Attitude Check 101
No matter if you were born into a Westernized culture or you migrated from Africa, there are significant roles that play into how we treat one another in the African community. Africans are usually the first to stereotype our own people; we are the first to recognize our own flaws.
Those born and/or raised in a Westernized culture usually only tend to socialize with those that are not seen as “freshies” or that could be considered an “embarrassment” to their social status. It is often times perceived that the Africans in the diaspora are ashamed of the way that some Africans carry themselves, whether it be the way that they speak, dress or how other outsiders view them. Sometimes even family members are hesitant to associate themselves those that have recently migrated because they fear that their accent or lack of “style” will cause embarrassment. We have created names like ‘Johnny Just Come’ (JJC) or ‘Fresh Off the Boat’ (FOB) and we use them on our own people but once others outside of the African community begin to indulge in our own form of name-calling, we become offended and cast them off as ignorant.
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Some Africans bully those that have recently came to the States the same way that we were once bullied when we first moved here. This bullying amongst ourselves must come to an end! We are creating unnecessary animosity towards each other. If we cannot treat our own with respect regardless of how long they have been in the States, how can we expect others to do the same?
It is never an easy task to leave ones comfort zone to enter a brand new community. Let’s make this easier on ourselves by sticking together and being more welcoming. We must accept ourselves for who we are and realize that our accents, style and demeanor makes us who we are. Africa is beautiful and the pride of our continent should always be in our hearts.
Twitter: @LibWinS
