Can Ethiopian/AA /Somali find common ground?

[KING JABBAR]

I ask this question because I want to know why is there such tension between AA's and African immigrants. I know that being Puerto Rican it was an adjustment coming to America. I had my own preconceived notions about African Americans. But I have met many kind and generous AA's. I have met a lot of hard working black men in this country. Many who are upstanding citizens that take care of thier children. And I've met a lot of beautiful black women in America as well.
I think the real problem is cultural stereotypes. People from African and Latin countries prejudge AA's without FIRST getting to know them. I will admit that AA's prejudge also. I think we need to judge people as individuals FIRST and not lump everyone in the same category. We have to stop believing all the negative stereotypes of AA's and African immigrants. I don't think we take the time to listen to each other.I hope in the future we can find some common ground on what's dividing us. Or maybe it's just wishful thinking.

[Nicoley]

...mmm wishful thinking. The act of killing prejudice is like parting the Red Sea.

[Citiboy]

cosign with Nicoley. Only certain people will get along with eachother.

[KING JABBAR]

Nicoley wrote:

...mmm wishful thinking. The act of killing prejudice is like parting the Red Sea.

There are a lot of people from Somalia and Ethiopia that are very open minded. I think you can find ignorance and prejudice in any cultural. I think it's important not to let the ignorant one's be seen as representative of the larger group. Those with common sense and who believe in our sh red humanity NEED to speak up.

[MDJ]

Jeez King........you pretty much said everything i was going to say..........i wonder if you're my DoppelGanger? lol! But then again......your a guy so it might not apply.

But yes.....exactly. I think people are judged based on stereotypes and cultural differences and ignorance....... just not knowing or aware........but my Mother.....taught me to get to know someone first......and judge individually........because prejudging without knowing someone can be a terrible thing..........

[King Goku Xlll]

I learn to come to the conclusion that prejudice will always be here. And unity is far fetch. I have zero contact with Somalis in Real Life anyway.

[MDJ]

And Americans are not liked at all.........lol! It does'nt matter if you're black or white....or non black. If you are an American..........we get a bad rap.

[east-african beauty]

KING JABBAR wrote:

I ask this question because I want to know why is there such tension between AA's and African immigrants. I know that being Puerto Rican it was an adjustment coming to America. I had my own preconceived notions about African Americans. But I have met many kind and generous AA's. I have met a lot of hard working black men in this country. Many who are upstanding citizens that take care of thier children. And I've met a lot of beautiful black women in America as well.
I think the real problem is cultural stereotypes. People from African and Latin countries prejudge AA's without FIRST getting to know them. I will admit that AA's prejudge also. I think we need to judge people as individuals FIRST and not lump everyone in the same category. We have to stop believing all the negative stereotypes of AA's and African immigrants. I don't think we take the time to listen to each other.I hope in the future we can find some common ground on what's dividing us. Or maybe it's just wishful thinking.

C/S I think the animosity between Africans & AAs here is the lack of knowledge and misconceptions of each others cultures. We should focus more so on our similarities then our differences. Nice thread KJ.

[east-african beauty]

MDJ wrote:

And Americans are not liked at all.........lol! It does'nt matter if you're black or white....or non black. If you are an American..........we get a bad rap.

LMAO thats so true, especially with the whole recession thing, seems like its more reason to dislike America. A lot of Europeans have silly stereotypes about u guys being all the same.

[Somali guy1]

I really haven't been on this forum too often recently, so I am guessing the mudslinging is still going on? But, the issue probably has more to do with misconceptions between the groups. I don't think you'll ever eradicate prejudices, it's human nature. At the end of the day, you just have to take people as individuals and base your assessments solely on that.

[KING JABBAR]

MDJ wrote:

Jeez King........you pretty much said everything i was going to say..........i wonder if you're my DoppelGanger? lol! But then again......your a guy so it might not apply.
But yes.....exactly. I think people are judged based on stereotypes and cultural differences and ignorance....... just not knowing or aware........but my Mother.....taught me to get to know someone first......and judge individually........because prejudging without knowing someone can be a terrible thing..........

