Black People Asked White People About Things They Don’t Understand About Them And Actually Received Frank Answers
A few years back, when social media was in its infancy and people were thinking about its potential to change the world, we imagined all the ways that it would help to bring us together. Easy and instant communication with people from all over the planet would surely break down the artificial borders constructed between us, and lead to greater cultural exchange, mutual understanding and a shared humanity that could help us to solve the bigger global problems that affect us all.
Sadly, it hasn’t quite worked out that way. Sure, there are some great examples of social media being a force for the common good, but ultimately we are a tribal species, and we seem to prefer segregating ourselves into smaller and ever more niche groups in the virtual as well as the physical world.
So what happens then? Well, our tribal loyalties become entrenched, and we feel increasingly empowered by our ‘in’ group. Instead of reaching out to share and learn from others, we shout at each other from behind the safety of our screens and spread fake news that only supports our own narrow political aims. You only have to look at the polarized societies of the U.S and the UK to see the evidence of this.
But what can be done? Well, we can start by finding better ways to communicate with people beyond our own circles. Sometimes all it takes is for someone to start the conversation, which the Facebook page “Afrocentric Films Collaborative” did recently when it posted: “OK black people, ask white people one question you always wanted to know.”
Now, anybody that regularly reads through comments sections will know that this could be a recipe for disaster. But not this time! Humor is a universal ice-breaker, and people here are funny, respectful and good-natured, showing the rest of us how to constructively approach topics of race and cultural difference.
Instead of quickly descending into a shitshow of abuse and insults, as this kind of thread often does, there are tons of laughs as people are able to poke fun at themselves, acknowledge historical injustices while learning a lot about each other at the same time. We need more of this!
Sadly, Afrocentric Films Collaborative, which promotes positive African Diaspora images, news, cinema, music and fashion, has received some negative reactions to sharing the post. “That post was created by us a year ago and we decided to share it a few days ago with no intentions of it taking off,” they explained to Bored Panda. “We were curious and wanted to get a great and honest dialogue between Black people (people of color) and white people.”
“Unfortunately, since that post, we have received an influx of white racism and ignorance on other posts. We want to create dialogue, but not at the expense of our peace of mind or giving up our authentic voice to Black people, and to all people love and respect. We have contemplated removing that post if people don’t understand that we created it to create a bridge, and not to invite hateful people.”
“Sadly, with the good comes the bad. We have always had socially aware white fans and they know how we get down. We have been targeted by another group that has not been seasoned and have little clue, but everything happens for a reason and hopefully, through scrolling through our post, they will perhaps learn something.”
A sad ending, but as they suggest, there is much to learn from this wholesome thread. Keep scrolling to check it for yourself, and let us know what you think in the comments.
As a white American I'd like to know which one of you put raisins in the potato salad and ruined our reputation amongst all POC?
As a Canadian, I am very happy to report that I have NEVER seen raisins in potato salad.
Load More Replies...To a person who isn’t white or black, this is so stupid because white people and black people act and live so similarly. They are the only ones who see the differences. But as a Persian person, you all just act “American” to me. Black and white people are way wayyyy more alike than different.
That brings up a whole new thread, Ask an American. I'm a military BRAT, raised in Germany. It was easy to identify an American when we left the base.
Load More Replies...I don't understand the washcloths thing. I've never seen nor heard of white people not using them, nor have I really run into anyone of any race that just... talks about their bathing habits like that.
Same here, I've never heard of any one group of people not using washcloths, I'm white and we use them as well as does any other white person I know. This one was a complete mystery to me.
Load More Replies...I really wanted the person with the Elsa profile picture to say "Because, the cold never bothered me anyway"....now im sad
I appreciate this is all humorous, but even as stereotypes these seem very strange, I can't say I find any of these common. But then again there isn't one single "white culture" anyway.
As a Cajun, I strongly reject any allegations regarding lack of spice, or lack of cousins. Not all white people . . .
are Cajuns usually catholic? I feel like as far as white people go, Catholics are little more family oriented than WASPs, at least in my Irish/Italian catholic family we were, and I talk about my cousins a lot.
Load More Replies...The fake smile is 100% accurate. I have resting b**** face, so I have to actively alter my face to make it look like I'm not mad at the person I'm passing. But it's tiring, you know? So, the half smile is my compromise. "I acknowledge you are sharing a space with me, are entitled to have a fair share of said space, but I don't want to interact."
Yeah, I'm white but I don't do it to a specific race of people, just anyone who I notice looking at me for an extended period of time.
Load More Replies...I'm glad to see some good-natured exchanges. The questions can be as revealing as the answers.
I can totally relate to the spices thing. A British colleague offered to help with cooking and he put ONE bloody pinch of salt into a pot that was being prepared for a group of ten. I couldn't for the life of me convince him otherwise...
Yeah but then you eat at a Spaniards house or Italian and it's just spices spices spices lol
Load More Replies...which "white people". it's like saying "ask asians", to whom are you referring? the whole of europe? europeans of america? colonialists only?
russians as far as i know are white and are incredibly family orientated people
Load More Replies...I'm arriving at one conclusion: American race relations are WEIRD! Washcloths, bean casseroles. This white European is flabbergasted!
To be fair, I'm also a little confused about the whole raisins in the salad thing..
Load More Replies...About the spices: Spice trade 101. - Don't get high on your own supply. - Don' t sell to your own people
Not so much these days but in the past I would imagine black people asking "Why do you white folks spend so much time, trouble and money on trying to get darker skin"?
They still do ask that- white people want darker skin and black people walk around with umbrellas in the sun to stop them from getting darker skin. With skin cancer the way it is, umbrellas are a good idea for protection regardless of skin colour.
Load More Replies...Love posts like this one. It's human nature to wonder about people different than ourselves. What a great way to get the questions out & bravo to all the honest & funny answers! I know as little girl I would have loved to be a able to ask boys questions...
I bet people who brought spices from other lands didn't even get any recipes. So, you might have a wonderful spice but don't really know how to use it, plus it was very expensive to get, and the next thing you know people are stuffing cloves in an orange for décor/potpourri.
