“There’s like a civil war goin’ on with black people and there’s two sides. There’s black people, and there’s n*ggas. And the n*ggas have got to go!! Everytime black people wanna have a good time, ignant A$$ n*ggas Fawk it up! I love black people, but I hate n*ggas! Oh, I hate n*ggas. Boy, I wish they’d let me join the Klu Klux Klan. Shyte, I’d do a drive-by from here to Brooklyn!” — Chris Rock
Now picture this:
You’re in a movie theater with your friend. It’s packed and tons of people are chattering. While waiting for the film to start, you glance around the theater and nonchalantly notice how you, your friend, and a group of three people seated directly behind you, are the only black people in the theater. Soon after the lights start to dim. A couple of film previews run and finally a voice request that everyone turn off her cell phone and remain quiet during the film. You reach into your pocket and turn your cell phone to silent. The movie starts.
It’s only 25 minutes into the movie and everything’s going well. The movie’s great! The plot’s intense, and you can hear a few whispers of excitement from the audience. Then a set of voices start to come from directly behind your seat- it’s the group of three that you noticed earlier. They’re cracking ignorant jokes and laughing loudly. And each person, as if they’re in competition for attention, takes turn making animated and obnoxious commentary. You and your friend look at each other. You both roll your eyes and try to ignore them. You’re hoping that they’ll eventually quiet down. But they don’t let up. In fact, it goes on for about 10 more minutes. The audience is now filled with irritable whispers. And a few people even turn around to stare. And finally, a white guy from up front turns around and shouts, “Shut the hell up!” The group of three chuckle and finally settle down. You look over at your friend. He’s visibly embarrassed.
On the drive home, you and your friend discuss the loud and obnoxious group in the movie theater. Your friend remarks, “I swear they were such a damn embarrassment!” Your friend complains how blacks are constantly being stereotyped as “loud” and “ignorant,” and how he hates when black people validate these stereotypes. Then your friend also remarks that it would have been less embarrassing if the theater was filled with black people instead of whites.
Interesting…
I experienced this scenario a month ago. And while I admit that the group of black people’s behavior left me shaking my head, I dismissed them as a group of ignorant people in general. I didn’t make a fuss about their race. Maybe I’ve watched too much reality television. But between ‘Real Housewives’ and ‘Jersey Shore,’ I’ve grown very accustomed to whites making as much of a fool of themselves as blacks. Let’s be honest- for every one Nene Leakes, there are at least three other white reality T.V. stars acting the fool. Still, I can understand why my guy friend felt the way he felt. So I found myself wondering how many other black people have experienced a similar situation to mine. And I found myself also wondering how many people feel the same as my guy friend. Do you feel like the ignorant behavior of another black person (or group of black people) is embarrassing because it’s a reflection of you or black people as a whole? Do you think black people should act differently or “modify” their behavior when white people are around?
Speak on it in the comments!
Dr. Phoenyx Austin is a physician, writer, & media personality. She loves providing advice and witty, straightforward commentary. She is also working on her first fiction book- a psychological thriller. If you want to know more about Dr. Phoenyx Austin and her future projects- check her out on Facebook!
