Reply #74: I must disagree, CO

[Terran]

The whole concept of whites trying to sound black is intrinsically racist.

Let me preface this by noting that my partner of 17 years is African-American, and I've socialized with mostly African-Americans in that time, so I have a modicum of insight here.

I believe that celebrties try to "sound Black" because there's a profit to be made--it sells, and it sounds cool to a lot of the youth market, irrespective of ethnicity. Simple as that. My partner is firmly of the opinion that the current level of influence of African-American culture on American culture is karmic revenge for slavery. It's pissing off a lot of racists.

But ordinary people have differing reasons. I have known a lot of white people who, because of their close affiliation with African-Americans either as significant others or just through social channels, sounded and 'acted' very "Black". For myself, I find that irritating, because in many cases, it's an affectation (not for all, though; some grow up that way and come by it naturally). I don't care for it as an affectation because to me it shows that person thinks they have to be something they're not in order to interact amicably with Black folks; it's like, "I have to change who I am just to get along with you."

My own experience is that while some Black people find that behavior annoying or even rude, they don't find it racist. When it comes down to it, they often have an appreciation for someone who likes their culture better than their own, and leave it at that. I don't want to generalize about it too much, because I'm sure there are some who would adopt a more politicized viewpoint and agree with you; I'm just relating what I've seen over the years, since I had to deal with the issue myself. Personally, I have never modified my behavior to fit in; I'm always the reserved white guy at the party. But I think that I'm liked and respected for that reason.