You are probably right.
Is there a certain black coworker or friend who has suddenly stop speaking to you? Is he or she repeatedly glaring at you in an unusual fashion? Does it seem like all of a sudden black folks in general just do not like you?
If you answered yes to even one of these questions, then your black friends or acquaintances, may be suffering from a popular condition, commonly referred to as the MAD Black Folks Disease or Disorder. This particular disease affects 99.9% of most blacks at some point in their life. It is an illness acquired by blacks, usually when someone outside of the black community say something offensive towards them or another black person. Below is a list (ranging from least important to most) of what may have happened to cause your black friend to suddenly become distant towards you.
#8.
YOU IMMEDIATELY TURNED YOUR CAR RADIO TO A RAP STATION
Now this is absolutely fine. A lot of people love rap. But guess what? Not every single black person. When a non black person turns on rap music as soon as a black person gets into their car, this may suggest in their mind, that you are consciously always aware of your friends skin color.
How to fix this: Ask your black friend what station he or she would like to listen to if you are trying to be friendly. You never know....they may actually want you to put on some country music (highly unlikely though). And whatever you do, please do not assume that they are taking a ride with you because they do not have any other means of transportation.
#7.
YOU SUDDENLY TURNED OFF THE RAP MUSIC IN YOUR CAR
Okay, so by now you are thinking that this is totally contradicting the last statement. However, it is not. Because many people still consider rap music as "being black," then sometimes many will automatically turn down the music they enjoy because they are either too ashamed, or embarrassed. No other way to put explain except....this is just wrong.
How to fix this: Listen to whatever you like.
#6.
YOU HAVE TRIED TO TELL YOUR BLACK FRIEND THAT YOU COMPLETELY UNDERSTAND WHAT IT IS LIKE TO BE BLACK. THEN YOU PROCEED TO COMPARE BEING BLACK TO HAVING A BAD DAY.
Ummmmm......No, you do not. Bottom line. There has been years of racism going on in this country against blacks.There is NO possible way you could understand the hardships of being black, unless you decide to paint yourself.
How to fix this: Just simply listen and do not compare
#5.
YOU HAVE SAID THINGS LIKE: WHY DO ONLY YOU PEOPLE HAVE A MONTH DEDICATED TO BLACKS, MARTIN LUTHER KING AND A BET CHANNEL? NOT TO MENTION MINORITY SCHOLARSHIPS! UNFAIR!
First of all, referring to blacks as you people is a definite no no. And in case you were unaware, Black History Month is not just for blacks, It is American History. You would think that people would understand this bit of knowledge. Not to mention, Black History Month is recognized (most of the time it actually gets ignored even then) in the shortest month of the year. Even in a leap year, the most any person will have to deal with annually, is 29 days. And I will let you guess who or what the rest of the 11 months is mainly dedicated to. (Same rules apply for the ignorant statement about MLK). Concerning the scholarship.....anyone is more than welcome to apply for a minority scholarship if they choose to go to another school that would consider them as a minority of that particular Institution.
As for a station being named BET(Black Entertainment)....my God.....I challenge anyone to watch television, count the amount of shows with even a hint of black folks in it, then compare it to, every other station. Not so black huh? And guess what???? Even some of the characters on television who many assume are black...are actually not. They just apparently have a hard time finding black folks who are willing to work.
How to fix this: I just educated you.
#4.
YOU HAVE SAID THE N- WORD.....
Yes, this makes the list yet again. Why? Mostly because some people choose to remain ignorant. Regardless of how close you are to your black friend, you should NEVER, use this word. And, neither should they. However, it is common knowledge that if you are not black and choose to repeat this word, in the presence of ANY one who is black, then you are simply putting your life at risk.This is a hate word. I do not condone violence in any way, but if you have said this word to one of your black friends, then the Mad Black Disease has already probably spread. Meaning, every black person in the universe, will know you have used that word (eventually). And for those people who are still ignorant enough to believe that black folks lack communication skills, I challenge you to say this word out loud (at your own risk), and then see just how well blacks can communicate.
Although blacks have a lot of issues within their own community, TRUST me, they can hate each other, but when it comes to this word (or other hate crimes)....well.....they kind of all stick together. And whatever you do, try not to assume that you are good to go because there are no blacks around. Ummmm.....first of all....there are a lot of people who are black but some ignorant people can not conceptualize this because they are not who they would define as "looking black (i.e. having different shades of skin color, nice hair, pretty eyes, pretty in general, educated...etc)." However, this should not pose a problem for most, since black folks all look alike. Right? Plus....you never know...that person you just made that racial comment to, could possibly be related to a black person....1st generation, or by marriage.
How to fix this: At this point, MAD, has probably spread, rapidly. Your only hope is to either go in hiding, or call Al Sharpton.
#3.
MADE THE STATEMENT...."OBAMA IS HALF-WHITE."
Since when? Everyone knows that if he were a typical guy walking down the street, they wouldn't even acknowledge him as being white at all. Ever heard of the One- drop rule? If not, please look this up. Obama is black! Making statements like this just look bad, because as a country, we are very quick to point out anything that will distinguish a person from being black if he or she is successful and/or attractive.
How to fix this: I just told you. Obama is black.
#2.
ASKED YOUR BLACK FRIEND WHO IS TRAVYON MARTIN?
This one is simple. Many blacks get mad at this statement because they feel that a case like this is too often ignored. Over 50% of all tragic suspicious deaths that occur against blacks, go completely unnoticed. But yet the media always put immediate attention on the little cute WHITE missing children.
How to fix this: Dude, if the name is mentioned, I would honestly just pretend you heard the name incorrectly and then proceed to your nearest Internet location and research this...immediately.
#1.
TOLD EVERY BLACK PERSON YOU KNOW, HOW MANY BLACK FRIENDS YOU HAVE.
Ha! No you do not. Not if you are saying any of these things listed above consistently to your black friends or acquaintances. And why does anyone need to point out the ethnicity of their family and friends repeatedly?? Unless they were clearly uncomfortable. Well, just a heads up,.....when a person is constantly saying this....it just makes them look racist. Fact.
How to fix this: Don't even know if you want to actually fix any of these things. Just educate yourself .
This list was just used as an example. All based on research, truth and personal experience. If someone has made an ignorant mistake to or against you, here is the real solution:
"Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times
(Matthew 18:21-23)."
Your relationship may never be the same, but forgiveness is about you, not them.
PEACE OUT!
Written By: Te-Shandra Haskett, MBA
Please forgive me for any errors I may have made in this blog. And forward it to whoever needs forgiveness or who has not forgiven yet. I am forwarding this to myself.
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