Do African-Americans/Blacks suffer from an interpersonal type of racism?

[Crystal J]

Dark Skin vs. Light Skin

Over the years African-Americans have had more than their share—and still, of reconstructing, recovering, and rediscovering themselves in the aftermath of slavery. The severity of brainwashing and cultural rape that occurred for more than 100 years has yet to fully repair itself. As a result it has carried forward and manifested in today’s society. It’s not enough that racism exists, more importantly, it exists within specific races. Although inter-racism exists in other ethnic groups, it has more prominently affected the African-American community, thus affecting other area as well.

Historically struggle between dark skin and light skin has been one of great adversity. Although there are no direct indications or explicit testimony, it can be inferred through historical documentation that within the institution of slavery, there was indeed a preference over which slaves were treated better than others (as if being a slave has been or ever will be something of betterment). Slaves who appeared lighter in complexion were deemed to be more presentable and aesthetically pleasing to the English slave-owners. These individuals were therefore given duties of a less strenuous nature. They were favored and compared to their counterparts of a darker complexion. It’s no doubt that this treatment lead to a disdain between the African slaves, which has carried forward beyond the 21st century.

If one were to Google (its astonishing how Google has become a verb) the words dark skinned or light skinned, many results will return. In writing this excerpt, I was somewhat disappointed that I the results were this plentiful. One link in particular (http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/395244/dark_skinned_vs_lig...) sites the struggle of the black man and his choosing between dark skinned and light skinned women of the African-American Community (I mean really, someone sited this to be a struggle).
According to BlackVoice.com, Angie Stone has even voiced her opinion regarding how Hollywood treats African-American Women of a darker complexion. More recently, Tamika Foster weighed in a similarity of the matter as well (http://globalgrind.com/content/901458/Shes-Pretty-For-A-DarkSkinned...). These are just a few examples of this stagnating matter. For both African-American men and women to not only contend among other races for equality, they must also contend within their own racial class for it as well.

It’s obvious that this is problematic. It puts innocent people on the defense for something incontrollable. I don’t recall any of us, inside the womb completing the “Which Race I Want to Be Survey”, complete with shade options.

Back to the question at hand, do African-Americans/Blacks suffer from an interpersonal type of racism? Or, could this be another phantom glitch in the social matrix used to keep minorities at the bottom of the totem pole scratching and biting at each other rather than at the true obstacles that stand before them?

[AJ Houston]

The relevant trues. Your question and premise reanalyzes historical facts, the overall subject of how Black is Black or what color Black does the Nigger fall under. We are still struggling to get past the mis education of the Negro. No one knew how long it would take or if it was at all possible. Our racial bible is still the Willie Lynch Doctrine we keep this holy book on top of our Family Bibles on the coffee table in the living room so those who don't possess a copy can find their place when needed. We do still suffer from all the symptoms you wrote and read about but our problems are much deeper implanted than mere surface conjecture. Even now as we struggle economically the last hired first fired rule is always in effect. Never the less our shades constitute the level of acceptance in American society we have gained over the years. All the while knowing at any moment we can and will be judged as our African selves, it was nice while it lasted. For those who believe racism is dead look at how our GOP elected officials are responding to whatever President Obama places on his get done now agenda. Racism lives we just label him in a different category these days. We are unaware of our treatment of others of our race because its done so frequently we don't notice. It is now out of habit it occurs. In conclusion you are correct in your findings but it seems to be in bedded in our genetic code passed down in DNA. So doctor, how do we remedy the new generations coming of this disease if we can't seem to find a cure ourselves? Light skin, dark skin its just skin to everyone else but us. Knowledge is power so keep the conversation going and we may gain new strength in the process. Thanks for taking me there.

[Terrence L Myers]

This current event that is stirring so much controversy over President Obama's speech to "children" in the public education system is a perfect example of the continued efforts and affects of racism that effects the social matrix used to keep minorities at the bottom of the totem pole.

The right-wing republicans are doing everything in their power to keep President Obama from exercising duties that come with being the Leader of The United States just because he is BLACK. If this was a white president speaking to kids it would not even be an issue. So, the effects of racism in America is still affectibg the behavior of blacks across the entire nation.

This current event that involves both President Obama and Van Jones the Environmentalist Green Jobs Advisor for President Obama that recently resigned due a SMEAR CAMPAIGN played out in the media by the right-wing republicans. Should be a wake-up call to Black-America with concerns about who is really running this country and what power is controlling these current decisions that are playing out.

While we are busy scratching and biting at each others throats we should be RALLYING around this issue and show America that we are going to stand together and defend what we believe is right by protesting this recent HATE toward our current President and Leader by the right-wing party. Or, are we still SUFFERING from an interpersonal type of RACISM?

The right-wing continues to send clear signals that after 8 years of a mismanaged government by white President George W. Bush. That it is acceptable that his adminstration can destroy the country and just get slapped on the wrist after serving the worst two-terms of government in history.

SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE!

While in the meantime PRESIDENT OBAMA'S ENDLESS EFFORTS to turn the country around has been applauded with strict-criticism by the right-wing for the errors their administration has caused. There are so many families out of work and their homes that it is a clear INJUSTICE because of the right-wing republicans, yet the President and Leader of our country cannot give a SPEECH to a the children across America. ASKING THEM HOW CAN HE BETTER SERVE THE.

SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE!

So, Back to the question at hand, do African-Americans/Blacks suffer from an interpersonal type of racism? Or, could this be another phantom glitch in the social matrix used to keep minorities at the bottom of the totem pole scratching and biting at each other rather than at the true obstacles that stand before us?

My answer is YES!

And, My question is with the power that is being displayed by the POWERS AND PRINCIPALITIES THAT BE. What does one expect the African-American/Black Community to do?

After making so many leaps and bounds of successful history that qualifies the individuals for the positions they man. Then have that same power you are qualified to control taken from you or minimized for the slightest breach of words or truth exposed. There is too much going on to cover "ALL" the wounds from our past that continues to affect us today.

If someone has a solution I am ready to support it!

[Patricia Ann Griffin]

This forum reminds me of Jungle Fever. I recall vaguely the article about Spike Lee being titled “black filmmaker,” the totalizing causes Spike Lee to speculate that he’d rather be considered a talented young filmmaker.

"We all have one thing in common. We're all different." Ken Standley

Personality behavioral conflicts at times require some time to work through. Hopefully the victim of the cycle will arise in a better state of mind, perspective and or resolve.

[Terrence L Myers]

Sister Griffin,

Thank you for giving me a place to express myself and VENT!