The Color Complex In The Black Community
http://thekojonnamdishow.org/shows/2012-10-23/color-complex-black-community
Most conversations about race in the United States focus on tensions between blacks and whites or between people of different racial groups. But skin color and complexion can divide members of a single race, too. Kojo talks with author and activist Marita Golden about enduring forms of prejudice and colorism within the African-American community.
Guests
Marita Golden
President and Founder of the Zora Neale Hurston-Richard Wright Foundation; also author of "Don't Play in the Sun: One Woman's Journey Through the Color Complex" (Doubleday)
Comments
Please familiarize yourself with our Code of Conduct and Terms of Use before posting your comments.
Could the color complex be one of the factor's behind the burgeoning number of black men dating and marrying non-black women? Black men date and marry outside of their race more than almost any other group while there are are a plethora of single, available black women.
I find this topic very interesting. It seems like every single black woman I see these days has a weave or a wig. Years ago India Arie wrote a beautiful song with lyrics that say, "I am not hair, I am that soul that lives within." Women wear fake hair so much these days that they don't even give their own hair a chance to grow anymore. Are things so bad they aren't even willing to allow what God gave them to breath and grow?
Good point about the hair weave issue. Other big reasons for why more black men are dating and marrying non-black women is because of:
1.) Black women's negative attitudes toward Black men.
2.) The masculine demeanor of today's Black women.
3.) Black women's weight problem.
And there is a myth that many single, available Black women exist. Many Black women of today expect Black men to be subservient to them (they do not respect Black men in leadership roles), which causes her to be incompatible with Black men. Black men simply want to come home to peaceful surroundings, not a combative party who seeks to challenge him on every level. Also, the highest number of men who marry outside of their race is White men (usually married to Asians).
As a very progressive Jewish woman I find it so hurtful and offensive when disparaging comments are flung so easily by folks, such as today's caller, blaming Jews for all of society's ills. Jews have been persecuted and discriminated against since the beginning of time; therefore, we were especially active in the civil rights movement and still are on the front lines fighting for everyone to have their say and their fair share. So everyone out there reading this (Kojo, this means you especially), PLEASE call out our collective brothers or sisters who do to Jews as was done today. Wrong is wrong, and until someone stands up to people like this no one is safe from hatred.
Consciousness,
Thanks for pointing out that I need to clarify my comment.
According to recent research, roughly 22% of black men marry outside of their race. Roughly 9% of white men marry outside of their race. I should have stated that black men marry outside of their race at higher rates than many other groups. Thanks for the clarification.
My numbers are from research by Pew which are based on recent census data.
I am wondering if the pathology which was discussed on today's show is a part of the trend of black men marrying non-black women at a relatively high rate.
Consciousness,
Thanks for pointing out that I need to clarify my comment.
According to recent research, roughly 22% of black men marry outside of their race. Roughly 9% of white men marry outside of their race. I should have stated that black men marry outside of their race at higher rates than many other groups. Thanks for the clarification.
My numbers are from research by Pew which are based on recent census data.
I am wondering if the pathology which was discussed on today's show is a part of the trend of black men marrying non-black women at a relatively high rate.
Consciousness,
Thanks for pointing out that I need to clarify my comment.
According to recent research, roughly 22% of black men marry outside of their race. Roughly 9% of white men marry outside of their race. I should have stated that black men marry outside of their race at higher rates than many other groups. Thanks for the clarification.
My numbers are from research by Pew which are based on recent census data.
I am wondering if the pathology which was discussed on today's show is a part of the trend of black men marrying non-black women at a relatively high rate.
Consciousness,
Thanks for pointing out that I need to clarify my comment.
According to recent research, roughly 22% of black men marry outside of their race. Roughly 9% of white men marry outside of their race. I should have stated that black men marry outside of their race at higher rates than many other groups. Thanks for the clarification.
My numbers are from research by Pew which are based on recent census data.
I am wondering if the pathology which was discussed on today's show is a part of the trend of black men marrying non-black women at a relatively high rate.
Consciousness,
Thanks for pointing out that I need to clarify my comment.
According to recent research, roughly 22% of black men marry outside of their race. Roughly 9% of white men marry outside of their race. I should have stated that black men marry outside of their race at higher rates than many other groups. Thanks for the clarification.
My numbers are from research by Pew which are based on recent census data.
I am wondering if the pathology which was discussed on today's show is a part of the trend of black men marrying non-black women at a relatively high rate.
As a very progressive Black Man in America I found your comments offensive there was nothing I said today that was hurtful or disparaging about Jewish people. I am Black and Jewish so I am quite aware of the reality of of white jewish racism. I have been on the end of the yiddish n-word.
More importantly progressive Jewish woman like you should support me and attack the racism of many white jewish film makers in Hollywood who make offensive "colorism" films about Black people. The majority of Jewish people in America are white as such they leverage this white privledge far to often against Black Americans this is truth .
BTW White Jews were no more active than other groups during the civil rights era and Black Americans have always championed all people who suffer from racism and discrimnation.
Please take the time and educate yourself about the shameful role of Israel and Jews during the aparthied era of South Africa and then get back to me about how progressive you are. Please also spare me your tired lecture and Jewish victimhood unlike my white Jewish comrades I cannot hide behind my hue!!!
Truth is people like you who deflect and avoid reality are as lethal and destructive as others who active in thier contempt for Black Americans.
Get off you soapbox .
Shalom
This topic deserved more than the time alloted by the host. I tire of the same chatter class themes that fill the airwaves of this show from "green" issues to the banter of boring editors from the chatter class pundits.
I hope this topic and other topics regarding the reality of life in Black America is given more time to explore than this token drive by effort today by Kojo with this standard stock questions it was almost unbearable to listen to at various points.
Quite often on Kojo's shows he displays an obligatory posture towards Black themes.I tire of this act enough already!!!