@mbatuku1, thank you for your knowlege. I will continue to learn more about the culture for my own growth. I will not let things I have read or the actions of one Igbo man be the lens I see all Igbo men out of.

@Thirst4lif, attending cultural events sounds great. I will discuss everything with him later on today and update everyone.

However, I do have a major concern that no one seems to want to address. Is there a common belief that Americans aren't suitable for long-term relationships?

I understand, African Americans face such hatred as well.

How great life could be if we all learned to respect each other

@DaRapture, thank you for your advice.

@EZeUche, why do so many people show hatred toward the Igbo?

As an African American I really appreciate your concern and warmth. It is nice to see that people really do understand that we are of African descent. I am saddened that more African Americans aren't concerned about embracing african culture. I have had friends that have said to me, " i'm not African American i'm Black American. I don't know anything about Africa and being American is fine with me." Such ignorance!

There are many African Americans who are interested though, and do not necessarily search for a connection to Ghana. Many African Americans would be happy to be apart of any country. Thanks again

Commitment is a beautiful thing. However, many people fear the unknown. Not knowing if the other person will change or love them without restraint. There are many people who lack the meaning of what a commitment is.

@Spader9 you should never deny being Nigerian. Just be one of the positive one's, every race has good and bad.

Thanks for your honest words. I don't know much about the culture and did not want to base his actions off of things I have read. I must admit that he is aware that there is good and bad people everywhere. For example, he told me that some Nigerians marry for illegal reasons and his family will accept him having an American wife depending on how she is presented. These statments aren't to justify his behavior, I am trying to give an unbiased summary. Another statement he made that I found to be offensive was that White Americans tend to be more naive or vulnerable. It sounded to me as though he was experienced on the kind of women that are easily manipulated. He also expressed that American skin is beautiful and he would like to have lighter skin. I am not sure if he is interested in learning more about the American culture or if he is just curious about the unknown.

I don't mean to be rude but if Nigerians feel that Americans are inferior why waste their time? I would much rather he hold three hour conversations, compliment, and spend his free time with a Nigerian women if that is what he prefers. As I said I was not seeking a partner, and will not settle for anything less than a great one. Besides those statements he is very sweet, but I am smart enough to know the tongue and mind combined can be deadly.

How should I express these sensitive issues to him? Thanks again, I hope my words are understood to be kind and concerned.

Thanks for the advice and warm welcome, I look forward to discussing things with you.

Hello everyone,

I want to start by saying I am an African American woman under the age of 21. I recently have met an Igbo man. He's very sweet and kind, however I have read many things (although I don't believe everything I hear) and I would like some advice. To tell you a little more, studying takes up a great deal of my time. So I was not seeking a partner. I only have dated african american men, but I have been known to prefer darker skin.

I immediately noticed cultural differences within the first conversation. I am interested, I like the fact that he understands my family and school comes first. I will answer any further questions you may have about the relationship with no problem. Well friendship, like I previously stated we have not know each other long. To get to the point, he discusses many things with me about how Nigerians feel about Americans. He often compares me saying, "you are very different, such high morals to be American." Do many Nigerians share the view that a lot of Americans don't respect marriage? And that American women can be uncaring? If so, can a Nigerian truely care about an American that is considered to be "different" from what you're use to hearing?

Thanks in advance to anyone who replies
-Peace & Love