Being a competitive dancer, I get the chance to travel around Northern New Jersey and to see other teams. At the NJ State competition yesterday, I realized that I was subconsciously allowing myself to believe the racial norm. As a team that was racially diverse took the stage for a hip-hop routine, I automatically assumed that it would be exceptionally good. I have to tell you that I am not a discriminatory person. However, I am so used to seeing music videos and movies with people of all skin colors, besides white, out-shining others in street dance battles or professional competitions. I did not use facts like this in a negative way, all I did was think that an African American team would most likely win because I was sure that they were going to be amazing. Although I can only speak specifically for myself, I know for a fact that I am not the only one to have thought this. I can honestly say that I am disappointed that our generation has been led to believe that only certain people can be good at hip-hop, or that certain people are better in school or sports.
Because of ideas like that, it is also thought that people of the white race should not do non-white things, like rapping and dancing hip hop. Most people who attempt to have been made fun of; I have personally seen it. People of other races have to face the same thing. People tend to believe that it is not their place to be if it not considered a normal thing for them to do.
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1093705,00.html
Tah-Nehisi Paul Coates of Time Magazine has gone through something like this. He explains that growing up he wasn't interested in rap or hip hop music like all of his friends were. Instead, he began to like music made by white people; he says that he secretly listened to their music. No one should have to hide what they like or dislike because they are afraid of what others think. Hopefully, people have begun to and will continue to realize this.
2 comments:
hey gabby!
i completely agree with this entire post. although we do not realize it, sometimes we do discriminate. even if it is not on purpose, sometimes it is inevitable to avoid. sarah also told me about seeing this team at the dance competition, and in no way whatsoever do i think that you were being racist. i, too, would have thought the same thing of you and your team mates. this is just another example of how the media has brainwashed everyone into thinking all african americans are amazing hip hop dancers. even though they might have been great dancers, it really is disgusting how we would all just assume this because of what we do see daily.
great job on this post!! :]
I see exactly where you're coming from with this blog. I know myself, and many others, assume that a certain race will act a certain way, enjoy certain things, and exceed at certain subjects because that is what the stereotype leads us to believe. However, as we all get older and become more exposed to different people in different places like you do at dance, we learn that people can excel and enjoy all types of things regardless of their race. I loved how you took an aspect of your everyday life and related it to a theme that most people wouldn't think to make a connection to.
Post a Comment