More things that I've noticed. Not lately of course, but over time.
When it comes to terminology, I noticed that most people are so prone to pounce on the "ghetto" bandwagon. This also applies to the type of dress. It's one thing to joke about it. It's another to have lived around it. But when you know nothing of it and yet actively participate in speaking, acting, and dressing "ghetto", I feel as though that person is the biggest joke ever.
Most people would call that acting "black". Why do they do so? Because blacks in this country are closely associated with being "ghetto". Ghetto as in baggy pants that come half way down to your butt. Baggy shirts that come midway to your knees. Gold jewelry; namely chains, rings, and sometimes that misbegotten gold tooth. Ghetto as in run down housing or "projects". Ghetto as in flashy cars and drive by's in broad daylight. Not to mention the vernacular or "ebonics" that is mostly spoken in these neighborhoods.
*Note- I do not approve of the "language" called ebonics. I feel as though it is a slap in the face for those of use who do not associate our selves with that kind of society.
In recent months I've encountered people who acted in such a way. I look at them and ask "where were you born and where did you grow up?" Their usual response is that they have never set foot in a ghetto before. "Would you ever walk into a ghetto by yourself?" That question is usually followed by a "hell no" and a crazy look in my direction. And so I ask another question.
"Are you part black?"
Now I don't know about you guys, but this question is a huge ice breaker. This proves right then and there what kind of person they are. I figured that if they answered with "yes", I would assume that they were trying to make up for what they didn't know of their family's history.
But if they answered with "no", then they are labelled a hypocrite (by my standards of course).
Why? Simple.
If a person wants to understand a certain culture or way of life, then I feel that you should get to know all of the avenues involved with it. By only taking part of it, you do not receive or understand what it is you are wearing, saying, seeing, tasting...etc.
One should always try to understand before acting. Otherwise you are carrying a misconception of that reality.
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