Mars Bigby thered_planet@hotmail.com
Before I even enter into the meat of my column, I want to give props to the students at SPC who are bringing us Black Eyed Peas this spring. If you miss the spring fling, you are missing out on a group on the forefront of hip hop music today. They are well worth not getting up with a hangover on 4/20. Now, to get to the issue..
The whitest black man they know.
That is what a lot of my white friends would say. I have a feeling that if I were to ask my black friends they might voice the same sentiments. Why? Where do I start? I listen to Pink Floyd. I speak proper English. I love classical music. I'm not too fashion oriented. In fact, sometimes I am downright scruffy. I don't have a bumping system in my car. I wish I did. Donations are welcome.
But how does this make me white? How is it that listening to classical music and Pink Floyd is a betrayal of my culture? Good music is good music and anyone out there who makes decisions based on the color of the musicians is missing out. Pink Floyd has a lot of powerful things to say and a good piece like Beethoven's Fifth can stir your emotions.
Does it make a difference that my favorite musicians are Bob Marley, Stevie Wonder, Jurassic 5, Black Eyed Peas and Prince? Does it matter?
I don't know, but when I see Eminem rapping he looks like a white man who can flow with the best, not someone trying to "be black."
How, exactly, does using proper English exclude me from my race? I talk white. That is what a lot of people, black and white, would say. What does that mean? If I have black skin does it preclude me from having a strong vocabulary? It is offensive to me when a white person says to me that I talk white. It is hurtful and confusing to me when a black person tells me I talk white. What does it mean when a black man says that to me? What is he saying to me really? What are we saying about our race? Am I sellout because of my choice of words? Do I need to make an effort to internalize all of the slang that blacks are "supposed" to use? I would be selling out myself.
My clothes don't always match and a lot of times I don't shave. I own Timberlands, but I don't know if I wear them right. I do hate having my shoes stepped on. I think that everyone hates when people step on shoes that cost $150. It isn't a black thing. I don't own any FUBU, but I might start buying some simply because they have nice clothes and, last I checked, Tommy doesn't like us wearing his clothes. Am I the sellout or are those of you so quick to pick up your Polos and your Hilfigers the sellouts? Knowing that these people have stated publicly that their popularity among Afro-Americans is a tarnish on their image, who is selling out?
I am a black man. America sees me as black. Listening to "Wish You Were Here" won't change that. I am a black man. Speaking with proper English doesn't change that. I am a man. No matter how many of you label me as a sellout or a wanna be white man, I will remain who I am. My words show where my heart lies, not the way I say them. My actions show my ideology, and not the clothes I wear. It's time for a self check. I will represent with my life deeds. What are you doing to represent?
Don't Get Me Wrong appears on Tuesday. Mars is a senior in university studies. His views do not necessarily reflect those of the Daily Egyptian.
Published on 11/17/05; 12:24:44 PM
