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[~Devil Trigger~]

Out of curiosity, what do black people think of Will Smith?

Does he help bridge this gap or hurt it or what?

why would Will Smith "hurt" anything??

 

[wRATH2x]

:lol holy shit how can i forget about the coz crazy ass. He looks horrible now. He's like a millions yrs old though so I guess it's normal. I still love watch the reruns on TV

My Dad actually looks like a lot like Bill Cosby except he's Arab and he has an epic mustache.

Both my Dad and Bill Cosby look like Turtles though.

 

[Keylime]

why would Will Smith "hurt" anything??

I have it in my head that there are black people who think Will Smith is "too white", which sounds like they are saying that black people having a unique identity is a good thing, and Will Smith is only successful because he's taken on too many characteristics of white people instead of being a proud black man...

...or something.

I can't rationalize the weird issues people have over this stuff, so I was hoping for some perspective from others.

 

[wRATH2x]

Will Smith is every white guy black friend or something like that. I remember someone posting it here or something.

I'm high by the way.

 

[JGS]

Out of curiosity, what do black people think of Will Smith?

Does he help bridge this gap or hurt it or what?

I like him and think he helped even while being goofy on Fresh Prince.He's even married to a black woman! To me, he has a similar quality as Bill Cosby & Denzel Washington where his qualities transcends stereotypes, but without compromising on their upbringing or culture.

In all honesty, I would say the same thing about Tyler Perry whose films I'm largely indifferent to. However, the characters in them, with the main exception being Madea, are pretty solid and represented a very diverse groups of black people. Further he is a successful

Spoiler

(gay?)

black person that controls his own empire and keeps other blacks employed. I don't really care too much if that isolates him from white audiences because they have 95% of the movie market so it's OK if their feelings are hurt a little since I don't think isolation is Perry's intent.

 

[140.85]

Are they really trying to suggest that blacks in America are victims of Green Mile and Driving Miss Daisy? In what way have they been victimized? And how does it manifest itself in their daily lives?

 

[teddyboi]

I have it in my head that there are black people who think Will Smith is "too white", which sounds like they are saying that black people having a unique identity is a good thing, and Will Smith is only successful because he's taken on too many characteristics of white people instead of being a proud black man...

...or something.

I can't rationalize the weird issues people have over this stuff, so I was hoping for some perspective from others.

:lol It's funny when non black people try to understand us.

No offense, but that sounded crazy.

I don't really know how all black people think, because we aren't just some programmed robots who think alike and talk alike.

But the general consensus I think we have on Will Smith: Corny, cheesy rapper. Good and well-liked actor, and a role model. Black women love him because he's married to a sister.

I like him and think he helped even while being goofy on Fresh Prince.He's even married to a black woman! To me, he has a similar quality as Bill Cosby & Denzel Washington where his qualities transcends stereotypes, but without compromising on their upbringing or culture.

In all honesty, I would say the same thing about Tyler Perry whose films I'm largely indifferent to. However, the characters in them, with the main exception being Madea, are pretty solid and represented a very diverse groups of black people. Further he is a successful

Spoiler

(gay?)

black person that controls his own empire and keeps other blacks employed. I don't really care too much if that isolates him from white audiences because they have 95% of the movie market so it's OK if their feelings are hurt a little since I don't think isolation is Perry's intent.

Yea I don't really understand the beef people have with Tyler Perry. And he doesn't only cast blacks (see the Family that Preys). He makes just about as much effort as white directors/writers.

 

[Keylime]

:lol It's funny when non black people try to understand us.

No offense, but that sounded crazy.

I don't really know how all black people think, because we aren't just some programmed robots who think alike and talk alike.

But the general consensus I think we have on Will Smith: Corny, cheesy rapper. Good and well-liked actor, and a role model. Black women love him because he's married to a sister.

I guess the problem is that black people unify around their blackness within different organizations, but there is no comparable "white organizations" that white people actively participate in strictly because there are white issues we need to address. You're obviously right that black people don't speak in one voice, but they appear to try to with these organizations and that's confusing. I think I did a horrible job of explaining all that.

