African Immigrants Are Shocked About The Hostility Of African-americans
African Immigrants Are Shocked About The Hostility Of African-americans
One of the first culture shocks an African immigrant experiences in America is realizing the seeming disconnect in relations between an African and an African-American. The apparent wide gap in culture and world view between both groups is a striking marvel for a new arrival from Africa. And it seems every African immigrant has a story or two to tell about their encounters with African-Americans. And oftentimes, they are not pleasant. The common tales being the overt verbal jabs and shaming they face from African-Americans.
Most also claim that African-Americans invade their spaces usually uninvited, with questions and comments that are rather insulting. That African-Americans tend to pick on them for being nothing but Africans (whatever that means). That they can understand the stereotyping and hostilities they face from other races, especially whites, but can’t seem to understand why an African-American whom they feel some kind of kinship with based on race (apparently), and even hold in high esteem, would be this unkind and hostile towards them.
So, it is very common for well acclimatized African immigrants to educate new arrivals on how to relate with African-Americans, they are told in very clear terms to, “Steer clear of African-Americans. They are nothing but trouble. Avoid them as much as you can.”
This is a very unfortunate stereotype that has festered for generations, due to so many experiences, misconceptions and media manipulations that have gone on for so long without being checked.
And, most African-Americans see this behaviour as arrogance on the part of African immigrants. But in reality, it is more so to distance themselves from the stereotyping or racism they may face from African-Americans. And it’s gotten to the point where African immigrant parents dissuade their kids from making casual friends with or dating or even marrying African-Americans. Sad but true!
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