Ask the House 2: the Man can't keep me down

[MyHouse!]

The House mourns the loss of the Ask the House Thread!

But the forces that would conspire to bring you the views comments and comparisons & you have become so respected, not to mention the finest Black women on the planet have failed.

THE HOUSE THREAD IS BACK!!!!

Everything you've ever wanted to ask a Black Man but was afraid you'd get your ass kicked.

[MyHouse!]

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[MyHouse!]

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[Nakeem 2006]

great, right when I was gonna defend myself after you claimed some sort of victory over me the whole site crashes.

Anyway my point way back then, was that when i came to the United States and turned on Black Entertainment Television I saw people with guns, people disrespecting women, people talking about gold chains and whatnot....and then calling it AFRICAN American culture. I think anyone would have been offended by it. Why is that so bad? You know in Nigeria Will Smith the Freshest Prince is the most popular rap artist.


By the way I have to say I am loving this Country, everyone has been so nice to me, well except for the Ask the House thread. I am learning more here than I ever could have in a Nigerian university. I'm not the smartest man on my block but I am so grateful for the privelege to study academics here. And actually the white people have been the most nice to me.

[Hawkeye17]

Can't take down the House!

[MyHouse!]

Originally posted by Nakeem 2006


Anyway my point way back then, was that when i came to the United States and turned on Black Entertainment Television I saw people with guns, people disrespecting women, people talking about gold chains and whatnot....and then calling it AFRICAN American culture. I think anyone would have been offended by it

And MY point is that you totally ignored the other aspects of African-American culture. You picked the most negative part you could find and used that as an example of why I should not be allowed to call myself African.

How did you expect us to react? "Oh OK, Nakeem has spoken. He is right...we're not worthy of being African"
Get real.

I saw another one of your posts in the politics section about how Blacks here don't help themselves. I look at my law degree and say to myself, this cat needs to get out more, the same way my Ethiopian collegue did. She used to think the same BS you did till she met more people.

Glad you're enjoying my country, though.

[Nakeem 2006]

Originally posted by MyHouse!
And MY point is that you totally ignored the other aspects of African-American culture. You picked the most negative part you could find and used that as an example of why I should not be allowed to call myself African.

No I didn't. I never said you shouldn't, I said the guys on TV shouldn't be calling themselves African. As for ignoring the postives about black culture, it is not I you should be saying is ignoring that...look at the streets of Miami, how many black kids are reading Malcolm X? Now how many are listening to Death Row records?

That's what I thought.


I saw another one of your posts in the politics section about how Blacks here don't help themselves. I look at my law degree and say to myself, this cat needs to get out more, the same way my Ethiopian collegue did. She used to think the same BS you did till she met more people.

I never said that, at least not in that context. What I have seen with my own eyes is some black Americans who sit and watch tv all day, disrespect black women, have 6 kids from 4 mothers and then blame white society for thier problems. I have seen MANY people like this. These may have been the people I was reffering too...and most of the people I've met with this attitude happen to be black.

Glad you're enjoying my country, though. [/B]


thanks.

[MyHouse!]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Nakeem 2006


No I didn't. I never said you shouldn't, I said the guys on TV shouldn't be calling themselves African.

Nakeem your attempts to save yourself on this point bring to my mind Peter Rufai's bumbling efforts against Denmark in 1998.

The very first thing you wrote in your first appearance on ATHT1 was "It puzzles me to hear Blacks in this country refer to themselves as African-Americans. It's been centuries since any of them have lived in Africa."

does this refresh your recollection?

As for ignoring the postives about black culture, it is not I you should be saying is ignoring that...look at the streets of Miami, how many black kids are reading Malcolm X? Now how many are listening to Death Row records?

That's what I thought.


this is just comical. You just the point mid arguement. The point was not, who is listening to what.

