DiscussWorldIssues - Socio-Economic Religion and Political Uncensored Debate - View Single Post - Why do Africans Look Down African Americans?

**Cvo1iRT0** · 06-09-2012, 03:06 AM

Perceptions. I have a feeling that many Africans know the stereotype of African Americans, like any other people. So they probably see themselves as working harder than the average Afram to rebuild their global image. With the prevalence of "black/urban culture" and stereotypes like laziness and government aid, it's not hard to see how they form that idea.

I haven't had that problem, but I think that's because I overcome that with my knowledge. When I meet Africans, well, like I do with anyone from any culture, I use their culture as a conversation opener. Oh you're from Nigeria? Uhm...Are you Hausa, Fulani...I know there are different groups of people or tribes from, well, all over Africa? Their faces light up once they see that you're not like other Americans who perhaps have no clue about their culture.

Last week I met a girl from East Africa. Before we even began talking I said..."So...I'm getting an...East African vibe". She said, "Yeah....I'm from Somali." And we began talking...

But I don't think this is how most Africans have the opportunity to see Aframs. They probably see the stereotype, which, besides being globally detrimental, is also very opposite their own traditional mannerisms.

06-09-2012, 03:06 AM	#38
Cvo1iRT0 Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 378 Senior Member	Perceptions. I have a feeling that many Africans know the stereotype of African Americans, like any other people. So they probably see themselves as working harder than the average Afram to rebuild their global image. With the prevalence of "black/urban culture" and stereotypes like laziness and government aid, it's not hard to see how they form that idea. I haven't had that problem, but I think that's because I overcome that with my knowledge. When I meet Africans, well, like I do with anyone from any culture, I use their culture as a conversation opener. Oh you're from Nigeria? Uhm...Are you Hausa, Fulani...I know there are different groups of people or tribes from, well, all over Africa? Their faces light up once they see that you're not like other Americans who perhaps have no clue about their culture. Last week I met a girl from East Africa. Before we even began talking I said..."So...I'm getting an...East African vibe". She said, "Yeah....I'm from Somali." And we began talking... But I don't think this is how most Africans have the opportunity to see Aframs. They probably see the stereotype, which, besides being globally detrimental, is also very opposite their own traditional mannerisms.
	Quote