The Disadvantages of Black Culture

Growing up black in the Caribbean I have come to understand is quite similar to growing up black anywhere else. As a child you are told to behave a particular way and your parents and family members have certain expectations of you. Whether meant in a good or bad way, quite a bit of the culture passed on has some negative connotations and too often comes from a place of tradition and misinformation.

There is a high degree of poor communication or misinformed communication in black homes. Often, parents do not communicate clearly with their children or have conversations to help them to develop basic articulation and self-expression skills. Children are often told to leave adult conversations and pick up a book. Insulting, telling a child to “shut up" or name calling is not how we should communicate. I have witnessed children from other racial groups having conversations with adults and they are very smart, witty, controlled and articulate in their speech and actions. They are encouraged and not babied with words or tones. They are spoken to as the parent would with any adult. Why can we not do the same for our children? Encourage conversations with them, they will need these very same communication skills later in life. It all starts in the home.

Slavery happened and it continues to happen but when are we going to realize that we can change the narrative within our homes? The negativity that you portray is being recognized as normal. No, it is not normal. Your children are not dishwashers, housecleaners ATM machines, punching bags or rascals that need to be whipped. That is what was taught to you by your parents who endured slavery and assumed “this is the right way" but it is not. We have to do some introspection and clearly examine the things we say, our behaviors and attitude towards our children. Do not allow your children to grow up believing certain toxic behaviors are normal and acceptable.

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