There are several reasons why many African Americans do not have a strong affinity for being identified solely as African:
- Historical Disconnection: Due to the transatlantic slave trade and the subsequent erasure of African cultural heritage during slavery, many African Americans have limited knowledge about their specific ethnic origins in Africa. The process of forced migration and separation from their ancestral homelands severed direct connections to African cultures and traditions.
- Cultural Identity Formation: Over time, African Americans developed a distinct culture that emerged from a fusion of African, European, and other cultural influences. This unique cultural identity, shaped by the experiences of slavery, racial segregation, and the civil rights movement, contributes to a sense of African American identity that is distinct from African identity.
- American Roots: African Americans have deep roots in the United States, with many tracing their ancestry back several generations. For many, their sense of identity is intertwined with the history, struggles, and achievements of African Americans in the United States. This connection to the African American community and its cultural contributions can overshadow a desire for a direct African identity.
- Cultural Diversity within Africa: Africa is a vast continent with diverse ethnic groups, languages, and cultures. It can be challenging for African Americans to pinpoint their specific African roots without extensive genealogical research. This lack of specificity may contribute to a weaker identification with a particular African ethnic group.
- Societal Treatment: Throughout history, African Americans have faced discrimination, marginalization, and systemic racism in the United States. This experience of racial injustice has created a sense of solidarity and shared struggle within the African American community, fostering a collective identity that may overshadow a desire for a separate African identity.
However, it is important to note that there is a growing interest among African Americans in reconnecting with their African roots. Many individuals are actively engaging in genealogical research, cultural exchange programs, and efforts to strengthen ties with African countries. This desire for connection reflects a broader movement towards cultural exploration, celebration, and a quest for a more holistic understanding of personal identity.
Right on Lance! I couldn’t have said it better! Be at peace with your self and ignore the tricks and trades of your enemies.
Just had a chance to see this video. First I got to say thank you Bro. Lance for addressing this subject. You are right on point with many of the things you said. Black people in America suffer from such low self esteem that any Black person who comes along and says that we are this or we are that, we quickly attach to it just to feel good mentally. This is how alot of the cons in the so-called conscious community got so popular. These people will say anything for a dollar however many of them are now being exposed for the frauds, crooks and criminals (and agents) that they have always been. Instead of them building they spend much of their time creating these identity divisions that they basically made up in their heads or someone else who does not look like them made up for them. These people have shifted the focus away from what Black people really need to be focused on to how Africans and Caribbean Black people do not like Black Americans and all that other bullshit. And yes while there are some Africans and Caribbean Blacks who look down on Black Americans, there are Black Americans who look down and disrespect Africans and Caribbean Blacks too so let’s not get it twisted or be one sided. In closing, I once heard a story which I believe is rooted in Greek mythology about a man named Cadmeus. Cadmeus saw a pot of gold that he wanted to steal but the pot was guarded by 2 giants that he could not beat. What Cadmeus did was that he took a rock and threw it at the first giant who thought that the second giant threw the rock at him. Cadmeus then threw a rock at the second giant who thought that the first giant threw the rock at him. Cadmeus then threw rocks at both giants each of whom thought that it was the other throwing the rocks. The 2 giants started fighting each other and while they were doing that, Cadmeus stole the pot of gold and made off with it. I look at that story like this. The first giant is Black people in Africa and the Caribbean and the second giant is Black Americans. Cadmeus is white people. The pot of gold is Africa. The rocks are self hatred that is masked in these different identities. While Black people in America are fighting with Black people in Africa and the Caribbean because of these identity issues, the white man is making off with our pot of gold which is our motherland Africa and if we do not wise up and see who is really causing these divisions we will always be at the bottom due to our self hatred.
Lance Thank you for speaking the truth this video is very important for black people who have a identity crisis.
Thank you, Patrick, at the risk of getting slammed by those who are delusional, I had no choice but to speak my mind, especially since I see it so clearly.
Peace Sir Lance! This is a thought stimulating video you made. My opinions on it is that it goes both ways. 1) The African American does not want to be associated with being African because of the nasty image our opps have put out there about the continent. 2) The behavior and attitude that some Africans from the continent have when they come to America against African Americans. They behave snobbishly against them as if they are better than them. They don’t associate with African Americans and act as if our natural opps are good people. But a lot of them are waking up and coming to their senses that it has been a big game of divide and conquer all along.
I think the most logical thing for our people to do now globally is to first recognize that a war is being waged against us . Then secondly we must put petty differences aside. If the person is black treat them as your brother or sister unless they do something to disqualify themselves. That way we can be unified and at least have a chance.
Great points shared, MLola! We do have cleaning up to do on both sides with our attitudes towards one another. Only when we see the overall beauty of each other as one will that evil stronghold over us will come to a screeching halt! Much Love! ❤️
Everyone has an opinion these days! Even in regards to things that have nothing to do with them! 😂 I am 100% Haitian. Born in America! I know that Haitian people definitely come from West Africa. The Taino Indians were in Haiti before it was called Haiti! I haven’t done my own research using genealogy but I know it for sure! I’ve done some basic research. And even before that I just KNEW my people came from either Nigeria, Senegal, etc. We look JUST like them! Whether they want to “claim” us or not… I love melanated people all over the globe. I radiate love. ❤️🔥✨🤞🏾
What a beautifully written response, MasterGlam! The endgame of it all is that we should be thinking about unity, but the enemy has shrewdly manipulated too many of us against each other to his delight! ❤️
Great topic! Africans around the globe need to come together and unite NOW! We are one blood people
You speak nothing but the truth, my dear Gifty! ❤️
We are no good divided.
I have to say that I am very interested in absorbing your perspectives here and continuing this extended dialogue that is very much necessary.
Also, if you were wondering, here is the video whose comment section caused me to create this video in response to many of the comments shared there:
BLACK AMERICAN WOMEN WHO PUT DOWN THEIR AFRICAN SISTERS: WHAT IS AT THE ROOT OF IT?
https://youtu.be/e6MoiuqqXkA