I thought that was pretty good. We should do one for white people asking black people questions, we know the terrible past but it would awesome to know the present, good and bad. I feel sometimes I'm afraid to ask a black person a question in case I offend.
you can ask me something. I don't love fried chicken though (if your question is chicken-related).
Load More Replies...In response to your statement; “Unfortunately, since that post, we have received an influx of white racism and ignorance on other posts. We want to create dialogue, but not at the expense of our peace of mind or giving up our authentic voice to Black people, and to all people love and respect. We have contemplated removing that post if people don’t understand that we created it to create a bridge, and not to invite hateful people.” Hateful people do not seem to require invitations they show up and spew their hate no matter what. The fact that there were so many, literally thousands of comments on the original post suggest that most people are open to an honest and friendly dialog.
I live in Europe and can't relate. You've only made me learn I know almost nothing about American habits in general. Washcloth?! I used sponge, maybe, and never for my private parts! I use a lot of spices but I also know traditional people who only cook with salt and pepper, and I mean lots of salt! Only athletes wear shorts in winter here. Most of the questions are valid in America only...
I liked this post and I wish they would do it again. I love the questions and answers.
Me, too. Nice to have an open, friendly dialogue between whites and blacks about the most mundane things.
Load More Replies...I'm white and I can't relate to this at all. I love spices and use lots of them in my cooking. (and Sean needs to knock off this "our women" $h!+. NOBODY OWNS ME.) I only watched House Hunters one time because I was over at a friend's house and she waned to watch it and it was one of the most boring shows I've ever seen in my life. I've never even SEEN that damn green bean casserole anywhere outside of a TV commercial. I will sincerely smile at people to be friendly, I'm not being fake. I don't happen to live near my family but I do talk about them. And I don't wear shorts in the summer, let alone the winter. If you saw my legs you would know why.
As a white Australian ................ although our family members reside in different States and Territories, yeah we are all still very family orientated. Unfortunately due to different career paths and job opportunities etc most families have little or no choice to be able to remain "close knit". I have lots of brothers and sisters, children, grand kids, nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles. We often hit the road visiting the rellies and keeping in touch. Love our family reunions. Next family reunion is May 2020 at an outback "swimming hole" named 'MATARANKA' in the NORTHERN TERRITORY. Saltie country!
I'm obviously not very British, I add spice to everything, even a ham and cheese sandwich, has half ounce of black pepper and two tablespoons of cajun.
2 tablespoons of Cajun + a pitcher of ice water. 🤪
Load More Replies...As a white person, I too would like to know why white people wear shorts in winter. I went to school in upstate NY, the weather was absurd. In late March one year, it was 88 degrees one day then there was a blizzard the next. I would see white people, mostly guys, in shorts and flipflops on campus as if mentally screaming "NO! It was warm yesterday and I refuse to admit that it has changed!"
I'm white and I have never worn shorts in the winter.
Load More Replies...I don't use a washcloth because I use a scrungee! I thought most people did...I also like to use spices I put lawrys and Tabasco on almost everything...garlic too.
I totally use a washcloth. The rest of my family doesn't. (Shrug my shoulders.)
i always use a washcloth and let anyone within earshot where and how i used it (not always truthful about where, but it keeps them from using it too
Load More Replies...Regarding washcloths: I❤️them. Single use only. They’re not meant to be shared.
“Single use and then washing them in the laundry”, not burning them or throwing them away, of course :-D
Load More Replies...I think this was or is a brilliant idea to get everyone in on the conversation. We all need to be heard. Washcloths freak me out too. I bring my own to the shower, salt (I think ) brings out the flavor of whatever you add it too. I live in a mixed family and we celebrate our uniqueness. We encourage the kid's to be their OWN, to have & express their OWN ides and gifts. As long as we have the patience to REALLY listen we can't go wrong. And, when I smile it is ALWAYS genuine!
I love talking about my cousins. Very surprised some white girl said we're not family oriented, it's simply not true.
I dig Afrocentric Films Collaborative because the peeps are frank, honest , and real. Not all people are bigoted, racist. or ignorant, but they are out there. Big difference in cultures. Half my fam is black. We love each other as family should. Friendship matters. When anyone makes a bigoted statement publicly, we never know whos watching, and what we miss out on. Great Posting!
As a white American I also want to know why white people wear shorts in winter. Where I went to school in upstate NY the weather was absurd. At the end of March one year, it was 88 degrees one day and there was a blizzard the next. I'd see white people all over campus, mostly guys, in shorts and flipflops on the way to class, as if mentally screaming "NO! It was warm yesterday and now I refuse to admit that it has changed!" I know someone who wears flipflops in the *snow*
Need to expose more skin to sunlight in the winter. Helps with vitamin D production. My sister wears shorts all year round. I think she is nuts! But she feels perfectly comfortable. She grew up in the era, in her early life, where girls wire dressesto school ever day. Maybe it doesn't seem any different to her.
Load More Replies...All right where's the thread about white people asking a black person a question they have always wanted to know cause I've got a few 😂😂
😂😂 Me, too. Here’s mine: why do some of you dye your hair blond? It’s better natural.
Load More Replies...Sometimes a question is just a question. Someone needs to quit getting their panties in a w**.
I love green bean casserole.. lol.. Btw, the whole sharing a washcloth? No ma'am.. that's just your family.. I have always used them, but there was guest washcloths and daily use ones for sure.. The fake smile thing... At least here in Texas, everyone does it to everyone.. It's considered rude to look at someone, have eye contact and not give at least a half a*s smile.. Same as opening/holding the door open for the person behind you, etc.. It's not a thing whites do to other races, we give each other creepy smile face too. LoL.
I don't get the washcloth thing. I thought everyone used them, regardless of race...and that many of us have switched to those puffs b/c they are so nice with shower gel...although I am 57 now and my skin is getting dry so use a softer puff b/c too much exfoliation was rough on my skin. My dad didn't use a washcloth but he was around during the depression and WWII and I guess they weren't that popular yet then.