What's frustrating for white folks is that what one black person considers racist, another black person may not. Some words aren't proper to use with some folks...others are. There's no clear set of "what's OK and what isn't OK"

Seems like a weird side effect of being so close in history to when blacks got their proper equal treatment legally in America, and it's taking society time for people to actually adjust to being equal. I imagine in 200 years all this racism talk will be non-existent...or hope it is, rather.

 

[DrFunk]

Are they really trying to suggest that blacks in America are victims of Green Mile and Driving Miss Daisy? In what way have they been victimized? And how does it manifest itself in their daily lives?

Have you read the thread? These movies give a broken perception of black america, more than anything. Hell, some non-american posters thought this how we act, 24-7. Tell me soul plane and bebe's kids isn't hurting the image of Black America.

 

[Samara]

Last Holiday was an OK/good movie, and it had a black woman an in entirely white community. Well this was "Sweden".

edit: she was in a fake country or something.

 

[JGS]

I guess the problem is that black people unify around their blackness within different organizations, but there is no comparable "white organizations" that white people actively participate in strictly because there are white issues we need to address. You're obviously right that black people don't speak in one voice, but they appear to try to with these organizations and that's confusing. I think I did a horrible job of explaining all that.

What's frustrating for white folks is that what one black person considers racist, another black person may not. Some words aren't proper to use with some folks...others are. There's no clear set of "what's OK and what isn't OK"

Seems like a weird side effect of being so close in history to when blacks got their proper equal treatment legally in America, and it's taking society time for people to actually adjust to being equal. I imagine in 200 years all this racism talk will be non-existent...or hope it is, rather.

It really does depend on the setting and environment the words are being said in. White friends of mine can ask me any question they want because it helps clarify a prejudice or stereotype. I also do not have a problem with people who have a race preference. You're attracted to who you're attracted too. But please do not give me a stereotypical reason or prejudiced reply without seeking a response. THAT is what makes me mark you! I do the same thing with black people too though.

As far as the one voice thing, it's bigger than entertainment. In all honesty, black people do try to help each other out simply because there is a feeling of us against the world. I've kind of gotten past that since it takes all of my energy just making sure on doing OK.

However, many blacks will go to see a movie primarily because it's a black film (or TV show). They will root for the black guy on Jeapardy. They will vote for him as president (I will never believe the black turnout at last year's election would have been remotely equal if Hillary won the Democratic primary). It's also why we may defend ones others may find irredeemable like OJ & Michael Jackson (When he was alive, now everyone loves him again).

To be clear, I am speaking in generalities. Every black person does not do this because I sure don't.

 

[teddyboi]

I guess the problem is that black people unify around their blackness within different organizations, but there is no comparable "white organizations" that white people actively participate in strictly because there are white issues we need to address. You're obviously right that black people don't speak in one voice, but they appear to try to with these organizations and that's confusing. I think I did a horrible job of explaining all that.

What's frustrating for white folks is that what one black person considers racist, another black person may not. Some words aren't proper to use with some folks...others are. There's no clear set of "what's OK and what isn't OK"

Seems like a weird side effect of being so close in history to when blacks got their proper equal treatment legally in America, and it's taking society time for people to actually adjust to being equal. I imagine in 200 years all this racism talk will be non-existent...or hope it is, rather.

What organizations? I thought we were talking about movies.

 

[Keylime]

What organizations? I thought we were talking about movies.

I'm getting more to the general issue, but I was talking about having things like BET, Ebony magazine, NAACP (not that this doesn't serve a valid purpose)...etc...where the sole purpose is to speak to/for black people.

It creates this image within society that black people are separate than white people, and presumably they embrace this separation.

Again, I know this doesn't mean all black people love ebony magazine or watch BET...but to white people (me) it does create this weird "black world" that I'm not a part of and am not invited.

Right or wrong, that's what I feel.

 

[teddyboi]

I'm getting more to the general issue, but I was talking about having things like BET, Ebony magazine, NAACP (not that this doesn't serve a valid purpose)...etc...where the sole purpose is to speak to/for black people.

It creates this image within society that black people are separate than white people, and presumably they embrace this separation.

Again, I know this doesn't mean all black people love ebony magazine or watch BET...but to white people (me) it does create this weird "black world" that I'm not a part of and am not invited.

Right or wrong, that's what I feel.

