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.
Who the hell puts raisins in potato salad? My mom's obnoxious snotty British man friend. Just for that I hate him... let's not talk about what he does to tiramisu. Did not think that desert would ever make me barf, but it did
Agreed. Never seen or even heard of that... Yuck
As Australian I also am happy to say I have never EVER seen raisins in a potato salad.
If you're checking out American cuisine I'm surprised you haven't seen deep fat fried potato salad. With mayonnaise.
Me neither. My mother has sanctioned all raisins as "Perverted Little Grapes".
lord willing you never will either, yukk
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Raisins in any food should be outlawed- they look like squashed ticks. I don't mind them by themselves though.
Makes me wonder just how many squashed ticks you've seen in your life that that is the first comparison that springs to mind.
Raisins belong in oatmeal and cereal and certain specialty pastries. Fine there.
Raisins should only be consumed on their own, as a snack. Don't try putting it in my coucous, salads, desserts, no! I don't want that shit!
Well I make Bread and Butter custard WITH RAISINS. It is not the same without them!
Agreed. The only thing that should be in carrot cake is carrot. No raisins, no pineapple. Walnuts are okay, since they don't have a strong flavour. Honestly, I think that it's the texture that bothers me the most about raisins.
pro tip, dried cranberries in oatmeal 'raisin' cookies (brits, read biscuits... :P) is soo much better.
Episode on MASH, Frank Burns eats unclaimed rice pudding: "Mmm! Raisins!" he says. "No," someone else replies, "Flies." That's what I think of when I hear about raisins in potato salad.... yuck.
Raisin Bran cereal and cinnamon rolls / bread.
There only excuse for existence is Raisin Bran cereal. Anyone who puts them in cookies should be drawn and quartered.
RL, same. I will eat raisins but not in anything. Same with bananas.
danielw, I received a jar from my sister-in-law that contained the ingredients and recipe for "friendship cookies" as a Christmas gift one year. I admit that I looked at it a few times before making them. In general, I tend to not like fruits in my cookies, cakes, or even chocolate. Those cookies were wonderful! The key ingredient was dried cranberries. Yummy! 😋
I’m English, we don’t do that. Ms Phis please keep your mums friend over there. We had a vote & don’t want him back.
Sorry to tell you those weren't raisins--the flies at the picnic had to land somewhere...
LOL well said
White people come from very different types of cultures depending on where they grew up and what country their ancestors were from. Someone who's raised Italian or Spaniard isn't going to be like someone raised Irish or Ukrainian. Also north easterners are different then the South or the mid West, etc. My family never put raisins in potato salad, I've never had that. It's eggs, mayo, onion, salt, pepper and sometimes pickle juice. The only food that gets raisins that isn't dessert is chicken salad with apples and raisins or curry chicken.
In bavaria it's really thin sliced potatoe, salt, pepper, oil and (a lot) vinigar. Stir till a little bit mushy. Serve preferably luke warm. Damn...this sound disgusting 😲 but it tastes very good
Raisins and sultanas in sweet curry! But no pickle juice in Potato Salad. Just potatoes onion crispy bacon and chopped egg with my home made dressing!
This strikes me as something a grandma would do
In all my years as a white person, living in a very white state, I have *never* heard of raisins in potato salad.
You mean people actually put raisins in potato salad? That's NASTY.
Oh as a Swede I would like to know that too.. that sounds so bad
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Sorry - you are a turnip
I love raisins and will use it as in ingredient at every opportunity :D then again I only cook for myself so the world is safe
I have never in my life seen raisins in a potato salad and I'm a white American..
Puerto Rican here; no raisins in our potato salad either.
This is seriously one of the great racially divisive questions of all time.
Doesn't even seem to be racial, just cultural. I'm whiter than the whitest white that ever whited - and I've never seen raisins infecting a potato salad.
Dear God, who came up with an abomination like that? My Southern relatives are rolling in their graves and I just threw up a little in my mouth! That is some nasty shit there and I will have a hard time getting that image out of my head.
You just re-traumatized me.
White people and black people make potato salad extremely similarly. Whoever says they don’t is full of shit!
OMG... where can I try the fried potato salad that was mentioned?! I'd totally try that...no raisins though 😣
URK you want to fry Potato salad Pullease
As a white American (and ‘professional’ chef) I have -never- ever- seen OR heard of raisins in potato salad. I am 99.98% sure you made this up to get attention :/
I've heard of it, but have never seen it or eaten it, and never will. Raisins also don't belong in broccoli salad.
