Has a "black" person ever impressed you, how so?

[lightbulb27]

Have you been impressed by someone who was "black", maybe they had exceptional skills or gifts you hadn't seen before.

A few that come to mind...

1) When I was young, an artist made a painting of a family member. I was amazed at the skill and care given.

2) A teacher impressed me with her honesty, discipline, and care.

3) A woman I hadn't met but saw in a video, demonstrated an exceptional level of forgiveness I did not possess. Touching.

Yes

No

Updates

+1 y

Very positive results! Black people out there, some, are making lasting impressions!

Updates

+1 y

Apparently some people read this as a "dig" to black people. It's a positive question in your reflection on life. It ain't complicated... is it?

Granted, you don't have to think of someone as "black", they may have just been a person like any other person in your life.

good grief people are touchy...

[Lliam]

Very much so. I've known some really wonderful black men and women.

My favorite example, though, is about someone who I still think of as a hero.

I got my first guitar in 1965 when I was eleven. My dad was the top machinist for a major aerospace manufacturer. He knew an engineer there who offered to give me some lessons.

When the man arrived, I was surprised that he was a tall, fit and slender, black man with a cool goatee. He turned out to be kind, patient, soft spoken, and quite cosmopolitan. And he wasn't just a guitarist, he was a master of flamenco and studied the craft in Spain a few times. He could play any genre of guitar and I'm sure he was a fiend when it came to jazz. He was far more sophisticated than my parents or any other white people I knew.

He was the first black person I had ever met and I admired him from day one. From that point on, there was no way I could assume that black people were inferior, not that I had thought that before. But because of him, by the time I reached high school and started getting out in the world, I had no racial prejudice at all. And he had only given me lessons once a week for a couple months.

So Mr. Freeman was like an ambassador from the black community. He can't possibly know how much he influenced my life.

By 1969 when I began high school, I was a huge supporter of MLK and the entire civil rights effort (aside from rioting) and even joined some marches with my friends.

Here's the thing. The Watts riots were happening when he drove to our lily white neighborhood to teach me. He had grown up during segregation and still became a highly educated and successful aerospace engineer and flamenco guitarist. He didn't seem to have any chips on his shoulder. He probably had an amazing family.

I wasn't aware of all this at the time, but when I look back, there are few people I admire more.

[lightbulb27]

Ah yes, you've shared that before. Amazing experience and very fortunate to have someone with his skill, at that time, to teach you. Engineering and guitar seem to fit together... very mathematical. You must have learned volumes in a short time.
Did you pickup some Flamenco?

[Lliam]

Nah. I hadn't even hear of flamenco until he played some. Both of his hands moved like spiders on meth when he played. He could play dual melodies and tap on the body of the guitar with the nail of his little finger.

When he showed up, his first question was, "What kind of style do you want to learn?" I had no idea. I didn't know there were different styles. Finally, I said "Peter, Paul and Mary" because Puff the Magic Dragon was popular.

I'm sure he had never played that kind of folk music before and he probably thought if was pretty lame. But he said "Okay, let's see, I think it goes something like this" and started playing it perfectly.

So I did learn some finger picking from him, along with all the chords at the bottom of the neck. But I didn't keep up with the finger picking because I started becoming more entranced by rock music.

Actually, though, he did teach me how to fan the strings with my fingers and to play a few flamenco riffs.

I mainly learned chords from him and went on to teach myself how to play leads and power chords.

[lightbulb27]

cracked me up..😂. I could not pull puff the magic dragon out of my hat if I tried.
Good you learned lead, I've struggled with that and gave up for now.

[Lliam]

Thanks for the MHO, bro.

[lightbulb27]

We'll earned!

[abc3643]

The same ways a White person or Asian person or anybody else impresses me.

Perhaps the Black folks impress me more given the extra shit they have to go through that White folks don't (aka White Privilege).