That's good because we shouldn't try to put people in a box. Racial and cultural prejudice are both wrong. We have to treat people as we want to be treated. You give respect and you get it in return. But respect is earned it's not a given. We should not prejudge our brothers and sisters from other countries. And I would hope they would do the same. I may not be your doppelganger but maybe I was you in another lifetime!lol Could MDJ stand for: Mysterious Dude Jabbar lol

[Ambesaw]

KING JABBAR wrote:

<quoted text>There are a lot of people from Somalia and Ethiopia that are very open minded. I think you can find ignorance and prejudice in any cultural. I think it's important not to let the ignorant one's be seen as representative of the larger group. Those with common sense and who believe in our sh red humanity NEED to speak up.

I don't understand why you included Ethiopians in your comment. You hardly see Ethiopians 'fighting' with African Americans on Topix.

[Nicoley]

KING JABBAR wrote:

<quoted text>There are a lot of people from Somalia and Ethiopia that are very open minded. I think you can find ignorance and prejudice in any cultural. I think it's important not to let the ignorant one's be seen as representative of the larger group. Those with common sense and who believe in our sh red humanity NEED to speak up.

I was speaking of prejudice in a more worldly view and not of a specific ethnicity. I'm all for togetherness and commend you on this. I feel it is more ignorant people in this world than you think. That is why it is so hard for change to come about. Some people say they are all for change and they are really not. It's too much propaganda that plays into prejudice...too many benefit from prejudice and racism-without the two, we would be equal. The only people who want equality are those who are deemed inferior.

[KING JABBAR]

Ambesaw wrote:

<quoted text>
I don't understand why you included Ethiopians in your comment. You hardly see Ethiopians 'fighting' with African Americans on Topix.

I can see you haven't been here very long. Stick around!lol

[KING JABBAR]

east-african beauty wrote:

<quoted text>
C/S I think the animosity between Africans & AAs here is the lack of knowledge and misconceptions of each others cultures. We should focus more so on our similarities then our differences. Nice thread KJ.

Thanks. You're right about the misconceptions people tend to have.But I hope this doesn't turn into a name calling contest. I'll keep my fingers crossed.lol But honestly EAB,I think people are drawn to negativity. They love controversy! But anytime you want to resolve issues or make a positive thread:No hits!lol *smh*

[KING JABBAR]

Nicoley wrote:

<quoted text>
I was speaking of prejudice in a more worldly view and not of a specific ethnicity. I'm all for togetherness and commend you on this. I feel it is more ignorant people in this world than you think. That is why it is so hard for change to come about. Some people say they are all for change and they are really not. It's too much propaganda that plays into prejudice...too many benefit from prejudice and racism-without the two, we would be equal. The only people who want equality are those who are deemed inferior.

You might be right about that. Like Obama said"Change doesn't come from the bottom. It comes from the bottom up!" The people on TOP don't really want change. They benefit too much from the infighting. But I think we have to be the CHANGE we want to see. We have to lead by example and hope others see that it's possible.
*background music* "Man in the Mirror" lol

[lilnita]

I do not understand why there is so much hostility and hate. I don't hate anyone and I have never been one to dislike anyone because they are from a different culture, nationality or ethnicity. I want all people to do well and to succeed. No one race is better than the other because in God's eyes we are the same and it is because of him that we exist.

Peace and Prosperity to ALL :)

[MDJ]

KING JABBAR wrote:

<quoted text>That's good because we shouldn't try to put people in a box. Racial and cultural prejudice are both wrong. We have to treat people as we want to be treated. You give respect and you get it in return. But respect is earned it's not a given. We should not prejudge our brothers and sisters from other countries. And I would hope they would do the same. I may not be your doppelganger but maybe I was you in another lifetime!lol Could MDJ stand for: Mysterious Dude Jabbar lol

I agree! Good Post! lol @ Mysterious Dude Jabbar!

[MDJ]

east-african beauty wrote:

<quoted text>
LMAO thats so true, especially with the whole recession thing, seems like its more reason to dislike America. A lot of Europeans have silly stereotypes about u guys being all the same.

And we're far from it. Not even close to being the same. But i love being an American.......so what can you do.

[Citiboy]

Somali guy1 wrote:

I really haven't been on this forum too often recently, so I am guessing the mudslinging is still going on? But, the issue probably has more to do with misconceptions between the groups. I don't think you'll ever eradicate prejudices, it's human nature. At the end of the day, you just have to take people as individuals and base your assessments solely on that.

they slinging stones. Sometimes you have to wonder why the hell it's hard for people to look at a character of an individual and judge accordingly. People would be amazed at what they can learn and accomplish from eachother with a bit of Sense and humility.