I've seen it. Didn't eat it though. I hate raisins.
No,its the Average Becky that thinks shes "cool" with black people and wanted to bring a dish to the cook out
Those may not have been actual raisins.
Who the fuck does that?
As an Australian, I think Americans socially fucked right up, and Canadians are almost normal but unfortunately slightly infected by American culture. Even here in Australia we're a little bit infected, but it's only a minor rash. If they could move Canada several thousands of kilometers away from the U.S , the toxic influence may wear off eventually. LOL
Is vegemite actually still a thing?
Wait, what? Raisins in POTATO SALAD?? I have never, ever, seen that abomination. Anyone who does that needs to be banned from kitchens world-wide.
Oh lawd your comment is only the SECOND instance I've ever even heard of raisins in potato salad and I've wanted to slap the guilty hillbilly cook who panicked 5 minutes before the family gathering and who was out of onions and celery!
I think you may have a rodent problem! I’ve never seen “raisins” in potato salad either.
Not only raisins in potato salad but apples in tuna salad and grapes in chicken salad??? These things ought not to be!
who the blue f--k puts raisins in potato salad???
Those aren’t raisins, I think a rodent walked through that bowl.
*GASP*
I don't do that. Haha! But then again, I don't do potato salad. No mayo for me. Yuck!
I'm a white Canadian and...raisins...where now...?
Never seen that either...yuck!
What heathen thought raisins was a good idea?!
Lolwat. I have never seen this. I'm British.
As a human, I think that the person who even thought of that is NASTY.
Huh? I've never seen that? Maybe it's just your weird family.
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Raisins? In potato salad? I've never seen it! But my sister puts pineapple in cole slaw. Does that count?
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Never seen nor heard about it here in Scandinavia, so probably not us
As a life long American, I have never heard of raisins in potato salad. Or anything EXCEPT oatmeal raisin cookies.
Which are an abomination. Only chocolate chip cookies are allowed to look like chocolate chip cookies.
Australian via Scotland here. Raisins?? WTF are you shower doing to the poor innocent potatoes? What did they do to you??
Never heard of raisins in potato salad but I love raisins in chicken salad with little bits of apple and a little cardamom. SO SO GOOD!
White European here. WHAT THE HELL WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT TO A PERFECTLY FINE POTATO SALAD.
I'm a white American and I like raisins in certain kinds of potato salad. They're better in that multi-colored cabbage coleslaw, though.
I always said its the dutch people... they put raisins and apple in every bloody salad!
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what in the AF? Raisins in potato salad? sounds like me ex monster in law that put coffee grounds in icing to give it a kick. ... actually gave it a nasty @ss crunch.
raisins in potato salad wtf?
I am from Texas...never seen raisins in potato salad
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That's right! Get on 'em! They done messed y'all up for the next twenty years...
Where the hell did you find raisins in the potato salad? I just threw up in my mouth a little bit!!!!! On another note, we should spend more time getting to know each other and put the stereotypes where they belong, in the garbage with the raisins! Raisins in potato salad, yuck eeww yuck!
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Probably a white person.
I'd like to read more of this :D
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.
as a military brat myself I totally understand what you mean by that. americans as a rule in a group are very noisy and loud. and I hate to say it. but appear to be rude to most europeans due to the way they act. so many act like they dont have basic manners. and this seems to be true irregardless of race.
I am white (must be the first time I've ever written it) but for me too Americans are Americans whether they're black or white. They should do a thread "Ask an American" like Omar pointed out, I think people outside of the US have a lot of misconceptions and questions we'd like to get answers to. I know I do lol
Go to Buzzfeed.com. Tons (or tonnes) of posts about things people find weird about Americans, like our lack of kettles for making tea and using the Imperialist system of measuring things. The vast majority of posts are from Tumblr though, so you might just want to search it there and skip the middleman.
Ryo, you don’t get what American culture is. And that is very American of you.
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The mere thought that I could ever act "American" is a load of bollocks. I don't think the "British accent" is sexy (there's more than one, and they all sound stupid, even mine), I don't salute an over-decorated rag, I stopped thinking The Simpsons was funny years ago (seriously, America, let it die), and I've never gotten an erection in anticipation of Superbowl Sunday. Or during Superbowl Sunday. Or though "Holy shit, I need to buy a Nissan!" because of a commercial during Superbowl Sunday. Or called Tom Brady a cheat during Superbowl Sunday. Or was left feeling disappointed after the most recent Superbowl Sunday. Also, baseball sucks, too. Hi, America!
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.