For instance, learn about Vivien Thomas, a man who, one day, you may need to credit for saving your life.

https://www.washingtonian.com/2020/06/19/the-remarkable-story-of-vivien-thomas-the-black-man-who-helped-invent-heart-surgery/

[lightbulb27]

I agree with your point, those that have to rise above so many obstacles and adversity to make something of their life, that is impressive.
Jackpot! I LOVE this story, I lost a family member to that syndrome. I will be reading it all.
That's fine, it's a black history question...

[KostasKouvalis]

Yeah I riding the bus one time and this nice dressed Black guy with a suit and briefcase sat next to me, I asked him about his accent and it turned out he was from South Africa. We had a very insightful conversation about race and foreign relations. He was surprised I was actually familiar with African geography, and told me that he'd been living in the U. S. for 10 years and there is no racism here. He said White and Black people in America don't randomly walk past each other and call each other slurs like in Africa. He said in Africa even other Blacks hate each other, because each tribe thinks they're superior to another. And although he was Black he said he respects Cecil Rhodes and acknowledged his importance in South African history. He said it's stupid to hate someone, because there isn't a single country on earth that wasn't built with the help of someone else. He said South Africans helped built the U. S. and vice-versa.

I ended up seeing him again a few weeks later in a Rasta hat going to report for probation. But that doesn't change the fact that the guy was extremely intelligent and well-spoken. Honestly a Black South African was the last person on earth I expected to to restore my faith in race relations. I'll never forget that man. He was to date the best Black guy I've ever met.

The best part was, he said this stuff in a bus full of people. These were things that needed to be heard, but I wouldn't be comfortable saying as a White guy. Yeah, that guy was GREAT!

[Msputiton]

So to your update. It comes off as you are mocking black people.

Why? Because it sounds as if you are surprised black people can do anything of value, so this is why people are not happy with your question.

[lightbulb27]

I see that now, but no way to edit...

[RolandCuthbert]

So you really do not think you are mentally unstable?

What kind of question is this?

I think you need to sit down and ask. . . would I ask these silly questions or make these silly "takes" about any group of people who are not "Black"?

"Black" folks aren't any different than any other cultural grouping.

One of my heroes. . . Chief Joseph says it all. . .

Every single cultural grouping has pride in its traditions, its history and its customs. Otherwise, it would not exist.

[lightbulb27]

you just don't choose to answer my questions can ya... smh.
don't stress, I'll come with other specific targeted questions for other cultures and races and m/f.

[RolandCuthbert]

Nah dude, you are just a disingenuous liar.

I don't know why you think you have anyone fooled.

[lightbulb27]

Nothing wrong with having pride in ones culture... or others cultures. We learn from all peoples. See the other answers... they show appreciation.
Our govt wants to celebrate black history month, that's what I'm doing. I don't like being called white, I don't identify that way so maybe others dont' like hearing color. But it's pushed in front of me all the time, so I'm recognizing the event. I'm only 7 days in, am I doing something wrong in my recognition and celebration?
There is nothing disingenous about recognizing my own experiences, and others, with "black" people. I didn't lie about anything.

[RolandCuthbert]

But you don't believe this. So why would you tell me this?

You don't even know enough "Black" history to know how or when "Black" History Month began. The government didn't start it. Carter G. Woodson did. And decades later Congress passed some legislation observing the celebration.

The thing that is weird is that we recognize Asian American Heritage Month, Latino-American Heritage Month, Indigenous Peoples' Month. Nothing is more special or different with "Black" History Month, etc. The government recognizes all of these different celebrations. But with you. . . the "Blacks" are the problem.

Dude, you can call yourself whatever you wish. It will never hide your beliefs.

As for something being being "pushed" in front of you. The 100 years war was "pushed" in front of me. So was Columbus, the struggles of the French Hugenots, Francis Drake, the French and Indian War, Lewis and Clarke, King Henry the 8th, the Crusades and a whole bunch of "White" history that I had to deal with, learn, get tested on and pass, just go get out grade school, high school and college.

There is no equivalent for you when it comes to "Black" history. But that's just how your racist mind thinks.

