Oreo: Black on the Outside, White on the Inside
by Race should play no role in how one is “supposed” to act.
Spending 17 years in Japan and developing sort of a Japanese psyche as well as converting to Buddhism has only confused people even more. I now find myself having to warn people ahead of time that I may not be what they are expecting.
I try to consider myself open-minded. While I enjoy listening to R&B and hiphop I also enjoy rock, pop, Latin and country/western music as well. In addition to Rihanna, 50 Cent, Usher and Snoop Dog I also enjoy listening to Celine Dion, Michael Bolton, Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake and others. However, under the laws that govern racial behavior in the United States of America, as a black man, I’m not supposed to have such a wide variety of tastes. I’m not supposed to be able to adapt to other cultures and surroundings. I’m supposed to be ignorant and hard and loud.
Since I don’t fit the racial stereotype of a black man, my blackness is frequently called into the question. However, I’m unaware of any regulation that states how people of certain races and ethnic groups are supposed to act. And, it’s really funny to see the reactions of people when I ask them just how, as a black man, am I supposed to act. I’ve never received a clear answer.
I know that I’m black and I’m very proud of it. I don’t try to deny or hide my blackness. My knowledge of Africa and Black History is far more extensive than that of anyone I’ve ever met and I would be more than happy to school anyone who thinks he/she knows more than I do about Dr. Martin Luther King, Malcom X, Harriet Tubman, Fredrick Douglas or W.E.B. DuBois.
Every person’s skin color or complexion merely helps to complete the outer shell and tells nothing of that person’s background or behavior. Race or ethnicity is what you are; it does not determine who you are.
So, with that, let me just say that I’m proud to be black…on the outside. On the inside, I’m just being me.
ActionSammy,
Check out this link for a preview of my upcoming book, First Degree Lust.
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Post CommentCA Johnson
On May 27, 2009 at 3:46 pm
I feel the same way at times. I am black and am not hard either. I love r&b music, but I also listen to Britney, Justin, and some other non-black artists.
HOPE
On June 4, 2009 at 8:57 am
WOW WHERE CAN I FIND A MAN LIKE YOU, I WISH MORE PEOPLE THOUGHT THIS WAY. I UNDERSTAND EXCALTY WHAT YOU MEAN IT’S A HUGE STEROTYPE NOT JUST FOR BLACKS BUT OTHER ETHNICITIES AS WELL.Skin does not define who you are neither does outer appearance.
A girl named "tru oreo" xD
On June 4, 2010 at 8:26 pm
You’re not an Oreo…you’re just a weird black guy… You’re not open-minded you just…like taking a risk…? What the hell are you going to Japan for…those mini-people have their own problems and now they have some random Buddhist converting colored guy walking around their streets trying to fit in somewhere ‘cos the US sure don’t won’t us. >.>
If you were a true Oreo you would stop trying to flaunt to the world that your different and try to make an effin change in some black guy’s life. In all honest…no one really cares that you “went to Japan” and “Buddhist” or “like country and rock” and the white people just think you’re weird…
I’m an Oreo…for real…being an Oreo is about how you were raised (basic morals of how stealing is wrong and how to work HARD to get you want, and how to get your own!), how much money your parents have, and your education growing up was more than a public school.
I’m sick and tired of Oreo posers thinking since they like Taylor Swift they’re an Oreo. I’m sick of people that ain’t got nothing walking around like they’re the most open-minded, different people in the world. You’re a black guy…a weird black guy. I’m an Oreo…
Ignore the typos I refuse to revise and edit this post lol. Sir, you’ve inspired to write an article.
Thanks for the inspiration.
PrettyCre8ive
On June 8, 2011 at 10:02 pm
@ “A girl named “tru oreo” xD: You must be really, really young because everything you wrote about oreos is wrong and laughable. I don’t believe you are an oreo, because you have a poor grasp of writing and vocabulary (you wrote “ain’t got nothing”). Oreos are called oreos because they’re perceived as articulate and intelligent; it’s not just about morals or values.There are a lot of non-oreo blacks who have values–many are religious.
By the way, you must be joking when you asked why he would travel to Japan. Omg…smart people travel to Japan for educational/career opportunities which looks great on a resume. Gosh, grow up!
ActionSammy
On July 23, 2011 at 2:52 pm
Hey Prettycre8ive thanks for the backup. I actually found oreogirl’s remarks so stupid & immature that I didn’t think they warranted a response. I mean, what is so stupid and weird about wanting to travel the world and be curious about the world one lives in and become immersed in different cultures. You’re right, she needs to grow up and until she does I honestly don’t think she’s worth any attention. I guess like the old saying goes, little girls are to speak only when spoken to.