Who the hell puts raisins in potato salad? My mom's obnoxious snotty British man friend. Just for that I hate him... let's not talk about what he does to tiramisu. Did not think that desert would ever make me barf, but it did
Agreed. Never seen or even heard of that... Yuck
As Australian I also am happy to say I have never EVER seen raisins in a potato salad.
If you're checking out American cuisine I'm surprised you haven't seen deep fat fried potato salad. With mayonnaise.
Me neither. My mother has sanctioned all raisins as "Perverted Little Grapes".
lord willing you never will either, yukk
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Raisins in any food should be outlawed- they look like squashed ticks. I don't mind them by themselves though.
Makes me wonder just how many squashed ticks you've seen in your life that that is the first comparison that springs to mind.
Raisins belong in oatmeal and cereal and certain specialty pastries. Fine there.
Raisins should only be consumed on their own, as a snack. Don't try putting it in my coucous, salads, desserts, no! I don't want that shit!
Well I make Bread and Butter custard WITH RAISINS. It is not the same without them!
Agreed. The only thing that should be in carrot cake is carrot. No raisins, no pineapple. Walnuts are okay, since they don't have a strong flavour. Honestly, I think that it's the texture that bothers me the most about raisins.
pro tip, dried cranberries in oatmeal 'raisin' cookies (brits, read biscuits... :P) is soo much better.
Episode on MASH, Frank Burns eats unclaimed rice pudding: "Mmm! Raisins!" he says. "No," someone else replies, "Flies." That's what I think of when I hear about raisins in potato salad.... yuck.
Raisin Bran cereal and cinnamon rolls / bread.
There only excuse for existence is Raisin Bran cereal. Anyone who puts them in cookies should be drawn and quartered.
RL, same. I will eat raisins but not in anything. Same with bananas.
danielw, I received a jar from my sister-in-law that contained the ingredients and recipe for "friendship cookies" as a Christmas gift one year. I admit that I looked at it a few times before making them. In general, I tend to not like fruits in my cookies, cakes, or even chocolate. Those cookies were wonderful! The key ingredient was dried cranberries. Yummy! 😋
I’m English, we don’t do that. Ms Phis please keep your mums friend over there. We had a vote & don’t want him back.
Sorry to tell you those weren't raisins--the flies at the picnic had to land somewhere...
LOL well said
White people come from very different types of cultures depending on where they grew up and what country their ancestors were from. Someone who's raised Italian or Spaniard isn't going to be like someone raised Irish or Ukrainian. Also north easterners are different then the South or the mid West, etc. My family never put raisins in potato salad, I've never had that. It's eggs, mayo, onion, salt, pepper and sometimes pickle juice. The only food that gets raisins that isn't dessert is chicken salad with apples and raisins or curry chicken.
In bavaria it's really thin sliced potatoe, salt, pepper, oil and (a lot) vinigar. Stir till a little bit mushy. Serve preferably luke warm. Damn...this sound disgusting 😲 but it tastes very good
Raisins and sultanas in sweet curry! But no pickle juice in Potato Salad. Just potatoes onion crispy bacon and chopped egg with my home made dressing!
This strikes me as something a grandma would do
In all my years as a white person, living in a very white state, I have *never* heard of raisins in potato salad.
You mean people actually put raisins in potato salad? That's NASTY.
Oh as a Swede I would like to know that too.. that sounds so bad
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
Sorry - you are a turnip
I love raisins and will use it as in ingredient at every opportunity :D then again I only cook for myself so the world is safe
I have never in my life seen raisins in a potato salad and I'm a white American..
Puerto Rican here; no raisins in our potato salad either.
This is seriously one of the great racially divisive questions of all time.
Doesn't even seem to be racial, just cultural. I'm whiter than the whitest white that ever whited - and I've never seen raisins infecting a potato salad.
Dear God, who came up with an abomination like that? My Southern relatives are rolling in their graves and I just threw up a little in my mouth! That is some nasty shit there and I will have a hard time getting that image out of my head.
You just re-traumatized me.
White people and black people make potato salad extremely similarly. Whoever says they don’t is full of shit!
OMG... where can I try the fried potato salad that was mentioned?! I'd totally try that...no raisins though 😣
URK you want to fry Potato salad Pullease
As a white American (and ‘professional’ chef) I have -never- ever- seen OR heard of raisins in potato salad. I am 99.98% sure you made this up to get attention :/
I've heard of it, but have never seen it or eaten it, and never will. Raisins also don't belong in broccoli salad.
I've seen it. Didn't eat it though. I hate raisins.
