Mrs.Chima:
Odumchi

You had to say my name huh? You knew to closed that thread cos I was gon wear your arse.




Even amid all of this quarreling and back and forth arguing, I see something in this thread. This thread is a perfect example of the cultural and societal differences between African Americans and Africans.

From reading these pages, I've gained an insight into the perspectives of two different peoples on different sides of the world. Personally, I've observed the misconceptions about poverty, ethnic issues, and the general culture of Africa as well as those pertaining to the New World. Take something as simple as football (American soccer) for example; both sides called the sport different names and presented their unique perspectives.

I think that discussions like this (save the insults and trolling) do a good part in[size=44pt] melting hardened barriers. Just like Mrs Chima (),[/size I have also learned many things just from reading this thread.

Does anyone else think so?

Mrs.Chima:
I was innocent by the way.

naijarican:


[b]Hey girl! Nice one. I'm so glad you started this topic with Odumchi's statement. I've learned alot too. What I've learned is that no matter how Americans try to show some Nigerians that we are not all alike, they STILL hold on the the negativities presented to them through the media. I don't remotely believe that every black american that these people have dealt with has treated them poorly. I've also learned that a lot of their attitude stems from self hatred as well(my dad says this too), and often times it's because passed and modern day media still has a tendency to depict them as uncivilized savages. It's unfortunate that they have this heavy chip on there shoulders, but it's also unfortunate that some Americans still have these perceptions of Africa which makes Africans harbor bad feelings. LOL, with all that being said though, we still ain't gone let them beat us up on NL, without kicking booty and taking names. (Teeheee heee, you know I had to throw that in there).[/b]

Mrs.Chima:
[size=44pt]At the end of the day.....EVERYBODY's SHIT STANK...and sooner people realize the fresher the world will smell. [/size]

Mrs.Chima:
Odumchi, can you get these chatters for derailing my thread? Thanks suga.

MsDarkSkin: But to get back to the topic,

I really don't want to dwell on this to much because the crowd it may attract TBH, I want no part of.

but my 50 cents..

Cultural exchange is seen as neither a threat or step into the wrong direction to reasonable people who are able to rub minds with others and are willing to learn. Naturally this would require one to lose part of themselves to gain hence the "let your guard down" and "free yourself/mind" phrases. But some people don't understand that some habits and ideologies are worth losing to gain more knowledge.

This in itself expose the hypocrisy we have witnessed these last few days.

Some of the same "too cultured to be bothered by the others" people will call someone in their own community who behead and maim in the name of rituals or pray to rocks and hand sized statues or believe in many Gods (animism/polytheism) as "primitive" and "backward".

Well, if you come from a heritage that once shared those same values and you NOW see it as backward then obviously someone in your background was wise enough to let go of the backwardness and became enlightened by outside influence (BWO reasoning) so you could point out the flaws of (y)our forefathers.

So why now all of a sudden claim the exchanges of ideas is a threat to everything you stand for?

No man or woman is an island. Trust me.

Life in itself is about education. People who fight this fact are just as "backward" as those who came before us. They thrive on division, self seclusion and misery. Ironically these same folks will wonder why they are so far behind and least desired than those who are about breaking down boundaries and learning. The key to survival is knowing when to put up the guard and when to take in information from the outside. If you are not right on the inside this won't come easy but then again, i suppose not everyone is meant to get it. *shrugs*.

MsDarkSkin:

errm. Odumchi..how come you didn't do this on my wodaabe thread?

its a conspiracy.

Mrs.Chima:


But Sis...You know no matter what you say it will not change the person unless they want to change. If you were talking about a flower and how to nurture the flower...if someone want to pick a fight with you because you shared how to nutured the flower that is on them not you.

I do believe that knowledge is power and it plant seeds in places difficult to access. Great post by the way.

MsDarkSkin: ^^^^lol you're on drugs.



Exactly. Which is why I always say "live and let live".
Don't worry about what others are doing. If "your ppl" want to know about other cultures, don't call them a sell out.
You stay in your own world and let them do them. I too learn everyday. I have come to learn some of my old thinking was WACK. In a period of 6 months I have learned so much, and sad to say some folks will live an entire lifestyle stuck in their ways.

Oh well.

MsDarkSkin:

errm. Odumchi..how come you didn't do this on my wodaabe thread?

its a conspiracy.

I am by no means telling you to ADOPT NOR ADAPT to other cultures but to engage in cultural exchanges or tolerance so you can be able to live with individuals that are DIFFERENT from you

c.fours:


In order to LIVE with individuals that are DIFFERENT from you, you (or they) need to adopt or adapt culturally. The result of not adopting or adapting is SEGREGATION. and this then exacerbates all those ugly things you mentioned.

besides, there will always be racism, tribalism, prejudice,sexism so long as there is difference. Just embrace your difference but learn to adopt or adapt when difference puts you at a disadvantage. When in Rome, do as the Romans do. shikena.

c.fours:
I still don't understand what you are getting at.
Who do you want to exchange cultures with? What exactly do you mean by "cultural exchange"?

If you are LIVING among people of a different culture, there is NO WAY you can maintain your culture 100% and live amicably with them unless you segregate yourself. the minority living in that society will have to adopt or adapt the majority's way of life. otherwise, the majority will turn against them for coming in and trying to upset the balance. this is natural.

but if you are living 3000 miles away and doing pen-pal sort of "cultural exchange" that doesn't affect your daily existence, then I can see your point.

Good thing about America...people can be themselves, study whatever religion they want, open any bars they want, speak almost anything they want, and practice whatever culture they want without being persecuted figuratively speaking.

c.fours:


This is not true and you know it.
America feels like that thanks to segregation. Imagine if everyone really has to live together. then we will all be forced to adapt because life will be a living hell otherwise.

I think tolerance is a good thing. but it has its limits. Whoever has the most power usually wins in most circumstances.

c.fours:


This is not true and you know it.
America feels like that thanks to segregation. Imagine if everyone really has to live together. then we will all be forced to adapt because life will be a living hell otherwise.

I think tolerance is a good thing. but it has its limits. Whoever has the most power usually wins in most circumstances.

Mrs.Chima:


What is not true

If America didn't welcome differences of religion, culture, free of speech, and human rights. Africans and other immigrants wouldn't even have the opportunity to create Little Italy, Little Nigeria, Little China, Little Somalia, and everything else.

America isn't the problem...the people in it is the issue.

c.fours:


In order to LIVE with individuals that are DIFFERENT from you, you (or they) need to adopt or adapt culturally. The result of not adopting or adapting is SEGREGATION. and this then exacerbates all those ugly things you mentioned.

besides, there will always be racism, tribalism, prejudice,sexism so long as there is difference. Just embrace your difference but learn to adopt or adapt when difference puts you at a disadvantage. When in Rome, do as the Romans do. shikena.

Mrs.Chima:
What are your opinions about cultural exchanges? Do you think tribalism, racism, prejudice, sexism. ad ignorance would reduce if people are willing to engage in cultural exchanges that is outside their norm/comfort zone?