What Don't You Understand About Another's Race, Ethnicity or Culture?

This is another question I have been thinking about a long time. I think that for all of us to understand each other further, is to ask those questions that need to be asked about another's race, ethnicity and culture.

This thread will be simply a question and answer forum for anyone to ask what they don't understand about another's race, ethnicity and culture. Furthermore, it does not focus on one race, ethnicity or culture. And it will not promote one race, ethnicity or culture over another.

It will simply be a place where people who are curious about others can chat and disseminate information to enlighten each other on the various social practices, customs, languages and other forms of thought that arise when privately thinking about these issues.

I think that this thread could serve as a question and answer session between people who are curious to ask questions and receive answers from others.

I would especially like it if people would share stories about their race, cultures or ethnicities in an informative and educative sense.

Please let us be polite and civil here. No off-handed comments or words of hate will be tolerated here. I'm sure that we can have a good talk here and learn a lot from each other. Honesty is always welcomed here.

This thread is for everyone.

And also a note to the mods: please do not move my thread to the "Social Issues" forum. I do not want it there. I think that this thread is quite viable here. Thank you very much for considering my request.





[edit on 12-9-2006 by ceci2006]

Hmmm Let me kick this off for you.

My question is to the African race... it goes as follows..

Why do you wear fake gold teeth? What is the point? Is it supposed to be cool? I think it happend after I got out of high school so I may be missing the point behind it.

In my hometown two black kids where beaten by other black kids. The kids wore NBA jerseys, name brand basket ball, Nike sneakers and you know what the kids stole from them? Their fake gold teeth.

So.. why the "bling bling" on the molars?

OOoo oo I have another one.

This one is to those whities out there. I can't answer it my self so il ask some of you all for an answer..

Why is it out of all the kids of all the races and it doesn't matter what the income, where the city is, what the social ranking is.. why are white kids so damn messed up?? They are friggin wierd, some of them have more mental issues, more sensitivities then what a full grown adult would experience in their entire life time.

Is it a culture of feel sorry for your self, the whole world is out to get me attitude, some of the kids that come on here claiming to be the antichrist or to be aliens, you can tell they are messed up white kids.

Any clue?

Well, Rockpuck, that is something that I am trying to figure out as well. Not many people in my circle of family and friends wear gold teeth--unless it was a dental filling. But later those dental fillings were changed to other types of ones to compliment the color of the teeth and preserve the enamel within them.

However, to be honest, I think that has to do more with the Hip/Hop culture than it does about race. Some kids like to emulate the "bling-bling" that some of the rappers wear (meaning the diamond earrings, FUBU, Sean John and other types of wear). That's all I can say.

I remember that when Maddonna promoted her CD "Erotica", she also wore Gold teeth for a while. And she was white.

So, I think is something that is more of fashion, music and Hip/Hop than anything involving Blacks.

Now, if there are other Black posters out there who have a different explaination about this, please chime in.

Rockpuck, thanks for contributing and welcome to the thread.

[edit on 12-9-2006 by ceci2006]

HAHA yeah, I have two sterling silver teeth, but that was after years of hockey, not choice. It is Hip-Hop, I have seen whites wear them which looks absolutly hilarious by the way, looks much better on the African Americans.

Our cultural fabs come up with some interesting fashion statements thats all I can say..

Hey all, well ill start with im italian the p's came here in their late teen's 32 years later their english is just as bad (not that bad) i speak very little italian grew up in the city of chicago moved to the burbs at 12, anyway my question is why does every body with a sliver of italian in them think that they are tony soprano, come on guys your giving us true italians a real bad name.

good one ceci

Hey, thesaneone, thank you very much.

Let's hope that more people contribute their two cents to this topic. In a little while, I'll have questions of my own to add.

Here's to seeing what people contribute!

Cheers

Originally posted by Rockpuck
OOoo oo I have another one.

This one is to those whities out there. I can't answer it my self so il ask some of you all for an answer..

Why is it out of all the kids of all the races and it doesn't matter what the income, where the city is, what the social ranking is.. why are white kids so damn messed up?? They are friggin wierd, some of them have more mental issues, more sensitivities then what a full grown adult would experience in their entire life time.

Is it a culture of feel sorry for your self, the whole world is out to get me attitude, some of the kids that come on here claiming to be the antichrist or to be aliens, you can tell they are messed up white kids.

Any clue?

Their parents are crybaby leftist liberals!

Originally posted by Rockpuck
Hmmm Let me kick this off for you.

My question is to the African race... it goes as follows..

Why do you wear fake gold teeth? What is the point? Is it supposed to be cool? I think it happend after I got out of high school so I may be missing the point behind it.

In my hometown two black kids where beaten by other black kids. The kids wore NBA jerseys, name brand basket ball, Nike sneakers and you know what the kids stole from them? Their fake gold teeth.

So.. why the "bling bling" on the molars?

I do not understand this either....personally I think it is rather like hanging a sign on yourself that says "hey! come rob me!"