In your original post you pointed out gangsta rap (specifically Ice Cube) as yet another reason why Black American culture keeps us from being able to call ourselves African. You took one negative aspect and hip hop and just ran with it in a similar fashion to many white racists in this country.



What I have seen with my own eyes is some black Americans who sit and watch tv all day, disrespect black women, have 6 kids from 4 mothers and then blame white society for thier problems. I have seen MANY people like this. These may have been the people I was reffering too...and most of the people I've met with this attitude happen to be black.


This too is comical. I find it interesting that a brother from Africa has come to the US and is now talking about what goes on among Black people here.

The AIDS epidemic which has unfortuneately reached tragic proportions in Africa has been spread throughout casual sexual relations that is absent from Will Smith songs but is prevalent in gangsta rap. The Nigerian constitution (written by another one of those Black Americans not worthy of being called African, the late Prof. Leon Higgenbottham) which has been ignored by the succession of generals in Nigeria, resulting in the hanging death of the writer whose name escapes me at this late hour. That sort of disprect of human life and social order does not show much self respect. The civil wars in Rwanda and Sierra Leone, latter driven by diamond sales are classic examples of Black on Black crime.

Now, if there is no gangsta rap, driving them to this madness, what the f*** is the excuse for this foolishness?

Therefore it is quite hypocritical for you to come to the US and talk about what we as Black Americans are or aren't doing without examining what goes on in the motherland. It reeks of the supercilious attitude that many Africans have towards Black Americans, possibly part of the reason why white people have been so much friendlier towards you.

"You better check yourself before you wreck yourself."-
Ice Cube

[metrocorazon]

Originally posted by Nakeem 2006
look at the streets of Miami, how many black kids are reading Malcolm X? Now how many are listening to Death Row records?

That's what I thought.

In Miami? Not many Death Row is West Coast. It also died when Snoop Dog left. They havent put out a decent act in years. Therefore not too many people are listening to Death Row Records in Miami.

[Nakeem 2006]

Originally posted by MyHouse!

this is just comical. You just the point mid arguement. The point was not, who is listening to what.

In your original post you pointed out gangsta rap (specifically Ice Cube) as yet another reason why Black American culture keeps us from being able to call ourselves African. You took one negative aspect and hip hop and just ran with it in a similar fashion to many white racists in this country.


Nope, now your rewriting what I said. Still you ignored my question: wht is more highly regarded in American black culture: Malcolm X or Ice Cube?





This too is comical. I find it interesting that a brother from Africa has come to the US and is now talking about what goes on among Black people here.

I've lived here for nearly 3 years. And I bet you don't have the same last name as me so I'm not your brother.

The AIDS epidemic which has unfortuneately reached tragic proportions in Africa has been spread throughout casual sexual relations that is absent from Will Smith songs but is prevalent in gangsta rap. The Nigerian constitution (written by another one of those Black Americans not worthy of being called African, the late Prof. Leon Higgenbottham) which has been ignored by the succession of generals in Nigeria, resulting in the hanging death of the writer whose name escapes me at this late hour. That sort of disprect of human life and social order does not show much self respect. The civil wars in Rwanda and Sierra Leone, latter driven by diamond sales are classic examples of Black on Black crime.

yep, there are some thugs in Africa. Your point? So I can't comment on American black culture because there is some problems in Africa?

Now, if there is no gangsta rap, driving them to this madness, what the f*** is the excuse for this foolishness?

Well I don't know too many people with aids, I stayed away from all that jazz. And I don't think gansta rap causes anyone to do anything.

Therefore it is quite hypocritical for you to come to the US and talk about what we as Black Americans are or aren't doing without examining what goes on in the motherland. It reeks of the supercilious attitude that many Africans have towards Black Americans, possibly part of the reason why white people have been so much friendlier towards you.

So the only reason white people are nice to me is because I supposedly look down on American blacks? You really do think most of white people are racist don't you?

And if you don't think I can't make list a mile long of what's wrong in Nigeria you are wrong.



