You Don't Act Like a Black Person

How do I act like a true black person?

You Don't Act Like A Black Person.

"You don't act like a black person," some one said to me,

Am I not black, i have the skin, i have the heritage,

What other proof do you need?

Am I not black enough because I listen to classical music, 

Because I enjoy Bach, Mozart, Beethoven and Gershwin. 

Is it because I like to listen to other music other than rap?

Is it because I don't sag my pants down to the ground?

Is it because I don't use the same slang as some other blacks?

Is it because I would rather sit and read a book, than to go party?

Is it because I don't try to talk to every female I see?

Is it because i'm not liberal enough like some other blacks?

Is it because I don't call every woman I see a b***h or a hoe?

I just don't get it, how can you "act" black when you are born black.

How do I not act like a black person, please explain that to me?

Reviews

[Tinasha LaRayé]

WOW - completely stunning piece! enjoyed every word of it. just to ask questions in this list form creates a strong impactful journey for your audience today - leaving us asking ourselves the questions & the ultimate question: what defines being black? a color...a race of people....existence. This is something that is not addressed in our community. thank you for speaking out. refreshing.

[Luke Logan]

As amazing as it is, especially in the year 2010, people are still driven by cultural stereotypes. All I can suggest is that you continue to be yourself, and be the person you want to be. You are intelligent, and you're a good writer. Hopefully, you are reading great writers like Langston Hughes, Ralph Ellison, and Maya Angelou. My best to you.

[Desert Dreamer]

Most people like to label others, and they get confused when the label doesn't fit. As for me, I get told that I don't act like a woman...and I have to laugh because I am all woman and just because I choose to be who I am instead of what is expected of me, people just don't know what to label me. I really enjoyed your poem. Thanks for sharing.

[.]

How refreshing! You and my husband would get on... powerful read :)

[Dillon Cotter]

I really like the likes "Am i not black, i have the skin, i have the heritage" thats awesome dude. We act the way we act, its who we are. I have some of the closest black friends that act themselves and have a cool time. Nice work!

-Will

[Jessie Sianodel]

I don't understand why my friends call me black when i don't fit into typical stereotypes. and they only really call me that when I'm angry or excited and slip into kind of street talk. I have a lot of black friends, and none of them are truly like this. I've seen white people, Asians, Hispanics, and blacks act like this. they're products of their environment. It's just sad that many minorities happen to live in these environments.

I'm sorry but when you said
Is it because I don't sag my pants down to the ground?
I laughed. All I could think of was the song "Pants on the Ground"
Great Poem!

[The Water Queen]

The way the world views people based on the color of their skin. Media has made it where they believe black people are these gangstas that kill and be killed for the sake of honor. But what they dont know is there are more personalities and different people then that one sterotype.

[Angie Diane♥&hea..]

I agree I'm black too. I don't act like it either. I try to be more proper and I love reading. I would never go to a party unless I'm hosting it. Thanks for sharing. :)

[floarealbastra10]

I like it

[Ian]

wow your right being black shouldn't really be based on the things you just told thank you for putting this out.