'"Black" people pick a month to celebrate the history we were never taught with the folks who wish to honor that legacy. And you are whining about it as though you have to participate.

[lightbulb27]

sure I believe it and you can celebrate how you like. I'm not whining outside of being attacked all the time. I'm accepting and recognizing. I'm not complaining, you are. I'm celebrating BHM the way I want to, don't I have that right? I'm watching a movie on BH and reading stories as I always do... and then I'll move on. I've learned a lot about AA history that I wasn't taught in books. That gives me respect... which I can pass onto others.. examples: Major Taylor, Tuskegee Airmen, 784 tank battalion WWII, etc.. Yea, I recognize Japanese people and chinese at times as well, and Italians. I studied chinese history for a month.
I'm fine with recognizing all sorts of people and cultures, it's learning. I went to the slavery museum in New Orleans.. when I could have done other things.
If I said black people were the problem, I mispoke. A subset of African Americans are or have a big problem, and the problem is they are ignoring their cultural subsets contribution to social problems. But no-ones allowed to talk about it, so I'll stay silent. That problem is minimal in the groups you noted above, it's unique to AA's... mostly. Each culture has their problems. But, it's spreading, into chinese population around me... fear of being killed, by criminals... e. g. African ameicans in nyc... but noone is allowed to mention it's young black kids and displaced/traumatized AA people that need real help, all too often. That's reality, but can't say that out loud in the news... never hear it.
I'm a huge fan of Keechant Sewell, maybe I can find a way to meet her (with my wife) and take her out to lunch, and write something first person. I like that idea... she has an impossible task. That's history in the making, which I prefer.
Call me what you want, I want the best for people, but I don't think they want that for themselves sometimes.

[RolandCuthbert]

Of course you are whining. "Black" history is being pushed on you. Really? You are helpless to ignore it? And then you barely know a fraction of it. That's what I don't get. At the age of 16, I could tell you that Beethoven was going deaf at the end of his life. I could tell you that Mozart could write with both hands at the same time a complete sentence starting from both ends of a paper. But when I was 16, I could not tell you about Emmitt Till. Because no one taught me. Because no one thought it was important enough for me to know.

How am I complaining? You write some racist crap, I confront you. Because I want everyone here to at least understand that despite your racial theories, "Black" people are no different than any other cultural group. We don't act any differently than any other cultural group. We have pride in our culture. We have our heroes and our stories.

And if you want to learn about "Black" History do not listen to a racist. Because they are always trying to find a way to prove their culture is better than someone else's. Racists don't do the human thing. They don't observe humanity. They take their mythology and beat people over the head with it.

No one said you couldn't celebrate BHM. But you are pretending your heroes are our heroes. They are not. Your heroes. . maybe you want to call them American heroes. Or "White" heroes. It doesn't matter to me. Stop pretending they represent this culture.

Why do you think this conversation is about what you do? Or what you think of "Black" folks? That's weird.

[RolandCuthbert]

You can do the David Duke thing.. . you can engage in symbolism when it comes to "Black" people. You can go breakdance on the boardwalk.

It does not matter to me. Your beliefs are all over this forum. I get it, even if you can't admit it.

All I said was to stop pretending your heroes are heroes of African-American Culture.

American Indians tell us who their heroes are. Chinese-Americans tell us who their heroes are. . . you and yours tell us who your heroes are.

You will never find me picking a hero for Chinese, the Indigenous or even "White" people. I went to school. "White" folks told me who they thought their heroes were. And I figured out a way to listen to them.

[lightbulb27]

Why ignore it when it's enlightening to learn and explore? All I reflected on in this question were some people who stood out to me. It's maybe a little offensive, to refer to color, I wouldn't want people saying "white" since I dont associate to that, but not much different than any other category of people, and I didn't label it black history, someone else did. So maybe I'll abandon the term "black" going forward, tbd. It appears BHM is about something else to you as you noted. That's fine. You can be you and have what is meaningful to you.
I didn't know any of that in history.
I have no idea if my heroes are your heroes. That's fine. It's GAG, I want to know how others were inspired, I'd not expect everyone to say the same.
Duke? I know little about him and don't care.
I see what you are saying.. BHM is not about my personalization of "black history", it's about the legacy of experience and struggles of black people and I should... acquiesce to their viewpoint. I not sure about that... hummm...