Of course my American History professor has a different view of this....

he says that it is the same thing that was done when the slaves were freed. They were often barred from moving into better neighborhoods and to flaunt their wealth they invested it in such novelties.

I tend to agree....

Originally posted by ceci2006
I remember that when Maddonna promoted her CD "Erotica", she also wore Gold teeth for a while. And she was white.

I think you really need to establish what 'white' and 'black' means. Maddonna is american italian. Italian culture is vastly different to anglo-saxon culture.. it is also in the italian culture to have gold teeth.
African American would also be vastly different to african culture. If you are going to keep using terms like 'black' and 'white' you're not going to learn anything new.

Well, thank you riley. I appreciate your cultural lesson.

Speaking of "national cultures", are all Austrailians like you?

Or are they a little bit more open-minded and mannerable? Are they less impudent? Are they less condescending?

I just want to know what to expect if I ever meet any of your countrymen anywhere.

Please Austrailian folk, chime in to contribute your two cents and explain your "national culture" to all of us here.

[edit on 13-9-2006 by ceci2006]

Originally posted by Rockpuck
Hmmm Let me kick this off for you.

My question is to the African race... it goes as follows..

Why do you wear fake gold teeth? What is the point? Is it supposed to be cool? I think it happend after I got out of high school so I may be missing the point behind it.

In my hometown two black kids where beaten by other black kids. The kids wore NBA jerseys, name brand basket ball, Nike sneakers and you know what the kids stole from them? Their fake gold teeth.

So.. why the "bling bling" on the molars?

the way you posed this question...you may not realize it, but it is extremely broad. the African race...encompasses the entire continent, as well as all of the people spread throughout the world within the diaspora. unless, that is, you mean to pose this question to the black population of the world who follows this trend. i, for one, do not have gold teeth. nor does anyone in my family that i know of. all i know is that fake gold teeth seems to be like every other fashion trend i've seen, in that it seems to be a fad. granted, it's been "in style" for quite some time and is not unique to the black population(read: gold miners with fake teeth), but i do agree to an extent that sme people take it to far. in any case fake gold teeth is not unique to the African race.
www.doctorerickson.com...

Originally posted by ceci2006
Well, thank you riley. I appreciate your cultural lesson.

No you do not. You asked for opinions on different cultures yet still insist that the only races are black and white or 'non white'. I see nothing wrong or 'impudent' by dispelling this ignorant fallicy. Instead of taking my points on board and appreciating the fact that I was trying to be civil.. you have stooped to even more name calling. I did not deserve to be attacked yet again.

Speaking of "national cultures", are all Austrailians like you?

Or are they a little bit more open-minded and mannerable? Are they less impudent? Are they less condescending?

I do not appreciate being called impudent and condescending.

I just want to know what to expect if I ever meet any of your countrymen anywhere.

Well if you are the type of person who sees nothing wrong with judging an entire people on one single individual I hope they never meet you.

[edit on 13-9-2006 by riley]

Italian is an ethnic group, not a race. That makes Madonna's race white and her ethnicity Italian. Madonna lists herself as white on her myspace page.

I have a close friend that is Italian, and he considers himself white. Going by skin colour alone, he is often mistaken for Middle Eastern.

And yes, he does think he's Tony Soprano.


[edit on 13-9-2006 by Duzey]

[edit on 13-9-2006 by Duzey]

Black people are more spiritual. More spirit and soul in them. Very humble people and purest of all humans. The asiatic black man..original man. .. it explains why they are not as logical as white people...emotions dominate their thinking. Which is a good thing...but the world has become too dangerous for this child like simplicity.

Thanks for your explaination, Duzey. Rockpuck and myself were talking about race, not ethnicity. But others on the board were talking about ethnicity (when mentioning the Italians).

I always appreciate it when you give your two cents in threads.

Never hesitate to do so.

--------------------------------------------------

SCP, however, I do believe that Black folk have soul and spirit. It is a part of their nature of resilience. But Blacks do not have a child-like simplicity in expressing it.

You've never been a blues fan, have you? One hour alone will change your mind.

------------------------------------------------------

riley, you really have to chill. You're taking everything out of context. Really.

I wondered if Austrailians had these personality traits in their national culture and character.

People have opinions about Americans all the time.


[edit on 13-9-2006 by ceci2006]

A Broader Context

Originally posted by ceci2006
riley, you really have to chill. You're taking everything out of context. Really.

No, not really. :shk:

Yes, this is Slug-Fest, but this hit-and-run passive-aggressive sniping tactic of yours is counterproductive to open debate.

I want you and all members to feel free to express yourself candidly on the issues here, but I must insist that you stop taking these cheap shots at other members.

I know I've sent mixed signals about this as I've been trying to get a feel for things, and I have until now let it slide in other threads, but even in Slug-Fest, personal attacks of all forms must go away if we want to encourage members to open up on the issues.

I'll explain this in greater detail when I publish the Slug-Fest Guidelines.


