Back on The Huffington Post Talking About Being Black
I find it intriguing that I’m blogging for The Huffington Post’s BlackVoices section. Largely because I don’t see myself as someone who talks a lot about race.
When they asked if I wanted to write for them, I was like really? Me? Though I do talk frankly about my life, which obviously would include events and thoughts shaped by the color of my skin. Nevertheless, I find The Huffington Post experience quite fascinating. My first post about my on-again-off-again relationship with white people garnered a lot of attention and I think the comment section was way more interesting than the article.
And I’m proud that it got people talking, several friends and colleagues told me how teachers shared it with their students as a way to open up a dialouge. What more could one ask? Talking honestly about race is exactly what this country needs.
This time I’m talking about the idea that some people, both white and black, don’t consider African Americans to be truly “black” unless they fit all the stereotypical trappings of brown skin.
It’s entitled simply: “I’m Black Enough.” Please, come over give it a read and join the conversation in the comment section.
I thought it was great!
Thanks lady! You’re so incredibly supportive, I really appreciate you even though I suck at reciprocating the love. :-s
Funny, I think it is intriguing that you are blogging for that section as well….maybe partially because I don’t think these topics should be relegated to only a BlackVoices section….because I think such”segregation” of ideas, may serve to only perpetuate the stereotypes and possibly gets read by a majority of the same race audience. At the same time, it gives possibly otherwise silenced or obscured voices a platform. Maybe what I am saying is that id put your pieces on the main page, front and center….because I think everyone needs to hear and think about these issues 🙂
Good point Mama B. You know awhile ago I was thinking the same thing about how we compartmentalize book stores and how a lot of good black authors never get exposed to the “mainstream’s” credit cards… Obviously this was stemmed by the success of The Help, but finding the time for that post has escaped me. Anyway, thanks for saying they should be front and center, I think that’s because you like me and what I have to say, however the niche approach to consuming information is interesting when you think about a cumulative effect. 🙂
Good stuff Melanie. I read both of your Huffington Post BlackVoices columns. I’m astounded at the volume of the posted comments, both in terms of quantity and intensity.
Keep sharing your own unique world view! It shows that there are a multitude of black voices, no single black voice.
Hi Dale! Thanks so much! I appreciate your support and insight, seeing you’ve known me for so long and we’ve both got blended families. I too am stunned at how numerous and passionate the responses are. I’m honestly happy to get people talking, it’s kinda neat. Part of me wonders where this is headed, I too am curious as to what I’ll say next. 🙂