[Vomephems]

In the United States, acting white is a pejorative term for white cultural appropriation usually applied to African-Americans, which refers to a person's perceived betrayal of their culture by assuming the social expectations of white society.

Success in education in particular (depending on one's cultural background) can be seen as a form of selling out by being disloyal to one's culture.

The term is controversial, and its precise meaning is hard to define. Nevertheless, the idea that minority students suffer from the negative prejudices of their ethnic peers is currently accepted as generally true in much of the American media—as expressed in articles in The New York Times, Time magazine, and The Wall Street Journal—and in American society.

What do you think? Is this social stigma still present in the american society, in spite of the election of the first president of african heritage?

[betraaaus]

In the United States, acting white is a pejorative term for white cultural appropriation usually applied to African-Americans, which refers to a person's perceived betrayal of their culture by assuming the social expectations of white society.

Success in education in particular (depending on one's cultural background) can be seen as a form of selling out by being disloyal to one's culture.

The term is controversial, and its precise meaning is hard to define. Nevertheless, the idea that minority students suffer from the negative prejudices of their ethnic peers is currently accepted as generally true in much of the American media—as expressed in articles in The New York Times, Time magazine, and The Wall Street Journal—and in American society.

What do you think? Is this social stigma still present in the american society, in spite of the election of the first president of african heritage?

it is stupidity at its core. some AA's actually "look down" on others who have good jobs or go to school. it is the aftermath of the gangster culture. sad part is that it may be here to stay

[SarSerceSaice]

I don't know how widespread it is, but its root cause, imo, is black hatred of whites. Whites are the hated "enemy" so it's seen as very important to attack everything the hated enemy does and differentiate yourself from it: the way he talks, the way he dresses, his music, his literature, his humor, his customs, etc. So whenever a black does anything the way that it is thought a white would do it he is attacked by his peers for it, because it's seen as a form of betrayal.

[7kitthuptarill]

I will share my experience as a Black living in the U.S. on the whole "acting white" thing. I have noticed that many non-blacks have this deeply ingrained perception and view of what a black person is, and will quickly and quite adamantly bestow "whiteness" on blacks they encounter that do not fit into their ingrained view of Blackness. "You're so white", "You're the whitest black guy I know", and "You aren't very black are you" are some of the comments that I have heard from some of my non black associates. When I ask them to explain how I am "white", they list off a number of the black stereotypes that I don't fit, or something stupid.

In one particular event with a large group of friends and friends of friends, while conversating this white chick starts quoting some lyrics from a Lil Wayne song. I don't listen to Lil Wayne, so I didn't know what she was talking about so I gave her the "WTF" face. She then proceeds to inform me on the artist and song she was quoting. I tell her I don't listen to Lil Wayne and she proceeds to say. "How can you be black and not listen to Lil Wayne!?" I facepalmed so hard I nearly committed seppuku right then and there.

In my experience, it has been non-blacks who engage in telling Blacks that they act white or don't act black. I have rarely ever had this problem with my fellow blacks.

[Buildityrit]

Don't get so upset, Soul, the girl was probably just trying hard to prove she's "not a racist!"

[JohnMaltczevitch]

Don't get so upset, Soul, the girl was probably just trying hard to prove she's "not a racist!"

She was stereotyping anyway. Wrong from the start.

[Glamyclitlemi]

well "wigger" ain't exactly a compliment either now is it.
you can't be something you're not.

[FreeOEMcheapestPHOTOSHOP]

She was stereotyping anyway. Wrong from the start.

Stereotyping ("pattern recognition") is usually correct, though, so I'd say she was "right" from the start. Backfired in this instance, but it's usually more reliable than not.

[Tij84ye]

When I think about Negroes acting white, always Carlton from the Prince of Bel Air comes into my mind.
He is the epitome of 'acting white' while Will Smith is the 'acting black' opponent. Even in TV serials these stereotypes are presented.

[GutleNus]

She was stereotyping anyway. Wrong from the start.

Stereotyping and dumb. A common combination which deserves the reaction.

[weO1bVp1]

It's one thing to triangulate factors and profile someone you just met or saw for the first time. We all do it. Most of us though, have the manners and good sense not to say something stupid immediately afterward. Listening skills and general skills of observation can be useful to avoid looking like a retard. Of course bad manners and senselessness abound in many a social setting, especially when alcohol is involved.