[RolandCuthbert]

How are you learning and exploring? You went. . . found a “Black” dude who agrees with your politics and claimed you were learning about “Black” history.

Why is every point you make. . . disingenuous?

Comparison;

When I wanted to learn and explore American Indian Culture. I went and asked American Indians. I was told to read some books by Sherman Alexie. I was told to read Russell Means, Chief Joseph, Chief Plenty Coups. . . I was told to look up “Redbone”.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MpPGb_apD8

But I didn’t go search for a person who agrees with my worldview, who happened to call himself an American Indian.

And if I never asked, I would never know. So why do you pretend you are learning and exploring?

You still refuse to just be genuine. Why not say, these are your heroes and examples of your culture and belief system? Why pretend they represent or are even trying to represent African American Culture, views, customs or history?

As for your issue with the term “White”. You can use whatever name for yourself that you wish. Almost every human being on this planet has a group identity. And a lot of people use that term to refer to themselves and their culture whether they know it or not.

[RolandCuthbert]

I use the terms “Black” and African-American interchangeably. They mean the same thing. I cannot speak to what you mean when you use the term “Black”. You pretend like are not grown man able to define what he means when he refers to certain terms.

So since you are so immature, I will just assume what you mean until you figure out how to voice your own opinion.

I will repeat this for the sixth time I guess. The issue is not that we have different heroes. Your heroes are not African-American heroes. They are your heroes. Or if you wish to claim them for your culture. . . your culture’s heroes.

So you are finally starting to understand the argument. But you can’t accept it. So let’s try an experiment. Show my new “question” to all your Asian-American friends and relatives. Show your wife. Let’s see if they agree with my Asian-American Hero.

[lightbulb27]

Black/AfricanAmerican... somewhat interchangeable. I generally is use it that way but will use "black" to include Africans and immigrants of Africa, of which I've met a few.

I was trying to figure out what it's like communicating with you and the Redbone reminded me of this movie. Like I have a Jester over my shoulder... nothing I say is received well and comes back with spite intensity. Maybe that's what you hear.

https://youtu.be/QMcUG2YDeu8?t=2214

Seems you look and read broadly, that's good. I don't claim to know all that history.
We're very off topic, it was a simple question...
I don't recall saying those people represent AA culture or people. But they are in the public eye and I gave examples of others interested in them. It's not color driving political choices.
If they aren't AA heroes, so be it. They may be to some. There are different perspectives.. that's what I said.
I'll look at the Asian question next, but if they don't accept them, what do I care? You seem to think I know what people think. If I already knew, no point in asking.

[RolandCuthbert]

So why would you use a single term to group Africans, African-Americans and African immigrants?

And the thing is you don't even do that. Because you obviously do not include Northern Africans, Moroccans, Egyptians, etc. in those groupings. It is just about what you think you see when looking at a person. It isn't about culture. So you don't really think things through when you are talking about the mythical "Black" race. I mean you say stuff that you really don't mean because you never thought about the implications beyond your own narrow experiences.

Of course, I include folk who claim cultural bonds with me. But it would be silly to include folks share my skin color but not my cultural experience. Or to exclude people who have my cultural experience, but not my skin color.

I mean, aren't you the guy who claimed content of my character and not the color my skin" and all that stuff? You get that, right?

Look you can like Black Robe. I think it is a pretty good film. But that film was never recommended to me when I talked to American Indians in my search to understand a small bit of their history and their culture (s).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OB0RgMcB8zc

Looking broadly is good for me. But I don't pretend I can define an experience that I have no access to. I was never raised to be a Cherokee, a Lakota or an Apache. So why would I pretend that I could define their culture, what their history is and who their heroes are?

Well, you claimed to know African-American History, right? Those giants heroes to the "Black" race. . . Candace Owens and Larry Elder.

