Thank you for this video. I am an American with Caribbean heritage, there were times when I felt I wasn't Black American enough and times when I wasn't West Indian enough. During my high school years, I was a woman w/o country. You guys are expressing a number of thoughts I've had in past and have given me something to think about as well. I am very grateful, thanks again.
At the end of the day Black Americans are cultural-centric Americans, and like most Americans have little concept or interest in other cultures. So like any Americans they incuriously "other" African and Caribbean immigrants. rather
Beautiful goddess, please know that you are not alone even though you have been in many spaces where you didn't see reflections of yourself. I was birthed in NYC, raised in Harlem by my Caribbean grandmother who was born in Barbados grew up in Trinidad. My great-grandmother was born in Cuba and I've been in many spaces where people didn't even know how to relate to me. I brought food to school that was leftovers from a meal my great-grandmother cooked including okra or cornmeal with fish. I have been asked why did I speak like a white person. So Black people were trying to understand who we are and not realizing that we are all connected and we are one people, but because of oppression colonialism imperialism and so on we have been divided by a system that creates divisiveness. Keep healing, growing and keep doing your research. Keep connecting with like-minded folks and keep your head up and your shoulders back. Bless you, IG: PhotoNef
The “Republic” is the Americas the Western Hemisphere is, (The Americas) =The Intercontinental Republic for the Americas = El Meghrib Al aqsa = North America = The most extreme East.. the true Far East…
@nefertitip.arthur9602 The fact that we speak differently, that we eat differently and that you felt uncomfortable around us dismisses your entire argument that we are the same people. You have an immigrant experience. One that we don't not share nor is it incumbent on us to relate to. Your foreparents made the decision to immigrate to this country for whatever reasons. Your inability to relate to either culture fully and the identity crisis that stems from that isn't an issue that native black American have to time or social or political capital to deal with. Respectfully we have much bigger fish to fry ✌🏾
I'm a white South African and I cannot get enough of these Beyond the Scenes deeper dives into cultural and racial issues - I'm just learning... and learning... and learning. Please never stop this excellent work 👌
Would love to hear if there’s a South African equivalent discussion - so helpful to hear this from enough distance that the biases don’t automatically kick in.
Wow I'm impressed fellow compatriot, the fact that you are humble enough to simply learn gives me hope for the uncomfortable discussions that must happen in the context of our country. Big up!!
Dr. Blay gives us all some things to thnk and talk about. Great "Behind the Scenes" Roy Wood Jr. and Ashton Womack, Thank you! *Blessed Be and Stay Well!*
Mexican american here, ive struggled my whole life to find my place. Im too mexican for america, and too american for mexico. But i find my people in everyone else who feels the same inbetween-ness, regardless of where theyre from. I grew up in an area with lots of immigrants and refugees from all over the world. We all looked different, came from different cultures, and we created our own culture of unity and sharing.
That my friend is the whole idea of America! I absolutely love meeting people from other countries! I love to eat the foods from other countries. Amazing people and cultures out there to learn about!
When Obama got elected I too cried because I thought this country had finally progressed away from the long history of overwhelming racism and then when Trump got elected I instantly knew I was grossly mistaken.
Think of it as “Star Wars”. The Empire struck back after 8 years of openly being black when Obama was at the head of the country. I knew throughout that while racism is still prevalent, maybe we are heading in the right direction. #45 was pushback from an era of progress and a move towards inclusion. Keep moving forward everyone! Don’t let the Empire win!
Trump was a Democrat for most of his life. I can remember when he was homered by Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton for hiring a lot of blacks and other minorities. I will never follow others on who and what they say is racist. Now any disagreement with a liberal, makes you racist.
Obviously Trump was/is a disaster. But Obama was a standard, run of the mill politician - it’s a pity he failed to govern as progressively as he campaigned.
THE best Beyond the Scenes, ever. What an amazing conversation. My relationship with my own Blackness and how it is shaped by the Blackness that exists inside the minds of others.
In Africa itself there are a lot of different tribal divisions and these tribes also can look different in physical features. In Europe, Anglo-Saxon, Nordic Europeans, Southern Europeans, Slavs-Jews are the main divisions. A Japanese can easily recognize a Korean or Chinese, but I cannot spot the difference. Today's African Americans are half breeds and quarter breeds. They are not really black African. It's like a children between a Tiger and a lion, some get more tiger features and called Ti-liger, and others get more lion features and known as Liger. Human races are like somewhat like the tiger, lion, panther, leopard etc. They are all cat family but different. Even the behavior of tiger and lion is different. Tigers are loners. Lions are more social animals. There is a video regarding how the half breeds between Vietnamese women and US soldiers are discriminated there. It was said over 100,000 of these children were born during Vietnam war. Native american stories talk about four main human races, the red native american race, black African race, white Caucasian race and the yellow Mongloid race. Then there is the mix of these four races. They gave the color for the guardians of four directions according to the four main human races. The guardians of four cardinal directions can be seen in eastern religions too.
Oh my goodness this has been an amazing opportunity to hear the panel speaking on being Black in America. Somehow I thought that I was the only one who struggled with my different life experiences while living as a black women who grew up in the projects. My mother was very clear and told us yes you live here physically but it doesn't mean that you have to live here that is mentally and emotionally. Later as s a young woman I've traveled the world via my employment with the airline industry and I now work as an artist. I believe that I pushed myself because I grew up in Philadelphia public housing 17 yrs. Somehow I still continue to create mold and shape me while constantly pushing against what society thinks that I should be. Thank you.
Ignorant talk, same race talk for last sixty years, we need a new plan called stop committing crime, drug dealing, gang banging, fatherless homes, shooting, killing, and get a job, married, protect our families and communities. Stop race begging. . Its our responsibility for our lives.
This is a needed conversation. I've had this with black people who called me "White Girl" because of the way I speak. And white people who felt so comfortable with me, and said things which made me remind them, "You do remember I'm black, right?!?" But I chose to not take on the uncured racial misconceptions of those people. I am a part of the global community.
@AG Naturalist I totally get where you're coming from. All my life I've gotten from people being fascinated with the way I talk to people being disgusted with the way I talk. One of my bosses (a VERY white woman) even had the nerve to call me a "white boy". I corrected that real fast, when I yelled, "I ain't no white boy.". She was like, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean anything by it". She never did that again. I said all that to say, I can relate to the experiences you've had. I'd also like to say don't abandon your people because you perceive some benefit to being accepted by whites because of the way you talk. You don't ever need to be ashamed of the way you talk, but again, don't abandon your people chasing that elusive butterfly.
In my 30s I met in African family that informed me that I wasn't really African. They went into the fact that most of us were mixed with native Americans and differentiated themselves ethnically because of that. It was quite an Awakening because I definitely was holding a unifying Bond of all oneness with all of African descent in the world. I have had every experience from this video. She is on point however I must say I was relieved to see that she was raised in a African household because listening to her is a learning experience. And she said things that haven't really come to my mind that were necessary. She's right I should not consider myself a minority 🦋 is labels are ways of keeping us enslaved mentally
I can relate to your position. I also have one of "those" voices as a black man and it wasn't until I got older that I started feeling comfortable speaking up, especially around black folks. I literally would shut down around black folks because i would always hear you sound white, bougie, and you think you're smarter than everybody. I just got so weary of trying to prove my "blackness" or how folks would react to my voice. I found this conversation enlightening and necessary and it shows that we may be different shades, like different music, live in different neighborhoods, and come from different parts of the country and world but at the end of the day we are all black and we are all under the same umbrella and should treat each other as such.
I love everything about this discussion. And I so appreciate when Dr. Blay emphasized the power of words and not using the word minority to describe a racial or ethnic group of people.
Minority is about the amount of people of a certain race in a society. She talks of distancing Black's from other " minorities," because if you do that, then whites still seem like the majority. You can't call it White Supremacy, if whites are the minority. Truth is that whites are the minority if you do group people of color together. In fact whites are the minority in the world in general. Most of the world are people of color.
@@shawnharrison9701 you are correct that whites are the minority in most places in the world. However, the term "minority" is used to describe Black and other people of color regardless of their numbers. And white supremacy absolutely can and does exist where whites are the minority. Does apartheid in South Africa ring a bell?? Pretty much wherever white people are there is white supremacy. Perhaps you should research what white supremacy and the term minority means before offering an explanation on this. But thanks anyway.
@@atl2cali You do realise you've said that wherever Whites are, they are the Supremacy. Why? Are Whites Superior? If not( which I don't believe any race is Superior) then why didnt/hasn't Africans progressed in Africa? The clearly have in the United States and other Countries. Could it be that once they're introduced to systems, they flourish? If given the opportunity of course.
Yes an amazing conversation indeed. I love the daily show with all my heart. You all are incredible people. Growing up black in America is not easy and sometimes, more than often very uncomfortable, in certain environments. I agree with her that white supremacy ideology is the problem in America.
@@clintonwashington8609 Acting black lends itself to the generational PTSD most black people feel IMHO. Whether to trust someone, to be able to relate in some way, to know that another black person isn't looking down on you by default. Particularly in the context of people coming from the same demographic as defined by white people since forever in America.
As someone who is 4th generation Mexican American there was a time we had to know White, Black, Mexican, and Puerto Rican culture to fit in. Also some of our Mexican culture knowledge was fossilized Mexican knowledge like culture from before 1940s since that's when we moved to America
As a white female raised in the south by my father who said we are all one people from different cultures we should treat everyone with dignity and respect! I am still learning daily! Thank you
White is a commercial term it may not necessarily fit your description.. Albion may be more fitting.. North Africa is allegorical and codex linguistics.. to allude or displace the non erudite..
This conversation was unbelievably informative and eye-opening. We need more of this. I am a white Jewish woman and I have to say that more people need to hear these types of conversations. People need to understand each other.
