his portrayal and views of people of mixed background is unfair/bigoted/etc, or whatever the reason of the day is. They leave no room for dramatic dialogue. Have you ever considered that McGruder’s intention is to spark debate about said sociopolitical issues by taking up one extreme side of the issue, and not just making the strip his soapbox?
Posted 29 Dec 2005 at 10:34 pm ¶
Merq wrote:
>>If anything, you could argue that I’m “exploiting” white men, but who would believe you? <<
whatever makes you feel “empowered” and helps you sleep tonight.
Posted 29 Dec 2005 at 11:29 pm ¶
Lyonside wrote:
RLModel, when I said “one could easily flip it and say that the racist biracial women exploit black male stereotypes while decrying being victimized” I wasn’t saying YOU said this. However, it’s a flip-side to your claims, and it was meant to make a point.
I still object to your portrayal of black men. And yes, you can say that those are the men you know (the “out” I gave you earlier), but to that I say that you might need to hang around a better class of menfolk (or people in general).
Posted 30 Dec 2005 at 9:00 am ¶
Merq wrote:
meh, whatever you say, Model. I’m not going to sit here and bicker with you on that when I’m fairly certain I’ve seen your self-hating type before. One day, it’ll all become clear, my dear.
Back to the issue at hand,
I think the problem many people have (as illustrated by some of these posts) is that they believe in some monolithic “black community.” So if McGruder says it, it must be what all black people (or men) think.
More interesting is the belief that because he’s black, his work can’t be racist. But that’s a whole other discussion.
Posted 31 Dec 2005 at 12:32 am ¶
RL_Model wrote:
“…you might need to hang around a better class of menfolk (or people in general).”
Well, I’m comfortable with the people I hang around with now, and that doesn’t include black men. We are hopelessly off-topic, but my point was that I don’t care for the manner in which biracial women are portrayed in the American media, particularly by Blacks.
“I’m not going to sit here and bicker with you on that when I’m fairly certain I’ve seen your self-hating type before. One day, it’ll all become clear, my dear.”
How civil of you. Nor do I wish to discuss anything with somone who hides behind callow name-calling and assorted insults.
“I think the problem many people have (as illustrated by some of these posts) is that they believe in some monolithic “black community.” So if McGruder says it, it must be what all black people (or men) think.”
Black Americans tend to encourage social/cultural homogeneity. If they want to be regarded as individuals, perhaps they should start acting (and thinking) like it.
Posted 31 Dec 2005 at 4:08 pm ¶
Lyonside wrote:
>I’m comfortable with the people I hang around with now, and that doesn’t include black men.
Once again missing the entire point… *le sigh*
>my point was that I don’t care for the manner in which biracial women are portrayed in the American media, particularly by Blacks.
Oh puhleeze. Cause ALL blacks must be the ones who have so much influence over the media - wha…? See where those grand generalizations get you into trouble again? I don’t like it either, but I don’t assume that anyone on MTV speaks for me. Who do you think employs all those rappers and videographers? *hint* the people w/ the money are NOT part of “Black America.” Chris Rock has a great routine about the difference between being “rich” and being “wealthy,” and the color lines associated w/ both terms.
>Black Americans tend to encourage social/cultural homogeneity. If they want to be regarded as individuals, perhaps they should start acting (and thinking) like it.
Funny, coming from someone who openly says that they don’t socialize w/ black people. Since you don’t treat black people as individuals, how would you know what “THEY” do or don’t encourage? So again, w/ the generalizations… if you as a mixed person want to be seen as an individual and not a steretype or token, then why in hell don’t you try treating other people like that too?
Posted 01 Jan 2006 at 1:30 am ¶
bernikin skywalker wrote:
The color (read: colonial) complex is EVERYWHERE, no matter what culture. It’s so pronounced in some cultures that preach cultural homogeneity (like certain East Asian cultures, for example).
I interpret McGrudder’s portrayal of Jazmine to be perpetuating the whole “tragic mulatto” image. Sigh.