"You better check yourself before you wreck yourself."-
Ice Cube [/B]


Well I would hope that if you wanted to end all forms of racism you would not quote Ice Cube as he uses derrogative words to describe Asians and white people, he even talks about killing "crackers" and "gooks".


You want to know what I think, or am I just going to be criticized for my opinion? I think that there are too many problems in black neighborhoods in America. I think alot of this problem stems from the racists roots of this Country. I also think that there are a number of problems that are self inflicted by black people themselves. I can give you specific examples if you like, I honestly think alot of black people use racism as a crutch.

Just because I come from a country with problems doesn't mean that I don't have opinions on things that happen in MY new country, does it?

Answer me these 4 questions:

1 - have you ever listened to malik shabazz the second? He says a lot of the same stuff I do. Is he wrong?

2 - do you place any blame on black americans themselves for the state that black americans are in?

3- i know plenty of African immigrants here in Florida. How come racism doesn't affect them, I mean we get good jobs and live normal lives right off the bat. Maybe it's not skin color that corperate America cares about. Maybe it's the attitude that keeps people down?

4- how many enemies do black americans have? whites, cubans, africans....when does the list end?


I ask these as serious questions, but i bet the replies i get will be biter and spiteful and will dodge the questions.

[Aimer, Northend Diva]

So, what do you think of me with dark hair? (it's a wig, don't spaz, i'm still blonde)

http://sweetascandie02.homestead.com/files/spy1.jpg
http://sweetascandie02.homestead.com/files/spy2.jpg

[metrocorazon]

Originally posted by Aimer, Northend Diva
So, what do you think of me with dark hair? (it's a wig, don't spaz, i'm still blonde)

Since you asked, you're still ugly and have no titties.

[MyHouse!]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Nakeem 2006



Nope, now your rewriting what I said. Still you ignored my question: wht is more highly regarded in American black culture: Malcolm X or Ice Cube?


I've not rewritten anything. I quoted you almost verbatim.

Who is more highly regarded? Malcolm X. Ice Cube is an entertainer but ask people who did more for Black people in this country, you'll find very few people who will answer Ice Cube. (What is this fascination with Ice Cube anyway?)




And I bet you don't have the same last name as me so I'm not your brother.

It's a figure of speech. Similar to idiot.


So I can't comment on American black culture because there is some problems in Africa?

No what you cannot do is comment on ONLY the negative aspects of American Black culture because there are some problems in Africa. Your first post on ATHT1 was that we should not call ourselves African because 1)We haven't lived in Africa for centuries 2) the culture prevents us from being African.

That was it. Then you were suprised when I called you out on it saying that you didnt mean to offend me. Even my Haitian wife was like, damn, how did he expect you to respond.



So the only reason white people are nice to me is because I supposedly look down on American blacks?

Good lord, go back and read what I wrote. I said it may be PART of the reason. Lots of Black Americans have met Africans both here and in Africa and have been gotten the sense that Africans look down upon them for many of the same reasons you've mentioned here. I, myself, have experienced it maybe once or twice.


You really do think most of white people are racist don't you?

If you knew how many white friends I had you would know how ridiculous you sound right now.


And if you don't think I can't make list a mile long of what's wrong in Nigeria you are wrong.

I'm sorry to hear that you can make such a list. Nevertheless please keep that in mind the next time you start talking about the negatives of Black America. It was only after I called you out on what you said that you happened to throw in something about Buckshot LaFunk and KRS.





Well I would hope that if you wanted to end all forms of racism you would not quote Ice Cube as he uses derrogative words to describe Asians and white people, he even talks about killing "crackers" and "gooks".


Since you seem to be so well versed in the lyrics of Ice Cube, I'm sure you're familiar with the song "Us" on the Death Certificate LP where he takes Black people to task for many of the same things you've talked about.

Fact of the matter is, I don't buy Ice Cube CDs for those very reasons you talked about.