I hope we can talk in some detail about that great Asian-American heroine, Michelle Malkin.

[lightbulb27]

Were getting into definition and usage of terms which is above my pay grade...
My other question was simple... it's "black history month", Larry Elder pops up in my news feed and says he's probably running for president. I look at him... he looks black, people consider him black. So I post a question. I didn't think much more than that. Obviously he leans right.
Black is a color and a broad grouping and obviously general, to me includes Africa excluding people who are not black, and most anywhere else someone considers themselves "black". So when I think black history month I think that includes Africa and America and Haiti, etc.. Morocco or Egypt... wasn't including, but yea, maybe. I don't think that hard:) Certainly rooted around African American experience.
"Black culture" is something else and I guess, depends. Generally I think it refers to African Americans, although, there seems more than one cultural identity, experience. I'm not really sure what it means to be honest. When I grew up, it meant "the hood"... chitlins and watermelon and fried chicken. Pea funk, "Prince", Gangs. But some people didn't fit into that mold either... they were nerds, military, etc.. Differentiator... parents!
Not sure there is one Italian or Chinese culture either. Good luck defining these terms, I use them as best I can. African American is fairly clear term. I've said this before long ago... I think in "shades of gray", a little this a little that, maybe this some of that. I think you have a mind that sees either this or that, not so much inbetween. That's my view of why it's hard to communicate and probably why we end up digressing into terms and it seems. Ex. my wife's chinese... but she ain't "that chinese", she's non political but very right leaning. Her sister is very left and more chinese. Then there's 1 billion more people chinese, I won't even try to define them all...

[lightbulb27]

Obviously there are people who are black who are very liberal and some who are very conservative. Same with my chinese family and black members of my family. So none of this stuff really works perfect, just words we use to group things and not all fit into nice neat packages all the time.
Take B. Obama... says he's "black". Really? By Joe Biden's definition, I doubt he is "black" enough, lives around rich Jewish people, sends kids to private schools with "white" people, talks like a European American. He isn't "hood rap gangsta rap "black". Is he black enough? To me, if he says he's black, I'm good with that. You make your choice. I think anytime we talk these basic color differentiators, what's important gets lost. He said it best... the "novelty of that wore off in a day".

[lightbulb27]

I don't claim anything about AA history, I'm not a history major. I talk about from my reference point. I've been around enough "black" people to have a reference point for some cultures, interacting, what I read and see, inspired by, disgusted by, motivated by, etc.. No way does that include the depth of experience everyone has. I have no idea what it's like to be a black Nigerian Christian woman being violated, enslaved, or murdered by black "muslim"... nor by "white" people through the ages and all the history. I have no idea what it's like to be a black African slave owner of a white/Asian woman, of which there was one indirectly on this web site.. modern day slave owner, a black guy! Ain't that Fing nice, and were wasting time on all this useless crap. I probably have more context for "black" African American middle class and hood mentality, since I
was around them a lot. There's many cultures/perspectives. That doesn't include other groups and persons, there are other groups I don't associate, like... I've never hung out in a "black" motorcycle gang, but I know black people who ride. They are just people to me, but they are considered black and I'd be white, if we were talking race... which we don't. If anything, we have common interests and values. I'm not saying CO or LE are great heroes of ""black" race, appear to be to some, but doubt is the majority. Was obama a hero to "black" people... because of his color or politics? LE is actually more stand out because he doesn't go with the more accepted leaders, who seem more "left". Probably why I get their feed...

[lightbulb27]

I have things to do, when I get those under control, I'll loop back to this Asian you are so passionate about disliking. But she's not my priority in gag, my priority is black history month right now, gotta focus. Why isn't black history month important to you? I made it important enough to give it my time while others pay no mind.

[RolandCuthbert]

We were here the minute you created a take about "Black" heroes. If that was not above your pay grade in your own opinion then this definitely is not. My point of view stays the same. You should have just created a political take about "Black" people who agree with your political views. And not pick whom "Black" folks think embodies our history and culture. It was a pretty simple point, that you have been trying to make into Mt. Everest. It doesn't seem to help your political goals to understand "Black" people in the context of the Human Race. And in the context of what almost every human grouping does. Which is be proud of itself.

