As African Americans, we spend a lot of money even if we don’t come from a silver spoon. As a person who lives in a predominately black neighborhood, I have seen boys spend hundred of dollars on shoes, shirts or jeans. African American females also spend a lot of money due to the fact that a lot of hair products are promoted to black women. Not to mention, African American hair needs a lot of moisture therefore it needs good products to keep it looking neat, Unfortunately, these hair creams and lotions and gels are usually not black owned and are full of chemicals. In a black neighborhood one can find stores selling hair extensions, hair and nail products, and make up and all are owned by Arabs or East Asians. One can also see corner stores where adults can buy 40 ounce beers and cigarettes, children can buy chips, candy and soda. Unfortunately, things promoted and more accessible to blacks are actually unhealthy yet majority of blacks support this. Not to mention the customer service by Arabs or Asians in urban areas. From my own personal experience Arab men lusting after teen girls was quite common they would be 27 flirting with a 15 year old girl. I even had the unfortunate experience of going to the gas station as a 17 year old and having this Arab guy caress my arm. I felt disrespected and cheap. Sadly, I feel Arab men see young black women as highly sexual and promiscuous and thus welcoming to sexual advances. I also witnessed a man telling a 14 year old’s mom that he would date her in 4 more years. Even now I deal with some Arab men flirting with me as he scans my items. Asian beauty supply stores and hair extensions in general are making a killing with selling hair extensions yet their is a lack of friendliness when I comes in a hair supply store it’s just a feeling they want my money yet don’t have any of respect for me. Ironically, in a black neighborhood you rarely find a black owned business sometimes you may find a place that sells ribs and fried fish but the most money goes to other races. Most black business fail do to lack of funds and support from other blacks. Ironically, even though we spend 1.1 trillion dollars we only put 2% into black owned businesses. I became more and more interested in promoting smaller black owned businesses after watching Seinsei Ashitemasu videos on integration and how it contributed to the failure of the black economy. The way in which she explained it is that we became so enamored with the idea of being near whites we forgot to take care of ourselves, we bought into this colorblind idea that we are all equal that we let our businesses go. As a black person I’m constantly told white is better therefore white businesses are better and a black business is less than. Subconsciously we as blacks think white businesses provides higher quality products or services or is more professional. To be honest a lot blacks suffer from this collective self hate that makes us not trust a business just because the owner is black. Corporations know this and bank heavily on the black dollar. They bank their Black Friday sales predictions on how much blacks will spend. The odd thing about this is during segregation all blacks had was black owned. We had black hospitals, clothing stores, beauty supply stores, gas stations etc. Some blacks were doing so well they became billionaires and they did what they were suppose to which is put back into their communities and work in their communities, they opened black owned trade schools and colleges, started scholarships and gave to charities. What I learned recently about Carter G. Woodson the person who started Black History Week which later became Black History Month, was that he wanted blacks who went to school to go back into their own communities and work to build it up. The African American celebrities are so lost they either go by this attitude that blacks didn’t make it because they didn’t work hard,or they don’t owe anyone of the same race anything which is so wrong because everyone can’t be a celeb and they had support along the way. We are not viewed by colorblind eyes they see us and judge as a whole. And our economics as a whole. On average the Average African American household is worth 6 thousand dollars. Since every race or ethnic groups starts their own business, hire family or friends and support each other why won’t we? I read in an article Donald Sterling mentioned blacks are poor because black celebrities care nothing for their own people and we as a whole don’t support each other part of this is true. He is a racist but he laid out the map for blacks and we should take note he said that he was Jewish and no one wanted to hire him so he started his own business and the Jewish community supported him and he became very wealthy. So why don’t we help each other so we can stop being called lazy and worthless welfare recipients even though I know some blacks with three jobs but hey stereotypes die hard. My last point I want to make is withholding economics is the best way to protest. Martin Luther King’s Montgomery Bus boycott showed us this. While blacks are in the street tearing up their neighborhoods which is counterproductive they should stop giving to non-black businesses, show them that you matter. This sends the clear message that if you don’t respect my body, my life or my health I do not respect you and will not patronize these large corporations. Once their bank accounts dry up the rich people in power will start to push for change and trust me “Racism is only a by product of capitalism ” As Fred Hampton, the former Black Panther said. We can see how well blacks were doing if we study the success of Black Wallstreet. In 1921 blacks in Tulsa, Oklahoma were thriving the only reason it failed was because whites in Tulsa, became jealous of how rich blacks living in Greenwood became (the black part of Tulsa) and used the excuse of a white girl saying she was raped to go and burn down 108 black owned businesses along with murdering innocent people and displacing them from their homes. Despite, their downfall I believe it can be done again. So check out Sensei Ashitemasu’s channel on Youtube she does reviews of black owned household essentials and skincare