If I walk past a black person, I acknowledge as I would a white person. With a smile. Regarding cousins, they’re completely an overrated relative. You don’t think the Kennedy cousins bicker?
i'm from Boston ma and i have never seen a raisin in potato salad. If it's in there then it crawled in.
God please, a few more- why do white girls like wearing pata pata shoes and get red toes? It might be relevant to whites in Africa. Why do you climb in bed with shoes on or wash shoes in a kitchen sink, also why do you like walking on the dirty floor on barefoot and get black dirty feet???
Load More Replies...If this was reversed it would be considered racist. Post: "Ok, white people. Ask black people one question you've always wanted to know". The OP would be kicked off Twitter, suspended from Facebook, and probably fired form their job.
Twitter harbors a lot of racists. Not sure why you think they’d be kicked off.
Load More Replies...In all honesty, I'd like to see something like this BOTH ways. The more we know about each other, the more we find out just how alike we really are. This is how hate is put to rest.
This should be an entire Facebook Group! I have questions. I have friends of all races. I get this look on my face and they all roll their eyes and say, “Whar don’t you understand now. And for God’s sake just ask!”
If this was an entire FB group, I’d join FB. But until then....
Load More Replies...Good stuff. If you can remember that we're all different and there's stereotypes all over then we can all get along. Do we not bleed when we are pricked?
As a non-american the casserolething was helpful. I would love to read more of this and that it would evolve into a safespace to ask questions you cant ask face-to-face because what if it hurts someone
I have always wanted to ask questions but white people say noooo. That would be wrong, dont do it. I'm like why?? Loved it.
The lack of spices thing is a weird stereotype that never reached my immediate family. Maybe in part because my dad did some culinary school. It's mostly an issue with the older generations (like people who would be in their 70s or so now), especially in Britain, who just like... weren't used to spices are were afraid to try new things.
Towards the end and the comment by Terrance Wilbert, — except white people tend to create stereotypes that get Black people killed, not getting a job, being accused of crimes and many other situations that have no foundation in fact.
Cousins? Haven't seen even one of mine in more than 16 years. Some live much too far away---I hate to travel, and do it only for the Feast of Tabernacles once a year---and most I've never met. I have cousins, I suppose, whom I haven't seen since I was about 5 years old, I have cousins who have children older than mine if my two had lived, and I have zero idea how many cousins I have, who are which side (my Mom or my Dad), and I don't intend to find out. Mom and Dad died 16+ years ago without filling in the gaps, and I'm not interested in finding anyone myself. The end. And, no, no raisins were ever put into any of our family's potato salads (BLEECCCHH!!!!)
I love spices. I probably have 25 and they're on such a regular rotation they're on my grocery list every week I go through them so fast. I much prefer flavorful food to my mom's blandass cooking, but in her defence my dad has always had hellacious heartburn and she definitely prefers spicy because her dad grew up in the Southwest. He cooked just as much as my grandma did since they both worked. My grandma refused to be dependent on her husband for money even in that day and age. We're talking 50s and 60s. My grandma was hella independent and terrified my mom so bad one day when she just decided to drive eight hours to see my uncle in Minnesota in the middle of winter. I smile at most people because it's habit from customer service. I might even say hello. It's strange since I do have social anxiety, but that smile and hello when someone makes eye contact is so engrained I can't help myself.
We didn't see family because my mom was a narcissist with a superiority complex and she hates my dad's family who drinks and knows how to have fun. We don't have fun when we get together as a family because my mom hates noise, it isn't dignified, and "what if people saw how you were acting." I always assumed everyone used a washcloth because we always did.
Load More Replies...If your reading this I hope you have a great day and know. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 NIV
I want to know who ruined a great bowl of chili by putting red kidney beans in it? THERE ARE NO BEANS IN REAL TEXAS CHILI!!
Honestly, I'm Italian and I talk about my cousins all the time but like that's...it. That's the only White ethnic group that has cousins. The rest of us could give a s**t, to be frank.
I loved this. Let’s do more. I want to ask black people stuff too. How do they braid short hair like that. Do you really like chitons? Why is it so hot in your house?
This was TOO FUNNY AS WELL AS ENLIGHTENING! l enjoyed this very much!
this is very nice. I who would like to know why people of color, men and women think big butts are attractive.
I’d love to see the original post and read all the answers. This is brilliant!
If you want to know about the spice thing, look up the history of minced meat pies. It's not normal but there sure were a shitton of spices in there!
Who the heck doesn't use flannels (wash cloths)?! I'm a Romany Gypsy, is this an 'us' thing?
Everyone uses them. They're not flannel anyway, they're terry cloth so you might be talking about something else. The confusion is that black people keep the same washcloth in the shower for a week to wash with. Wash EVERYTHING with. White people use washcloths to wash their faces and then throw them in to be washed after just one use and we usually don't use them in the shower, we use shower puffs or something like that.
Load More Replies...I’m from the northeast. As soon as the temperature rises above fifty degree, no matter who you are, it’s shorts and flip flops time.
I try to smile, most of the time, first to convince passersby that I'm not a problem and second I don't have problems, not really. Mark Twain said it best. " Most of my problems never happened ". In all my travels, 10 countries and 47 states, I have found the same kind of people I find at home. Once you take off the cultural overlay, which I'm sorry to say I think is responsible for most of the world's ills, you find the same basic concerns as everyone else. Unfortunately, most people buy into their heritage without question, never realizing that there's trash there too. I've thrown out most of what I was raised with so, if you don't like what I think, blame me. But, I'm very reluctant to judge or blame so if you want to talk about problems, shoot.
Love it! And I like the question of why we don't talk about our coursins - lololol - mine are just not fun. And they're weird, and they're kind of nerdy.
They really arent racist questions though. If they asked something really rude then you get negative answers. Same with a white person asking rude questions or a hispanic asking rude questions. Thats not just a one race issue, all races would be like that. Well id imagine.
I saw this thread a couple of days too late. I really wanted to participate.
Um, no? That's how it's supposed to be made? I'm not from the south and potato salad has potatoes, boiled eggs, mayonnaise (or miracle whip), dill pickles (though some use gross sweet pickles), yellow mustard and a splash of pickle juice. Delicious.
