The Curbside Prophet

drkraven:

  People always ask me why black people are so open and vocal about why they “love their black”. And one person in particular was actually agitated when they asked. He said, “I don’t go around vocalizing how much I love my white, and how much I love my skin color.” At first I got angry, but then I thought about it and I actually got a little sad. I told him, “That’s because no one has ever told you not to love your skin color.”

  It’s somewhat of a tough subject to explain because, unless you’re black, you really wouldn’t understand. It’s like describing how an apple tastes to somebody who’s never eaten an apple before. You grow up with the learned mentality that you’re less than everyone because of the color of your skin, because of the lack of color(s) in your eyes, and because of the roughness of your hair. You start to develop an envious attitude of everyone else because, according to society, they’re what is considered normal.

  Now, people would argue that this way of thinking isn’t around anymore but unfortunately it still is. Thankfully though, there comes a time when black people come to a realization that they are worth more than what everyone thinks. That they are capable to achieve greatness regardless of what “the norm” may be. That there is nothing wrong with loving their skin color and loving who they really are. 

  So yes, I love my black. I love all shades of it. I have come to realize my self worth and I am not ashamed to let anybody that crosses my path know about it. My only wish is that with the outspokenness of how much I love my black, it will motivate somebody else to realize how great their black is also. Because if I and others like myself don’t, who will?

ETA: Not black, but I think this is really important for people to read.

(via purpleone)