Was you one of the one's that was mad with Whoppi and do you think we should stop teaching the Holocaust in American schools. There are a lot of people who didn't know about what happened to the Japanese Americans in America during WW2. I was never taught this in school. I saw it in an episode of cold case and then did research. So they can stop teaching about that they can stop teaching about the Holocaust and slavery and Jim Crow and also African apartheid
@@theeldersaysso5600 I don't know anything about whoopi, but I absolutely believe we should be learning this history in schools. Hebrew schools always teach it even if it's not in a regular school curriculum. We will never forget. And yes, I learned about the Japanese internment camps through Hebrew school too. I went to a regular school and then also went to classes at synagogue. However my highschool taught a "Holocaust and Genocide" class where we discussed the Holocaust and other genocides such as Rwanda. It is extremely important to pass this knowledge so we do not repeat the same mistakes.
@@Scriptkitty-sd8dp so true, but if de santis get rid of teaching about slavery, the Holocaust is next and as I said before I never knew that Japanese Americans was locked away in internment camps in high school and I graduated in the 80's
@@christopherfoisey2105 not really when half of the people on UA-cam wanted Whoppi to get fired for say Jewish white. I still remember that older Jewish lady with her granddaughter and the granddaughter had that look like my grandmother is going to get you. So it's necessary
I’m sitting at home disabled af right now, I was watchin Dr Rashad per usual and then this came on. I am so gloriously thankful to hear this conversation bc I feel 100% apart of it. I sent it to my son and just started crying bc everything each person talks about has a correlation to someone black that is listening. It’s almost musical it’s so beautiful. I just needed this…some substance, some sustenance….in my ears today. And something the same in my heart.
I grew up in a very white world so I find this discussion fascinating. It’s obviously not a conversation I would likely to be privy to in real life. I’m thankful to have this additional perspective.
Agreed. I definitely make more effort as I get older to get educated and relay what I’ve learned to other white folk, but it’s tough when living in an monochromatic landscape. Conversations like this help break up the “black as a monolith” impression that outsiders see at first glance. Huge thanks to the Daily Show and guests for extrapolating on this subject and giving us tools to be better friends and advocates.
Even when many of your friends growin up, and as an adult, & even half your family cause you married a woman who happens to be black... there are things we'll never fully understand on a deep level. That's OK! No shame! Important thing is to never assume you've learned enough, & stay open to every opportunity to understand further.
It is so mind blowing that I participated in creating an event at my job and I literally had to educate people on blackness, and we ended up calling it “A Celebration of Blackness” to specifically highlight our differences and show people that we are not a monolithic community. This took place last Thursday and I feel so validated because Dr. Blay is saying what I said and more. This is how I talk all the time and it really makes me want to get a degree in black studies.
My DIL is first generation Ecuadorian and third generation Jamaican. Because she looks black, that's how she is often treated. She shared with me that she grew up Ecuadorian, so that's how our family recognizes her. But she opened my eyes to the culture v. skin color identity. I'll always be blessed she is part of our family.
Such a powerful, dynamic, enligtening, informative and inspirational dialogue between the three of them. Thank you, Roy. Please have Dr. Blay on again!
When I came to America from Kenya, I didn’t understand why all these black men were nodding until I watched a video like this! Then it all made sense. This was a wonderful conversation. Thank you.
Amazing conversation. Rapid fire with so many angles. Had to struggle to keep up. Keep it coming. As an old white man I feel privileged just to be listening in.
Loved everything about this conversation wow. I’m Black/westAfrican/grew up in Guinea 🇬🇳 left when I was 18 and now living in France for 13 years. The experience is a whole another level 😅 That’s why I love to watch this show,I can learn so much and how to navigate with my beliefs and my thoughts in this YT society.
WOW, so much i want to say. I deal and dealt with the same ideas about me and my music and it held me back for such A LONG TIME. I live in China right now and I wish I could have been apart of this conversation.
Roy Wood Jr. I appreciate your efforts. I was able to expand my own personal horizons. Hearing the Dr give her perspective to questions I had never even considered. I certainly don't know the answer to why things are the way they are but I'm down for a change. We are way more alike and always have been. That's a brilliant lady
OMGoodness - This episode was AMAZING! So many moments that I could identify with. So many moments when I wanted to jump in and give my testimony. So may moments that my view of Blackness was expanded. Thank you!!!
@@stringer2295 It would seem that we all really "need to understand and see this" conversation. There's an education for everyone in this conversation, and not just some. Of course some may need that education more than others.
I've had many weird experiences that now make sense after watching this lol. My mom shaping my nose, my aunt not allowing us to say certain words, being told I spoke wyt ect. I had blamed it on the wrong things. The supremacy has many nuances. This video should be shown in classrooms. ❤️
@@kristinehansen4665 not a dumb question at all. My mom would slide her fingers down my nose, in a pinched type motion. She told me when she was younger(she's a baby boomer) people used clothes pins to do this. Thinner noses are more acceptable. People who passed did that type of stuff. Now they just get plastic surgery!
This video right here is the truth. So many people need to watch it. I as a black woman always wonder why do some of us have to “switch” to be “black enough” I am sure if you ask my brother about upbringing it would be completely different . Because of the blackness and “street” cred
Social code switching. Humans adjust their speech and behavior depending on their environment in order to fit in and make others comfortable. It’s not specific to race.
I'm so glad that this discussion is being had openly. The perception that there is a Black monolith instead of a spectrum of cultures from the diaspora needs to die. We are not one size fits all.
Yet she states the Black is is a culture and you're all the same? While also saying the culture was stolen. Which is also coming from an upper middle class immigrant family.
@@shawnharrison9701 What I took from her assertion is the Western construct of being "black" has pigeonholed those of western, eastern, central and/or southern African decent into that of one "culture" as defined by a broad international Caucasian heirarchy -- one that 'blacks' have historically been powerless to correct. I surmise this somewhat as a lesser equivalent to someone referring to those of Asian decent being "Chinese" when in fact they oftentimes originate from any number of Asian culture(s). Or those from the middle-East deemed "Muslim" where Jews, Zooasters, Jains, Christians, etc., also possess a centuries old residency.
@@stirlingfletcher7040 Except Europeans have always classified Africans by how the Tribes of Africa wanted to be classified. The very reason why Western society knows of such cultures, is because naturalists classified each group differently. Going so far as to send people to study them individually. Measuring heads, feet, height, avg tint to the skin of each group etc. Religious grouping ie Jains, Zoraster(Persian, the MANY different Islamic groups etc has also Always been a study of the west. She specifically calls out people for not being " black," enough. States that she at times felt not black enough. She wasn't hard to follow, even with the multiple contradictions. Glossing over the truths of the past to drive a point is incredibly disingenuous. Aren't Whites grouped together in one culture grouping? When you fill out a form there's a spot for white. Not Irish, Scottish, Polish, Either of the Scandinavian groupings, " Russian," groups. I could go on.
@@shawnharrison9701 I don't think the monolith is only about origin. We realize there are Irish, Scottish, Welsh tribes etc. but pink people view themselves as individuals, while people of African descent are not viewed as individuals, but as one group.
I look forward to the Beyond the Scenes series. The Daily Show crew, with Roy and Ashton, do a great job of finding bright and passionate people with whom to have a conversation. I always learn something, but this episode connected with me in an exceptional way. Thank you Yaba Blay. Your knowledge, passion, and humility are inspiring.
In Africa, African Americans are seen as a tribe with their own culture unto themselves; think Jazz/ music as a whole. They own a man named James Brown.Quincey/ Stachmo, and on and on. Not to forget The Obamas. Let's looking at the soul food, and their movies, their consciousness about racism...and on, and on. They are an international tribe made by them---out of nothing. Amen!
So-called black Americans are a combination of American Indians aka American Aboriginals (not to be mixed up with Native Americans who are children of immigrants born here) and Dark-skinned Europeans whose identities have been White washed and silenced, yet they were extremely instrumental in the formation of this country. Many of which originated here and returned to secretly wage war against the tribes that caused them to be exiled many years ago. Our story is a deep and long one and Africa has been a major benefactor and hardly a contributor to the truth of who we are. There 625 crops in Africa. 600 comes from America. It's a little known fact.
@@stephenbreland1363 you are saying the crops in Africa came from America? I don't know who you been listening to, but please get the proper education about Africa. It will be of great benefit to you.
Hello all, just seeing this August 30th 2022,. This is one of the most insightful and realistic videos I have EVER viewed. Take it from me -I could be grandmother to the three presenters. Would that this be a life lesson and required viewing for ALL. Thanks soooo much to the presenters and all who commented. "I refuse to call myself a Minority." Wow - intense!! This acceptance of and using of the words and behaviour to each other fed us by , "YOU KNOW WHO" needs to stop. Mental slavery has to go. People should strive to be the best that they can be rather than trying to emulate THOSE they think are their superiors. Blessings from Barbados.
I can relate to the story of the girl who didn't speak. I'm biracial and grew up in a mostly white area. I always felt not white enough for the white people and not black enough for black people. I'm sure people probably thought the same way about me, that I was uppity and snooty. But in all honesty, I was just afraid to speak. I eventually got over it in college once I was surrounded by a more diverse group of people from all over the world and was able to come into my own as who I am. But even before the end of they explained the paper, I knew how this person likely felt
I'm black and Nigerian, but I was raised in an upper middle class setting. I definitely had this issue in college. Part of it was shyness, but I also felt like I had nothing in common with many of the black students around me. I also didn't fitbin with white students because of my race. Honestly, needs were my saving grace. Were it not for the anime club, I wouldn't have had any friends.
@@christopherbarge414 do you mean that people need to marry within their "race" or teach their children not to discriminate and that all people are equal?
Everything Dr. Blay said has echoed the things I have been residing in my heart and trying to say to people. Every word she said I have said to someone in passing... Thank you so much for talking about this!
I could definitely relate to the woman who came up to the eighth floor and didn’t speak. I was very shy, and didn’t speak because I thought that people didn’t like me so what’s the use in speaking. I just knew I was going to be rejected and so I kept to myself. So I was perceived as being uppity and snooty because I wouldn’t speak.
I can so relate to this. I was a shy Caribbean student who didn’t know about these unwritten cultural norms. So I to got branded in a negative way when all I wanted was to be able to connect with people who looked like me.