Load More Replies...Love this. We need more respectful, honest questions, so we can all better understand our own stereotyping, and better understand each other.
I am white & I LOVE chilli, the hotter the better. These are just dumb stereotypes.
Are you a Kewpie lover. I have over 1000 kewpie dolls. I love that you use it instead of a picture of you.
Load More Replies...I actually got the chance and got to do this in person. It was cool and fun. :-)
This is cool. I'm white & I have friends of many races. We can all just get along if we accept that people are different & it's a good thing.
To the best of my knowledge this question was first posed in 2017 by a South African with the Fb name of Joburger. It actually evoked a massive response and was very well taken, with some hilarious questions asked and very good natured answers. I don't know if Afrocentric copied him or he copied Afrocentric, but it was very much a hit in South Africa.
I'd like to know when this surfaced. The first thread, with this exact theme and these exact words, that I'm aware of was created on Fb by a young man with the user name of Joburger. He is a young white South African, currently living in the UK, and it evoked a massive response. So, my question is, has Afrocentric copied him, or did he copy Afrocentric? https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.traveller24.com%2FMyTravels%2Fsouth-africans-take-a-dig-at-stereotypes-as-racial-qa-goes-viral-20171031%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR0DE4N_sLAuxlfTjcMl-4hKYcuZRDbbakrFwtLcPPGQzY6M3dCqb8PXFyo&h=AT3ess1PQiyG2xzcEsdvk_RIthV5Dj8yOeSL7-SdLmCuEbcN0t1CiO_KkUJv-U0Llavmu5A4HVdFi32q4z0XG_KF63Ya9bihoP8OFbhjyQSiA0PITWNb-k9FM673V9tFKb4pc2fDLYFRftoh_9KwzUH1n5aCF6B9IviYDm8NohLCA2_vUKbIcgDylkQdIIwOsQkyVtfoMVNTu9e84bTV_lG1UkwSDklsjx2HRj1j_npWH_xr88YowgjaLWGbk3wY5ijFHoTY-LUTgEDjo5rpmlOlY9cCqBWp_M79im3oZD_3Wqrdae9vMQxpLR5IMg8eLFokKHPAP-3mRnyZbCxgh3nyjKhW--gMri9saAITPcbGKMZQb-nuQHLLMCOYwRvMCQwyzbP0xLsoAnUTbXaMcoPocB69XH_F
Nasiru Abdalla Whiteside asks about 'A pinch of salt' First Nasiru, do you mean as in a recipe or as in 'take what that person says with a pinch of salt'? If the later, it means that person may or may not be telling it like it is. Does anyone know the origin of that phrase?
None of these things apply to ethnic white people (Southern Europeans and a lot of Eastern Europeans). Italians use spices, and those of us with acne bring our own washcloth everywhere because our acne meds bleach other people's stuff. My sweetie is German-French from Michigan. I call her Baloney Clan (see White Wolf Vampire LARP books) because they are ALL about mayo, yellow mustard, grinding baloney into a paste (ok, its good w pickles but Im not happy about it) and eating "red hots" (pretty much tubed baloney with a little red pepper).
Please do more like this one! This was so wholesome and fun and I loved reading the comments and questions and answers!
Oh how I wish this was a longer article! Had a friend at work once (she's black, I'm white)--we were close enough that we did this ALL.THE.TIME! It was great having someone to ask questions about the differences in our races & not be judged. I miss that!
This is so strange! As if white people are from one planet and blacks are from another and they just met and here they are trying to get to know each other! The end result of publishing this kind of thing is widening the gap between the races, putting an emphasis on the differences and giving theses differences more importance than what they should have. This is what an alien encounter will look like.
Yes, more of this not racist chatter is amusing, but why not the other way? Because white people would be “racist” for asking such things
If like to ask white people - why don't most white people have blinds or covering on their windows? How can you sit in the house knowing that people on the street can see you? How can you walk around in your undies with no coverings in the windows.
what are you talking about? most people of any race have blinds, curtains, shutters, etc.
Load More Replies...All right so where's the thread about questions white people want to ask black people I've got a few 😂😂
Would the conversations be so peaceful if we let white people ask black people about all the things we've been dying to know? I feel like "why do black people like fried chicken and grape drink"? would stir a lot more pots than black people asking about raisins in potato salad. #amiright?
Well, maybe if it wasn't a stupid question. Couldn't you think of better examples? Really, fried chicken and grape drink?! (People will say anything, I suppose, to make a point.)
Load More Replies...I am so bored with this. Why is it always about black people? Why is there so few voices pointing out the racism against the American natives? The outrages conditions many of them still live in. Cos we are only talking about the American society here, are we? I'm sure black Africans would ask white Africans different things, or white tourists. And the black Vietnamese left behind by their American fathers in the late sixties would most likely have a whole lot of different questions,too. So, while these questions are somewhat amuzing and give an insight of what picture some people have of whities, is utterly shallow.
I think i might be black because I don't understand any of these references I use multiple spices I make curry chicken from scratch i use wash rags and i have 27 first cousin that I talk to daily and my family is very close knit dont get it at all
I'm white, but according to the people in this "questionnaire" I should have been born something else. I season my food and am a great cook. All the white people I eat with and know also do the same. I also like hot sauce on fried chicken and pizza as hot sauce is a great condiment. I mean I can laugh at stereotypes too because some of them tend to be true and most of them silly, but these are just dumb stereotypes. I didn't even finish reading because it was so cringeworthy.
i would like to see one about asking Native Americans(like me)...that should get some laughs too.
Load More Replies...Who doesn't (excluding non meat eaters)
Load More Replies...Looking at all of the food questions... I would say that those are all aimed at white northerners. White folks form the South love that spicy food.
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You need to know...most of these answers are blowing hot air right up your collective ebony butts.
I’s like to know why white people stare at Native Americans, and not in a good way!
Well, I'm known to look at Natives a bit more. Primarily because I don't see them often in my area. As for staring, I really hope I don't do that.