I shared the story here before about how I was at Walgreens several years ago, and a couple of black guys walked in, who I thought were going to rob the place. It wasn't really because they were black. This was in the Hickory Hill section of Memphis, which is about a 80-90% black area, and the people shopping at Walgreens are going to represent the local area.

The reason was because this big dude dressed and walking in a way he could be concealing a weapon came in and scoped out the Walgreens really quick, checking who was up the aisles, while a smaller guy hung back at the door. Of course they have dope and money at Walgreens and pharmacies do get robbed occasionally.

So there I was standing at the check-out in my flip flops, unarmed, literally caught slipping in my slip-on shoes, gun at home a few blocks away, thinking "hmm" then the big dude waves the small dude to come in. The check out girls start whispering to each other then run up and start gushing over this smaller guy. It's Crunchy Black from Three Six Mafia, who I didn't recognize of course, and the big dude was apparently his bodyguard.

So I had it partially right, the big dude was scoping for a potential hostile confrontation before his associate entered. However it was a defensive, not offensive action on his part. He was undoubtedly armed and ready for action, just like I thought.

I happened to see on the news that Crunchy Black just got shot out in Vegas recently, so it isn't like he shouldn't have been exercising caution before entering that store way back when. No harm no foul.

The moral to the story is to always be aware of your surroundings. Also it's prudent to stay Glocked and Reeboked when shopping in the hood.

[TyncTyncSah]

I dont think this phrase is found only in the Black community as there are some Mexican Americans who say this to their more sucessful,studious, and college bound/educated Mexican-American peers. I have experienced this from Mexican Americans who thought slacking off, tallking back to teachers, partying and drinking/doing drugs, tagging on desks/lockers and getting bad grades was cool and somehow made them "real mexicans". They often called people like me who were school oriented, nerds, coconuts (brown on the outside, white on the inside), or wannabe whites. Its pretty stupid if you ask me.

[radikal]

Coconut, haha... haven't heard that before. Reportedly the East Asian label for people who are "Acting White" is "Twinkie". Never heard it used in real life.

[njfeedd3w]

I will share my experience as a Black living in the U.S. on the whole "acting white" thing. I have noticed that many non-blacks have this deeply ingrained perception and view of what a black person is, and will quickly and quite adamantly bestow "whiteness" on blacks they encounter that do not fit into their ingrained view of Blackness. "You're so white", "You're the whitest black guy I know", and "You aren't very black are you" are some of the comments that I have heard from some of my non black associates. When I ask them to explain how I am "white", they list off a number of the black stereotypes that I don't fit, or something stupid.

In one particular event with a large group of friends and friends of friends, while conversating this white chick starts quoting some lyrics from a Lil Wayne song. I don't listen to Lil Wayne, so I didn't know what she was talking about so I gave her the "WTF" face. She then proceeds to inform me on the artist and song she was quoting. I tell her I don't listen to Lil Wayne and she proceeds to say. "How can you be black and not listen to Lil Wayne!?" I facepalmed so hard I nearly committed seppuku right then and there.

In my experience, it has been non-blacks who engage in telling Blacks that they act white or don't act black. I have rarely ever had this problem with my fellow blacks.

Take a bow...my brother...TAKE A BOW.

Great post. No more needs to be said really as this post sums up my and many others feelings.

[wrardymar]

Stereotyping ("pattern recognition") is usually correct, though, so I'd say she was "right" from the start. Backfired in this instance, but it's usually more reliable than not.

She wasn't right from the start. She assumed that he listened to Lil' Wayne, and he said no.
Then turn around and say that he's black and don't listen to Lil' Wayne?! That's a stereotypical comment. Period. You assume that all black people listen to rap music, yes, is indeed stereotypical.

[Fegasderty]

Acting White is not used at Blacks only, I've heard other minorities use it to.

[Theariwinna]

I will share my experience as a Black living in the U.S. on the whole "acting white" thing. I have noticed that many non-blacks have this deeply ingrained perception and view of what a black person is, and will quickly and quite adamantly bestow "whiteness" on blacks they encounter that do not fit into their ingrained view of Blackness. "You're so white", "You're the whitest black guy I know", and "You aren't very black are you" are some of the comments that I have heard from some of my non black associates. When I ask them to explain how I am "white", they list off a number of the black stereotypes that I don't fit, or something stupid.