products. Next time you see a black owned business on Twitter, Instagram or a new store in your neighborhood check it out and patronize it. If everyone contributes a little it eventually makes a big impact. As the years go by, more and more women are foregoing this attitude that it's important to be chaste about our bodies. We are being fed these feminist attitudes that emphasize this "Only god can judge me" perspective. We are constantly being told, that what we do with our bodies, is our business and it should not affect how men will treat us. I recently, read an article called "The Thing About Your Daughters Virginity..." published in Those People written by Ashley Simpo. In this article, she expressed a very similar ideology. Within her article, she spoke about her losing her virginity at 15 years old to her older boyfriend. She expressed her disappointment that our society makes girls feel embarrassed about having sex. She stressed her regret that she couldn't tell her mother. She even suggested that, her mother should have congratulated her for experiencing sex for the first time. Her ideology is that having sex for the first is a wonderful experience and a mother could guide her through this new exploration. According to her, a girl should never feel guilty about having sex. She mentions that we should teach girls that sex and love are two different entities and that we as women can have relations without being in love. She stated that, we fear to tell young girls that they have the right to do what they want with their bodies, because we fear that they will have sex. In my opinion, there were so many things wrong with the messages she is telling young girls. I don't know any mother who would congratulate their daughter for having sex, because more than likely her mother had told her not to do it in the first place. And in doing so, this girl has disrespected her mother. When your a teenager nothing is yours, not even your body. You do not have the right to "desecrate" it as she says. Your parents have a right to tell you not to put your body at risk for STD's and the depression of heartache. After all, your mothers protected you to the best of their abilities during childhood and have every right to continue doing so during your teenage years. Teen girls need to know that engaging in sexual activity is a big deal for a teenager and that sex has real consequences. We forget that many girls can be met with the agonizing pain of rejection, after giving their bodies to someone. Most women are lying to themselves saying they don't become attached with the men that they sleep with. Even women have cried on their pillow cases over the aftermath of what they thought was going to last forever. So why do feminist preach this crap to young girls? Teens girls are not emotionally mature to be having sex with immature boys. We need to stop trying to act so emotionally resilient. We don't need to keep up with the behavior of men. It's okay to be soft, caring and passionate.
Teens need to know that, the one they give their bodies to will last in their memory for a long time; so they should pick wisely. Teen girls should know that sex and love are indeed two different entities. But why would a woman be sharing her body with a man she didn't love? The best experiences are with someone who knows you. She believes by telling a girl not to test the waters we are allowing men to define and control our sexuality. On the contrary, we should care about who we give our bodies to. We are not the neighborhood bike everybody does not get a ride. And I'm so tired of woman easing their conscience by promoting their promiscuity as them being a feminist. There is no unapologetic slut who presents her carefree attitude about sex as being cool. There is nothing heroic in being promiscuous. And she is wrong sex does define you. Your sexual behavior tells a story behind your life. Most of the women who sleep around; have daddy issues, was molested and overall lack a sense of self-worth. They try to find warmth in the arms of strangers; in the guys that compliment them and give them the attention they desire. A lot of teen boys really are just looking for a good time and will say and do anything in order to have it. And young girls shouldn't be so eager to sleep around. She is correct in her belief we fear telling young girls that they can do as they please with their bodies because we fear that they will consider the possibility to have sex. By telling them it doesn't matter you downplay sex it becomes this minute thing like taking a shower. We are losing the value in sex it's no longer special, beautiful or a moment that lovers can connect. Not anymore, now sex is a thrill seeking one night stand from a stranger you met at the bar or something you do when you get drunk. Men and women are so disconnected now days. Some of them only want to be around each other unless they are partaking in it. What do teens need to know about virginity? Society is enticing you with sex everywhere you turn from commercials to school, friends etc, but be strong if you must, use protection and do not become loose with your body. Also, realize that most teen boys, like many men may not be using protection so your putting yourself at risk. There are hospital beds full of sick people wishing they could take back that moment of bliss. Don't follow the "modern women" of today that tell you one night stands are not a big deal and friends with benefits are the norm. We are headed towards a society that will tells us there are no rules. But just because their are no rules doesn't mean their aren't any consequences to our actions. Young girls, your body is sacred; not for everyone to enjoy. And you can't expect people to value what you don't value. The women you should look up to are not out having sex with strangers. They are starting businesses, feeding the poor and fighting for human rights. We shouldn't engage in sex because of an urge but with a person we truly connect with. I hope young girls will not find liberation in exploring their bodies, but rather exploring their potential. Most of all, virginity isn't everything but how you use your body is. Even as a 25 year old woman I have a hard time understanding