I've always been curious about how black immigrant populations interact with the larger community of US-born blacks.
In my dad's case, not at all. I've never seen him, on his own, invite an African American to his house without them being attached to a Nigerian/West African.
To be fair, my father has never invited a white man over.
My mother invites all sorts of blacks (And a few whites over, along with other races) but she rarely invites people.
Regarding interaction, It's odd. My parents have a sort of mixed relationship with African-Americans.
For example, my father will say for one not to act as if they are from ghetto if my sister's room is messy.
He also says he wishes black people of Chicago took advantage of the opportunities they have. He was born in relative lower class (Compared to America) and says that if he had 1/10th of the opportunities they had, he would be more successful.
It's hard demonstrating how a point can be both right and wrong. Yes, people have much opportunity. But it is all for waste if the mindset is that there is no point in trying to succeed because of racism, or if they had a bad environment.
Although, relations have not always been congenial. Why just yesterday, as we drove to a comcast center to turn in a cable box, a woman foolishly attempted to cut in front of us in a turn lane out of nowhere. When we continued driving, she reels down her window and shouts "You dirty African!". She was African-American. My father just shook his head and said that it is not the first time that has happened.
Being a U.S. born Nigerian, I straddle both sides of this divide, considering Nigerians are the most successful group in the U.S. while African-Americans are the least. I don't have any qualms regarding African-Americans, and do not particularly feel superior to them. However, the majority of physical and verbal racism of my life has come from African-Americans. A pity.
Yep. Happened to my mom and most of my relatives and family friends when they showed up here. Some are still haven't got theirs.
My dad went to a HBCU; he knew the drill.
Way easier said than done. And frankly, that mentality is flawed too. It carries very little critical thinking/social awareness.
It's why I always get worried/annoyed by the "kid gets accepted to all Ivy League" stories. They don't understand what culture they are getting into and will be assimilated into.
Way easier to churn out more Thomas' and Lemons' than Lorde's and Morrison's.
This represents a divide I believe. My parents were admiring of the Ghanian kid who got into all of those schools. They view it as one of the best things possible. I too approve of his success. However, I can see your point.
The "education above all else" has its benefits and downfalls. Some may view only accepting an A as harsh, but I can't say I don't appreciate their accelerated teaching now. Of course, I struggle to see the lack of critical thinking and social awareness involved. Education can't solve all problems naturally, but it does provide a certain advantage.
