A legitimate question for black people on Lit.

[hydrex]

Someone mentioned something in another thread that brought something back to my attention and I'd like to ask the black people of Lit what they think about it.

What's with some black people claiming they are, or rather their ancestors, were Egyptian royalty? Last time I saw an Egyptian they looked more medium brown colored than black.
I know Egypt is on the African continent but that hardly means Ancient Egyptians were any different color than they are today.
Even if ancient Egyptians were black that hardly makes all of them royalty. It's kind of like saying if your of British decent you must be related to the King and Queen.

Also I know some blacks like to say Jesus was black, but honestly I have never seen a Jewish person that looked black. I know whites have always portrayed Jesus as white and that's not right either but if you look at Jeruselum today I think you'd honestly have to say the skin color is closer to white than it is to black.

One more thing. Do you honestly believe that if there had been no slavery that blacks in Africa would be better off than they are today? There are black run countries now and they don't seem to be doing so well. Maybe it's because of trade or maybe it's because of in-fighting or even somehow related to whites not having much to do with Africa and it's economy.

Legitimate answers please.

 

[GEKKEN_]

News flash, Jesus wasn't white.
Think about it asshole.

 

[Weevil]

Also I know some blacks like to say Jesus was black, but honestly I have never seen a Jewish person that looked black. I know whites have always portrayed Jesus as white and that's not right either but if you look at Jeruselum today I think you'd honestly have to say the skin color is closer to white than it is to black.

Modern day Jews are the result of hundreds of years of exile from Israel, mainly spent in Europe, where there was interbreeding. Jesus probably looked all kinds of Arab.

 

[hydrex]

Modern day Jews are the result of hundreds of years of exile from Israel, mainly spent in Europe, where there was interbreeding. Jesus probably looked all kinds of Arab.

Well Arabs of today aren't "black" either. Are you going to say it's due to interbreeding?

 

[Beco]

I love this argument!

Afrocentrism seriously distorts Egyptian history. Egyptians were not "black" (Negroid) on the whole, though a few dynasties of rulers were. But Egyptians were also not racists, it seems, and people of different colors intermarried. We could do well to follow their lead in this!

"African culture" is not a unity: there are many, many cultures in Africa. Ancient Egyptians are not the ancestors, either culturally or genetically, of the peoples of West Africa or of the American black population.

 

[Weevil]

Well Arabs of today aren't "black" either. Are you going to say it's due to interbreeding?

Not many "black" people are entirely "black" either. Lots of Arabs have darker skin colours than, say, Colin Powell.

 

[hydrex]

I love this argument!

Afrocentrism seriously distorts Egyptian history. Egyptians were not "black" (Negroid) on the whole, though a few dynasties of rulers were. But Egyptians were also not racists, it seems, and people of different colors intermarried. We could do well to follow their lead in this!

"African culture" is not a unity: there are many, many cultures in Africa. Ancient Egyptians are not the ancestors, either culturally or genetically, of the peoples of West Africa or of the American black population.[/QUOTE]


Thanks for that. This is why I asked and that is the type of answer I am looking for. Now I just have to find out why a lot of blacks think they come from Egyptian royalty.

 

[Beco]

I love this argument!

Afrocentrism seriously distorts Egyptian history. Egyptians were not "black" (Negroid) on the whole, though a few dynasties of rulers were. But Egyptians were also not racists, it seems, and people of different colors intermarried. We could do well to follow their lead in this!

"African culture" is not a unity: there are many, many cultures in Africa. Ancient Egyptians are not the ancestors, either culturally or genetically, of the peoples of West Africa or of the American black population.[/QUOTE]


Thanks for that. This is why I asked and that is the type of answer I am looking for. Now I just have to find out why a lot of blacks think they come from Egyptian royalty.

when you find out,let me know. I have always wondered that myself. Im sure its not the entire population, but just a small segment

 

[hydrex]

Not many "black" people are entirely "black" either. Lots of Arabs have darker skin colours than, say, Colin Powell.

This is true but I'm not speaking of cases of one or three light skinned blacks. I know full well the reasons for that. Blacks in Africa are traditionally dark and Egyptians and Jews are not.

 

[Guest]

Someone mentioned something in another thread that brought something back to my attention and I'd like to ask the black people of Lit what they think about it.

What's with some black people claiming they are, or rather their ancestors, were Egyptian royalty? Last time I saw an Egyptian they looked more medium brown colored than black.
I know Egypt is on the African continent but that hardly means Ancient Egyptians were any different color than they are today.
Even if ancient Egyptians were black that hardly makes all of them royalty. It's kind of like saying if your of British decent you must be related to the King and Queen.