No,its the Average Becky that thinks shes "cool" with black people and wanted to bring a dish to the cook out
Those may not have been actual raisins.
Who the fuck does that?
As an Australian, I think Americans socially fucked right up, and Canadians are almost normal but unfortunately slightly infected by American culture. Even here in Australia we're a little bit infected, but it's only a minor rash. If they could move Canada several thousands of kilometers away from the U.S , the toxic influence may wear off eventually. LOL
Is vegemite actually still a thing?
Wait, what? Raisins in POTATO SALAD?? I have never, ever, seen that abomination. Anyone who does that needs to be banned from kitchens world-wide.
Oh lawd your comment is only the SECOND instance I've ever even heard of raisins in potato salad and I've wanted to slap the guilty hillbilly cook who panicked 5 minutes before the family gathering and who was out of onions and celery!
I think you may have a rodent problem! I’ve never seen “raisins” in potato salad either.
Not only raisins in potato salad but apples in tuna salad and grapes in chicken salad??? These things ought not to be!
who the blue f--k puts raisins in potato salad???
Those aren’t raisins, I think a rodent walked through that bowl.
*GASP*
I don't do that. Haha! But then again, I don't do potato salad. No mayo for me. Yuck!
I'm a white Canadian and...raisins...where now...?
Never seen that either...yuck!
What heathen thought raisins was a good idea?!
Lolwat. I have never seen this. I'm British.
As a human, I think that the person who even thought of that is NASTY.
Huh? I've never seen that? Maybe it's just your weird family.
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Raisins? In potato salad? I've never seen it! But my sister puts pineapple in cole slaw. Does that count?
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Never seen nor heard about it here in Scandinavia, so probably not us
As a life long American, I have never heard of raisins in potato salad. Or anything EXCEPT oatmeal raisin cookies.
Which are an abomination. Only chocolate chip cookies are allowed to look like chocolate chip cookies.
Australian via Scotland here. Raisins?? WTF are you shower doing to the poor innocent potatoes? What did they do to you??
Never heard of raisins in potato salad but I love raisins in chicken salad with little bits of apple and a little cardamom. SO SO GOOD!
White European here. WHAT THE HELL WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT TO A PERFECTLY FINE POTATO SALAD.
I'm a white American and I like raisins in certain kinds of potato salad. They're better in that multi-colored cabbage coleslaw, though.
I always said its the dutch people... they put raisins and apple in every bloody salad!
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what in the AF? Raisins in potato salad? sounds like me ex monster in law that put coffee grounds in icing to give it a kick. ... actually gave it a nasty @ss crunch.
raisins in potato salad wtf?
I am from Texas...never seen raisins in potato salad
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That's right! Get on 'em! They done messed y'all up for the next twenty years...
Where the hell did you find raisins in the potato salad? I just threw up in my mouth a little bit!!!!! On another note, we should spend more time getting to know each other and put the stereotypes where they belong, in the garbage with the raisins! Raisins in potato salad, yuck eeww yuck!
This comment has been deleted.
This comment has been deleted.
Probably a white person.
I'd like to read more of this :D
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.
as a military brat myself I totally understand what you mean by that. americans as a rule in a group are very noisy and loud. and I hate to say it. but appear to be rude to most europeans due to the way they act. so many act like they dont have basic manners. and this seems to be true irregardless of race.
I am white (must be the first time I've ever written it) but for me too Americans are Americans whether they're black or white. They should do a thread "Ask an American" like Omar pointed out, I think people outside of the US have a lot of misconceptions and questions we'd like to get answers to. I know I do lol
Go to Buzzfeed.com. Tons (or tonnes) of posts about things people find weird about Americans, like our lack of kettles for making tea and using the Imperialist system of measuring things. The vast majority of posts are from Tumblr though, so you might just want to search it there and skip the middleman.
Ryo, you don’t get what American culture is. And that is very American of you.
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
The mere thought that I could ever act "American" is a load of bollocks. I don't think the "British accent" is sexy (there's more than one, and they all sound stupid, even mine), I don't salute an over-decorated rag, I stopped thinking The Simpsons was funny years ago (seriously, America, let it die), and I've never gotten an erection in anticipation of Superbowl Sunday. Or during Superbowl Sunday. Or though "Holy shit, I need to buy a Nissan!" because of a commercial during Superbowl Sunday. Or called Tom Brady a cheat during Superbowl Sunday. Or was left feeling disappointed after the most recent Superbowl Sunday. Also, baseball sucks, too. Hi, America!