We should all know that “black” is not a sufficient identity for the Hebrew people. Black is neither a nationality nor ethnicity. It called a "race" but race is a social construct that adds little value to humankind. I often wonder if we got rid of race, would we get rid of racism? It's been done. Indian was successful in doing so. "Of color" is no better than "colored" in my opinion. I'm sure some people have said this to themselves in their state on perpetual confusion regarding this term.
African-American is an inaccurate identity because Africa is not the Hebrews place of origin. I have never cared for the term African-American, or any other hyphenated ethnic term. And here's why:
Before the term "African-American" became so popular, I was aware that Africans were complicit in the slave trade. If we ever were African, we ceased being so once they sold our ancestors into slavery. Many native Africans felt and continue to feel the same way. After having learned the truth about the Israelites, however, I wonder if this was the real reason Africans have long since opposed so-called black Americans who call themselves African and desire to “return to the motherland.”
Be that as it may, you must know that humankind as a whole originated from the continent of Africa. My opinion? North East Africa aka the Middle East. More on that later.
Another reason I don't care for “African-American” is because it creates separation. It's like the powers that be are trying to turn us into something “other than.” It is to say that there is an ideal as to what constitutes an "American." The“American sweetheart” or an “All-American” family and these people are usually Caucasian. And then there's the one that's “other than” American the “African,” “Mexican,” “Japanese,” or "German” American (yes, Caucasians have ethnicities too). If you are American, you are American. Period. We create separation and statuses and wonder why we have so many problems with one another.
We have some so-called black people who think to be 'Pro-American" is to be "Anti-Hebrew (black)." My stance is this. This country belongs to the Hebrews just as much, if not more so, as it does anyone else. The blood, sweat, and tears of our ancestors went into making this country one of the greatest in the world and I'm going to claim it. That's why our ancestors fought in wars and competed in Olympic games. This is why Hebrews join the military and the police force. And listen, if you think you have to be "anti-police'" just because you are "black" then you are ignorant. Just think about what you are saying about yourself. Did you know that police killed twice as many Caucasians in 2015 than they did "blacks?" Look it up. And being anti-police is like being anti-dentist or anti-lawyer. Of course we have racists and corruption in every facet of society but that doesn't mean the whole system is corrupt although it might feel that way sometimes. If a doctor killed someone either by accident or on purpose, would you boycott all doctors? Would you refuse to got to the doctor if you needed surgery? Think about it. We need these services, it would be naive to think otherwise. And no, Hebrews did not achieve independence on July 4, 1776. But this day was a brick in the stone of the foundation that brought us from there to here. Celebrate it. Celebrate it because there are those who'd rather you didn't. I barbecue my turkey burgers in their face. Eat it.
Hebrews have a tendency to want segregate themselves; but if someone else were to do it, there would be all kinds of hell to pay. I understand that in many aspects the Hebrew people are often those who are under served and disadvantaged. However, we are no longer in a place where we have to “make do” because the proverbial “they” won't let us into something. Yet we continue to let people keep us at a distance and seem happy to let them. I will not make my own tennis club because someone doesn't want me to join because I am Hebrew. Like it or not, I'm coming in because I can. Then I will make my own tennis club that allows everyone to play. Don't get me wrong, unfortunately it is necessary for us to make opportunities for each other, I'm not saying that it isn't. What I'm saying is, Hebrews can head up something without segregating themselves and self-sabotaging their efforts. To me it seems counter-productive. We have to change the way we interact with one another too.
Hebrews are the harshest critics of other Hebrews almost always when unwarranted. Look up the comments about Gabby Douglas, Viola Davis' daughter or Ciara and Kelly's sons and their hairstyles. But if they would have straightened it, then they would have gotten accused of trying to be someone else. With Hebrews, you are damned if you do, damned if you don't. It needs to stop.
Yet when a Hebrew person tries to be realistic about our shortcomings, he or she is accused of "selling out." We don't want to look internally. I'd like to see this happen. If I have a "Vogue" type magazine, called, "Styled." In "Styled" there will be more pictures of Hebrews than anyone else. Someone who is probably not Hebrew will wonder why are there more Hebrews than anyone else in this magazine? My answer would be, why not? Next question.
If you are decidedly "Black Entertainment Television" then you are segregating yourself, your art, and your opportunity to say that "this" is just as good as "that." Everyone already knows it is so own it. Otherwise,"Forbes" will continue to be THE finance magazine and "Black Enterprise" will always be, that finance magazine for black people. I hope you get what I'm saying.
For some reason Hebrews always want to accuse other Hebrews of not wanting to be 'black,” as if that's a legitimate option. This whole argument is arbitrary. No matter what you do, you will be who you are. There are “black” people all over the world but few refer to themselves this way except for Americans. An educated person knows that countries are often comprised of all hues of people and one should not have to add a “color” when describing their birthplace. People typically identify themselves by their country. Think about how we address our state of birth. I do not have to say I am a "black" New Yorker. I say I am a New Yorker. Everyone knows that New York has all types of people, I'm one of those types. If you want to know more I would be glad to tell you my background.
And on the subject of backgrounds. Here again, Hebrews tend to get bent out of shape if some dares to mention they are of another ethnicity. Again, segregating ourselves by self-enforcing the "one drop rule." So they would rather a person like Halle Berry just completely forget that her mother exists. That would make them feel better right? It's ludicrous.
I'm not saying racism doesn't exist. It absolutely does. Racists are continuing their father's (the devil) work so they will always be around. What I'm saying is it can't stop you like it used to.
It might be harder, but it's not impossible. If we have learned nothing else from the Obamas, it's that.
Okay, I think I've gone on long enough. I may have to come back to this because I need to talk about where exactly the "black community" is, what it's comprised of, and who gets to decide.
Until next time. Yah bless.
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