Michael B Jordan did the right thing. Now, during this Caribbean American Heritage Month, we NEED to have real discussions about issues between Black Americans and Caribbean Americans so that we can be more united instead - tt.loopnews.com/content/michae…
We cannot pretend that issues do not exist betweenn the various groups of who is classified as “Black” in the USA.
Those of us from different countries but still classified as “Black” can speak to the issues we have encountered from those with more history in America
However...
Those of us from different countries but still classified as “Black” can speak to the issues we have encountered from those with more history in America
However...
Some of us have contributed to the divide by behaving as if we are better than Black Americans and so we often end up talking AT each other rather than TO each other.
The vitriol on social media around the #JouvertRum issue is just a sneak peak at the real attitudes.
The vitriol on social media around the #JouvertRum issue is just a sneak peak at the real attitudes.
Social media is not the real world, thankfully, but it does provide a looking glass into some attitudes that are more common than we may realize.
It has to start with a willingness to respect cultural differences and not feel that your country or culture is better.
It has to start with a willingness to respect cultural differences and not feel that your country or culture is better.
It should continue with a willingness to learn about cultures and countries, a tall ask for Americans in general as the rest of the world knows.
The majority of Black people live outside the USA and “Black Culture” is not defined by America. That is hard for some to accept.
The majority of Black people live outside the USA and “Black Culture” is not defined by America. That is hard for some to accept.
Once this fact is recognized, it makes conversations much more productive. We should be seeking common ground and unite to ensure the elimination of prejudice against us everywhere but instead, we fight against each other with a scarcity mindset.
Abundance Mindset is key.
Abundance Mindset is key.
The Plantation divided us by skin hue and willingness to do certain things. Too many still suffer from “mental slavery” as the Rt. Hon. Marcus Garvey said, a Jamaican man who came to the USA and promoted Pan Africanism.
We all need to pay closer attention to Garvey’s teachings.
We all need to pay closer attention to Garvey’s teachings.
It would help if Black Americans were properly taught about our contributions to this country as Caribbean people.
This is exactly why Caribbean American Heritage Month is so vital - OUR stories need to be told.
Look at this long list of contributions - whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/…
This is exactly why Caribbean American Heritage Month is so vital - OUR stories need to be told.
Look at this long list of contributions - whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/…
If a Black American complains about something racist, they do not want anyone to tell them why they should not be offended, they want to be heard.
No different for other cultural groups, including Cairbbean people.
Stop and ask the person “Why is this offensive to you?”
Simple
No different for other cultural groups, including Cairbbean people.
Stop and ask the person “Why is this offensive to you?”
Simple
The same goes in the other direction; We Caribbean people must stop and ask why someone did not like our approach.
Cultural norms are different around the world. You can have the wrong approach focused on the right outcome.
First seek to understand before you criticize.
Cultural norms are different around the world. You can have the wrong approach focused on the right outcome.
First seek to understand before you criticize.
• • •
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to
force a refresh