I see what you mean. But it's just a product of our society. Even though not officially segregated, the US is very much segregated. (Schools, neighborhoods, cities, nightclubs, music) There is a by-and-large American black culture and then there's a white America culture.

I honestly don't know why you think it's weird. This country is divided. And really, it is so divided that many white people don't really know who black people are except through entertainment, casual observation and brief communication with a small group of us.
It works vica versa as well. The product of this seperation is our "black world." But you must realize, that there are many complexities within this world. But you're right, the world is real.

The complexities of our world is probably why you have such frustrations in knowing what's politically correct and incorrect to say around black people. Don't blame yourself, and don't blame blacks. Blame history.

 

[Keylime]

I see what you mean. But it's just a product of our society. Even though not officially segregated, the US is very much segregated. (Schools, neighborhoods, cities, nightclubs, music) There is a by-and-large American black culture and then there's a white America culture.

I honestly don't know why you think it's weird. This country is divided. And really, it is so divided that many white people don't really know who black people are except through entertainment, casual observation and brief communication with a small group of us.
It works vica versa as well. The product of this seperation is our "black world." But you must realize, that there are many complexities within this world. But you're right, the world is real.

I hear you.

I guess it's a stupid wish to want there to be no such thing as "race". I don't mind that there are differences, I just hate how those differences currently play out in society. It makes me feel unwanted and unwelcome in just the same way that some black people feel unwanted and unwelcome (obvious different degrees here, but I feel that way in reaction to the "black world" thing).

Bah...

 

[tmdorsey]

But The Toy is a remake of a french movie... There was no racist overtones in it. The original character was a regular joe who worked for a newspaper after being jobless for a long time. From what I recall, Pryor saw the movie and loved it, and thats how it ended up being made.

Seriously. I loved this movie as a kid and I still love it. The whole thing about him basically being/feeling like a slave is touched upon multiple times in the movie too.

I also agree on Tyler Perry. The majority of his shit just isn't funny to me, and I'm tired of his movies and black movies in general having the same old general plots or outlines.

 

[Schmattakopf]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUc2rnwcTdw#t=25

 

[wRATH2x]

Well I'm a quarter black, where do I fit?

 

[Count Dookkake]

I am in pre-production on a film about a 'magical negro.' It is kind of a response to the cliche, but not really a parody. I wonder what GAF will think of it.

 

[wRATH2x]

I am in pre-production on a film about a 'magical negro.' It is kind of a response to the cliche, but not really a parody. I wonder what GAF will think of it.

Are you a character who does nothing but come up with witty puns?

 

[Count Dookkake]

Are you a character who does nothing but come up with whitey puns?

fixed

 

[wRATH2x]

fixed

Must watch!

 

[GDGF]

fixed

:lol

 

[djtiesto]

When Bebe Kids came out, I was pretty young. I remember thinking there was something "wrong" about the film. My parents never outright said "Warren, this stuff isn't what we're about," but I remember just thinking "These are not the black people I know at all." Looking back at it now, that movie was utter trash.

You haven't lived till you tried the SNES game, it's one of the worst games I've ever played

 

[JGS]

I'm getting more to the general issue, but I was talking about having things like BET, Ebony magazine, NAACP (not that this doesn't serve a valid purpose)...etc...where the sole purpose is to speak to/for black people.

It creates this image within society that black people are separate than white people, and presumably they embrace this separation.

Again, I know this doesn't mean all black people love ebony magazine or watch BET...but to white people (me) it does create this weird "black world" that I'm not a part of and am not invited.

Right or wrong, that's what I feel.

Well, these aren't really seperation issues (One could make an argument for NAACP I guess). I look at it more that black people are always a part of general society but no one notices.:lol

When others do notice, it's to see that they have a seperate channel or magazine or speak of a seemingly unimportant agenda, but the truth is blacks also have to purchase "non-black" stuff. White people (or other minorities) in general can live just find without involving themselves in the black community. That doesn't work the other way.

How many black mags are there and how many magazines would be discussing issues revolving around black people if not for them?

Any white person can pick up black magazines. Ebony should not make you feel uncomfortable. If anything, it's an opportunity to see how the "other side" lives. Most articles (with the exception of editorials) are not started with an "us" or a "we".

