Who determines what is or is not black enough? Are we doomed to conform to personality types and characteristics of the so-called black experience? The depths of individual experience often is drowned out by the perception of external forces. Not only young people are susceptible to peer pressure. The culture can provide such overwhelming ideologies on the typical and atypical behaviors of the black experience. One has to wonder if there is truly a desire to support the unique individual.
Across space and time, the idea of assimilating to the masses has proved the greatest power over any individual. There aren’t many who stand out from the crowd by choice and are comfortable. Social isolation is done by force, whether you choose to remove yourself or it is at the hands of others. Cradling their personalities that seem weird and corny, some decide to build a life in social deserts. There are many terms to distinguish the socially awkward or outcast.
Determining the typical experience of the black has shifted over the last few decades. Staying in tune with language, the trends, or just even knowing what’s popular is a great indicator of one’s worth. Following the rules set before you, many have never dared to discover their hidden interest. Standing on the sideline to watch their lives fly by. Enamored by the popularity of their peers, most blacks choose to experience the moments many often brag about.
Furthermore, should you decide to set your ship to sail different seas, you have to face unchartered waters alone. The horror of following an unknown path and falling victim keeps many in line with the so-called black experience. At one point the black experience was about family and community. Over the generations, the collective focus became individualistic and monetary.
Stuck in the Moment
Currently, there are many struggling with identity for various reasons. Some lack strong families, others are just different than the families they’re born into. A young male born into a family of athletes, who wants to be an artist has different interests and desires. The biggest obstacle comes when having to speak about an interest that no one relates to. There are many circumstances in which an individual’s identity can be drowned by the collective thought of family.
Family may be the force with the greatest influence over the behavior and perspective of the black experience. However, the world at large can have just as much influence. When the world expects you to behave one way, it becomes difficult to determine what expectations should be met. The constant messaging from an array of sources depicting your life through statistics and entertainment, destroys your self-image. Having to battle against family and society, an individual without the resolve to remain true to their principles will be swallowed whole.
From a young age, there will always be someone speaking on how to act. Issues arise when the person you’re listening to is feeding you information lacking a full perspective of life. The black experience carries a stigma that can stunt the growth of any young person looking to explore the self. At various times throughout one’s life span, there will be a fork in the road when the choices will be to act “black” or not.
Having to act your race is often a limiting mindset for anyone to express themself fully.
In recent years there has been a push to erase generational curses. I believe that in doing so we have created a newer version of the same ole obstacles faced by previous generations.
Long lasting liabilities
Going against the grain isn’t always the answer. There are certain times when it makes sense to follow the masses. The conflict is determining when one has to follow their gut or follow the traditions of their ancestors. Times will change constantly, yet the only thing that remains is the need for people to feel connected to others.
Choosing to follow the wrong crowd can present challenges that you have had no preparation for.
He said, She said
In our current generation, having a different opinion can be seen as hate speech or even as being a hater of your race. The ability to provide a different point of view is rapidly becoming more taboo. With race relations still tethering back and forth between Americans, the black experience stills have a way to go before a collective understanding presents itself. The gang culture, the music, and even some professionals have chosen to ignore the path less traveled for the path of least resistance.
Since the infusion of technology into our everyday lives, the relations between individuals are heavily influenced by the internet. Social media, movies, and other forms of entertainment have pushed the ideas that are believed to represent the black experience. The question then becomes what references are they using to decide which behaviors are true representatives of a culture’s images.
In the long run, the only people who can control a narrative of the experience are the people themselves. So then one has to wonder if the black experience and the stereotypes are necessary. Are stereotypes always wrong? Are there stereotypes the black experience should aspire to have?
Following a path without proper guidance is a recipe for disaster. Once you get started along your journey of self-discovery, don’t ignore the traditions of your ancestor. However, knowing when to apply the appropriate measures to one’s behavior can quickly erase negative stereotypes. The black experience can evolve beyond the expectation many regard as typical. It is up to the black culture to recognize the way forward, and the importance of that direction.
A way forward
In recent years many have decided to express their black experience unapologetically. While it is great to have confidence in your experience, it is also great to recognize the strength in utilizing your community to become stronger. We all have a gift to share, yet we must also recognize the collective fortitude needed to build sustainable productive communities.
Stand tall and proud of your experiences and learn from your faults. I believe it is time we decide to create new stereotypes about the black experience.
While I can not address all who experience their blackness uniquely to their circumstance, I can say that we should recognize the power of our choices to be what makes sense to both individuals and the community.