Please keep these conversations coming! Roy your show is amazing and Yaba I just loved listening to your prospective on this issue. I am a white women married to a Ghanian. Neen together since 1996 with 3 kids and I find this conversation so interesting and helpful as our family is very diverse that struggles with these issues. I was raised in a middle class family in America but was raised in a community that rapidly changed while i was at a young age so I grew up going to schools that were majority black. My friendships were made with the community that i grew up in and the kids i went to school with so my verbiage was learned and spoke like those I was around. Tho my family was white my comfort zone has always been with people that dont look like me mainly due to the fact those that look like me judged me most my life for choosing to be friends with ppl who were different then me. My husband was born and raised in Ghana and came to america for college. While I have always been more comfortable around black americans my husband is more comfortable around white americans and ghanians. I think its because he knows what to expect from white american. He knows the racist exist and expects it so i think he is more comfortable because of he is prepared from experience. Where as he is not as comfortable with some black americans because of their opinions of him. He speaks better english then me. With Ghanians being so influences by the british the English he speaks is what they call "proper" or the "queens english" and americans in general tend to find british english pompous or snobbish. So alot of times black ericans tend to thinknof him as an "uncle Tom" or think he thinks he is better then others when he is the sweetest most kind open kinded person I know. Due to this he felt more comfortable raising our kids in the country and sending them to schools predominately white. I on the other hand wasnt as comfortable with it. So our children were raised in white neighborhoods. My kids are more comfortable around white people or mixed kids that look like them and have also been influenced by their white surroundings. Due to how my children and husband speak ppl joke with me the only white person in my home and say that i am the blackest one in our home. Because i was raised around black american I feel bad that my husband and children are not comfortable in the enviroments that I am more comfortable with. It bothers me alot at times because one thing they truly have in common is knowing what its like being black in America. It hurts ti know my children feel too black in their white family and neighborhood but also feel to white when around black americans and around Ghanians they feel out of place because their way of thinking is so different due to the different upbringing. From my experience with Ghanians i have met it seems like the core in all their beliefs is centered by the persuit of education. Their drive to succeed seems to be much more driven then americans. Americans of all races seem to have success on their mind but not every belief is centered around the persuit of education. Us americans think we know hardship and think we are driven but we dont. We may push to suceed but from what seen those that come here from other countries seem to exceed us in drive toward that success. My kids being born in America dont fully understand the drive their father has or the friend and family that he associates with so they are not as comfortable around them either. Me im fascinated by the difderences and love learning what majes us all do what we do so talking with others not like me im drawn to. I just wish my kids had more interest to get to know more about everyone as I do. I want them to know where both their parents come from and what makes them who they are and absorb and except all aspects of it. So seeinf conversation like this is beautiful progress to me.
I've come to the realization over the years, that we, black people, are "Lemonade People." "And Still I (we) Rise", "Make a Dollar out of Fifteen Cents" people. We are creative and resilient. And I'm so proud of those characteristics. They strengthen me and embolden me.
Haitian American here and I am exceptionally grateful for this very human conversation. It needs to happen in every educational system, we may not be able to "erase" racism but we ourselves create healthier spaces for each other. Thank you!
For the first 8 years of my life i lived in a predominantly white area and for the next 15 years i lived in Oakland and now back to the predominantly white area. I get compliments for people liking my attitude as if they expected it to be anything else but respectful. When i spoke what was considered "proper" english in school i would get made fun of. But im 28 now and i have the skills to speak to all forms of people. And one thing is SO TRUE the media will have you fearing the nicest person you have never met. And it breaks my heart because I love talking to people and alot of times they "assume" its an act. If i had a dollar for how many times a person who was not black gave me a compliment for my personality or nice attitude they sound dumbfounded that im real. It gets old. And i try to teach my people we can have a time and place for our styles
"I have the skills to speak to all forms of people." What skills are those? Being respectful? Listening? Or is it something different? Do you feel like you have to actually act different when speaking to different groups of people?
@@jonahkaun891 May I direct you to Amber Ruffin in addition to Roy Wood? Some of the best conversations on American subjects - and they answer questions just like yours, in ways apparently no acquaintance of yours feels comfortable doing. Amber sings well, too. Hope you enjoy the talks.
@@intercat4907 @Matt Smith stated he was made fun of for speaking proper English and states that people assume he's putting on an act when talking with them, all while stating he has the skills to talk to people. I was seeking clarification, from him specifically, if those skills were what I've experienced as universal communication skills (ie listening and respect) or if they were different. Had he responded and the answer wasn't evident, I would have asked why he thought people felt that him wanting to talk was "putting on an act" when using said skills. "In ways apparently no acquaintance of yours feels comfortable doing" Rather presumptuous statement, especially since you misread the intent of my initial comment. Almost sounds insulting . . .
"The 8th floor"(grade school, college, play ground and new environments). Some of us visit the "8th floor" and don't speak (first) mostly bc of, scared of rejection.
Very interesting, it makes me contemplate my childhood in the northern part of Germany and being one of the few black people in school beside my brother.
The eight floor - Simple “Hello” by either person because we all have our personal traumas. Sometimes this gives us a opportunity to open the door to a great friendship or relationship. I do it with everyone because I love how It can catch people off guard.
What a wonderful discussion!!!!! This is why I love Roy Wood Jr., and *Beyond the Scenes.* You give us so much information but with humor and logic so that we can actually receive it. So much I'd like to say about this topic but I'd be writing my own book in the comments so I'll just say *THANK YOU!!!* Okay, maybe one little thing. I am Black and Mohawk and if asked, I will say just that. And it does bother me when other Black people try to diminish the culture I was raised in (Mohawk) by expecting me to ignore it and ONLY say I'm Black. We need to stop policing each other like that. YOUR childhood experiences don't grant you permission to be a racial terrorist to the rest of us. (okay, that's all I'm saying for real). And another thing... 🤣
Mohawk!! How awesome🙏🏾❤️👍🏾 I am very proudly Black & Cherokee & Creek from Oklahoma City, OK. I have a Blog called ECLECTICALLY BLACK NEWS that embraces all my heritage. It must be fascinating to have such a wonderful lineage. ☺️
Dr. Braxy Anyone that is referred to as black is brown skinned and should therefore be referred to as BROWN. Through brainwashing we accept this social construct as the TRUTH when in fact it is a lie. The sun was once thought to orbit the earth until people became enlightened and educated that it was the other way around.
@@gloriadulan-wilson1076 just a question?..i'm genuinely curious?..how do you or have you reconciled with the native part of your lineage/heritage that enslaved Black people?..or,maybe this never happened in your particular lineage history?..
THIS WAS BEAUTIFUL 🥺 Shout out to all of you for the honesty and integrity you brought to this discussion! As a Philly native, I was happy to hear about the sista's experience in finding American Blackness in my city. Also made me do a lot of reflecting of my own black experience. Keep the convos coming! ✊🏾
One of the best conversations from Dr. Blay! The honesty and authenticity displayed was enough to make me want to hear more of her on the center stage. We need her truth and knowledge in more of the conversations center around “blackness” around the world but especially in America.
Thank you all. Another amazing conversation. The definition of white vs. black identification is still being shifted, ie. people of North African or Middle Eastern decent being labeled as Caucasian, or Native American history currently being co-opted by the certain groups. I hope one day the definitions we need for survival give way to our shared humanity. I exist because you exist/ I am another you. Though is usually very hard to see, that we are all in this together.
What a great conversation! American culture is based on very particular hierarchy, so that each group seems compelled to kick down on other groups, while individuals within each group look to kick down on the other individuals. Any time some sort of solidarity occurs among We The People, a tremendous and coordinated backlash forms to sabotage any sense of fellowship. Of course, much of this activity originates in our dominant economic pyramid scheme of capitalism, the which is a real cannibalistic/parasitic way of relating to each other while trying to survive and definitely favors psychopathic behavior. The "Divide & Conquer" mechanism in our country is powerful, all-pervasive, and seems to be part of America's foundation. I'm not certain that we will be able to save ourselves from ourselves without some kind of major leap forward in our own evolution that will enable us to conceive of and consider kinder, more inclusive ways to live together.
Brilliant conversation, Yaba Blay is brilliant and was definitely the straw that stirred the drink in this upload. I will definitely listen to this again.
Great conversation. My experience being Chinese when CA was a lot whiter had many similar stories. Asian experiences of being grouped is also very similar. But I’ve learned and continue to learn and understand the complexity and differences. We were not educated in black or Asian history in any way that was not simple and white washed. I’m very glad these things are being spoke about… conversations like these helps create the change albeit too slow.
@@theeldersaysso5600 my friends mom was in one. 💔 so not so long ago. I remember offending my grandpa because I thought all Chinese were manual laborers. My grandpa was an engineer. Who eventually went back to Hong Kong because he couldn’t get a job. :(
@@dbunnysport we all have gripes against one race of people and they say it's because of their color no baby it may have not been you, but you grew up in white supremacists household and this was the norm for you. We are judging you on your character not your color and you have been showing your true colors lately
@@UnboxingAlyss I’m white and I absorb these conversations too. I want to understand all that I can. I don’t know why I’m even replying. I definitely do not want a cookie. Maybe I should delete. But I’ve already typed all this. Anyway I’ll probably press the send arrow.
@@Mels925 If you have "absorbed" so many of these conversations, why are you asking that question? The concept of "race" wasn't created by black people. If you were "absorbing" as much as you say you are, you would know this.
There is also an east/west perspective where the south is included with the north. I've always expected black folks to feel equal. Mr. whitebread likes your show.
What an amazing conversation. First, to get a deeper sense of Roy Wood was wonderful. Second, it makes me wish for a deeper forum to talk about all this. I look at it like this: There are two parts to each of us: 1) that which is given- family, genetics, the culture we are born into, etc. and 2) that which is unique within us. Our individual challenge, as I see it, is to find expression for our uniqueness given what we are given; to break through our born circumstances to bring our unique self to expression. There is also the challenge as we move about in the world to see each person in the same way, to support and recognize the uniqueness in others through the veil of their born circumstances, to see them as they struggle to find expression. It's a long conversation but if we can start there, maybe we can get where we are all struggling to be.