In my experience, it has been non-blacks who engage in telling Blacks that they act white or don't act black. I have rarely ever had this problem with my fellow blacks.

This.
This is the norm of my corporate American experience. What I find strange is that they dont seem to understand that If I was "that stereotypical Black guy", its quite likely I would not be working with them in the first place............Or maybe if I was I would only be delivering their mail.

I think the problem lies in the fact that they dont know us on a personal level because for the most part they dont NEED to. There is no need for most White people to know how to navigate "Black America" to be successful. [Yeah i know, Black America its not monolithic but you get the point.] OTOH I sure has hell better learn the opposite if i want to be "successful."

My experience.
My coworkers know that I am married and have no "babies mothers". For the most part they know my personality can be pigeonholed into that of a "Computer Nerd." In my office they will see computer books, books on linguistics DNA, History......and even butterflies and moths. They also hear my talk about gardening and trees and junk......................and after all this you would be surprised how man "You Be Da Man!" and "You Da Mans"....or other dumb slang affirmations I get when I take care of Network and computer issues.

You Da Man? Seriously?
Sometimes I want to ask why they say this to me.
Sometimes I think maybe i didnt "Code Switch" into proper English that day.
Whatever it is, its dumb but I guess its innocent so I just let it ride

[illetrygrargo]

LOL. You da mane, mane. They tell me "I rock".

[RobertLS]

This.
This is the norm of my corporate American experience. What I find strange is that they dont seem to understand that If I was "that stereotypical Black guy", its quite likely I would not be working with them in the first place............Or maybe if I was I would only be delivering their mail.

I think the problem lies in the fact that they dont know us on a personal level because for the most part they dont NEED to. There is no need for most White people to know how to navigate "Black America" to be successful. [Yeah i know, Black America its not monolithic but you get the point.] OTOH I sure has hell better learn the opposite if i want to be "successful."

My experience.
My coworkers know that I am married and have no "babies mothers". For the most part they know my personality can be pigeonholed into that of a "Computer Nerd." In my office they will see computer books, books on linguistics DNA, History......and even butterflies and moths. They also hear my talk about gardening and trees and junk......................and after all this you would be surprised how man "You Be Da Man!" and "You Da Mans"....or other dumb slang affirmations I get when I take care of Network and computer issues.

You Da Man? Seriously?
Sometimes I want to ask why they say this to me.
Sometimes I think maybe i didnt "Code Switch" into proper English that day.
Whatever it is, its dumb but I guess its innocent so I just let it ride

I'll like to add something as well. Anyway because I can't sing or dance people call me "Black on the outside and white on the inside", which I think is fuckin' stupid.
I can't dance or sing because I just bloody can't, not because I'm not black .
Also I remember years ago my teacher once said, "Oh you can run fast. I'm sure you can run fast, all your people can run fast." But little did she know that I'm a long-distance runner not a sprinter like the rest of 'em White boeys...I came 5th at least
They expected me to run like Usain bolt

[BloofPailafum]

When I was growing up, I got a lot of shit for "acting white". I was never a straight-A student so it didn't really have anything to do with grades, but mostly because of the way I talked, music I listened to and the way I dressed. In elementary school (1st-4th grade mostly), I never really noticed it because most of my friends (who were white and Jewish) listened to the same things, talked the same way, etc. But as I got older people started making comments about it. Mostly black classmates and my cousins especially. When I was younger I was very involved in Ballet and a lot of the music I listened to was classical. I remember one instance where these girls in my class (black) asked me what my favorite artist was and I was like "I REALLY like Tchaikovsky!" And they looked at me like I was crazy and asked why I didn't listen to Ginuwine and Usher (this was back in like, '96.) I had lots of issues with them being really nasty to me in general.

I used to be really embarrassed about it, but my desire to be myself has always been stronger than my desire to try and fit in with people, so I never really tried to pretend I didn't like the music I liked, or try to dress in a certain way so people didn't think I was "acting white" or whatever.

People still make comments sometimes, but IDGAF. And in my experience, I honestly can't really think of any time any of my non-black friends have been the ones to accuse me of acting white. It's always been other black people, which is sad. One of my cousins, who was one of the worst at calling me oreo and making fun of my musical tastes, etc, thinks she's so cool now because she just recently started listening to rock and house that I've been listening to forever. Lol!