I am black, an African American. Yet, the classification of what and who is black is a subject that is disputed among people within the African American community. I established my definition of being black from my experiences. The Merriam-Webster dictionary describes the term African American as, “an American of African and especially of black African descent (“African-American”).” However, some describe African Americans by the pigment of a person’s skin. Others may reference the texture and style of hair as the essential features of an African American. Then, there are societal standards that describe behavior that is connected to race. When people are allowed to be black on their own terms, people will no longer feel excluded from an inclusive community.
As a brown, black girl, there are negative stereotypical characteristics that I must avoid portraying myself as. Black women may be thought of as loud, ignorant, and angry. I judge other women of color for fitting a stereotype that I have struggled to stay away from. I often find myself in a position of being the ambassador of all African Americans while in the middle of a racial conversation without any other people of color.
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Hair comes in all textures. Many African Americans have kinky hair; there are also many that do not. My hair is kinky and course, a trait I inherited from my parents. Since my hair is kinkier and thicker than others, I had to learn how to take care of it. I styled my hair in braids and twist outs. I had to learn what products to use in my hair, and I had to learn how to style my thick locks. Hair texture is often thought to be a defining feature of the race. However, texture varies from person to person. Hair is an individual feature that is inherited from