This is a great video! I'm white but I am having a hard time dealing with my Dad's white supremacist ideology. (He hates Obama and Kamala) He wasn't like this when I was a kid during 60-70s, my parents were "love everyone, we should all be equal and live in harmony" Now at the end of his life, a Maga hat running after whiteness? Why? I definitely don't feel like I lost anything when Obama became President, in fact, I was extremely proud we voted in such an articulate, educated man. I am even more proud of Kamala. I now live in Malaysia with a Malaysian husband. Here, the same type of racism exists among the 3 predominant races. I just don't get it. What is the use of the hate and distrust? I know in white world I am a minority.
Extra Income Suz:. Do you think that your father may have said "love everyone, we should all be equal and live in harmony" but only if they are white was implied and not expressed explicitly?
Could be dementia or generational bias. You see that constantly in nostalgia instagrams and twitter pages. For a bit it starts as "remember these fun times" to "kids these days are weak, I was a tough kid" to "I can't stand this woke nonsense". Generational bias and nationalism are a disease. When people claim that getting older means getting wiser, people like Trump show that's not always the case. Many times it means getting bitter, arrogant and less educated.
@@UnboxingAlyss exactly...it's the subtle, subconscious racism whites need to become aware of when speaking about a black person...my question is, would the sentence be stated the same or these descriptives used - "educated / articulate" if referring to a caucasian man in the same sentence...because to reiterate your point, when this is done it makes it seem being an articulate and/or educated black person a rarity (it is not) and / or something that needs to be pointed out because of the underlying thought it is unique
Love you babe. I visit the Quake meeting near me to sit in silence with people. (I have never mentioned this online. Take everything with a grain of salt.) Your clarity and integrity are worth admiring and emulating.
Listening to black people talk to other black people about being black on a major platform is… well more please. There is a perspective that is overlooked. I live in a very white college town in Wisconsin. I identify as a multiracial black woman. Here a lot of white people like to show how woke they are by being very accepting of immigrants which plays out in job acceptance, social programs etc. A lot of the African immigrants here look down on the rest of us because 1 we are descended from slaves 2 we are “too angry” about racism and 3 we haven’t made the same progress as they have in one generation. This perspective completely ignores the fact that it is our struggle that made their success a possibility, and that we are still paying the generational costs of that struggle. I’m not mad at anyone for their successes. It is actually true that African immigrants are hired and elected here to represent a community that they don’t know or respect.
As an African immigrant, I think you are very correct with your analysis . The only thing I’d add is this is more prevalent among African immigrants who relocated as adults. The younger African immigrants especially those who get their first dose of racism from an early age have a different perspective.
So true. As an American of Mexican descent, I am aware and appreciate the suffering and struggles of our Black brothers. We too are enjoying the fruits of your labor, your fight for those freedoms and opportunities we have now have. Thank you.
This is an outstanding conversation. Very thought-provoking. Two main ideas came to me during this program: 1) Humans are complicated. As a matter of fact, existence is complicated. 2) We all need to learn how to be comfortable with uncertainty; because every question doesn't necessarily have an answer. Thank you for sharing this with everyone.
Years ago I know someone who was in a very high position in a company and he was one of the only black persons in that position. He was encouraging other black person to aspire or do the same. The one statement that he said the stood out for me was it lonely at the top. It didn’t really understand that until later.
Hey, anyone reading this.Keep grinding ,stay positive, Life is a nonstop journey. Be proud of how far you've come and get excited for how much further you'll go. 🤞🏽🙏🏽!
Love this especially coming from New Orleans and leaving at the age of 11 “1980” because my father joined the military. It was like day and night immediately and a culture shock to my system but I loved the peace living on the installation no more violence just quiet and kids being kids for the first time in my life no killing, drug dealing and the education was on another level. That’s when my “white” talk kicked in 😂 😂 as I learned when visiting my city for a vacation. I didn’t realize that I was that different but to me I was the same kid from New Orleans in my mind. I felt like an outsider in my own city and I no longer fit in because of my growth in knowledge and having a new found perspective on life and other people around the world. Peace and Love dad I still thank my father for the experience.
Beautiful conversation. I have always been reminded of how light skinned I am. I love my Black race. It has always been a struggle to be with my Black people. I am always reminded and questioned. Not Black enough. It was painful growing up. My family on both sides have all colors from light to dark. I have been called so many names all my Mulatto Red Bone and of course High Yellow. The struggle did make me strong and believe in my Blackness.
You are mixed, not black. kindly acknowledge your Non-black ancestors for your phenotype. Calling biracials and mixed people black is disingenuous. If you were full black you would be called far worse degrading names, red bone and high yellow are terms of endearment in the black community.
I'm really enjoying this segment, Roy. I think it should be a standalone podcast, imho. This particular episode was extremely educational and necessary. Thank you Dr. Blay, Ashton, and Roy!
This blew my mind that BP of note are having this deep dive into diaspora that isn’t discussed as openly as I’d like. I’ve experienced many of the same things as these dais speakers. Thank you Roy Wood Jr. for this video!
When Yaba Blay rebuttal Ashton at 4:00 when he said the black kids didn't want to "act" their class but instead wanted to "act" hood, when she explained it, was so beautiful. What others call acting hood, is we're living in and embracing our culture no matter what class we're in
As a 60+ yr old Black American Male Ive gotta tell yall.. U hit the nail of Blackness dead on the head with this discussion.. Ive known and felt these things all my life..just never heard it articulated like this.. Excellent Conversation.. I could listen to Dr.B speak all day.. AND Shes a GORGOUS Sista..
thats not true, things that happened thousands upon thousands of years ago cannot define people of today, Africans share a genetic heritage that is unique to them, so are Caucasians, Asians..ect they can never be African like Africans can never be Caucasians.
While that seems logically sound, those thousands and hundreds of thousand years evolved different forms of beings, cultures, beliefs and ways of knowing.
This is one of the most interesting conversations ive seen period. And even as an absolutely admitted complete outsider...it made me think about things and conclusions and exprctations i had never even identified enough to examine in the way we are taught to look at things without this kind of detailed scrutiny. Great discussion!
She is so brilliant and lays it out so eloquently, that I could listen to her for hours and be inspired the entire way through. What a brilliant mind!
She is from Ghana. She has nothing to do with African Americans.
Thank you for this video. I am an American with Caribbean heritage, there were times when I felt I wasn't Black American enough and times when I wasn't West Indian enough. During my high school years, I was a woman w/o country. You guys are expressing a number of thoughts I've had in past and have given me something to think about as well. I am very grateful, thanks again.
Haitian American woman here. I feel you. I felt the same way.
At the end of the day Black Americans are cultural-centric Americans, and like most Americans have little concept or interest in other cultures. So like any Americans they incuriously "other" African and Caribbean immigrants. rather
Beautiful goddess, please know that you are not alone even though you have been in many spaces where you didn't see reflections of yourself. I was birthed in NYC, raised in Harlem by my Caribbean grandmother who was born in Barbados grew up in Trinidad. My great-grandmother was born in Cuba and I've been in many spaces where people didn't even know how to relate to me. I brought food to school that was leftovers from a meal my great-grandmother cooked including okra or cornmeal with fish. I have been asked why did I speak like a white person. So Black people were trying to understand who we are and not realizing that we are all connected and we are one people, but because of oppression colonialism imperialism and so on we have been divided by a system that creates divisiveness. Keep healing, growing and keep doing your research. Keep connecting with like-minded folks and keep your head up and your shoulders back. Bless you, IG: PhotoNef
The “Republic” is the Americas the Western Hemisphere is, (The Americas) =The Intercontinental Republic for the Americas = El Meghrib Al aqsa = North America = The most extreme East.. the true Far East…
@nefertitip.arthur9602 The fact that we speak differently, that we eat differently and that you felt uncomfortable around us dismisses your entire argument that we are the same people. You have an immigrant experience. One that we don't not share nor is it incumbent on us to relate to. Your foreparents made the decision to immigrate to this country for whatever reasons. Your inability to relate to either culture fully and the identity crisis that stems from that isn't an issue that native black American have to time or social or political capital to deal with. Respectfully we have much bigger fish to fry ✌🏾
I'm a white South African and I cannot get enough of these Beyond the Scenes deeper dives into cultural and racial issues - I'm just learning... and learning... and learning. Please never stop this excellent work 👌
I still can't believe there are white people in Africa. Especially South Africa.
Would love to hear if there’s a South African equivalent discussion - so helpful to hear this from enough distance that the biases don’t automatically kick in.
As someone who is black American seeking to migrate to South Africa I'm interested in the comparison between the two countries.
@@Cilantrchef both are in big trouble
Wow I'm impressed fellow compatriot, the fact that you are humble enough to simply learn gives me hope for the uncomfortable discussions that must happen in the context of our country. Big up!!
Dr. Blay gives us all some things to thnk and talk about. Great "Behind the Scenes" Roy Wood Jr. and Ashton Womack, Thank you! *Blessed Be and Stay Well!*
Mexican american here, ive struggled my whole life to find my place. Im too mexican for america, and too american for mexico. But i find my people in everyone else who feels the same inbetween-ness, regardless of where theyre from. I grew up in an area with lots of immigrants and refugees from all over the world. We all looked different, came from different cultures, and we created our own culture of unity and sharing.
Thank you for sharing (snapping my fingers).
Absolutely true that's how I grew up I'm close friends with some of every race still to this day. My BBQ look like a UN meeting
That my friend is the whole idea of America! I absolutely love meeting people from other countries! I love to eat the foods from other countries. Amazing people and cultures out there to learn about!
please stop saying Mexican when you mean Mestizo, or say you're black too cause you are now, welcome to America
@@johnnnydemerson7194 I'd love to come to the BBQ!
When Obama got elected I too cried because I thought this country had finally progressed away from the long history of overwhelming racism and then when Trump got elected I instantly knew I was grossly mistaken.
Think of it as “Star Wars”. The Empire struck back after 8 years of openly being black when Obama was at the head of the country. I knew throughout that while racism is still prevalent, maybe we are heading in the right direction. #45 was pushback from an era of progress and a move towards inclusion. Keep moving forward everyone! Don’t let the Empire win!