They are simply articles discussing black issues. They are necessary because Time & Newsweek don't have the time or space to address them other than in connection to race relations rather than just living it. That doesn't make them racist, just more concerning with generalities.

BET is the same way.

I personally don't read them because the writing is not quite up to snuff. They remind me of People magazine articles, which I don't read either. However, their recipe sections are top notch if you like cooking.

Magazine in general are extremely segment though. The only ones that don't have their own section is white supremacists.

 

[-COOLIO-]

Well, these aren't really seperation issues (One could make an argument for NAACP I guess). I look at it more that black people are always a part of general society but no one notices.:lol

When others do notice, it's to see that they have a seperate channel or magazine or speak of a seemingly unimportant agenda, but the truth is blacks also have to purchase "non-black" stuff. White people (or other minorities) in general can live just find without involving themselves in the black community. That doesn't work the other way.

How many black mags are there and how many magazines would be discussing issues revolving around black people if not for them?

Any white person can pick up black magazines. Ebony should not make you feel uncomfortable. If anything, it's an opportunity to see how the "other side" lives. Most articles (with the exception of editorials) are not started with an "us" or a "we".

They are simply articles discussing black issues. They are necessary because Time & Newsweek don't have the time or space to address them other than in connection to race relations rather than just living it. That doesn't make them racist, just more concerning with generalities.

BET is the same way.

I personally don't read them because the writing is not quite up to snuff. They remind me of People magazine articles, which I don't read either. However, their recipe sections are top notch if you like cooking.

Magazine in general are extremely segment though. The only ones that don't have their own section is white supremacists.

i agree wtih rubx

stuff like ebony and BET just increase the racial divide. black people grow up feeling like they are suppose to watch BET. these are things that should be associated with a culture, not a race.

 

[DY_nasty]

I don't have a problem with Will Smith. I do however get very pissed when black people try and say that he's right behind Denzel (who's also overrated like hell) as a the best black actor.

 

[teddyboi]

I don't have a problem with Will Smith. I do however get very pissed when black people try and say that he's right behind Denzel (who's also overrated like hell) as a the best black actor.

The guy from the Hurt Locker currently is. And Forest Whitaker.

i agree wtih rubx

stuff like ebony and BET just increase the racial divide. black people grow up feeling like they are suppose to watch BET. these are things that should be associated with a culture, not a race.

I have many issues with BET, but I don't think it prepetuates the racial divide at all. White people don't get electrically shocked when they turn BET on. Just like I don't get eletrically shocked when I turn Telemundo on.

 

[harSon]

Out of curiosity, what do black people think of Will Smith?

Does he help bridge this gap or hurt it or what?

I think it's a wash, he doesn't really help or hurt blacks in the industry. He's capable of obtaining roles that would have otherwise been casted by a white actor, and while he's the most bankable actor out there, I'm not sure that he's opened any doors that weren't already open.

Basically, I consider him to be an exception to the rule, his success is not indacitive of the state of blacks, asians, hispanic, etc. in the industry.

 

[etiolate]

Disney hadn't removed Song of the South as much as they removed Uncle Remus, so that when you go to Disneyland and take the ride, hear the songs(some of my fav Disney songs), you just get this American folktale vibe about Brer this and Brer that. The fear of racism ended up removing all the black roots, which in turn ends up a bit racist in hiding the heritage.

 

[harSon]

i agree wtih rubx

stuff like ebony and BET just increase the racial divide. black people grow up feeling like they are suppose to watch BET. these are things that should be associated with a culture, not a race.

I'm not to fond of them but black centric stuff, while often divisive, is a necessary evil. While a lot of it is perpetuating stereotypes, they're providing jobs to minorities within these industries that would otherwise fail to find one. There will come a day when it's no longer needed, but I still think there a rather profound gap that needs tightening.

 

[BobLoblaw]

The guy from the Hurt Locker currently is. And Forest Whitaker.



I have many issues with BET, but I don't think it prepetuates the racial divide at all. White people don't get electrically shocked when they turn BET on. Just like I don't get eletrically shocked when I turn Telemundo on.