Edit: And here they are: Slug-Fest Guidelines

Please review them before continuing.

[edit on 9/13/2006 by Majic]

Ok.

Ive always wondered why people in Europe have substandard hygeine. This is not an insult, its an observation. I noticed it in Germany, and Ive noticed it on visits to the continent. When I was in Germany, I was surprised to learn that alot of the people did not bathe frequently, and instead, resorted to perfumes and such to attempt masking smells, which made the situation worse.

Stereotypically, people think its the French who are unhygenic, but honestly, I found it was all over Europe, regardless of nationality. Deodorant is not commonly used.

I have foudn this mainly limited in Europe. When I was in the middle east, I found that Arabs were actually very clean people. They showered or bathed daily, and always washed their hands and faces before prayertime. I learned that cleanliness is a virtue in Islam.

Ive also noticed that Asians, like Japanese, Chinese, and Koreans, are very clean folks who are fastitdious in their habits.

What gives? is there a cultural reason showering and washing ones whole body is not big in Europe?

Originally posted by karby
is not unique to the black population...
is not unique to the African race.

I totally agree with karby here. In fact, I think it's impossible to ask a question to a member of a group (be it racial, cultural, ethnic, gender, sexual preference or religious) and have one member answer for them all. People of a group do not think and act with one mind.

Any question asked is not going to be unique to one race, ethnicity or culture. It's going to be a stereotype.

This kind of expectation to have one person 'represent' an entire race does not allow for - and celebrate the diversity and range of people, thoughts and beliefs within a race or cultural group. In my opinion, the result of this 'cataloging' or 'classification' by race or ethnicity, further separates and divides the races, cultures and ethnicities by implying that 'black people think this' or 'Italians do that'.

It also does not celebrate the commonalities that one person my have with another from an entirely different culture, race or religion. It doesn't celebrate the unity that we, as the human race share with each other. But then, maybe that's not the goal...

And when one person attempts to speak for an entire race, we get this kind of statement:

Originally posted by StreetCorner Philosopher
Black people are more spiritual. More spirit and soul in them. Very humble people and purest of all humans.

...which is ludicrous. Not to mention a very racist concept. The race of the person saying it doesn't matter. Black people are the purest of all humans? Care for a little 'black supremacy' thought? That's ridiculous!

This is exactly the kind of results that questions like this produce. I guess at least it gives the rest of us an idea of how some people think, regardless of their race or ethnicity. Fortunately, I'm not going to take this particular opinion as representative of all people in the posters particular 'group'. Nor will I believe that black people are more spiritual or pure than other races.

Originally posted by Skadi_the_Evil_Elf
Ive always wondered why people in Europe have substandard hygeine.

I know you said it's not an insult and I truly believe that you didn't intend it as one, but I can't help but think that with your honest question, encouraged by this thread, you may have just insulted many Europeans, regardless of your intent. Will receiving some arbitrary answer to this question be worth the feelings of animosity (and perhaps pain) that the question itself creates? Do you think Europeans think of themselves as unhygienic and will gladly come here to good-heartedly answer why they (supposedly) stink so much?

Originally posted by Benevolent Heretic
know you said it's not an insult and I truly believe that you didn't intend it as one, but I can't help but think that with your honest question, encouraged by this thread, you may have just insulted many Europeans, regardless of your intent. Will receiving some arbitrary answer to this question be worth the feelings of animosity (and perhaps pain) that the question itself creates? Do you think Europeans think of themselves as unhygienic and will gladly come here to good-heartedly answer why they (supposedly) stink so much?

Well, they may not consider it unhygenic. I suppose people might take the question the wrong way, youre right.

But I honestly did not know how to reprhase it. I suppose I should maybe try more detail.

Basically, Europe stank to high heaven until the 20th century. People did not bathe hardly ever, and women menstruated into their own clothes. Canada and America, the same thing, since both countries were founded by Europeans. Ive heard it said that in the days of the signing of the Declaration of Indepednace, we would be knocked out by the stench, because not only was it hot and humid, but people had horrid hygeine.

The Native Americans thought that the European settlers were disgusting, as even the so called "savage" natives did bathe in lakes and streams, and generally, the women did not bleed in their clothes, but used various natural items to catch menstrual flow.

So here cometh the 20th century. Indorr plumbing and electricity. Mass produced soap. Deodorant and anti-perspirant. Generally speaking, at the close of the second world war, in the US, Canada, and eventually the UK, daily bathing, soap, deodorant and wearing clean clothes all the time became standard.

Except on the mainland Europe. I noticed that people there think nothing of going several days without a bath or shower, or by wearing dirty clothes. To make matters worse, they usually use alot of perfumes and scents to mask it, but it ends up smelling even worse.

There are some people in Europe who do bathe regularly. Just like not all blacks wear gold teeth. But I have noticed a very lackladasial attitude towards personal hygeine in mainland Europe, and it seems other foreigners from other places here agree.

My question is why?

Does that sound any better? i suppose someone will be offended, but I had to ask anyway.