The problem of self-hate
Johnny Banter,Youthlink Writer

They say money makes the world go around. Well, so does discrimination, although it's more commonly viewed as being selective. Either way, most of our problems are self-induced, even though we may not realise it.

Race and wealth

It is fascinating, intriguing rather, to see how our minds have adapted so effortlessly to overlooking instances of class discrimination in schools. It has become such a way of life that no one really pays attention any more. Hmm ... pity.

I saw a group of boys the other day; first-formers, about four of them. The one in the centre (the top dog) was of light complexion. From the look of things, it seems his parents have money, as if his complexion isn't enough, but I digress. To his left was his right-hand man, part-Indian. He had his right hand firmly on top dog's shoulder and, as far as I'm concerned, that's a clear display of subordination right there. At the other end was an Asian; brand-name glasses, braces ... enough said. Now, I can't compete with that kind of social standing.

These young ones come to school with like $3,000 per day and I would rather not deal with the inferiority complex I would have to suffer as a result of that. Therefore, it bothers me a bit to see the fourth boy lagging behind; dark skin, meagre, struggling with an overstuffed bag. We need to stop doing this to ourselves.

She is not her hair ... 'cause it's fake!

I was channel surfing last week when I stumbled upon The Game on BET and caught a bit of dialogue that sounded like this:

Tasha (to Kelly): Well, at least he has a mama who cares. Not like that poor child you let walk around with a torn up afro because you know less than nothing about black hair!

Kelly: It sure doesn't look like you know a whole lot about black hair either, considering most of your hair came from Korea!

Now, in terms of the context in which all this was said, it was funny. However, if you look at the bigger picture, it doesn't say much about black women and their personal pride. Women of African descent don't seem to like their own hair and they go through the pressing, curling, weaving, wig-wearing and what not just to get 'the look'. I don't know that many people, but I've never seen an Asian, Caucasian or Latino woman caught up in all that. What makes it worse is that the hair many black women use isn't from Korea; it's cheap Chinese plastic! How sad.

I see the light

I'm not sure why, but I've always had a problem with people who believe that 'dark-skin' people bleach to become white; it bothers me.

First, no one is white in this world. I'm not too good with classifying shades, let's just make that clear, but no one is fully white; at best you will find 'off-white' or something, but not straight white.

Second, it irritates me when they try to play with our minds by saying that those who are light-skinned want to look like us and that's why they tan and all. That's most erroneous! If we don't want to look like ourselves, why would anyone want to look like us? Seriously, think about these things, people.

Here's the plain truth: Those who tan and engage in skin-lightening activities are all hoping to achieve a visually appealing balance that exists somewhere in a lighter shade of brown. That's all. I'm not saying that I'm condoning this, because there's the whole thing about skin cancer and such, but let's broaden our spectrum of thought, yes?