Load More Replies...Clearly, half or more of the answers were sarcastic and condescending. Of course, most of the questions were just shallow (seriously? you can't logically discern why someone would smile at a stranger on the street?) I think all that has been accomplished, here, is to expose some passive racial bias and stereotyping.
WHAT!!!!! after how many hundreds of years NOW you are asking? you could not have asked any of this sooner.??? To me this is like trying find a black person in a dark room or a white person in a blizzard. But I have to say I got a damn good laugh keep it up!
Less funny and more insulting. Had the questions been reversed folks would be offended.
A lot of white woman have rhythm, but white guys??? Is there a private song in your head when you dance?
Let's flip the script. Why ya'll name your kids some unpronounceable string of letters? I understand wanting to stand out but why you never change the LAST name? The one some think of as their ancestors' owners' name? THAT is the one I would change!
In African language, it actually is meaningful i.e my name is Langa, means Sun but someone from English roots would find it unpronounceable. As for surname Arg!! tell me about it, society says its a taboo because surname identifies with where you exactly come from- ancestral lineage.
Load More Replies...I'm able to laugh at myself, but I realize that some white people are very sensitive about their skin colour, advantages, and cultural differences. As a white person, I have the luxury of pretending race is irrelevant. As a human, I have a duty to acknowledge that race matters. If a black person wants to discuss it (not everyone does), I'm open to it. I can learn a lot from others.
Load More Replies...Personal Computers have given us this opportunity! I don't understand what your talking about.
Load More Replies...As a white American I'd like to know which one of you put raisins in the potato salad and ruined our reputation amongst all POC?
As a Canadian, I am very happy to report that I have NEVER seen raisins in potato salad.
Load More Replies...To a person who isn’t white or black, this is so stupid because white people and black people act and live so similarly. They are the only ones who see the differences. But as a Persian person, you all just act “American” to me. Black and white people are way wayyyy more alike than different.
That brings up a whole new thread, Ask an American. I'm a military BRAT, raised in Germany. It was easy to identify an American when we left the base.
Load More Replies...I don't understand the washcloths thing. I've never seen nor heard of white people not using them, nor have I really run into anyone of any race that just... talks about their bathing habits like that.
Same here, I've never heard of any one group of people not using washcloths, I'm white and we use them as well as does any other white person I know. This one was a complete mystery to me.
Load More Replies...I really wanted the person with the Elsa profile picture to say "Because, the cold never bothered me anyway"....now im sad
I appreciate this is all humorous, but even as stereotypes these seem very strange, I can't say I find any of these common. But then again there isn't one single "white culture" anyway.
As a Cajun, I strongly reject any allegations regarding lack of spice, or lack of cousins. Not all white people . . .
are Cajuns usually catholic? I feel like as far as white people go, Catholics are little more family oriented than WASPs, at least in my Irish/Italian catholic family we were, and I talk about my cousins a lot.
Load More Replies...The fake smile is 100% accurate. I have resting b**** face, so I have to actively alter my face to make it look like I'm not mad at the person I'm passing. But it's tiring, you know? So, the half smile is my compromise. "I acknowledge you are sharing a space with me, are entitled to have a fair share of said space, but I don't want to interact."
Yeah, I'm white but I don't do it to a specific race of people, just anyone who I notice looking at me for an extended period of time.
Load More Replies...I'm glad to see some good-natured exchanges. The questions can be as revealing as the answers.
I can totally relate to the spices thing. A British colleague offered to help with cooking and he put ONE bloody pinch of salt into a pot that was being prepared for a group of ten. I couldn't for the life of me convince him otherwise...
Yeah but then you eat at a Spaniards house or Italian and it's just spices spices spices lol
Load More Replies...which "white people". it's like saying "ask asians", to whom are you referring? the whole of europe? europeans of america? colonialists only?
russians as far as i know are white and are incredibly family orientated people
Load More Replies...I'm arriving at one conclusion: American race relations are WEIRD! Washcloths, bean casseroles. This white European is flabbergasted!
To be fair, I'm also a little confused about the whole raisins in the salad thing..
Load More Replies...About the spices: Spice trade 101. - Don't get high on your own supply. - Don' t sell to your own people
Not so much these days but in the past I would imagine black people asking "Why do you white folks spend so much time, trouble and money on trying to get darker skin"?
They still do ask that- white people want darker skin and black people walk around with umbrellas in the sun to stop them from getting darker skin. With skin cancer the way it is, umbrellas are a good idea for protection regardless of skin colour.
Load More Replies...Love posts like this one. It's human nature to wonder about people different than ourselves. What a great way to get the questions out & bravo to all the honest & funny answers! I know as little girl I would have loved to be a able to ask boys questions...
I bet people who brought spices from other lands didn't even get any recipes. So, you might have a wonderful spice but don't really know how to use it, plus it was very expensive to get, and the next thing you know people are stuffing cloves in an orange for décor/potpourri.
I thought that was pretty good. We should do one for white people asking black people questions, we know the terrible past but it would awesome to know the present, good and bad. I feel sometimes I'm afraid to ask a black person a question in case I offend.
you can ask me something. I don't love fried chicken though (if your question is chicken-related).
Load More Replies...In response to your statement; “Unfortunately, since that post, we have received an influx of white racism and ignorance on other posts. We want to create dialogue, but not at the expense of our peace of mind or giving up our authentic voice to Black people, and to all people love and respect. We have contemplated removing that post if people don’t understand that we created it to create a bridge, and not to invite hateful people.” Hateful people do not seem to require invitations they show up and spew their hate no matter what. The fact that there were so many, literally thousands of comments on the original post suggest that most people are open to an honest and friendly dialog.
I live in Europe and can't relate. You've only made me learn I know almost nothing about American habits in general. Washcloth?! I used sponge, maybe, and never for my private parts! I use a lot of spices but I also know traditional people who only cook with salt and pepper, and I mean lots of salt! Only athletes wear shorts in winter here. Most of the questions are valid in America only...
I liked this post and I wish they would do it again. I love the questions and answers.
Me, too. Nice to have an open, friendly dialogue between whites and blacks about the most mundane things.
