I Too, Dream Africa

So, I got into a rather heated debate last week with a (now old) friend. I don't remember exactly how we got on the topic, but he said something to the effect of, "I don't speak German, I speak Black...lol." First things first, putting an "LOL" in front of something ignorant doesn't make it any less ignorant, nor does it make it humorous. Off the topic, but I had to say it. From there we got on the topic of race, culture and what it means to be "Black". By the end of the conversation, it became clear to me that you can never really know a person too well.

Now, I judge no one based on what they consider themselves to be, but I will not lie, I'll judge based on the reason behind it. Anyway, here's where it got interesting: he basically said that he considered himself Black and had no relation to Africa as he could not "trace back his roots." I then asked him how he could consider his color a race. I'll admit, I use both terms "Black" and "African American" interchangeably, but if asked, I'll tell you that I'm African American; a product of the African diaspora. Sadly, like most, I don't have a country to refer to, but I do have this beautiful brown skin and an inherent love for all things rhythmic.

He then went on a rant about how I was being "unpatriotic" and how he served and fought for this country and that I'm unappreciative for what our military does for America everyday. I think I pissed him off even more when I said that I could only imagine how much love and dedication he would have to this country had he NOT served in the Marines. Chris Rock said it best: "America (to African Americans) is like the uncle that paid your way through college, but molested you." He then said, "its people of your mentality that makes it difficult for black Americans to achieve the greatness we're destined."

I first decided that this is someone that could no longer be a part of my social circle. Then, I told him that at the end of the day, if it was between him and one of his comrades (of the other persuasion), he'd get lynched first and with absolutely no consideration for his service and dedication to this country. It's one thing to call one's self Black loosely, but once you start trying to defend and define what it means to be Black, I have a problem. Black is a color; not a race, culture or place. I cannot travel to "Black" and learn about my Blackness. Being "Black" is an identity based on skin color. You may as well call yourself Colored.

At the end of the day, we're all living, breathing products of Africa. Not chains, shackles or being sold as property, but a constant reminder of the beauty that is Africa; a reminder that, we too, come from greatness. I too, dream Africa.P.S. - you may not wanna take any advice from me...or read this blog. Afterall, I am the reason Black Americans can't get ahead in life...(could someone please make me a smiley face that's flipping the bird? Or maybe just a middle finger? That would so come in handy right now)