The relations between Africans and the Diaspora is a very complex one that has become very much over simplified. Africans and Diasprans have both been negatively impacted by the legacies of colonialism, white supremacy, and slavery. However, these two groups could not be more different in the ways they have interpreted their history and how these destructive legacies led to lives of turmoil for generations to come. Both sides have been nearly white washed and have their traditions stripped away from them because of white fear. Many Whites fear African traditions because these traditions would inspire uprisings from time to time White people beat Christianity into African peoples. We have been convinced that our ancient traditions were of the devil and have been taught to value european features over our own. For nearly 600 years, Africa suffered and paid greatly under European colonization. Europeans also bought and kidnapped Africans. They brought them to the new world known as America for centuries. This would cause a divide of Afro-descendant people for generations.
We as African Americans are suffering from a major identity crisis and we long to be more connected to our roots. However, many have gotten it wrong and call themselves hebrew israelites because they believe they are the true jews of the bible. This complete hogwash and I want to roll my eyes so badly because of how Anti-African. They are individuals who obviously don’t understand history. More on them in the next article.
“The problem stems from deep misconceptions, sometimes fueled by the U.S. media. Astonishingly, many African-Americans believe that Africans are backward and primitive. Some make crude jokes about Africans or do not acknowledge the great contribution Africa has made to the world.” -Jacob Conteh
In America, Blacks have been seen as inherently violence and lazy, Africans typically do not want to be associated with such negative stereotypes and thus push their American cousins away. Similarly, America has also pushed an agenda that missionary work is about going to Africa and supporting poor and helpless Africans creating this dangerous narrative that all Africans live in a dystopian society full of poverty and disease. In many cases, I have seen Black Americans have negative portrayals of Africans. I think both sides are guilty are driving a wedge between us when we should know better than to trust anything american much less hollywood.
“A fundamental difference between African Americans and African immigrants is the way they react to racism and discrimination. African Americans usually see racism as the main cause of poverty among their people. They are also quick to point out instances of perceived racism, even in circumstances where it is ambiguous, unclear or more complex than simple racial bigotry or discrimination. A classic example is the currently large African-American population in prison. Most African-Americans feel that the only reason there are so many African Americans incarcerated is their race. They blame police discrimination and lawmakers who make laws weighted to punish blacks. For Africans, after suffering many years in civil wars, military coups and other problems, they are happy to be in a country that offers them freedom. They are ready to integrate into the American culture without getting involved in the lingering racial conflicts. They do not typically get involved in the ongoing civil rights struggle – and that has angered many African-Americans” -Jacob Conteh
Many African Americans feel that Black immigrants do not truthfully understand our plight with slavery and how the injustices of past actually shape our present and will continue to shape our future but in the same light Black Americans might not never the struggles that Black Immigrants have gone through and I believe that a conversation without harsh judgement from either side is needed if we truly want to be united and be liberated from the colonials shackles that hold us all back.
“Tensions between black Americans who descended from slavery and black immigrants from Africa and the Caribbean are not new, but a group of online agitators is trying to turn those disagreements into a political movement.”-Farah Stockman
Being a descendant of Haitian and Black American ancestry these tensions are very real and some people from both sides of my family have had many issues with each other but similarly there have been love on both sides and I think if we only focus on the negative relationships we will never hold a strong connection. This ongoing beef between Black Americans and Black immigrants has to stop at some point but it’s up to all us. I have been attacked by all sides but I still love my Black people no matter what because I know we ain’t all like that. We attack each other more than we listen to understand and there is a quote I always go by United we stand but divided we fall.
Our own ignorance, biases, and displeasure with one another will be the ultimate end for us as Black People( Immigrant or not) in America and it is time to start understanding each other with less judgement. We can do so many great things if we are one. Be open and willing to learn other perspectives and don’t think you are right about everything. We have to learn humbleness and humility.
WORKS CITED
/www.theglobalist.com/african-americans-african-immigrants-differ/
Liberation of African People 