This post will resonate better (methinks) to people who have lived or are living outside of Africa or in areas of diverse ethnic backgrounds.

If you are Black or African do you sometimes get the feeling that some other Black or African person is representing you or speaking or acting on your behalf, sometimes unbeknown to this individual that they are carrying the whole weight of an entire "race" or continent on their shoulders? For instance Colin Powell or Condeleeza Rice or Koffi Aman - do you feel that these individuals are speaking for or representing their "race" or ethnicity in the course of their public appearances or duties?

Do you also feel that when you are out in the wider whole you are representing your entire race, ethnicity or tribe? How well does that responsibility rest on your head?

I live in the US, which is, by definition, a republic. Having another represent us on any of a number of levels is a way of life for us, here.

I do wish to take issue with you, huxley, on your question of "race." Your posts indicate intelligence and thoughtfulness, so I trust that you will know that I'm not flaming, nor am I baiting when I suggest this.

"Race" is something that science has yet to define, largely because it is thought to be a non-existent concept. How do you define "race" and why do you define it as such? I trust that you must define it in some way as to inquire of our opinions about it.

drrionelli:

I live in the US, which is, by definition, a republic. Having another represent us on any of a number of levels is a way of life for us, here.

I do wish to take issue with you, huxley, on your question of "race." Your posts indicate intelligence and thoughtfulness, so I trust that you will know that I'm not flaming, nor am I baiting when I suggest this.

"Race" is something that science has yet to define, largely because it is thought to be a non-existent concept. How do you define "race" and why do you define it as such? I trust that you must define it in some way as to inquire of our opinions about it.

You have put your finger on exactly the unease I also have with the word. That is why I put it in double quote because I could not think of a better substitute world and convey the same thrust of the post. So for now, I would suggest we lose our pedantry about this word and just see the deeper issues of the questions.

huxley:

This post will resonate better (methinks) to people who have lived or are living outside of Africa or in areas of diverse ethnic backgrounds.

If you are Black or African do you sometimes get the feeling that some other Black or African person is representing you or speaking or acting on your behalf, sometimes unbeknown to this individual that they are carrying the whole weight of an entire "race" or continent on their shoulders? For instance Colin Powell or Condeleeza Rice or Koffi Aman - do you feel that these individuals are speaking for or representing their "race" or ethnicity in the course of their public appearances or duties?

Do you also feel that when you are out in the wider whole you are representing your entire race, ethnicity or tribe? How well does that responsibility rest on your head?

I think people don't want to feel that they are but you are in the States to a certain extent.

As far as the responsibly, I think I handle it fine when I am at work and when I went to school. I know I got tired of it when I grew up because I went to grade school and highschool in an area where there weren't many Black people. I was known as the Smart "Black" guy? Like many Black people aren't smart. (UGH!!! people need to stop watching so much T.V.) However, that is how it was. I think that was one of the reasons why I choose to go to an HBCU. (also because both my parents, older siblings, and just about all of the older professionals I grew up knowing went. LOL!) I just wanted a break from Race for 4 years where I wasn't the Smart "Black" guy but rather just a Smart guy. I have the rest of my life to deal with Race. LOL!!

Race is just another way of categorizing human beings just like we categorize people by nationality (ie Nigerian, Canadian, etc). Scientifically it is garbage but it is a reality. When someone wants to describe someone, they will say he/she was a "Black" person, "White" person, or whatever.

@lazy:
I can appreciate your sentiments about being the "Smart, Black guy" as I, too, was subjected to that! Such qualified compliments were (and are) frustrating.

Your point is on target with respect to the word "race" being used to categorize. At least with one's nationality, one can tangibly verify a designation. That we attempt to classify people by "race" (which, as you note, is truly a garbage description) only further emphasizes the contempt in which we hold not only one another, but also ourselves.

drrionelli:

@lazy:
I can appreciate your sentiments about being the "Smart, Black guy" as I, too, was subjected to that! Such qualified compliments were (and are) frustrating.

Your point is on target with respect to the word "race" being used to categorize. At least with one's nationality, one can tangibly verify a designation. That we attempt to classify people by "race" (which, as you note, is truly a garbage description) only further emphasizes the contempt in which we hold not only one another, but also ourselves.

I am glad someone else out there feels me!

I agree that nationality is easier to designate and is probably the easiest out of all the catagorizations. All one has to do is look at the passport that they hold. That is what you are. People can scream all they want but your passport holds you Nationality. Well I think we view Race negatively because it is something that is garbage science but also and maybe most importantly because of the way it was used and its history.