Being Black In America

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Socialization Paper What does it mean to be Black in America? Is a question that has been brought up frequently in my life. Being of a minority in a country that was founded on independence and freedom doesn’t really apply to me. Well, at least the independent and free part. We are forced to dress, talk, walk, act, perform a certain way that fits the way the majority wants us to. We are unable to live up to who we truly are, in fear that we wont be accepted or miss out on opportunities. To be black is seeking balance between being conscious of the events unfolding around you, while not allowing them to compromise your moral integrity and the way you carry yourself. At a very young age my mom explained to me the importance of acting a certain way to fit societal norms. She always told me that you must “fake it to make it” being a minority in America. Even though this a country where you can express feelings and speech freely, this concept doesn’t apply to people of minority. In other words, she explained to me term of “Acting White”. Acting White is a derogatory term given to African Americans who are perceived to betraying their race and culture by giving in to social expectations of white societies. Being black in America is …show more content…

Middle school was an awkward time for almost everyone. A time where we found ourselves and who we truly are. In middle school, I went to predominantly black school so I didn’t have to experience socialization much. But, since I was taught to always act a certain way, and speak properly with intelligence the term “acting white” came into play when I went to middle school. In black culture, talking properly, wearing certain brands, and carrying yourself a certain way all can be deemed by the black community at my school that I was “acting white”. They often told me that I wanted to be a white girl and things like such. I did not let this change the way that I was always taught to

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