Load More Replies...I'm white and I can't relate to this at all. I love spices and use lots of them in my cooking. (and Sean needs to knock off this "our women" $h!+. NOBODY OWNS ME.) I only watched House Hunters one time because I was over at a friend's house and she waned to watch it and it was one of the most boring shows I've ever seen in my life. I've never even SEEN that damn green bean casserole anywhere outside of a TV commercial. I will sincerely smile at people to be friendly, I'm not being fake. I don't happen to live near my family but I do talk about them. And I don't wear shorts in the summer, let alone the winter. If you saw my legs you would know why.
As a white Australian ................ although our family members reside in different States and Territories, yeah we are all still very family orientated. Unfortunately due to different career paths and job opportunities etc most families have little or no choice to be able to remain "close knit". I have lots of brothers and sisters, children, grand kids, nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles. We often hit the road visiting the rellies and keeping in touch. Love our family reunions. Next family reunion is May 2020 at an outback "swimming hole" named 'MATARANKA' in the NORTHERN TERRITORY. Saltie country!
I'm obviously not very British, I add spice to everything, even a ham and cheese sandwich, has half ounce of black pepper and two tablespoons of cajun.
2 tablespoons of Cajun + a pitcher of ice water. 🤪
Load More Replies...As a white person, I too would like to know why white people wear shorts in winter. I went to school in upstate NY, the weather was absurd. In late March one year, it was 88 degrees one day then there was a blizzard the next. I would see white people, mostly guys, in shorts and flipflops on campus as if mentally screaming "NO! It was warm yesterday and I refuse to admit that it has changed!"
I'm white and I have never worn shorts in the winter.
Load More Replies...I don't use a washcloth because I use a scrungee! I thought most people did...I also like to use spices I put lawrys and Tabasco on almost everything...garlic too.
I totally use a washcloth. The rest of my family doesn't. (Shrug my shoulders.)
i always use a washcloth and let anyone within earshot where and how i used it (not always truthful about where, but it keeps them from using it too
Load More Replies...Regarding washcloths: I❤️them. Single use only. They’re not meant to be shared.
“Single use and then washing them in the laundry”, not burning them or throwing them away, of course :-D
Load More Replies...I think this was or is a brilliant idea to get everyone in on the conversation. We all need to be heard. Washcloths freak me out too. I bring my own to the shower, salt (I think ) brings out the flavor of whatever you add it too. I live in a mixed family and we celebrate our uniqueness. We encourage the kid's to be their OWN, to have & express their OWN ides and gifts. As long as we have the patience to REALLY listen we can't go wrong. And, when I smile it is ALWAYS genuine!
I love talking about my cousins. Very surprised some white girl said we're not family oriented, it's simply not true.
I dig Afrocentric Films Collaborative because the peeps are frank, honest , and real. Not all people are bigoted, racist. or ignorant, but they are out there. Big difference in cultures. Half my fam is black. We love each other as family should. Friendship matters. When anyone makes a bigoted statement publicly, we never know whos watching, and what we miss out on. Great Posting!
As a white American I also want to know why white people wear shorts in winter. Where I went to school in upstate NY the weather was absurd. At the end of March one year, it was 88 degrees one day and there was a blizzard the next. I'd see white people all over campus, mostly guys, in shorts and flipflops on the way to class, as if mentally screaming "NO! It was warm yesterday and now I refuse to admit that it has changed!" I know someone who wears flipflops in the *snow*
Need to expose more skin to sunlight in the winter. Helps with vitamin D production. My sister wears shorts all year round. I think she is nuts! But she feels perfectly comfortable. She grew up in the era, in her early life, where girls wire dressesto school ever day. Maybe it doesn't seem any different to her.
Load More Replies...All right where's the thread about white people asking a black person a question they have always wanted to know cause I've got a few 😂😂
😂😂 Me, too. Here’s mine: why do some of you dye your hair blond? It’s better natural.
Load More Replies...Sometimes a question is just a question. Someone needs to quit getting their panties in a w**.
I love green bean casserole.. lol.. Btw, the whole sharing a washcloth? No ma'am.. that's just your family.. I have always used them, but there was guest washcloths and daily use ones for sure.. The fake smile thing... At least here in Texas, everyone does it to everyone.. It's considered rude to look at someone, have eye contact and not give at least a half a*s smile.. Same as opening/holding the door open for the person behind you, etc.. It's not a thing whites do to other races, we give each other creepy smile face too. LoL.
I don't get the washcloth thing. I thought everyone used them, regardless of race...and that many of us have switched to those puffs b/c they are so nice with shower gel...although I am 57 now and my skin is getting dry so use a softer puff b/c too much exfoliation was rough on my skin. My dad didn't use a washcloth but he was around during the depression and WWII and I guess they weren't that popular yet then.
If I walk past a black person, I acknowledge as I would a white person. With a smile. Regarding cousins, they’re completely an overrated relative. You don’t think the Kennedy cousins bicker?
i'm from Boston ma and i have never seen a raisin in potato salad. If it's in there then it crawled in.
God please, a few more- why do white girls like wearing pata pata shoes and get red toes? It might be relevant to whites in Africa. Why do you climb in bed with shoes on or wash shoes in a kitchen sink, also why do you like walking on the dirty floor on barefoot and get black dirty feet???
Load More Replies...If this was reversed it would be considered racist. Post: "Ok, white people. Ask black people one question you've always wanted to know". The OP would be kicked off Twitter, suspended from Facebook, and probably fired form their job.
Twitter harbors a lot of racists. Not sure why you think they’d be kicked off.
Load More Replies...In all honesty, I'd like to see something like this BOTH ways. The more we know about each other, the more we find out just how alike we really are. This is how hate is put to rest.
This should be an entire Facebook Group! I have questions. I have friends of all races. I get this look on my face and they all roll their eyes and say, “Whar don’t you understand now. And for God’s sake just ask!”
If this was an entire FB group, I’d join FB. But until then....
Load More Replies...Good stuff. If you can remember that we're all different and there's stereotypes all over then we can all get along. Do we not bleed when we are pricked?