Trump was a Democrat for most of his life. I can remember when he was homered by Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton for hiring a lot of blacks and other minorities. I will never follow others on who and what they say is racist. Now any disagreement with a liberal, makes you racist.
Every time there is progress toward equality, there is a gigantic pull to rein us in. There is a laser focus on maintaining white “supremacy”.
Obviously Trump was/is a disaster.
But Obama was a standard, run of the mill politician - it’s a pity he failed to govern as progressively as he campaigned.
Obama is biracial not black. He was raised by his white mother and white grandparents. His father was mostly absent from his upbringing.
THE best Beyond the Scenes, ever. What an amazing conversation. My relationship with my own Blackness and how it is shaped by the Blackness that exists inside the minds of others.
Agreed! Best ever. So much food for thought.
ArcaJ You are NOT black.
ArcaJ You are brown skinned so why do you call yourself black when you are actually brown? You can end your brainwashing NOW!!! You are welcome. 👍
In Africa itself there are a lot of different tribal divisions and these tribes also can look different in physical features. In Europe, Anglo-Saxon, Nordic Europeans, Southern Europeans, Slavs-Jews are the main divisions. A Japanese can easily recognize a Korean or Chinese, but I cannot spot the difference. Today's African Americans are half breeds and quarter breeds. They are not really black African. It's like a children between a Tiger and a lion, some get more tiger features and called Ti-liger, and others get more lion features and known as Liger. Human races are like somewhat like the tiger, lion, panther, leopard etc. They are all cat family but different. Even the behavior of tiger and lion is different. Tigers are loners. Lions are more social animals. There is a video regarding how the half breeds between Vietnamese women and US soldiers are discriminated there. It was said over 100,000 of these children were born during Vietnam war. Native american stories talk about four main human races, the red native american race, black African race, white Caucasian race and the yellow Mongloid race. Then there is the mix of these four races. They gave the color for the guardians of four directions according to the four main human races. The guardians of four cardinal directions can be seen in eastern religions too.
Wutu could be unifying.
Oh my goodness this has been an amazing opportunity to hear the panel speaking on being Black in America. Somehow I thought that I was the only one who struggled with my different life experiences while living as a black women who grew up in the projects. My mother was very clear and told us yes you live here physically but it doesn't mean that you have to live here that is mentally and emotionally. Later as s a young woman I've traveled the world via my employment with the airline industry and I now work as an artist. I believe that I pushed myself because I grew up in Philadelphia public housing 17 yrs. Somehow I still continue to create mold and shape me while constantly pushing against what society thinks that I should be. Thank you.
*Wow...This was one of the most raw/honest & needed conversations about blackness, that I've seen/heard lately* 👍👍
Ignorant talk, same race talk for last sixty years, we need a new plan called stop committing crime, drug dealing, gang banging, fatherless homes, shooting, killing, and get a job, married, protect our families and communities. Stop race begging. . Its our responsibility for our lives.
Neither one of are black. Obama was the worse
thing that happened to us.
Biden is giving billion of dollars to Ukraine and migrants but nothing to help rebuild crime ridden neighborhoods, and Obama did nothing too
xdxtv top
The race Idolaters{mainly Black) need to be much more concerned about the quality of their characters than their external appearance
I could listen to Dr. Blay lecture all day. I appreciate the entire panel. Great work.
SAME!
This segment is amazing. I wish the entire country could collectively sit in on this conversation. Alas...
Agreed.
Why? So they can read between the lines and hear the true racism that this female is spewing??? 🤨🤦
100% Agree
This is a needed conversation. I've had this with black people who called me "White Girl" because of the way I speak. And white people who felt so comfortable with me, and said things which made me remind them, "You do remember I'm black, right?!?"
But I chose to not take on the uncured racial misconceptions of those people. I am a part of the global community.
😯
@AG Naturalist I totally get where you're coming from. All my life I've gotten from people being fascinated with the way I talk to people being disgusted with the way I talk. One of my bosses (a VERY white woman) even had the nerve to call me a "white boy". I corrected that real fast, when I yelled, "I ain't no white boy.". She was like, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean anything by it". She never did that again. I said all that to say, I can relate to the experiences you've had. I'd also like to say don't abandon your people because you perceive some benefit to being accepted by whites because of the way you talk. You don't ever need to be ashamed of the way you talk, but again, don't abandon your people chasing that elusive butterfly.
In my 30s I met in African family that informed me that I wasn't really African. They went into the fact that most of us were mixed with native Americans and differentiated themselves ethnically because of that. It was quite an Awakening because I definitely was holding a unifying Bond of all oneness with all of African descent in the world. I have had every experience from this video. She is on point however I must say I was relieved to see that she was raised in a African household because listening to her is a learning experience. And she said things that haven't really come to my mind that were necessary. She's right I should not consider myself a minority 🦋 is labels are ways of keeping us enslaved mentally
I can relate to your position. I also have one of "those" voices as a black man and it wasn't until I got older that I started feeling comfortable speaking up, especially around black folks. I literally would shut down around black folks because i would always hear you sound white, bougie, and you think you're smarter than everybody. I just got so weary of trying to prove my "blackness" or how folks would react to my voice. I found this conversation enlightening and necessary and it shows that we may be different shades, like different music, live in different neighborhoods, and come from different parts of the country and world but at the end of the day we are all black and we are all under the same umbrella and should treat each other as such.
In them situations with white girls,you have an opportunity to educate,we can all be teachers.
I love everything about this discussion. And I so appreciate when Dr. Blay emphasized the power of words and not using the word minority to describe a racial or ethnic group of people.
Agreed.
Minority is about the amount of people of a certain race in a society. She talks of distancing Black's from other " minorities," because if you do that, then whites still seem like the majority. You can't call it White Supremacy, if whites are the minority. Truth is that whites are the minority if you do group people of color together. In fact whites are the minority in the world in general. Most of the world are people of color.
@@shawnharrison9701 you are correct that whites are the minority in most places in the world. However, the term "minority" is used to describe Black and other people of color regardless of their numbers. And white supremacy absolutely can and does exist where whites are the minority. Does apartheid in South Africa ring a bell?? Pretty much wherever white people are there is white supremacy. Perhaps you should research what white supremacy and the term minority means before offering an explanation on this. But thanks anyway.
@@atl2cali You do realise you've said that wherever Whites are, they are the Supremacy. Why? Are Whites Superior? If not( which I don't believe any race is Superior) then why didnt/hasn't Africans progressed in Africa? The clearly have in the United States and other Countries. Could it be that once they're introduced to systems, they flourish? If given the opportunity of course.
@@shawnharrison9701 Like I said research before you comment. At this point I think you are a troll or bot...and I'm leading towards bot.
Yes an amazing conversation indeed. I love the daily show with all my heart. You all are incredible people. Growing up black in America is not easy and sometimes, more than often very uncomfortable, in certain environments. I agree with her that white supremacy ideology is the problem in America.
lol....when White people have the SAME rights to do and say what Blacks do....then I will listen
@@briannichols4856 WHAT?
@@frederickweeks4962 U heard me
@@briannichols4856 ok hero. Feel better now
Amen
As someone that comes from a Mexican background and first generation American, I feel this.
You just a lightskin soul brother - (Bleu from RTT)
💪💪💪💪❤❤❤❤💯💯💯✌✌✌
Welcome to the fold. I always hated being told I acted a certain way that wasn’t black. I never knew how that really affected me until recently
@@clintonwashington8609 Acting black lends itself to the generational PTSD most black people feel IMHO. Whether to trust someone, to be able to relate in some way, to know that another black person isn't looking down on you by default. Particularly in the context of people coming from the same demographic as defined by white people since forever in America.
As someone who is 4th generation Mexican American there was a time we had to know White, Black, Mexican, and Puerto Rican culture to fit in. Also some of our Mexican culture knowledge was fossilized Mexican knowledge like culture from before 1940s since that's when we moved to America
As a white female raised in the south by my father who said we are all one people from different cultures we should treat everyone with dignity and respect! I am still learning daily! Thank you
White is a commercial term it may not necessarily fit your description.. Albion may be more fitting.. North Africa is allegorical and codex linguistics.. to allude or displace the non erudite..
This conversation was unbelievably informative and eye-opening. We need more of this. I am a white Jewish woman and I have to say that more people need to hear these types of conversations. People need to understand each other.
Was you one of the one's that was mad with Whoppi and do you think we should stop teaching the Holocaust in American schools. There are a lot of people who didn't know about what happened to the Japanese Americans in America during WW2. I was never taught this in school. I saw it in an episode of cold case and then did research. So they can stop teaching about that they can stop teaching about the Holocaust and slavery and Jim Crow and also African apartheid
@@theeldersaysso5600 I don't know anything about whoopi, but I absolutely believe we should be learning this history in schools. Hebrew schools always teach it even if it's not in a regular school curriculum. We will never forget. And yes, I learned about the Japanese internment camps through Hebrew school too. I went to a regular school and then also went to classes at synagogue. However my highschool taught a "Holocaust and Genocide" class where we discussed the Holocaust and other genocides such as Rwanda. It is extremely important to pass this knowledge so we do not repeat the same mistakes.
@@Scriptkitty-sd8dp so true, but if de santis get rid of teaching about slavery, the Holocaust is next and as I said before I never knew that Japanese Americans was locked away in internment camps in high school and I graduated in the 80's
You said " white Jewish woman"..... white Jewish is redundant
@@christopherfoisey2105 not really when half of the people on UA-cam wanted Whoppi to get fired for say Jewish white. I still remember that older Jewish lady with her granddaughter and the granddaughter had that look like my grandmother is going to get you. So it's necessary
I’m sitting at home disabled af right now, I was watchin Dr Rashad per usual and then this came on. I am so gloriously thankful to hear this conversation bc I feel 100% apart of it. I sent it to my son and just started crying bc everything each person talks about has a correlation to someone black that is listening. It’s almost musical it’s so beautiful. I just needed this…some substance, some sustenance….in my ears today. And something the same in my heart.
