Defining Happy

I never really thought of my blogging as being a part of a movement or a portal into how black people or black women are perceived around the world but I’ve received emails from a few people who think otherwise. I’m reading that I’m tackling some heavy issues that most people don’t often speak about. There are a few things that I hate to go into detailed discussions about; religion, politics, and the whole “black” thing. Give me a minute to explain the latter before you press the X at the upper right hand of your screen.

I’ve mentioned before on this blog that I HATE it when black people use their race as an excuse for not getting ahead or trying things. I think although some things may be more difficult to attain WE can achieve anything any one else can. Point blank period. In regard to this whole black travel ridiculousness I think it’s all pure ignorance. People who make assumptions an entire race of people based on something they’ve read in a magazine or have seen on TV are ignorant. I’ve been called Rihanna (stop laughing) about 17 times during my travels and instead of saying hello people scream “Jamaica” or “Africa” and laugh. I never wanted to be on some ol’ black power mission while traveling but I swear I’m going to start asking these people why laughing is a natural reaction when seeing someone that has a different appearance. Or grabbing their bags and running to the other side of the street seems like appropriate behavior.  I hate to generalize and don’t want people to think that their experiences will be similar to mine. I am in fact walking around with an afro and dark skin but I’m sure they’ve seen that image on the front of a t-shirt or something and assumed I must be on drugs and a thief.  Little do they know that out of this grungy backpacker attire a sista can rock a mean 5 inch heel with a suit that is tailored to perfection.  I’m just sayin’

At the end of the day travel in and of itself can be extremely stressful no matter what race, creed or color you may be. Add in the cultural differences, extreme weather, and the unexpected nonsense and it can be stressful times ten.  I am far from naive but I promise I never thought my color would be a huge factor during my travels.  It never once crossed my mind to be perfectly honest. Being that my skin color has had some what of a negative impact on my travel experience to an extent I’m dying to dig deeper.  To find out more and dispel any rumors or myths about black people that people may have.  Although my patience has been tested a few times by negative comments or gestures I absolutely refuse to end my travels because of a handful of ignorant people.  I’m determined to see what I came to see and do the things I came to do.  I plan to do that with my head held high and a smile on my face.  OK OK..maybe with the occasional “WTF” look. You guys know if I do any more than that my Mom will have to call President Obama and take up a collection at church to help get my behind out of a foreign jail. I don’t want to put her through that kind of stress. 😉

At the end of the day it makes no sense for me to respond ignorantly to ignorance. What I will do is school a nucca (<– Translation: What I can do is educate someone) on how to properly treat a human being that just so happens to be black.

I’m striving to be the change I want to see in this world.