Most white people know very little about Kwanzaa. What they really don’t know is that very few black people know anything about it either… or care.
Inexperienced white folk, which is most all of us, don’t know how to act at Christmas if we happen to cross paths with a black person. Heaven forbid a black person works with you and you have no idea if you should include something Kwanzaa or not.
I would say follow this rule: if the black person in question does in fact celebrate Kwanzaa you will probably already know it.
If the person is African, they don’t (most likely) celebrate Kwanzaa. Kwanzaa is not African, it was created in the USA in 1966.
Maybe later we can get into what being “Afrocentric” means, but for now, realize most American black people are Christian and celebrate Christmas just like you. Well maybe not JUST like you, but then again not all white people celebrate it the same either, so relax. You would be better served wondering if the person is Muslim, or perhaps Jehovah’s Witness.
That being said, Kwanzaa has its roots in African-American culture and you, as a white person have no right to clown it. If you chance upon some black people in the act of mocking the lighting of candles and home made gifts… shut up. You are more than welcome to inquire, even participate with someone who does celebrate it, but to verbalize negativity about it would be akin to a black person saying St. Patrick was a Klan member and shamrocks are good for nothing else than supporting alcoholism.
On that note, I am Christian and wish you all a Merry Christmas.
.
Inexperienced white folk, which is most all of us, don’t know how to act at Christmas if we happen to cross paths with a black person. Heaven forbid a black person works with you and you have no idea if you should include something Kwanzaa or not.
I would say follow this rule: if the black person in question does in fact celebrate Kwanzaa you will probably already know it.
If the person is African, they don’t (most likely) celebrate Kwanzaa. Kwanzaa is not African, it was created in the USA in 1966.
Maybe later we can get into what being “Afrocentric” means, but for now, realize most American black people are Christian and celebrate Christmas just like you. Well maybe not JUST like you, but then again not all white people celebrate it the same either, so relax. You would be better served wondering if the person is Muslim, or perhaps Jehovah’s Witness.
That being said, Kwanzaa has its roots in African-American culture and you, as a white person have no right to clown it. If you chance upon some black people in the act of mocking the lighting of candles and home made gifts… shut up. You are more than welcome to inquire, even participate with someone who does celebrate it, but to verbalize negativity about it would be akin to a black person saying St. Patrick was a Klan member and shamrocks are good for nothing else than supporting alcoholism.
On that note, I am Christian and wish you all a Merry Christmas.
.
10 comments:
Merry Christmas friends! Give us a ring if you pass this way.
We enjoyed the post. Merry Christmas y'all.
Happy Holidays to you too!
Merry Christmas and a lovely New year to you and your loved ones!!!
Good that you note that most Blacks celebrate Chistmas.
Kwaanza? Nope, not for me.
But ALL holidays are man-made.
Thanks all, Merry Christmas to you too.
Yes holidays are manmade, just like any other aspect of culture.
Merry Christmas and happy new year, I love to read your posts and hardly reply- my brain is not as fast and smart as the rest of ya, love reading them and love reading the reply's.. You have such a beautiful family!
Thanks Shalise, now if you would just stop posting childhood pics of me on facebook we can all be happy.
Just stopped by to ask;
"How 'bout them Utes!".
UBJ
Your blog called it.... making it still my favorite.
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