You want to know what I think, or am I just going to be criticized for my opinion?

More than anything I want you to be fair and not generalize, something I haven't seen you do on either ATHT thread as of yet.


I think that there are too many problems in black neighborhoods in America. I think alot of this problem stems from the racists roots of this Country. I also think that there are a number of problems that are self inflicted by black people themselves. I can give you specific examples if you like, I honestly think alot of black people use racism as a crutch.


I agree with you 100%. Maybe if you had started
with that statement in the very begining (instead of saying that I shouldn't be allowed to refer to myself as an African, a statement that very much insulted me because I have ALWAYS embraced both my African and American make up) we could have avoided all this. You cannot come in and attack and attack and then wonder why people take offense. IF that's not what you intended then take a writing class or something because that's how I and a couple of others who read the thread seemed to interpret it.


Answer me these 4 questions:

1 - have you ever listened to malik shabazz the second? He says a lot of the same stuff I do. Is he wrong?


If you're talking about that real tall brother from DC that was down with & mentored by Khalid Abdul Muhhammad, yes I am familiar with him. KAM was racist as well.


2 - do you place any blame on black americans themselves for the state that black americans are in?

Yes there's me, your favorite rapper, Ice Cube as I mentioned above as well as a host of other people like Tony Brown and Nathan McCall, even Bernie Mack in "The Original Kings of Comedy".


3- i know plenty of African immigrants here in Florida. How come racism doesn't affect them, I mean we get good jobs and live normal lives right off the bat. Maybe it's not skin color that corperate America cares about. Maybe it's the attitude that keeps people down?


You were doing so well. Then you started generalizing again. Here's some statistics about our "attitude" According to the latest census taken and studies done by the National Urban LEague, it has been continually shown that Blacks that are similarly qualified and similarly educated as their white counterparts receive 2.5% less job opportunities and make .70 to every dollar. This is a statistic that has not changed since the early 90s. If that's not racism I don't know what is.
So even when black people in this country do what you seem to think we don't, get our education, go out and get the jobs to provide for our families, we are STILL subjected to racism you seem to think has very little bearing.



4- how many enemies do black americans have? whites, cubans, africans....when does the list end?

Nope that list is incorrect. It is racist whites, racist cubans that are enemies to Black people and any Black person that comes with the "All Whites/Cubans/insert-race-here" are racist is just plain stupid. Not sure what Black Americans you've met but if this is the sense you're getting, you need to get out more.


I ask these as serious questions, but i bet the replies i get will be biter and spiteful and will dodge the questions.

No bitterness, no spite, no dodging. Just one grown man's honest opinion while chilling in the House!

[MyHouse!]

Aimer, the wig isn't working...

[Nakeem 2006]

if you think I look down on black Americans then you're wrong. I like many parts of black American culture. But I don't know what buckshot is...I think I just threw some names out that I saw other people were using. I like old Jazz. I like black authors. I like black painters....and all the other stuff that goes virtually ignored. but back to my original claim, that what I don't agree with is the foolishness is black american culture in the name of being African American.

as far as genrealizing go, that's pretty much what you do when you talk about racial issues. If you want me to preface every line with 'some', 'most', 'half' then I will.


Anyway back to my question, why do African immigrants, well ok SOME (most that I know) do so well and encounter far less racism than a black American?

It's a real question.

[MyHouse!]

[QUOTE]
if you think I look down on black Americans then you're wrong. I like many parts of black American culture. But I don't know what buckshot is...I think I just threw some names out that I saw other people were using.

good, why did I have to wade through you telling me I'm not African before I read that?


Anyway back to my question, why do African immigrants, well ok SOME (most that I know) do so well and encounter far less racism than a black American?

It's a real question.

I don't know. I'm not African, remember?

Are you suggesting that African immigrants by and far do better than Black Americans?

[MyHouse!]