As a non-american the casserolething was helpful. I would love to read more of this and that it would evolve into a safespace to ask questions you cant ask face-to-face because what if it hurts someone
I have always wanted to ask questions but white people say noooo. That would be wrong, dont do it. I'm like why?? Loved it.
The lack of spices thing is a weird stereotype that never reached my immediate family. Maybe in part because my dad did some culinary school. It's mostly an issue with the older generations (like people who would be in their 70s or so now), especially in Britain, who just like... weren't used to spices are were afraid to try new things.
Towards the end and the comment by Terrance Wilbert, — except white people tend to create stereotypes that get Black people killed, not getting a job, being accused of crimes and many other situations that have no foundation in fact.
Cousins? Haven't seen even one of mine in more than 16 years. Some live much too far away---I hate to travel, and do it only for the Feast of Tabernacles once a year---and most I've never met. I have cousins, I suppose, whom I haven't seen since I was about 5 years old, I have cousins who have children older than mine if my two had lived, and I have zero idea how many cousins I have, who are which side (my Mom or my Dad), and I don't intend to find out. Mom and Dad died 16+ years ago without filling in the gaps, and I'm not interested in finding anyone myself. The end. And, no, no raisins were ever put into any of our family's potato salads (BLEECCCHH!!!!)
I love spices. I probably have 25 and they're on such a regular rotation they're on my grocery list every week I go through them so fast. I much prefer flavorful food to my mom's blandass cooking, but in her defence my dad has always had hellacious heartburn and she definitely prefers spicy because her dad grew up in the Southwest. He cooked just as much as my grandma did since they both worked. My grandma refused to be dependent on her husband for money even in that day and age. We're talking 50s and 60s. My grandma was hella independent and terrified my mom so bad one day when she just decided to drive eight hours to see my uncle in Minnesota in the middle of winter. I smile at most people because it's habit from customer service. I might even say hello. It's strange since I do have social anxiety, but that smile and hello when someone makes eye contact is so engrained I can't help myself.
We didn't see family because my mom was a narcissist with a superiority complex and she hates my dad's family who drinks and knows how to have fun. We don't have fun when we get together as a family because my mom hates noise, it isn't dignified, and "what if people saw how you were acting." I always assumed everyone used a washcloth because we always did.
Load More Replies...If your reading this I hope you have a great day and know. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 NIV
I want to know who ruined a great bowl of chili by putting red kidney beans in it? THERE ARE NO BEANS IN REAL TEXAS CHILI!!
Honestly, I'm Italian and I talk about my cousins all the time but like that's...it. That's the only White ethnic group that has cousins. The rest of us could give a s**t, to be frank.
I loved this. Let’s do more. I want to ask black people stuff too. How do they braid short hair like that. Do you really like chitons? Why is it so hot in your house?
This was TOO FUNNY AS WELL AS ENLIGHTENING! l enjoyed this very much!
this is very nice. I who would like to know why people of color, men and women think big butts are attractive.
I’d love to see the original post and read all the answers. This is brilliant!
If you want to know about the spice thing, look up the history of minced meat pies. It's not normal but there sure were a shitton of spices in there!
Who the heck doesn't use flannels (wash cloths)?! I'm a Romany Gypsy, is this an 'us' thing?
Everyone uses them. They're not flannel anyway, they're terry cloth so you might be talking about something else. The confusion is that black people keep the same washcloth in the shower for a week to wash with. Wash EVERYTHING with. White people use washcloths to wash their faces and then throw them in to be washed after just one use and we usually don't use them in the shower, we use shower puffs or something like that.
Load More Replies...I’m from the northeast. As soon as the temperature rises above fifty degree, no matter who you are, it’s shorts and flip flops time.
I try to smile, most of the time, first to convince passersby that I'm not a problem and second I don't have problems, not really. Mark Twain said it best. " Most of my problems never happened ". In all my travels, 10 countries and 47 states, I have found the same kind of people I find at home. Once you take off the cultural overlay, which I'm sorry to say I think is responsible for most of the world's ills, you find the same basic concerns as everyone else. Unfortunately, most people buy into their heritage without question, never realizing that there's trash there too. I've thrown out most of what I was raised with so, if you don't like what I think, blame me. But, I'm very reluctant to judge or blame so if you want to talk about problems, shoot.
Love it! And I like the question of why we don't talk about our coursins - lololol - mine are just not fun. And they're weird, and they're kind of nerdy.
They really arent racist questions though. If they asked something really rude then you get negative answers. Same with a white person asking rude questions or a hispanic asking rude questions. Thats not just a one race issue, all races would be like that. Well id imagine.
I saw this thread a couple of days too late. I really wanted to participate.
Um, no? That's how it's supposed to be made? I'm not from the south and potato salad has potatoes, boiled eggs, mayonnaise (or miracle whip), dill pickles (though some use gross sweet pickles), yellow mustard and a splash of pickle juice. Delicious.
Load More Replies...Love this. We need more respectful, honest questions, so we can all better understand our own stereotyping, and better understand each other.
I am white & I LOVE chilli, the hotter the better. These are just dumb stereotypes.
Are you a Kewpie lover. I have over 1000 kewpie dolls. I love that you use it instead of a picture of you.
Load More Replies...I actually got the chance and got to do this in person. It was cool and fun. :-)
This is cool. I'm white & I have friends of many races. We can all just get along if we accept that people are different & it's a good thing.
To the best of my knowledge this question was first posed in 2017 by a South African with the Fb name of Joburger. It actually evoked a massive response and was very well taken, with some hilarious questions asked and very good natured answers. I don't know if Afrocentric copied him or he copied Afrocentric, but it was very much a hit in South Africa.