And you keep being disingenuous by claiming Elder pops up in your feed. You knew his political views. That's why you claimed he should be "Black" people's hero. Yet, you keep lying about it thinking you have fooled someone.

And I keep saying, why not simply state your views on public policy and talk to "Black" people about those views? You seemingly can't understand that or for some odd reason continue to think being disingenuous and lying about your intentions is an effective strategy.

But maybe your goal isn't really political. Maybe you like a lot of other racists think that getting "Black" people to see their culture as inferior is a more realistic goal. Which is weird.

So let's just talk rationally for a second. Why is your definition of "Black" important? Other than you having the power to be racist. . . what good can your definition do for me? You obviously no nothing about my experience. And when I tell you my experience, you disregard it in favor of racist stereotypes. So take that one point and explain it to me. I would really appreciate this a lot. And I am being very genuine right there.

Your definition of being "Black" has even confused you. And somehow the people who call themselves "Black" are supposed to understand what you mean?

[RolandCuthbert]

When you list traits about "Black" culture. Everything is negative. The hood, gangs, chitlins, fried chicken, and watermelon. So if I am "Black" you assume my experience includes this nonsense. And you think this is my problem. That somehow, I don't understand your negative views on my experience. And that you need to talk to me about the racist stereotypes you believe in. But I have listened to racists tell me how negative my experience is through racist stereotypes for decades. So I mean it isn't like I haven't heard this nonsense before. You are not telling me anything new. I know the racist assumptions that racists have. Most African-Americans do.

And a lot of people with dark skin do not. A Nigerian immigrant coming from Nigeria will get your download of chitlins and watermelon and your opinion that this is his culture and experience. Then he will either be really offended or will do everything he can to avoid being called "Black" since being "Black" is such a negative thing.

You simply can't figure this out. Lightbulb, I am going to ask an honest question.

Do you have a learning disability? Are you autistic or anything like that? I am really being genuine here. Because several times, I have told you, that I ask people about their culture. I don't take racist stereotypes or even cultural ones and smash that down on top of their experience. I mean, I couldn't have Asian-American friends, American Indian friends, Caribbean-American friends, etc. Because I would be claiming to know more about their experience than they do.

And that is wrong.

[RolandCuthbert]

Dude, you can't believe in racist nonsense, and claim I don't see greys and inbetweens.

That's all I see. I don't claim Nicole Richie is "White" because of what I see, you do that. I see a "Black" woman. I don't claim Sammy Sosa is "Black" because of his dark skin. I see a man who is "Mixed" and a Dominican. Because that is who he says he is.

You tick off racial boxes that do not care about what people think about themselves and their identity. My way is the road to an infinite amount of different group identities. And I respect each one while expecting my own to be respected. No matter what racist assessments claim that my culture should be or not be.

I don't have to take your word for your wife right? I ain't a racist. I know how to ask and respect a person who's identity may be Chinese or Chinese-American. Or she may not want to have that label anywhere near her. It is her choice. Because when a person shares their group identity with you, they are doing something very important. They are telling you what it important about themselves in their own view.

[RolandCuthbert]

Obviously there are folks who do not fit your narrow definitions of “liberal” and “conservative”. It is so weird to see your contradict yourself in the same paragraph.

Yes Barack Obama is “Black” because he chooses to identify as being “Black” and “Black” people accept him as being “Black”. You claim he isn’t “Black” because he lives around rich Jewish people.

Are you saying that Larry Elder and Candace Owens live around “Black” people? WTF?

And are you anti-semitic? It is okay for Larry and Candace to live in exclusively “White” neighborhoods. Just as long as they don’t live around Jewish folks? Do Candace and Larry talk like European-Americans? Do European Americans even talk like European-Americans? You mean they talk the same way in Boston as they do in New York, or how they do in Chicago or in Tennessee. Really? That’s amazing.