I grew up in a very white world so I find this discussion fascinating. It’s obviously not a conversation I would likely to be privy to in real life. I’m thankful to have this additional perspective.
Curious as to why you’d not like to be privy to this conversation in real life? I think all perspectives lends itself to the conversation.
@@enough_about_me He said not “likely.”
@@enough_about_me read it again...you got what was said wrong.
Agreed. I definitely make more effort as I get older to get educated and relay what I’ve learned to other white folk, but it’s tough when living in an monochromatic landscape. Conversations like this help break up the “black as a monolith” impression that outsiders see at first glance. Huge thanks to the Daily Show and guests for extrapolating on this subject and giving us tools to be better friends and advocates.
Even when many of your friends growin up, and as an adult, & even half your family cause you married a woman who happens to be black... there are things we'll never fully understand on a deep level. That's OK! No shame! Important thing is to never assume you've learned enough, & stay open to every opportunity to understand further.
It is so mind blowing that I participated in creating an event at my job and I literally had to educate people on blackness, and we ended up calling it “A Celebration of Blackness” to specifically highlight our differences and show people that we are not a monolithic community. This took place last Thursday and I feel so validated because Dr. Blay is saying what I said and more. This is how I talk all the time and it really makes me want to get a degree in black studies.
You can do it I trust you
My DIL is first generation Ecuadorian and third generation Jamaican. Because she looks black, that's how she is often treated. She shared with me that she grew up Ecuadorian, so that's how our family recognizes her. But she opened my eyes to the culture v. skin color identity. I'll always be blessed she is part of our family.
So much food for thought. I'll be mulling over this all week! Thank you Daily Show!
I’ve listened to this at work, but I think I’m gonna listen to this again when I get home. What a brilliant session.
I feel like I have to listen to this a few times more to completely, properly absorb all that was covered. Woweee-kazowee!
Such a powerful, dynamic, enligtening, informative and inspirational dialogue between the three of them. Thank you, Roy. Please have Dr. Blay on again!
When I came to America from Kenya, I didn’t understand why all these black men were nodding until I watched a video like this! Then it all made sense. This was a wonderful conversation. Thank you.
🤣🤣 that must have been mad confusing
Thank you so for letting us listen to your amazing conversation! I’m learning so much!!
Amazing conversation. Rapid fire with so many angles. Had to struggle to keep up. Keep it coming. As an old white man I feel privileged just to be listening in.
This is one of the best conversations on blackness that I have heard yet. Thank you
Loved everything about this conversation wow. I’m Black/westAfrican/grew up in Guinea 🇬🇳 left when I was 18 and now living in France for 13 years. The experience is a whole another level 😅
That’s why I love to watch this show,I can learn so much and how to navigate with my beliefs and my thoughts in this YT society.
WOW, so much i want to say. I deal and dealt with the same ideas about me and my music and it held me back for such A LONG TIME. I live in China right now and I wish I could have been apart of this conversation.
Roy Wood Jr. I appreciate your efforts. I was able to expand my own personal horizons. Hearing the Dr give her perspective to questions I had never even considered. I certainly don't know the answer to why things are the way they are but I'm down for a change. We are way more alike and always have been. That's a brilliant lady
I absolutely love the work being done here on this show. Thank you.
OMGoodness - This episode was AMAZING! So many moments that I could identify with. So many moments when I wanted to jump in and give my testimony. So may moments that my view of Blackness was expanded. Thank you!!!
When is Part Two of this conversation happening? Please ASAP !!!
A VERY NEEDED conversation! Now it needs to be heard by others who REALLY need to hear it.
That’s the thing we love convos like this but people that really need to understand and see this don’t
@@stringer2295 That's the part right there: those who need to hear it hear and absorb it.
Share it.
@@stringer2295 It would seem that we all really "need to understand and see this" conversation. There's an education for everyone in this conversation, and not just some. Of course some may need that education more than others.
I've had many weird experiences that now make sense after watching this lol. My mom shaping my nose, my aunt not allowing us to say certain words, being told I spoke wyt ect. I had blamed it on the wrong things. The supremacy has many nuances. This video should be shown in classrooms. ❤️
I'm sorry if it's a dumb question but shaping your nose? How does that work?
@@kristinehansen4665 not a dumb question at all. My mom would slide her fingers down my nose, in a pinched type motion. She told me when she was younger(she's a baby boomer) people used clothes pins to do this. Thinner noses are more acceptable. People who passed did that type of stuff. Now they just get plastic surgery!
100% Agree
This video right here is the truth. So many people need to watch it. I as a black woman always wonder why do some of us have to “switch” to be “black enough” I am sure if you ask my brother about upbringing it would be completely different . Because of the blackness and “street” cred
“Switch”? Switch to what?
Social code switching. Humans adjust their speech and behavior depending on their environment in order to fit in and make others comfortable. It’s not specific to race.
@@lanam.9235 Code switching was a survival tactic for Black Americans it wasn't done just for fun.
@@LoveyK Are you deliberately being abrasive and obnoxious?
@@sseraphim2818 Why? Because I want to understand the dilemma Black Women are faced with in this country?
I'm so glad that this discussion is being had openly. The perception that there is a Black monolith instead of a spectrum of cultures from the diaspora needs to die. We are not one size fits all.
Yet she states the Black is is a culture and you're all the same? While also saying the culture was stolen. Which is also coming from an upper middle class immigrant family.
@@shawnharrison9701 What I took from her assertion is the Western construct of being "black" has pigeonholed those of western, eastern, central and/or southern African decent into that of one "culture" as defined by a broad international Caucasian heirarchy -- one that 'blacks' have historically been powerless to correct. I surmise this somewhat as a lesser equivalent to someone referring to those of Asian decent being "Chinese" when in fact they oftentimes originate from any number of Asian culture(s). Or those from the middle-East deemed "Muslim" where Jews, Zooasters, Jains, Christians, etc., also possess a centuries old residency.
@@stirlingfletcher7040 Except Europeans have always classified Africans by how the Tribes of Africa wanted to be classified. The very reason why Western society knows of such cultures, is because naturalists classified each group differently. Going so far as to send people to study them individually. Measuring heads, feet, height, avg tint to the skin of each group etc. Religious grouping ie Jains, Zoraster(Persian, the MANY different Islamic groups etc has also Always been a study of the west.
She specifically calls out people for not being " black," enough. States that she at times felt not black enough. She wasn't hard to follow, even with the multiple contradictions.
Glossing over the truths of the past to drive a point is incredibly disingenuous.
Aren't Whites grouped together in one culture grouping? When you fill out a form there's a spot for white. Not Irish, Scottish, Polish, Either of the Scandinavian groupings, " Russian," groups. I could go on.
@@shawnharrison9701 I don't think the monolith is only about origin. We realize there are Irish, Scottish, Welsh tribes etc. but pink people view themselves as individuals, while people of African descent are not viewed as individuals, but as one group.
Exactly!!!!
I look forward to the Beyond the Scenes series. The Daily Show crew, with Roy and Ashton, do a great job of finding bright and passionate people with whom to have a conversation. I always learn something, but this episode connected with me in an exceptional way. Thank you Yaba Blay. Your knowledge, passion, and humility are inspiring.
Show was on fire today- Dr Blake awesome!!!!
In Africa, African Americans are seen as a tribe with their own culture unto themselves; think Jazz/ music as a whole. They own a man named James Brown.Quincey/ Stachmo, and on and on. Not to forget The Obamas. Let's looking at the soul food, and their movies, their consciousness about racism...and on, and on. They are an international tribe made by them---out of nothing. Amen!
OK, Marty is a Liberian.
I like this take
Exactly
So-called black Americans are a combination of American Indians aka American Aboriginals (not to be mixed up with Native Americans who are children of immigrants born here) and Dark-skinned Europeans whose identities have been White washed and silenced, yet they were extremely instrumental in the formation of this country. Many of which originated here and returned to secretly wage war against the tribes that caused them to be exiled many years ago. Our story is a deep and long one and Africa has been a major benefactor and hardly a contributor to the truth of who we are. There 625 crops in Africa. 600 comes from America. It's a little known fact.
@@stephenbreland1363 you are saying the crops in Africa came from America? I don't know who you been listening to, but please get the proper education about Africa. It will be of great benefit to you.
Thanks for the dialogue, I’m 63 & just came across
These two young brilliant warriors.
Thank you again.
Such an important conversation!! Thank you for this interview.
Hello all, just seeing this August 30th 2022,. This is one of the most insightful and realistic videos I have EVER viewed. Take it from me -I could be grandmother to the three presenters. Would that this be a life lesson and required viewing for ALL. Thanks soooo much to the presenters and all who commented. "I refuse to call myself a Minority." Wow - intense!! This acceptance of and using of the words and behaviour to each other fed us by , "YOU KNOW WHO" needs to stop. Mental slavery has to go. People should strive to be the best that they can be rather than trying to emulate THOSE they think are their superiors. Blessings from Barbados.
I can relate to the story of the girl who didn't speak. I'm biracial and grew up in a mostly white area. I always felt not white enough for the white people and not black enough for black people. I'm sure people probably thought the same way about me, that I was uppity and snooty. But in all honesty, I was just afraid to speak. I eventually got over it in college once I was surrounded by a more diverse group of people from all over the world and was able to come into my own as who I am. But even before the end of they explained the paper, I knew how this person likely felt
I'm black and Nigerian, but I was raised in an upper middle class setting. I definitely had this issue in college. Part of it was shyness, but I also felt like I had nothing in common with many of the black students around me. I also didn't fitbin with white students because of my race. Honestly, needs were my saving grace. Were it not for the anime club, I wouldn't have had any friends.
@Kayla B That's why people need to stop that Interracial nonsense. Kids are the ones who suffer from adults' bad decisions.
@@christopherbarge414 do you mean that people need to marry within their "race" or teach their children not to discriminate and that all people are equal?
@@kaylab1157 Who told you that all people were equal?
@@kaylab1157 Oops. Almost forgot. Marry within their people.