Goddamn, I was just thinking the same thing, only in the opposite order. Forest is still the de facto black actor in American films and (having watched The Hurt Locker for the first time over the weekend) Anthony Mackie is the second. Will Smith is probably in the top 10, but not top 5 for sure. The problem with Hollywood, though, is that I can ramble off a top 25 best white actors in under a minute. Can't do that for any other race though. :|

 

[ymmv]

Ridiculous list. I don't see at all how movies like Cleopatra, The Green Mile, Driving Miss Daisy or Song of the South hurt black America. Gone with the South could be construed that because of that crazy young black maid but on the other hand it also featured Hattie McDaniel in an Oscar winning role that was not "cringe worthy" at all but really a great performance.

Most of the bad rep Song of the South gets is from people who haven't actually seen the movie. There's not a trace of racism in it at all, there are no references to slavery. Uncle Remus is portrayed very positively. In fact, you can make a better case that this movie is anti-racist since it has white and black children living and playing together in a time period when this wasn't done at all, especially in the south where the movie takes place. Uncle Remus is actually telling old anansi stories so this is the first movie where black folk tales feature prominently.

 

[Axion22]

Having read the Green Mile and seen the movie, I don't get its inclusion.

and Bebe's Kids was essentially an animated standup routine.

I'm waiting for 15 standup routines that hurt black America.

 

[JGS]

i agree wtih rubx

stuff like ebony and BET just increase the racial divide. black people grow up feeling like they are suppose to watch BET. these are things that should be associated with a culture, not a race.

That's not true. Black grow up to thinking they have to watch the same things white kids do. Mags and channels like BET were created to counter that for better or worse depending on the program/magazine/movie.

The whole point of this thread is to argue how limited entertainment choices are for black people (This I agree with) and the ones that are available perpetuate a negative stereotype (This I don't necessarily agree with).

Once again, this has more to do with a white person being uncomfortable with black oriented things. The good news is they don't have to worry about it.:lol

 

[Pelydr]

It's a decent movie but it's basically a film for soccer moms to make themselves feel better, not the Michael Oher story they advertised it as. I couldn't help but roll my eyes when Sandra Bullock's character

Spoiler

walks into a Memphis project and tells off a gang banger

, come the fuck on :lol

I know of Michael Oher, and it is a great story but they really did this? :lol :lol Honestly, the previews did really look like a "white people are super compassionate" story. That is coming from mr. whitey here. Also, is it wrong to want to see Mandingo now, just to see how fucked up it is? Holy shit it sounds fucked up.

 

[~Devil Trigger~]

I have it in my head that there are black people who think Will Smith is "too white", which sounds like they are saying that black people having a unique identity is a good thing, and Will Smith is only successful because he's taken on too many characteristics of white people instead of being a proud black man...

...or something.

I can't rationalize the weird issues people have over this stuff, so I was hoping for some perspective from others.

complete BS

i dunno a sane black person that has a problem with Big Willy. Literally every one i know thinks highly of him.; Great work ethic, open minded, great "rags to riches" story, and one of the greatest Hollywood successes of all time.

Plus nothing About him is "too White", ask these people what exactly is "White" about Will Smith and get ready to hear non-sense.

 

[harSon]

Ridiculous list. I don't see at all how movies like Cleopatra, The Green Mile, Driving Miss Daisy or Song of the South hurt black America. Gone with the South could be construed that because of that crazy young black maid but on the other hand it also featured Hattie McDaniel in an Oscar winning role that was not "cringe worthy" at all but really a great performance.

Most of the bad rep Song of the South gets is from people who haven't actually seen the movie. There's not a trace of racism in it at all, there are no references to slavery. Uncle Remus is portrayed very positively. In fact, you can make a better case that this movie is anti-racist since it has white and black children living and playing together in a time period when this wasn't done at all, especially in the south where the movie takes place. Uncle Remus is actually telling old anansi stories so this is the first movie where black folk tales feature prominently.

I'm not going to deny the fact that the movie is entertaining but to say there's no traces of racism is reaching. It helps perpetuate the "Uncle Tom" stereotype popular within American films from the early to mid 1900s, basically the loyal black worker content with his position in society, or to put it simply, what many Americans considered to be the ideal representation of a Black American. And the Tar Baby? :lol

Gone with the Wind suffers from the same issues, although Hattie McDaniel's portrayal of the "Mammy" is a lot more assertive and demanding than what's typically found within that stereotype.