When Obama lived in Chicago, he lived in a really poor “Black” neighborhood. When he and Michelle married, they moved to Hyde Park. Anyone in Chicago knows that Hyde Park is a mixed neighborhood. But at least 50% “Black”. Now they have moved to Martha’s vineyard.

Why do we have to wade through all these political lies you believe in. . . when we are talking about “Black” history, culture, and identity? What do you connect these two worlds?

The cultural world of African-Americans. . . to your political obsessions trying to get “Black” people to adopt your politics?

Please explain that to me. It is another genuine question that I have.

[RolandCuthbert]

But this is a lie. Of course you do. I have never known a racist who would let a little thing like knowledge stop him from making claims about how people act, what they believe or the behavior they engage in. You check all three boxes.

I don’t understand your examples. A Nigerian Christian woman? Does this mean you understand Nigerian Muslim women?

And where on earth or in history did “Black” people hold “White” or Asian slaves?

So you were around the African-American middle class and hood mentality a lot. Is that where you learned “Black” culture is about chitlins, watermelon, fried chicken and gangs?

And do you think it may be problematic to extrapolate that not just onto the larger African-American Culture. . . but in your case you see the “logic” of creating a universal definition for “Black” and associating this stuff with the term. Maybe that might lead you to not understanding what people’s experiences and lives really are like. Especially since you disagree with listening to them explain what their lives and experiences are like.


I am pretty certain you don’t talk about race with many “Black” people. It seems that you have an online obsession with it. Which is again shows a passive aggressive need being fulfilled. You don’t want to cause issues in public, but here on the net you can be anonymous and grind the axe. Right?

I mean you pose a question that you seem to be unable to answer. But this is grounded in how you have defined “Black” people.

If Obama is “Black”, if Larry Elder is “Black”, if Candace Owens is “Black”, why would “Black” people vote for Obama to become President over those two?

I mean you seem confused about do “Black” people vote for skin color, for culture or for qualifications. Is that why you try to push Elder and Owens? Because if you can find a “Black” person who supports your politics, you could trick “Blacks” into voting for someone you approved of?

[RolandCuthbert]

Of course African-American History is important to me. It isn’t important to you. Nor is it important to many people here at the site. They have made that painfully clear. I mean, aren’t you the one complaining you are “forced” to learn it. Even as you have no examples of being forced. . . and you know painfully little about it, by your own admission.

I am quite certain the founders of this forum don’t care about African-American history. The only person before this year posting about it was me. Msputiton joined me this year. And when I did it in the past, I would only do one post. Now outside of GaG, I celebrate it almost every day of the year.

This is just a really strange comment.

[OlderAndWiser]

I met several black men who were football players at FSU and they were all great guys.

I have a black acquaintance who is a federal judge and he is an impressive man.

I have known black attorneys who were both gifted and ethical.

I have black members of my church who are very good people.

There are black members of the fraternity which I supervise and they seem to have their act togeher.

[JustinTheGreat]

Um yes? I think this is an odd question lol

It’s almost as if you’re implying that it’s unusual for black people to posses certain skills or demonstrate honesty/forgiveness to the point that you’re pleasantly surprised when they do…odd

[JustinTheGreat]

This question is a microaggression

[lightbulb27]

I don't think so, just that those people stood out in those scenarios, these were at young age.

[JustinTheGreat]

yeah but what does them being black make these things any more impressive than if someone of another race did them?
It’s like when people say to a black person “I’m surprised how well spoken you are!” that’s a micro aggression. Racism disguised as a compliment.

[Pegases]

This is in fact a dig at black people, because you wouldn't ask this question about any other race of people that you don't already look down upon. The truth is however, that it's typically people with little to no accomplishments in life, and/or low self esteem that ever feel the need to look down on anyone, in the way you did here. You're not fooling anyone, clearly.