Everything Dr. Blay said has echoed the things I have been residing in my heart and trying to say to people. Every word she said I have said to someone in passing... Thank you so much for talking about this!
I could definitely relate to the woman who came up to the eighth floor and didn’t speak. I was very shy, and didn’t speak because I thought that people didn’t like me so what’s the use in speaking. I just knew I was going to be rejected and so I kept to myself. So I was perceived as being uppity and snooty because I wouldn’t speak.
I found out after high school that some classmates thought I was a snob. Nope, just an introvert and also shy.
I can so relate to this. I was a shy Caribbean student who didn’t know about these unwritten cultural norms. So I to got branded in a negative way when all I wanted was to be able to connect with people who looked like me.
I could listen to this all day long! The openness and honesty is wonderful and needed to be heard!!
Please keep these conversations coming! Roy your show is amazing and Yaba I just loved listening to your prospective on this issue.
I am a white women married to a Ghanian. Neen together since 1996 with 3 kids and I find this conversation so interesting and helpful as our family is very diverse that struggles with these issues.
I was raised in a middle class family in America but was raised in a community that rapidly changed while i was at a young age so I grew up going to schools that were majority black. My friendships were made with the community that i grew up in and the kids i went to school with so my verbiage was learned and spoke like those I was around. Tho my family was white my comfort zone has always been with people that dont look like me mainly due to the fact those that look like me judged me most my life for choosing to be friends with ppl who were different then me.
My husband was born and raised in Ghana and came to america for college. While I have always been more comfortable around black americans my husband is more comfortable around white americans and ghanians. I think its because he knows what to expect from white american. He knows the racist exist and expects it so i think he is more comfortable because of he is prepared from experience. Where as he is not as comfortable with some black americans because of their opinions of him. He speaks better english then me. With Ghanians being so influences by the british the English he speaks is what they call "proper" or the "queens english" and americans in general tend to find british english pompous or snobbish. So alot of times black ericans tend to thinknof him as an "uncle Tom" or think he thinks he is better then others when he is the sweetest most kind open kinded person I know. Due to this he felt more comfortable raising our kids in the country and sending them to schools predominately white. I on the other hand wasnt as comfortable with it. So our children were raised in white neighborhoods. My kids are more comfortable around white people or mixed kids that look like them and have also been influenced by their white surroundings. Due to how my children and husband speak ppl joke with me the only white person in my home and say that i am the blackest one in our home. Because i was raised around black american I feel bad that my husband and children are not comfortable in the enviroments that I am more comfortable with. It bothers me alot at times because one thing they truly have in common is knowing what its like being black in America.
It hurts ti know my children feel too black in their white family and neighborhood but also feel to white when around black americans and around Ghanians they feel out of place because their way of thinking is so different due to the different upbringing. From my experience with Ghanians i have met it seems like the core in all their beliefs is centered by the persuit of education. Their drive to succeed seems to be much more driven then americans. Americans of all races seem to have success on their mind but not every belief is centered around the persuit of education. Us americans think we know hardship and think we are driven but we dont. We may push to suceed but from what seen those that come here from other countries seem to exceed us in drive toward that success. My kids being born in America dont fully understand the drive their father has or the friend and family that he associates with so they are not as comfortable around them either. Me im fascinated by the difderences and love learning what majes us all do what we do so talking with others not like me im drawn to. I just wish my kids had more interest to get to know more about everyone as I do. I want them to know where both their parents come from and what makes them who they are and absorb and except all aspects of it. So seeinf conversation like this is beautiful progress to me.
This was a great read. Thanks for sharing.
Does she not have a PhD?? I think Dr...is appropriate...just my thought....
This conversation behind the scenes was like fresh water to my soul please have Dr Blay on more as a guess on different topics sir.
I've come to the realization over the years, that we, black people, are "Lemonade People." "And Still I (we) Rise", "Make a Dollar out of Fifteen Cents" people. We are creative and resilient. And I'm so proud of those characteristics. They strengthen me and embolden me.
Haitian American here and I am exceptionally grateful for this very human conversation. It needs to happen in every educational system, we may not be able to "erase" racism but we ourselves create healthier spaces for each other. Thank you!
This made me think a great deal about my Blackness. Thank you for posting this.
Thank you for keeping us informed ❤❤❤
For the first 8 years of my life i lived in a predominantly white area and for the next 15 years i lived in Oakland and now back to the predominantly white area. I get compliments for people liking my attitude as if they expected it to be anything else but respectful. When i spoke what was considered "proper" english in school i would get made fun of. But im 28 now and i have the skills to speak to all forms of people. And one thing is SO TRUE the media will have you fearing the nicest person you have never met. And it breaks my heart because I love talking to people and alot of times they "assume" its an act. If i had a dollar for how many times a person who was not black gave me a compliment for my personality or nice attitude they sound dumbfounded that im real. It gets old. And i try to teach my people we can have a time and place for our styles
"I have the skills to speak to all forms of people."
What skills are those? Being respectful? Listening? Or is it something different? Do you feel like you have to actually act different when speaking to different groups of people?
@@jonahkaun891 May I direct you to Amber Ruffin in addition to Roy Wood? Some of the best conversations on American subjects - and they answer questions just like yours, in ways apparently no acquaintance of yours feels comfortable doing. Amber sings well, too. Hope you enjoy the talks.
@@intercat4907 @Matt Smith stated he was made fun of for speaking proper English and states that people assume he's putting on an act when talking with them, all while stating he has the skills to talk to people. I was seeking clarification, from him specifically, if those skills were what I've experienced as universal communication skills (ie listening and respect) or if they were different. Had he responded and the answer wasn't evident, I would have asked why he thought people felt that him wanting to talk was "putting on an act" when using said skills.
"In ways apparently no acquaintance of yours feels comfortable doing"
Rather presumptuous statement, especially since you misread the intent of my initial comment. Almost sounds insulting . . .
"The 8th floor"(grade school, college, play ground and new environments). Some of us visit the "8th floor" and don't speak (first) mostly bc of, scared of rejection.
Very interesting, it makes me contemplate my childhood in the northern part of Germany and being one of the few black people in school beside my brother.
The eight floor - Simple “Hello” by either person because we all have our personal traumas. Sometimes this gives us a opportunity to open the door to a great friendship or relationship. I do it with everyone because I love how It can catch people off guard.
What a wonderful discussion!!!!! This is why I love Roy Wood Jr., and *Beyond the Scenes.* You give us so much information but with humor and logic so that we can actually receive it. So much I'd like to say about this topic but I'd be writing my own book in the comments so I'll just say *THANK YOU!!!*
Okay, maybe one little thing. I am Black and Mohawk and if asked, I will say just that. And it does bother me when other Black people try to diminish the culture I was raised in (Mohawk) by expecting me to ignore it and ONLY say I'm Black. We need to stop policing each other like that. YOUR childhood experiences don't grant you permission to be a racial terrorist to the rest of us. (okay, that's all I'm saying for real).
And another thing... 🤣
Mohawk!! How awesome🙏🏾❤️👍🏾 I am very proudly Black & Cherokee & Creek from Oklahoma City, OK. I have a Blog called ECLECTICALLY BLACK NEWS that embraces all my heritage. It must be fascinating to have such a wonderful lineage. ☺️
Dr. Braxy No one is black.
Dr. Braxy Anyone that is referred to as black is brown skinned and should therefore be referred to as BROWN. Through brainwashing we accept this social construct as the TRUTH when in fact it is a lie. The sun was once thought to orbit the earth until people became enlightened and educated that it was the other way around.
@@gloriadulan-wilson1076 just a question?..i'm genuinely curious?..how do you or have you reconciled with the native part of your lineage/heritage that enslaved Black people?..or,maybe this never happened in your particular lineage history?..
THIS WAS BEAUTIFUL 🥺 Shout out to all of you for the honesty and integrity you brought to this discussion! As a Philly native, I was happy to hear about the sista's experience in finding American Blackness in my city. Also made me do a lot of reflecting of my own black experience. Keep the convos coming! ✊🏾
This is by far the best interview I have ever seen. Mad respect.
This is the best segment of Beyond the Scenes to date. I love the deep dive into discomfort and asking complicated questions without clear answers. 👍🏾
This needs to be televised!! This was a great discussion, thank you for navigating this perfectly Roy.
Agreed.
"The burden of hope"
Loaded and profound point!!!
Excellent podcast! I just purchased Dr. Blay’s book. I hope to incorporate aspects of this conversation in AP African American Studies
One of the best conversations from Dr. Blay! The honesty and authenticity displayed was enough to make me want to hear more of her on the center stage. We need her truth and knowledge in more of the conversations center around “blackness” around the world but especially in America.
Thank you all. Another amazing conversation. The definition of white vs. black identification is still being shifted, ie. people of North African or Middle Eastern decent being labeled as Caucasian, or Native American history currently being co-opted by the certain groups. I hope one day the definitions we need for survival give way to our shared humanity. I exist because you exist/ I am another you. Though is usually very hard to see, that we are all in this together.
What a great conversation!
American culture is based on very particular hierarchy, so that each group seems compelled to kick down on other groups, while individuals within each group look to kick down on the other individuals. Any time some sort of solidarity occurs among We The People, a tremendous and coordinated backlash forms to sabotage any sense of fellowship.
Of course, much of this activity originates in our dominant economic pyramid scheme of capitalism, the which is a real cannibalistic/parasitic way of relating to each other while trying to survive and definitely favors psychopathic behavior.
The "Divide & Conquer" mechanism in our country is powerful, all-pervasive, and seems to be part of America's foundation. I'm not certain that we will be able to save ourselves from ourselves without some kind of major leap forward in our own evolution that will enable us to conceive of and consider kinder, more inclusive ways to live together.
Brilliant conversation,
Yaba Blay is brilliant and was definitely
the straw that stirred the drink in this upload.
I will definitely listen to this again.
This is amazing Roy!!!! Thank you for THIS conversation
Great conversation.
My experience being Chinese when CA was a lot whiter had many similar stories. Asian experiences of being grouped is also very similar. But I’ve learned and continue to learn and understand the complexity and differences.