Also I know some blacks like to say Jesus was black, but honestly I have never seen a Jewish person that looked black. I know whites have always portrayed Jesus as white and that's not right either but if you look at Jeruselum today I think you'd honestly have to say the skin color is closer to white than it is to black.

One more thing. Do you honestly believe that if there had been no slavery that blacks in Africa would be better off than they are today? There are black run countries now and they don't seem to be doing so well. Maybe it's because of trade or maybe it's because of in-fighting or even somehow related to whites not having much to do with Africa and it's economy.

Legitimate answers please.

I have not been labeled as 'black' by society, however I think I could shed some light upon your queries:

1. I don't think a lot of black people claim their ancestors were Egyptian royalty. Those who do probably do so for the same reason that white suburban housewives (who feel mostly ignored and unimportant) go to psychics who tell them they were princesses, queens, etc. in their past lives: It's a way for people who normally go through life feeling unimportant, ignored, and treated like crap to attempt to make themselves feel better. You'll find this sort of phenomenon across ethnic populations. In other words, it's not just unique to 'black' people. If you need proof, just check out how well all those 'past life regression' people are doing, with all the money they get from mostly female clients (usually 'white') just because they tell them they were important in a past life, that they have special powers, that there are spirits watching over them, etc.

2. What is your fixation with skin color? Clearly you have been influenced by the idea that 'race' is somehow rooted in biology (which it isn't--it's a social construction) and that skin color means something (which it doesn't--race could be socially constructed using anything--skin color in itself is arbitrary). Populations have been interacting ever since there were modern humans. Ancient Egypt was a hot spot for multiculturalism: Greek and Egyptian ideas and culture did a lot of melding, as did populations.

3. If you're Christian, who the fuck cares what color Jesus was? If such a person did exist, you can be pretty sure he wasn't blonde-haired and blue-eyed. Rather, he'd have dark hair and brown eyes. Does it disturb you that Jesus couldn't have been the perfect picture of an 'Aryan'?

4. Yeah, I'm so sure that people are thankful their ancestors were enslaved And you know, the problems in Africa couldn't possibly have anything to do with European colonialism. That various leaders of European countries actually sat down and DIVIDED UP Africa into sections which they were going to rule in order to exploit the land and its people for profit couldn't possibly have caused any problem for the indigenous populations there And once systems of colonialism are put into place, even when they have been ousted, the style of government, the corruption, etc. remains. It is precisely BECAUSE of European intervention that Africa is experiencing many of the problems it has today.

You're also overlooking something: Contrary to what you may believe, it actually is possible that Africans could have decided to go elsewhere without having to be enslaved by 'white' people to do it. They are smart enough to build boats, to migrate, etc. And many of them already do: Lots of Africans come to the United States, and even more migrate to Israel to look for work that will pay better than what they have at home. But hey, I guess they all need white people to take them places in order to go anywhere, right?

I feel this is quite a legitimate answer. I hope you think about it, rather than dismissing it. As I said earlier, I'm not a 'black' person, but I am a social scientist, and 'minority', to boot.

 

[Weevil]

This is true but I'm not speaking of cases of one or three light skinned blacks. I know full well the reasons for that. Blacks in Africa are traditionally dark and Egyptians and Jews are not.

Right, the point being that Jesus almost certainly had brown skin. Whether that makes him more like a white person or a black person is up to you.

 

[overthebow]

I love this argument!

Afrocentrism seriously distorts Egyptian history. Egyptians were not "black" (Negroid) on the whole, though a few dynasties of rulers were. But Egyptians were also not racists, it seems, and people of different colors intermarried. We could do well to follow their lead in this!

"African culture" is not a unity: there are many, many cultures in Africa. Ancient Egyptians are not the ancestors, either culturally or genetically, of the peoples of West Africa or of the American black population.

Cleopatra was Greek.

 

[hydrex]

when you find out,let me know. I have always wondered that myself. Im sure its not the entire population, but just a small segment

A small segment to be sure but I see enough of it to wonder where they got the idea from. Mostly I think of Queen Latifah. (sp).

I know she isn't as black as others but come on Egyptian royalty??

Oh wait...I'm Irish so I'm descended from the High Kings of Ireland. Just call me "Your Majesty"

If you're British you can lay claim to the throne.

 

[morewickedfun]

Someone mentioned something in another thread that brought something back to my attention and I'd like to ask the black people of Lit what they think about it.

What's with some black people claiming they are, or rather their ancestors, were Egyptian royalty? Last time I saw an Egyptian they looked more medium brown colored than black.
I know Egypt is on the African continent but that hardly means Ancient Egyptians were any different color than they are today.
Even if ancient Egyptians were black that hardly makes all of them royalty. It's kind of like saying if your of British decent you must be related to the King and Queen.