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No introduction needed

[bigsmooth]

Welcome back, my brother House! Never shall you disappear from the face of the earth!
A couple of welcome back points -- the writer killed in Nigeria by the junta I believe was Ken Saro-Wiwa, a playwright and outspoken critic of the government in the tradition of artists and intellectuals like Wole Soyinka and Chinua Achebe.

To Nakeem: I would say this to you. As an African-American who for the most part doesn't live according to stereotypes whites or others have of me, I can tell you that if you're a black American who "cleans up your act' (i.e. no drugs, babies out of wedlock, gun-toting violence, blaring loud gangsta rap, you work hard, try to be smart, responsible, respectable, i.e., everything people say you should be), you still get a very negative reception in this country. You seem to have swallowed the lie that white people in this country are "objective" in their opinions of black people and base them only on black people's bad behavior, i.e., if black people were better people, we'd be liked more, respected more, treated better, etc.
I can tell you from personal experience that is such a load of BS. White people in this country CHOOSE -- emphasis on the word CHOOSE -- to hate black people born and raised here because they are racists and racists by choice, pure and simple.
Since you referenced Malcolm X, do you remember his saying (i'm paraphrasing here) -- "what does a white person call a black person with a Ph.D"? "N*****r."
You seem to think that if every black person in the U.S. were a well-educated, well-spoken Ph.D that somehow you'd never hear whites calling blacks the n word, thinking of black people in those terms, etc. and I'm telling you think again. White people's hatred of and racism towards black people is a conscious decision to hate -- nothing more, nothing less. It's not behavior driven, it's not "oh, he's a good black person, I like him, he's a thug, I don't like him." It's "I don't like n*****rs because I don't want to, I don't have to, I don't give a f*** who doesn't like it." Is that plain enough for you?
Again, welcome back, House. I think in the "loss of data" my last post to you got lost, so I'm going to have to try and remember what questions I had for you. You're still on it with the sister pictures, though, so thank you.

[Auriaprottu]

Originally posted by Nakeem 2006
I like old Jazz. I like black authors. I like black painters....and all the other stuff that goes virtually ignored.

Welcome to the Golden Arches of the world, Nakeem. Very few things of substance (from any culture, not just Black American) in this country receive the publicity and promotion they deserve. American programming prostitutes itself to appeal to the lowest common denominator- think of how difficult it has been for soccer to gain a foothold here, while people continue to watch baseball, helmetball, hockey, etc., and you'll understand.

It's also important to note that Black people do not control the media that give you your impression of Black American culture. An example is a show that was on television before you arrived here. It was called the Cosby Show, and it gave a very accurate portrayal of the kind of environment I grew up in, as well as those of most of my Black friends. It was called "not Black enough", "not realistic", and the like. Not by Black people, but by the same White people you think would love us all if we just tried harder.

Maybe you should think about why those people promote and buy into the worst of our collective sins. Do you hear any songs about blond haired, blue eyed child molesters, serial rapists, mass murderers, incestual affairs, pissing in the swimming pool, letting the dog eat off the family plates, covering one nostril and blowing out the other in public? No, you don't. But you'll be able to see "Little House on the Prairie" reruns until Judgement day because that's the impression you're supposed to have.


Anyway back to my question, why do African immigrants, well ok SOME (most that I know) do so well and encounter far less racism than a black American?


Probably because some of them, like you, have swallowed the bait, and continue sucking up to White society (not White individuals- I have no problem with them) by proclaiming those who have been unfortunate enough not to reach your lofty standards of excellence as being lazy and full of excuses. Yes, I know you didn't write that. I don't care. Your attitude speaks volumes.

Enjoy your education, and try to learn something while you're at it.

[MyHouse!]

Originally posted by Nakeem 2006

Anyway back to my question, why do African immigrants, well ok SOME (most that I know) do so well and encounter far less racism than a black American?



I think Amadou Diallo disagrees with that statement.