I'd like to know when this surfaced. The first thread, with this exact theme and these exact words, that I'm aware of was created on Fb by a young man with the user name of Joburger. He is a young white South African, currently living in the UK, and it evoked a massive response. So, my question is, has Afrocentric copied him, or did he copy Afrocentric? https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.traveller24.com%2FMyTravels%2Fsouth-africans-take-a-dig-at-stereotypes-as-racial-qa-goes-viral-20171031%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR0DE4N_sLAuxlfTjcMl-4hKYcuZRDbbakrFwtLcPPGQzY6M3dCqb8PXFyo&h=AT3ess1PQiyG2xzcEsdvk_RIthV5Dj8yOeSL7-SdLmCuEbcN0t1CiO_KkUJv-U0Llavmu5A4HVdFi32q4z0XG_KF63Ya9bihoP8OFbhjyQSiA0PITWNb-k9FM673V9tFKb4pc2fDLYFRftoh_9KwzUH1n5aCF6B9IviYDm8NohLCA2_vUKbIcgDylkQdIIwOsQkyVtfoMVNTu9e84bTV_lG1UkwSDklsjx2HRj1j_npWH_xr88YowgjaLWGbk3wY5ijFHoTY-LUTgEDjo5rpmlOlY9cCqBWp_M79im3oZD_3Wqrdae9vMQxpLR5IMg8eLFokKHPAP-3mRnyZbCxgh3nyjKhW--gMri9saAITPcbGKMZQb-nuQHLLMCOYwRvMCQwyzbP0xLsoAnUTbXaMcoPocB69XH_F
Nasiru Abdalla Whiteside asks about 'A pinch of salt' First Nasiru, do you mean as in a recipe or as in 'take what that person says with a pinch of salt'? If the later, it means that person may or may not be telling it like it is. Does anyone know the origin of that phrase?
None of these things apply to ethnic white people (Southern Europeans and a lot of Eastern Europeans). Italians use spices, and those of us with acne bring our own washcloth everywhere because our acne meds bleach other people's stuff. My sweetie is German-French from Michigan. I call her Baloney Clan (see White Wolf Vampire LARP books) because they are ALL about mayo, yellow mustard, grinding baloney into a paste (ok, its good w pickles but Im not happy about it) and eating "red hots" (pretty much tubed baloney with a little red pepper).
Please do more like this one! This was so wholesome and fun and I loved reading the comments and questions and answers!
Oh how I wish this was a longer article! Had a friend at work once (she's black, I'm white)--we were close enough that we did this ALL.THE.TIME! It was great having someone to ask questions about the differences in our races & not be judged. I miss that!
This is so strange! As if white people are from one planet and blacks are from another and they just met and here they are trying to get to know each other! The end result of publishing this kind of thing is widening the gap between the races, putting an emphasis on the differences and giving theses differences more importance than what they should have. This is what an alien encounter will look like.
Yes, more of this not racist chatter is amusing, but why not the other way? Because white people would be “racist” for asking such things
If like to ask white people - why don't most white people have blinds or covering on their windows? How can you sit in the house knowing that people on the street can see you? How can you walk around in your undies with no coverings in the windows.
what are you talking about? most people of any race have blinds, curtains, shutters, etc.
Load More Replies...All right so where's the thread about questions white people want to ask black people I've got a few 😂😂
Would the conversations be so peaceful if we let white people ask black people about all the things we've been dying to know? I feel like "why do black people like fried chicken and grape drink"? would stir a lot more pots than black people asking about raisins in potato salad. #amiright?
Well, maybe if it wasn't a stupid question. Couldn't you think of better examples? Really, fried chicken and grape drink?! (People will say anything, I suppose, to make a point.)
Load More Replies...I am so bored with this. Why is it always about black people? Why is there so few voices pointing out the racism against the American natives? The outrages conditions many of them still live in. Cos we are only talking about the American society here, are we? I'm sure black Africans would ask white Africans different things, or white tourists. And the black Vietnamese left behind by their American fathers in the late sixties would most likely have a whole lot of different questions,too. So, while these questions are somewhat amuzing and give an insight of what picture some people have of whities, is utterly shallow.
I think i might be black because I don't understand any of these references I use multiple spices I make curry chicken from scratch i use wash rags and i have 27 first cousin that I talk to daily and my family is very close knit dont get it at all
I'm white, but according to the people in this "questionnaire" I should have been born something else. I season my food and am a great cook. All the white people I eat with and know also do the same. I also like hot sauce on fried chicken and pizza as hot sauce is a great condiment. I mean I can laugh at stereotypes too because some of them tend to be true and most of them silly, but these are just dumb stereotypes. I didn't even finish reading because it was so cringeworthy.
i would like to see one about asking Native Americans(like me)...that should get some laughs too.
Load More Replies...Who doesn't (excluding non meat eaters)
Load More Replies...Looking at all of the food questions... I would say that those are all aimed at white northerners. White folks form the South love that spicy food.
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You need to know...most of these answers are blowing hot air right up your collective ebony butts.
I’s like to know why white people stare at Native Americans, and not in a good way!
Well, I'm known to look at Natives a bit more. Primarily because I don't see them often in my area. As for staring, I really hope I don't do that.
Load More Replies...Clearly, half or more of the answers were sarcastic and condescending. Of course, most of the questions were just shallow (seriously? you can't logically discern why someone would smile at a stranger on the street?) I think all that has been accomplished, here, is to expose some passive racial bias and stereotyping.
WHAT!!!!! after how many hundreds of years NOW you are asking? you could not have asked any of this sooner.??? To me this is like trying find a black person in a dark room or a white person in a blizzard. But I have to say I got a damn good laugh keep it up!
Less funny and more insulting. Had the questions been reversed folks would be offended.
A lot of white woman have rhythm, but white guys??? Is there a private song in your head when you dance?
Let's flip the script. Why ya'll name your kids some unpronounceable string of letters? I understand wanting to stand out but why you never change the LAST name? The one some think of as their ancestors' owners' name? THAT is the one I would change!
In African language, it actually is meaningful i.e my name is Langa, means Sun but someone from English roots would find it unpronounceable. As for surname Arg!! tell me about it, society says its a taboo because surname identifies with where you exactly come from- ancestral lineage.
Load More Replies...I'm able to laugh at myself, but I realize that some white people are very sensitive about their skin colour, advantages, and cultural differences. As a white person, I have the luxury of pretending race is irrelevant. As a human, I have a duty to acknowledge that race matters. If a black person wants to discuss it (not everyone does), I'm open to it. I can learn a lot from others.
Load More Replies...Personal Computers have given us this opportunity! I don't understand what your talking about.
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