Also I know some blacks like to say Jesus was black, but honestly I have never seen a Jewish person that looked black. I know whites have always portrayed Jesus as white and that's not right either but if you look at Jeruselum today I think you'd honestly have to say the skin color is closer to white than it is to black.

One more thing. Do you honestly believe that if there had been no slavery that blacks in Africa would be better off than they are today? There are black run countries now and they don't seem to be doing so well. Maybe it's because of trade or maybe it's because of in-fighting or even somehow related to whites not having much to do with Africa and it's economy.

Legitimate answers please.

Well being a black woman in canada i can tell you that jesus was black.
we are closely intwined with the egyptians you know, thats why we do so love our "bling, bling".
as for our countries not doing so well it's because of the horrible downfall in the 80's. We have yet to recover.

 

[Beco]

Well being a black woman in canada i can tell you that jesus was black.
we are closely intwined with the egyptians you know, thats why we do so love our "bling, bling".
as for our countries not doing so well it's because of the horrible downfall in the 80's. We have yet to recover.

you're black?? wow!

 

[morewickedfun]

you're black?? wow!

duh!
have you not seen me break dance?

 

[hydrex]

I have not been labeled as 'black' by society, however I think I could shed some light upon your queries:

1. I don't think a lot of black people claim their ancestors were Egyptian royalty. Those who do probably do so for the same reason that white suburban housewives (who feel mostly ignored and unimportant) go to psychics who tell them they were princesses, queens, etc. in their past lives: It's a way for people who normally go through life feeling unimportant, ignored, and treated like crap to attempt to make themselves feel better. You'll find this sort of phenomenon across ethnic populations. In other words, it's not just unique to 'black' people. If you need proof, just check out how well all those 'past life regression' people are doing, with all the money they get from mostly female clients (usually 'white') just because they tell them they were important in a past life, that they have special powers, that there are spirits watching over them, etc.

2. What is your fixation with skin color? Clearly you have been influenced by the idea that 'race' is somehow rooted in biology (which it isn't--it's a social construction) and that skin color means something (which it doesn't--race could be socially constructed using anything--skin color in itself is arbitrary). Populations have been interacting ever since there were modern humans. Ancient Egypt was a hot spot for multiculturalism: Greek and Egyptian ideas and culture did a lot of melding, as did populations.

When I talk of race I am talking about color. If I was asking British people something about their race I would have said white. Don't try to make me sound prejudiced because I'm not.

3. If you're Christian, who the fuck cares what color Jesus was? If such a person did exist, you can be pretty sure he wasn't blonde-haired and blue-eyed. Rather, he'd have dark hair and brown eyes. Does it disturb you that Jesus couldn't have been the perfect picture of an Aryan?

There goes that prejudice card again. I was just asking a question. And yes, Jesus being Jewish I am pretty sure he wasn't blonde haired and blue eyed.

4. Yeah, I'm so sure that people are thankful their ancestors were enslaved And you know, the problems in Africa couldn't possibly have anything to do with European colonialism. That various leaders of European countries actually sat down and DIVIDED UP Africa into sections which they were going to rule in order to exploit the land and its people for profit couldn't possibly have caused any problem for the indigenous populations there And once systems of colonialism are put into place, even when they have been ousted, the style of government, the corruption, etc. remains. It is precisely BECAUSE of European intervention that Africa is experiencing many of the problems it has today.

Yeah European influences have really fucked up America too. Oh wait, the ruling class here is white like the Europeans. Yeah that explains it.

You're also overlooking something: Contrary to what you may believe, it actually is possible that Africans could have decided to go elsewhere without having to be enslaved by white people to do it. They are smart enough to build boats, to migrate, etc. And many of them already do: Lots of Africans come to the United States, and even more migrate to Israel to look for work that will pay better than what they have at home. But hey, I guess they all need white people to take them places in order to go anywhere, right?

Um I may not be able to word it as well as your high and mighty ass can do but I did ask if "white" policy was a reason for the state of Africa today. Africans may go other places but that had nothing to do with my question. I wanted to know if they felt they'd be better off had they stayed in Africa. How you go from "stayed" to "leaving" is beyond me. If I had wanted to know if they would have stayed in Africa I would have asked that.

I feel this is quite a legitimate answer. I hope you think about it, rather than dismissing it. As I said earlier, I'm not a black person, but I am a social scientist, and minority to boot.

You like to start shit don't you? I asked all these questions because I didn't know the answers to them.

I have some American Indian in my blood and I take great pride in that fact regardless of how it got there. It's a part of who I am. So please stop with all the blonde haired blue eyed prejudiced attitude you think I have. I happen to have hazel eyes and brown hair.


Now tell me how I claim my heritage just so I can be cool or some other shit.