[lightbulb27]

2nd person to say that. I don't see it that way, maybe it's how it is worded.
What I find fascinating is the non black people, many, answer it positively. The generally black people, interpret it negatively.
I asked it on behalf of Black History Month. I'd ask it of sexes or other groups, it's just a "segmentation" question.

[Sixgunsound]

Walter Williams was the first economist I ever paid attention to voluntarily. He was engaging and real, and found a way to discuss black economic issues in a matter of fact, non adversarial way. This from a man who was a black panther photographed with an AK-47 in his youth. People can change and do better with maturity.

[melanieeeB]

Tell me you're racist, without telling me you're racist 😂😂😂 the fuck is this question

[lightbulb27]

It is a color based question since it's "black" history month. So I ask questions related to the color "black", or African American since that's specifically whom it's about... all month. I know it's annoying, but that's what people want, otherwise, they wouldn't make a whole month to recognize. If people don't ask any questions about "black", then that's like ignoring people... which is worse, isn't it?

It's a positive question, the good responses are positive. if you read it as negative, that is in your perception, not mine.

[lightbulb27]

Specifically, this is about your personal experience with "black history". History doesn't have to be negative, it can be inspiring. At least to me.

[melanieeeB]

Well I guess then you should have worded your question differently. But pointing out only black people is a very racist way to ask something.

[lightbulb27]

It's kinda sad to hear that and makes me think more. I hope one day the perception of "black" people is a positive one. If I ask a question of another culture or race, I doubt I'd get such backlash... I'll find out. To me it says, the self esteem has room to improve.
Maybe the word "ever" throws off the translation?

[melanieeeB]

Yeah I would say so... your question came off to me as like black people can't do shit and you were asking if any of them ever did something to impress you... also just basing it on black people isn't the best... I don't know I would have maybe said "Because of black history month, what was the most impressive thing you have witnessed?" Or something similar 🤔

[lightbulb27]

lesson learned, I have to re-view my question in future... unfortunately no way to edit it.

[exitseven]

My best friend in the Air Force was black. Before he joined the air Force he was a helicopter pilot in the Marines and was a really awesome guy.

[Randalama]

When I was young I heard a recording of the speech "Why I oppose the Vietnam War" by Dr. Martin Luther the King and it sent a shiver through me. Hackles were raised. No images mind you, just a voice and it was a clarion call and I knew I was hearing something exceptional. Whenever I feel blue and jaded I listen to the King.

[Hallix26]

You think it's relevant to me what race the person is if they impress me? People do not do impressive things because they're black or white or Asian but because they have other intrinsic qualities. Honestly the way the question is phrased sounds a bit sad, as if the assumption is that someone who's black so rarely does something cool.

[OfMiceandMen]

My one girlfriend was black, she impressed me everyday. She would share what some people would say or do to her at work and I was impressed that she held her shit together.

She was a great woman, I miss her.

[HighValue]

Yes. One co-worker back when I worked in after school programs impressed me by NOT being racist. Almost every Black person I have known IRL has been racist so the ONE that wasn't really stood out.

[HippieVeganJewslim]

My ex-girlfriend impressed me with Her personality.

[Anonymous]

In the lockeroom coning out of the shower. I bought my first AR15 that day.

[lightbulb27]

What? That sounds bad...

[Opinion Owner]

My girlfriend's ex.

[lightbulb27]

oh shiz...

[Opinion Owner]

I brought to the gym and showed it to him. Not subtle but he knows to stay away from her now

[LiamJHayden]

Some people have impressed me. Never really cared about the melanin content of the person's skin.

[zagor]

A young guy in Central Park riding a 2-story bicycle.

[Anonymous]

This racist ass post. Smh

[lightbulb27]

Isn't it positive racism?

[Opinion Owner]

Oh you’re a troll too.

[lightbulb27]

you are the one that is anon. It's not a troll. Black Lives Matter... the ones that made a positive difference in my life and others.

[Opinion Owner]

Fuck off!

[lightbulb27]

It's my post... it's a positive question, with many positive responses. What do you hate black people or something, or yourself?
you bless off...

[malwins]

Lol! What a trolling ass troll