Posted 07 Jan 2006 at 5:07 pm ¶
KayStar wrote:
“Black Americans tend to encourage social/cultural homogeneity. If they want to be regarded as individuals, perhaps they should start acting (and thinking) like it. ”
Nope. The media tends to only portray Black Americans a certain way. We are individuals who have different viewpoints and the only ones who can’t tolerate a different opinion are the uneducated - but that’s true of all races.
As far as the Black Men - Mixed Women and it being a sign of Black male insecurity, that can be true. I think it depends on where you are. If you’re in America, the West Coast seems to have the insecurity thing going. You can tell because Black men on the street won’t even look at or speak to a dark-skinned woman and people in general are very image-concious (this is most pronounce in Los Angeles, but trickles out elsewhere). This doesn’t apply to ALL Black men out here, but it happens enough to notice and comment on.
However, my friends on the East Coast tell me that it’s different there and that Black men are different there and that they tend to date everyone. I guess what I’m trying to say is that several people with different viewpoints can all be “right” because the experiences are different based on where you live.
Posted 07 Jan 2006 at 10:04 pm ¶
Regional Racism wrote:
Or try various EU countries like Holland. Where you will see many tall Aryan men coupled with pitch-dark Black women. Women who would be treated as subhumans here.
You just don’t realize how racist the US is until you travel elsewhere…
Posted 08 Jan 2006 at 2:13 pm ¶
RL_Model wrote:
“Nope. The media tends to only portray Black Americans a certain way. We are individuals who have different viewpoints and the only ones who can’t tolerate a different opinion are the uneducated - but that’s true of all races.”
I understand that entertainment execs would rather pigeonhole people into “types” and cater to the lowest common denominator because it’s easier. Still, we aren’t operating under the studio system anymore. Nobody forces Black people to crank out degrading, misogynistic trash. There are more Black writers, directors, actors, etc. in Hollywood than ever before. Surely, if you accept that Black people deserve the same respect as whites in their media representations, you must hold Black people accountable too for not upholding this standard.
“However, my friends on the East Coast tell me that it’s different there and that Black men are different there and that they tend to date everyone. I guess what I’m trying to say is that several people with different viewpoints can all be “right” because the experiences are different based on where you live. ”
Absolutely, that’s what I meant by one’s experiences informing one’s opinions. Although I do believe there are other factors here.
Posted 08 Jan 2006 at 10:25 pm ¶
N. Baeckert wrote:
I’m a black woman who is very dark-skinned, has typically West-African facial features and has always refused to wear weaves. Black american men always discriminated against me on the dating scene. Those black women they claimed to like (for those who did) tended to be those with long hair and more caucasian facial features. I’m currently living on the East Coast and am married to my wonderful white european husband. Funnily I seem to be happier than many of my black girlfriends who are in relationships with black men.
Posted 14 Apr 2006 at 12:44 am ¶
Frankie wrote:
To MERQ:
“And just out of curiosity, has it become OK to use the words “mulatto” & “mulatta?” Is nobody aware of their meanings, or is this another one of those “taking-back-the-word” things?”
I identify myself as mulatta. I took it back. I feel being called biracial is fine on a general “don’t know your race” kinda thing, for instance when people use “latino/a” when you don’t know if that person is puerto rican, mexican, columbian, or cuban. or when people use “asian” if they don’t know if said person is korean, japanese, chinese, or tawainese. However, just like my asian and latino friends feel that asian and latino is too broad for them, I feel biracial is too broad for me. I like making the distinction between black/white biracial and other sorts of biracial because I feel I’m entitled to my own specific title just as much as anyone else.
Posted 16 Apr 2006 at 7:33 pm ¶
Arthur J. Graham wrote:
Arthur J. Graham coined the term “subliminal racism” and has established
http://wwwsubliminalracism.com to deal with the term sources and origins, currency, and downright ignorant and misguided application of “labelling” others “racist.”
Posted 20 Sep 2006 at 8:53 am ¶