We were not educated in black or Asian history in any way that was not simple and white washed.
I’m very glad these things are being spoke about… conversations like these helps create the change albeit too slow.
So true I was never taught about intermittent camps of Japanese Americans during WW2.
@@theeldersaysso5600 my friends mom was in one. 💔 so not so long ago.
I remember offending my grandpa because I thought all Chinese were manual laborers. My grandpa was an engineer. Who eventually went back to Hong Kong because he couldn’t get a job. :(
@@dbunnysport we all have gripes against one race of people and they say it's because of their color no baby it may have not been you, but you grew up in white supremacists household and this was the norm for you. We are judging you on your character not your color and you have been showing your true colors lately
Love watching and listening and learning. Trying to view the world through others eyes and every episode I learn something new.
Dr. Blay is speaking to my soul. Where has this woman been all my life? Love her.
👍 right
I’m loving this panel and discussion. Looking forward to more of the like.
Dr. Blay is always spitting truth! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
excellent thoughtful, open conversation of black culture, blackness and the treading in/of white supremacy. I absorbed this conversation.
Why do we have to use the word "race"?
@@joannjenkins3024 Ask you ancestors.
BTW, this user didn't mention the word "race" anywhere in their comment.
@@UnboxingAlyss I’m white and I absorb these conversations too. I want to understand all that I can. I don’t know why I’m even replying. I definitely do not want a cookie. Maybe I should delete. But I’ve already typed all this. Anyway I’ll probably press the send arrow.
@@Mels925 If you have "absorbed" so many of these conversations, why are you asking that question? The concept of "race" wasn't created by black people. If you were "absorbing" as much as you say you are, you would know this.
@@joannjenkins3024 why do you have a problem discussing "race" it's been an issue in America from the beginning
Really great conversation!!! THank you!
This is powerful talk. Intelligent and spot on. Thank you. ✊🏿
There is also an east/west perspective where the south is included with the north.
I've always expected black folks to feel equal. Mr. whitebread likes your show.
What an amazing conversation. First, to get a deeper sense of Roy Wood was wonderful. Second, it makes me wish for a deeper forum to talk about all this. I look at it like this: There are two parts to each of us: 1) that which is given- family, genetics, the culture we are born into, etc. and 2) that which is unique within us. Our individual challenge, as I see it, is to find expression for our uniqueness given what we are given; to break through our born circumstances to bring our unique self to expression. There is also the challenge as we move about in the world to see each person in the same way, to support and recognize the uniqueness in others through the veil of their born circumstances, to see them as they struggle to find expression. It's a long conversation but if we can start there, maybe we can get where we are all struggling to be.
This is a great video! I'm white but I am having a hard time dealing with my Dad's white supremacist ideology. (He hates Obama and Kamala) He wasn't like this when I was a kid during 60-70s, my parents were "love everyone, we should all be equal and live in harmony" Now at the end of his life, a Maga hat running after whiteness? Why? I definitely don't feel like I lost anything when Obama became President, in fact, I was extremely proud we voted in such an articulate, educated man. I am even more proud of Kamala. I now live in Malaysia with a Malaysian husband. Here, the same type of racism exists among the 3 predominant races. I just don't get it. What is the use of the hate and distrust? I know in white world I am a minority.
Extra Income Suz:. Do you think that your father may have said "love everyone, we should all be equal and live in harmony" but only if they are white was implied and not expressed explicitly?
FYI: Please dont describe black people as "articulate". It may sound like a compliment, but it isnt.
Could be dementia or generational bias. You see that constantly in nostalgia instagrams and twitter pages. For a bit it starts as "remember these fun times" to "kids these days are weak, I was a tough kid" to "I can't stand this woke nonsense". Generational bias and nationalism are a disease. When people claim that getting older means getting wiser, people like Trump show that's not always the case. Many times it means getting bitter, arrogant and less educated.
@@UnboxingAlyss exactly...it's the subtle, subconscious racism whites need to become aware of when speaking about a black person...my question is, would the sentence be stated the same or these descriptives used - "educated / articulate" if referring to a caucasian man in the same sentence...because to reiterate your point, when this is done it makes it seem being an articulate and/or educated black person a rarity (it is not) and / or something that needs to be pointed out because of the underlying thought it is unique
Love you babe. I visit the Quake meeting near me to sit in silence with people. (I have never mentioned this online. Take everything with a grain of salt.) Your clarity and integrity are worth admiring and emulating.
Love these segments. They’re brilliant and very much needed. Thank you.
Listening to black people talk to other black people about being black on a major platform is… well more please.
There is a perspective that is overlooked. I live in a very white college town in Wisconsin. I identify as a multiracial black woman. Here a lot of white people like to show how woke they are by being very accepting of immigrants which plays out in job acceptance, social programs etc. A lot of the African immigrants here look down on the rest of us because 1 we are descended from slaves 2 we are “too angry” about racism and 3 we haven’t made the same progress as they have in one generation. This perspective completely ignores the fact that it is our struggle that made their success a possibility, and that we are still paying the generational costs of that struggle. I’m not mad at anyone for their successes. It is actually true that African immigrants are hired and elected here to represent a community that they don’t know or respect.
As an African immigrant, I think you are very correct with your analysis . The only thing I’d add is this is more prevalent among African immigrants who relocated as adults. The younger African immigrants especially those who get their first dose of racism from an early age have a different perspective.
Facts.
Roxanne The funny thing is NO ONE is black
Roxanne If you look closely you will see all of their hairs are black, BUT their skin is BROWN.
So true. As an American of Mexican descent, I am aware and appreciate the suffering and struggles of our Black brothers. We too are enjoying the fruits of your labor, your fight for those freedoms and opportunities we have now have. Thank you.
This is an outstanding conversation. Very thought-provoking.
Two main ideas came to me during this program:
1) Humans are complicated. As a matter of fact, existence is complicated.
2) We all need to learn how to be comfortable with uncertainty; because every question doesn't necessarily have an answer.
Thank you for sharing this with everyone.
Years ago I know someone who was in a very high position in a company and he was one of the only black persons in that position. He was encouraging other black person to aspire or do the same. The one statement that he said the stood out for me was it lonely at the top. It didn’t really understand that until later.
Most insightful vid I've seen in years. There should be many more of these. Thank you! 🙏
Hey, anyone reading this.Keep grinding ,stay positive, Life is a nonstop journey. Be proud of how far you've come and get excited for how much further you'll go. 🤞🏽🙏🏽!
While attending a pwi, Dr. Blay was one of my only saving graces.
Thank You for the continued education.
I can listen to Dr. Blay all day and night, she has cool and well rounded perspectives
Love this especially coming from New Orleans and leaving at the age of 11 “1980” because my father joined the military. It was like day and night immediately and a culture shock to my system but I loved the peace living on the installation no more violence just quiet and kids being kids for the first time in my life no killing, drug dealing and the education was on another level. That’s when my “white” talk kicked in 😂 😂 as I learned when visiting my city for a vacation. I didn’t realize that I was that different but to me I was the same kid from New Orleans in my mind. I felt like an outsider in my own city and I no longer fit in because of my growth in knowledge and having a new found perspective on life and other people around the world. Peace and Love dad I still thank my father for the experience.
I can relate, thank for sharing!! Mic'22
So kids weren't able to be kids in the black neighborhood you're from in New Orleans? What neighborhood was this?
Congratulations. I from New Orleans
I really love my city, but I had to get out of there
(I got a late start tho)!!!
All love⚜️⚜️⚜️
This so interesting, it’s mind blowing. This goes deeper than I could have imagined. Thank you for this opportunity of understanding.
Beautiful conversation. I have always been reminded of how light skinned I am. I love my Black race. It has always been a struggle to be with my Black people. I am always reminded and questioned. Not Black enough. It was painful growing up. My family on both sides have all colors from light to dark. I have been called so many names all my Mulatto Red Bone and of course High Yellow. The struggle did make me strong and believe in my Blackness.
My sister told me this today. I told her they told me if I had one drop of black blood I'm black therefore I'm black.
You are mixed, not black. kindly acknowledge your Non-black ancestors for your phenotype. Calling biracials and mixed people black is disingenuous. If you were full black you would be called far worse degrading names, red bone and high yellow are terms of endearment in the black community.
This is a really interesting conversation. Thanks Roy Wood for doing this.
"Culture" is an amalgamation of experience and tradition, it is ever changing
I'm really enjoying this segment, Roy. I think it should be a standalone podcast, imho. This particular episode was extremely educational and necessary. Thank you Dr. Blay, Ashton, and Roy!
This is a very important conversation thank you as always Roy.
This blew my mind that BP of note are having this deep dive into diaspora that isn’t discussed as openly as I’d like. I’ve experienced many of the same things as these dais speakers. Thank you Roy Wood Jr. for this video!
When Yaba Blay rebuttal Ashton at 4:00 when he said the black kids didn't want to "act" their class but instead wanted to "act" hood, when she explained it, was so beautiful. What others call acting hood, is we're living in and embracing our culture no matter what class we're in
As a 60+ yr old Black American Male Ive gotta tell yall.. U hit the nail of Blackness dead on the head with this discussion.. Ive known and felt these things all my life..just never heard it articulated like this.. Excellent Conversation.. I could listen to Dr.B speak all day.. AND Shes a GORGOUS Sista..
The cradle of mankind were in Africa, which means every human being have to have a drop of blackness.
thats not true, things that happened thousands upon thousands of years ago cannot define people of today, Africans share a genetic heritage that is unique to them, so are Caucasians, Asians..ect they can never be African like Africans can never be Caucasians.
@@mooncake387 wrong
While that seems logically sound, those thousands and hundreds of thousand years evolved different forms of beings, cultures, beliefs and ways of knowing.
@@jm2307 how can an African be Caucasian sir?
Alfred. James Damon,,some believe humans evolved from apes - so do you think all humans have a drop of apeness as well?
This is one of the most interesting conversations ive seen period. And even as an absolutely admitted complete outsider...it made me think about things and conclusions and exprctations i had never even identified enough to examine in the way we are taught to look at things without this kind of detailed scrutiny. Great discussion!