 

[Pelydr]

I'm not going to deny the fact that the movie is entertaining but to say there's no traces of racism is reaching. It helps perpetuate the "Uncle Tom" stereotype popular within American films from the early to mid 1900s, basically the loyal black worker content with his position in society, or to put it simply, what many Americans considered to be the ideal representation of a Black American. And the Tar Baby? :lol

Gone with the Wind suffers from the same issues, although Hattie McDaniel's portrayal of the "Mammy" is a lot more assertive and demanding than what's typically found within that stereotype.

I have never seen Gone With the Wind, but Uncle Remus was a huge stereotype. And I quite like the movie and LOVE Splash Mountain! Anyway, I wish Disney would release the DVD with a release like they do with some of the seriously racist wwII cartoons. Just acknowledge what it was. It sucks to make money off of such things, but I can see why they shouldn't be shown for historical reasons. I don't know.

 

[ymmv]

I'm not going to deny the fact that the movie is entertaining but to say there's no traces of racism is reaching. It helps perpetuate the "Uncle Tom" stereotype popular within American films from the early to mid 1900s, basically the loyal black worker content with his position in society, or to put it simply, what many Americans considered to be the ideal representation of a Black American. And the Tar Baby? :lol

Gone with the Wind suffers from the same issues, although Hattie McDaniel's portrayal of the "Mammy" is a lot more assertive and demanding than what's typically found within that stereotype.

Make Uncle Remus white and you'd still have the same movie. The role of Uncle Remus in the movie is not to portray a docile black worker, he acts as a father figure to the kids, both black and white. If he had been white, would you feel Uncle Remus portrays the loyal and content white worker, the ideal of wealthy American plutocrats and industrialists?

That tar baby already figures in the anansi stories black slaves took with them from Africa. See for instance http://www.sacred-texts.com/afr/jas/jas021.htm It has nothing to do with a racist cartoon portrayal of blacks. If there's any racism, it's only in the eye of the observer who wants to be offended so he can use the racism card.

In what way is the tar baby offensive? It's not a caricature of a black child, it's puppet made of (black) tar with only eyes and a nose. It doesn't have exaggerated red lips or anything.

 

[-COOLIO-]

That's not true. Black grow up to thinking they have to watch the same things white kids do. Mags and channels like BET were created to counter that for better or worse depending on the program/magazine/movie.

The whole point of this thread is to argue how limited entertainment choices are for black people (This I agree with) and the ones that are available perpetuate a negative stereotype (This I don't necessarily agree with).

Once again, this has more to do with a white person being uncomfortable with black oriented things. The good news is they don't have to worry about it.:lol

let me guess, that's normal, non-racially focused tv? GOOD.

im sorry but choices in movies and tv arent limited for black people. they are allowed to watch stuff starring any race or promoting any culture.

 

[numble]

let me guess, that's normal, non-racially focused tv? GOOD.

im sorry but choices in movies and tv arent limited for black people. they are allowed to watch stuff starring any race or promoting any culture.

Step by Step, Full House, Growing Pains, etc. = normal, non-racially focused

 

[-COOLIO-]

I'm not to fond of them but black centric stuff, while often divisive, is a necessary evil. While a lot of it is perpetuating stereotypes, they're providing jobs to minorities within these industries that would otherwise fail to find one. There will come a day when it's no longer needed, but I still think there a rather profound gap that needs tightening.

the job stuff is justification, fair enough, but i still dislike pretty much everything else about BET.

I have it in my head that there are black people who think Will Smith is "too white", which sounds like they are saying that black people having a unique identity is a good thing, and Will Smith is only successful because he's taken on too many characteristics of white people instead of being a proud black man...

...or something.

I can't rationalize the weird issues people have over this stuff, so I was hoping for some perspective from others.

there is nothing i hate more in the english language than terms like "too black", or "too white", or "too race x". you do not act like a race, a race is nothing more than common physical characteristics. anyone can be anyone they want to be.

 

[Pelydr]

Step by Step! Daaaaaaaayyyyyyyy by Dayyyyyyyyyyy. TGIF was pretty bad. In more ways than one.

 

[Keylime]

there is nothing i hate more in the english language than terms like "too black", or "too white", or "too race x". you do not act like a race, a race is nothing more than common physical characteristics. anyone can be anyone they want to be.