male expectations. Particularly, what a man means when he says "Lets hang out." I also have a hard time deciphering if the guy who suggest hanging out is only seeking friendship. After all, some guys just want friendships...Right? I can never tell because the average adult male has his mind on getting in the sheets instead of getting inside a woman's heart. Let's be real. How many men see a woman and say "Wow, she would be a great friend?" It's safe to assume most men asking for your time is interested in you romantically. But if this is true what are they asking to do with you. I'm specifically referring to the invitation to come to his house. You know "chillin". I recently was asked to hang out with someone and I couldn't help but think hmmm. Was this guy asking me to come over for "fun time" or was he really asking to spend time? I have definitely seen social media statuses that suggest it's said to initiate having relations. But are we really at a time where a man and woman that are just getting to know each other only visit each other's home to sleep together? We can't spend time together actually watching Netflix or having good conversation about politics, books and our childhoods? When does a night cap mean a night over? I personally believe while going to a movie or a dance club can be fun it limits your ability to talk freely and discuss common interest. I believe being in a quiet home allows an environment to relax and be yourself. But when we live in a generation of one night stands it seems male expectations have changed. The dating rules have changed drastically from my parent's generation. Men use to take women on dates and expect to pay. Now men act as if they do pay for the date you owe them at the end of the night. And in a society where rape is still occurring women like myself have to decode male speech and suggestions. It seriously seems like you can never tell when a man is being genuine. What woman hasn't heard "I'm a good guy" from the absolute worst guy they have ever met in their life? I guess we just have to kiss frogs until that prince comes along and take a chance on someone. I would like your opinion. Leave a comment below. Many black Americans feel that safety and concern is limited to white Americans. That the prime focus of America is centered around the well being of white people. That problems are only problems if whites are endangered and we as black people are often ignored when we are in trouble or presented as the victimizers of whites. An example of our neglect is the late response to Hurricane Katrina. Many African Americans felt neglected by the U.S. government because they were not given transportation to evacuate and many blacks were being threatened with guns to prevent looting which is ridiculous because the stores were destroyed and those items wouldn't be able to be sold anyway. Many blacks were left hungry and displaced as well as others who died. The ten year anniversary had many blacks angry at former President Bush for going to New Orleans and many of our black youth smiling as if he had not neglected their town a decade ago. White plight on the other hand is treated totally different when whites are in trouble there is a level of sympathy. When the drug epidemic emerged in America it was only taken seriously after white teens started over dosing. Before the drugs spread over to middle class white America many African American babies were being thrown in the trash by crack addicted mothers. Even worse it has been speculated since the trial of FreeWay Rick Ross that the C.I.A. were given orders from President Reagan to provide cocaine to black gangs and drug dealers to sell in the poor black neighborhoods. Yet, crack offenders especially blacks were given long sentences in prison. White drug usage is always shown as a mistake that can be fixed and pathos is always present in their rhetoric.
Often times the greatest concern is protecting whites from black people. This can be seen in our constant survelliance. Many blacks have faced harassment by police officers. A small infraction such as a blown tail light can end in a car search an arrest or just an annoying inconvenience. Any threat against white Americans is handled swiftly. The 20 year old man, Carlos Anthony Hollins, who allegedly tweeted "TONIGHT WE PURGE! KILL ALL THE WHITE PPL IN THE TOWN OF LA PLATA" was arrested. They also responded to the black woman who created a meme that depicted her holding a gun and stating "It's open season on white people". She was arrested at her home and is now out. Even the Eric Shepphard case was handled with extreme caution because he was apart of the viral videos called the Stomp the Flag Challenge. He also spoke of the pain whites have caused blacks throughout history and a book bag that allegedly belonged to him was found on his college campus and a gun was inside it. A warrant was issued for his arrest and he was in jail and is out but not allowed on social media along with other restrictions. The irony of this is a white Texas man made a video while holding a gun and threatening the Black Lives Matter movement and he was never arrested. Why? Because he is a white man threatening a group that has a large amount of black people. He is a racist and white racism is often given a pass because it reflects the ideology of the people who pass laws and enforce them. The Hacktivist just outed 80 KKK members many who are senators mayors and policeman. The KKK have killed more people than Muslim terrorist yet we focus on Arab, Pakistani and Nigerian terrorist as being a threat. I have looked on Twitter and seen many tweets that call for killing n-words and Muslims and I reported them but that didn't make the news. There were no policeman at the front door, no warrants for anyone's arrest. We as black people know who the cherished are and who are the oppressed. We know who runs this country and what they stand for. America the land that speaks of freedom but limits it based on color that fasely stands for justice but operates a crooked system. How blessed I would be to be born white. |
AuthorMy name is Kiara and writing is the way I express myself. Archives
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