 

[hydrex]

Well being a black woman in canada i can tell you that jesus was black.
we are closely intwined with the egyptians you know, thats why we do so love our "bling, bling".
as for our countries not doing so well it's because of the horrible downfall in the 80's. We have yet to recover.

I've seen your pussy and I don't care if your black, brown, red, white, or green. It's all pink on the inside.

 

[bill-pix-trade]

Well being a black woman in canada i can tell you that jesus was black.
we are closely intwined with the egyptians you know, thats why we do so love our "bling, bling".
as for our countries not doing so well it's because of the horrible downfall in the 80's. We have yet to recover.

Jesus was black, and Santa may be too, but I know for a fact the the Easter Bunny is white. Ok the E. fucking B. is white. I don't want to hear another thing about it.

 

[hydrex]

Jesus was black, and Santa may be too, but I know for a fact the the Easter Bunny is white. Ok the E. fucking B. is white. I don't want to hear another thing about it.

Most rabbits I've seen are brown though there are black rabbits too. Bugs Bunny is white and gray though.

What about the tooth fairy? White, black, brown or what?

Santa, being from the North Pole, is more like an Eskimo.

 

[Guest]

You like to start shit don't you? I asked all these questions because I didn't know the answers to them.

I have some American Indian in my blood and I take great pride in that fact regardless of how it got there. It's a part of who I am. So please stop with all the blonde haired blue eyed prejudiced attitude you think I have. I happen to have hazel eyes and brown hair.


Now tell me how I claim my heritage just so I can be cool or some other shit.

Hey, you asked for a legitimate answer, and I gave you one. And the sarcasm on my part is because your post sure came across as being one heck of a racist post. Now, obviously it's harder to tell people's intentions when you're just reading, and not talking to someone face to face. But to me, it sounded a lot like, "Why are all these black people whining? They should be grateful."

I don't know if that's how it appeared to others, but that's how it appeared to me. My apologies if that's not what you meant.

Anyway, sarcasm aside, I did answer your questions legitimately. And I'm glad that you asked them, because it's always good to learn things. And no, I'm not trying to start anything.

p.s.
If you didn't want a legitimate answer, you shouldn't have asked for one.

 

[bill-pix-trade]

Most rabbits I've seen are brown though there are black rabbits too. Bugs Bunny is white and gray though.

What about the tooth fairy? White, black, brown or what?

I am not an expert on fairies, tooth or other.

 

[iceblackeyes]

Someone mentioned something in another thread that brought something back to my attention and I'd like to ask the black people of Lit what they think about it.

What's with some black people claiming they are, or rather their ancestors, were Egyptian royalty? Last time I saw an Egyptian they looked more medium brown colored than black.
I know Egypt is on the African continent but that hardly means Ancient Egyptians were any different color than they are today.
Even if ancient Egyptians were black that hardly makes all of them royalty. It's kind of like saying if your of British decent you must be related to the King and Queen.

Also I know some blacks like to say Jesus was black, but honestly I have never seen a Jewish person that looked black. I know whites have always portrayed Jesus as white and that's not right either but if you look at Jeruselum today I think you'd honestly have to say the skin color is closer to white than it is to black.

One more thing. Do you honestly believe that if there had been no slavery that blacks in Africa would be better off than they are today? There are black run countries now and they don't seem to be doing so well. Maybe it's because of trade or maybe it's because of in-fighting or even somehow related to whites not having much to do with Africa and it's economy.

Legitimate answers please.

If a black person claims that their ancestors were Egyptian royalty and you don't believe it because of the color of their skin, why don't you do a check instead of coming to a conclusion without investigation?

I truly believe Jesus was neither white nor black. The only way we can know the actual color of his skin is if we knew what color his father's skin is. We can't just judge by the color of Mary's skin.

 

[bill-pix-trade]

Hey, you asked for a legitimate answer, and I gave you one. And the sarcasm on my part is because your post sure came across as being one heck of a racist post. Now, obviously it's harder to tell people's intentions when you're just reading, and not talking to someone face to face. But to me, it sounded a lot like, "Why are all these black people whining? They should be grateful."

I don't know if that's how it appeared to others, but that's how it appeared to me. My apologies if that's not what you meant.

Anyway, sarcasm aside, I did answer your questions legitimately. And no, I'm not trying to start anything.

Why is asking a question racists? Questions like this are good to discuss. Education and lowering of the ignorance level is a good thing. I think he phrased the question awkwardly, but this is can be an award issue for some of us.

 

[Killswitch]

I cant find the article online but a while ago didnt Oprah claim to be ancestors with some egyptian or african royalty and was totally shot down by the government of that country who said....ahhhh, no. You arent.