Oh I agree, don't get me wrong.

I think the problem is that the media machine (movies, tv, news) makes me think that every black person is a person who is very sensitive to their race and racial identity.

Just look at the "Obama is too white" stories that ran all over the place. It makes the casual reader think that the majority of black people think some guy is too white for them...so they reject them..."he's not one of us, he's one of them".

Perhaps my perspective is a bit jaded, as I live just outside of Philadelphia and the inner-city folk aren't the best examples of black people.

I live in the middle of white suburbia and black inner-city (I call them this because the population to the left of me is predominately white and full of green while the population to the right of me is predominantly black and full of cement and buildings). I shop at a grocery store that is considered on the side of the black people (white people generally avoid it, just about all the employees and customers are black) and there's a very strange atmosphere in there as a white person. You get looks from people and it makes you uncomfortable...I'm just shopping at the most convenient location, but the feeling of not being welcome would push away most people (and probably has).

Just frustrating.

 

[harSon]

Make Uncle Remus white and you'd still have the same movie. The role of Uncle Remus in the movie is not to portray a docile black worker, he acts as a father figure to the kids, both black and white. If he had been white, would you feel Uncle Remus portrays the loyal and content white worker, the ideal of wealthy American plutocrats and industrialists?

That tar baby already figures in the anansi stories black slaves took with them from Africa. See for instance http://www.sacred-texts.com/afr/jas/jas021.htm It has nothing to do with a racist cartoon portrayal of blacks. If there's any racism, it's only in the eye of the observer who wants to be offended so he can use the racism card.

You're completely clueless as to what the Tom stereotype is aren't you?

The "Uncle Tom" was the loyal black worker or servant who was perfectly happy with his sub human position in society, he was harmless and you could leave him around your family without fear of incident. Him being a father figure to white or black children does not change the fact that Uncle Remus was perpetuating a negative stereotype. The Mammy (Basically Aunt Jemima) was also considered to be a parent figure, do you consider her character type to be equally harmless?

 

[-COOLIO-]

Oh I agree, don't get me wrong.

I think the problem is that the media machine (movies, tv, news) makes me think that every black person is a person who is very sensitive to their race and racial identity.

Just look at the "Obama is too white" stories that ran all over the place. It makes the casual reader think that the majority of black people think some guy is too white for them...so they reject them..."he's not one of us, he's one of them".

Perhaps my perspective is a bit jaded, as I live just outside of Philadelphia and the inner-city folk aren't the best examples of black people.

I live in the middle of white suburbia and black inner-city (I call them this because the population to the left of me is predominately white and full of green while the population to the right of me is predominantly black and full of cement and buildings). I shop at a grocery store that is considered on the side of the black people (white people generally avoid it, just about all the employees and customers are black) and there's a very strange atmosphere in there as a white person. You get looks from people and it makes you uncomfortable...I'm just shopping at the most convenient location, but the feeling of not being welcome would push away most people (and probably has).

Just frustrating.

i only quoted your post because i felt like saying something about those terms, im on your side with your comments here.

 

[genjiZERO]

Of course, it has been widely believed for quite some time that her line of ancestry to Ptolemy was wholly inbred, but recently there's been a lot of doubt put on that supposition. There's a good chance she was partly African. Which makes sense: The "pure bloodline" party line (that would be exceedingly hard to maintain over so many centuries) was probably a royal fiction.

Doesn't mean Cleopatra would be "black" though - Copts are north African.

 

[harSon]

I live in the middle of white suburbia and black inner-city (I call them this because the population to the left of me is predominately white and full of green while the population to the right of me is predominantly black and full of cement and buildings). I shop at a grocery store that is considered on the side of the black people (white people generally avoid it, just about all the employees and customers are black) and there's a very strange atmosphere in there as a white person. You get looks from people and it makes you uncomfortable...I'm just shopping at the most convenient location, but the feeling of not being welcome would push away most people (and probably has).

You get that in any part of town where the population is homogeneous unfortunately. I lived in the Asian part of San Jose, CA for half of my life, and suffered similar gazes upon entering Asian dominated establishments.

 

[Mr.Squirrel]

it's sad to see you feel that way

Spoiler

joke post?

No, I'm 100% serious

Spoiler

bewbz