ASSIMILATING: Adapting to our surroundings

[brothermoon]

Intelligent and thoughful - great job, man. Multiculturalism and identity politics push segregation even further by encouraging composition of groups by race, class, gender, sexual orientation, etc.

Assimilation doesn't mean that immigrants reject and discontinue the traditions and cultural ideas of their country of origin. The correct interpretation is the embrace of the language of the country they've immigrated to and the BLENDING of that culture into their lives. Adaptation is a good thing.

[SylviaNCali]

Smart people learn how to adapt to their environment. It's OK for us to want to hold on to our own culture, but it is true if we live in America or are Americans, we should try to appreciate the good in it and celebrate that.

[DeeJana]

oh what you cooking?

[DeeJana]

Chi, thanks for another great vid.I can definitely say that i know what you are talking about because i have experienced that kind of change.Growing up in a different country with different way of living, different rules, language etc. made my life in Germany not so easy until the day when i decided to adapt. Today im something like germanized...LOL

I travel a lot and even when i do that i like to adapt. i dont like to be seen as a dumb tourist.

CHAMELEON style ;-)

CHAMELEON

[VIDEOTUBEASSASSIN]

Well thats one perception. But our history is not as flowery! Since America's begining we have kept our heritage seperate from the general population, and we have survived! Go to China town, Hell's kitchen, Little Italy, Brighton Beach, Haight and Ashbury in San Fransisco! Whats not American is forcing "anyone morals, ethics, or beleifs on some one else!

[Jwriter4]

wow AWESOME vid!!!!!!

[VampiressOnDaProwl]

thanks CHI and thanks J. this is right on.

i agree with CHI.

you're not a "sell out" by assimilating in general.

there are ways to "sell out". and you'll recognize those when they present themselves in life. like a fork in the road, which path you take. which is ethical? which require too much sacrifice what you hold dear, surrender too much identity, to assimilate. choices that shape who you become.

it's not who you were or who you are now, that matter.

but who you're always becoming.

[NativeDialect]

To that end, it is even interesting to note the inversion of such self hate. More Caucasians engage in sunbathing to darken their skin. They get coligen (a toxin) injections to engorge their lips. Implants to shape out their figures. The best possible solution is to not behave like others or to look like them. It is to accept who and what you are and where you came from, while at the same time, refraining from disrepspecting those who are different. That is what we need to embrace.

[eyesonly654]

tolerance is hard to find in a world where people continualy separate themselves through the belief that they are supposed to.

[NativeDialect]

When Blacks get upset over Black women perming their hair, it is because they are denied an informed sense of self love. They are not prepared to understand that shorter and curlier hair can also be beautiful. We are constantly faced with images of Caucasian beauty. Very rarely do we see the beauty of other ethnic groups let alone other cultures. It is debatable, but skin lightening, eyelid surgery, perms...they are all subtle forms of self hate.

[Underestimatedlady]

black hair isnt always short- it can grow rather long without the chemicals- such as in dreads and long afros- and yes the beauty standard is based on whites- and many people have been damaged in the process lil kim and michael jackson are just to name a few-

[eyesonly654]

I know black women with long loose curls who have them naturally, but if we continue to look at this as a black/white issue we're never going to find an answer to this "problem." I believe it should be looked upon as an individual struggle to adapt to societial norms. Michael Jacksno is the way he is because he could possibly have an identity issue, not necessarily a racial identity issue.

[NativeDialect]

For those who voluntarily migrate here, it should be expected that they adapt. When in Rome, do as the Romans. But what of those who were destroyed by the likes of Slavery (Africans) and Manifest Destiny (Native Americans and Mexicans)? Why should they abandon their past and who that makes them? So they can become like those who did all in their power, to destroy what they represented? Life is about respecting difference. Not about blurring it to fit one perspective.

[NativeDialect]

Assimilation into the idea of being American, means to abandon all that you are. Why should a person have to be named Todd or Stacy? Why can't they be Ali Asheed or Xuan Li? Why must we all dress the way the white population does? Why must we speak exactly as they do? Assimilation isn't about taking part in the dominant culture. Assimilation is about abandoning all you are, in favor of being like them. Their names, their interests.

[NativeDialect]

The problem with assimilation is that even if other cultures are are absorbed into the American paradigm, the progenitors lose out, while Whites prosper the idea. Case in point, rock music. It began as a Black form of music. Through assimilation, it has shifted in appeal and status. It is no longer viewed as Black music. Assimilation is almost kin to gentrification.

[earth817]

I agree, this brother is lost, western education will fuck you up without knowledge of self.

[MDuneier]

Hip hop is part of American culture no matter what anybody says. The most popular music on the PLANET was birthed right here in the most powerful nation on EARTH!!!!!

[sexysyfy]

I love your videos, you educated me to think outside of the box, and I thank you for that CHI:)

[blackberryjuice1]

A lot of groups who have so-called "assimilated" into American culture do proclaim themselves as white. That is the history of assimilation into American culture is assimilation into whiteness, one example of which was pointed out in Noel Ignatiev's "How the Irish Became White". There really was no white race before America, and the whole "melting pot" concept was centered on the concept of whiteness. Many Cubans and even some Mexicans who have proudly "assimilated" call themselves "white".

[blackberryjuice1]

All of this is to say that the process of assimilation into American culture and the (ever-expanding) concept of whiteness wherein groups intentionally align themselves into the American racial hierarchy are historically connected. The idea of "assimilation" amongst blacks as "becoming white" did not just pop out of the hysterical black imagination but is rooted in social evidence.

[rafael28]

latin invasion

somehow im not offended, lol

[ForChangeMovement]

LOL... Well if you must know.. I am half Puerto Rican. I didnt mean it to be offensive...

[earth817]

You are not just adapting you have shit talked every aspect of black culture while uplifting the euro-centric doctrine.Oh by the way I am college educated but I do have knowledge of self. Oh and research those who you wish to assimilate with, and you will notice they are not that great.

[righteouslady]

To elaborate on the dilema of assimulate vs. multiculturalism, as I stated before both ways you adapt to the situation, assimulation is to take on another's culture where as multiculturalism preserves your own. To me a perfect example of multiculturalism is the 60's. Our hair, dress was all different which bound us to our African culture.

[chicago2005]

RL, outstanding points my sister. Know that the Afro American race will never be able to assimilate like the other minority groups in this country. I believe history has proven this as fact for some time now. I would go with multiculturalism myself verses assimilation in totality. How many so-called minority groups come to America and loose their culture to Western ways. It can be viewed here in MN as we have just about every culture under the sun in this state.

[righteouslady]

I will agree that everyone assimilates to some degree. I went to the grocery store to get some food not get a spear and hunt. And I think that it is actually more american to be multicultural. Because it is a pot stew thrown together. But in this stew I dont want all my food tasting like carrots. It's a richer stew if I can taste all the flavors of the food. In other words America is more rich because it has blacks, hispanics, italians, etc.

[ForChangeMovement]

I agree. And if you listen to what i am saying, you will realize that my thoughts mirror yours in this respect. I believe in the multicultural thing that we have here in America. Assimilation is adapting. If you believe it to be something else, then it will be that, in your mind. but to me it is just adapting...

[earth817]

What you believe it to be and how it is played out in Amerikka are two different things. You are right we must adapt to survive but in America asimilation means to discard your own and except this. Your caught in between text book definitions and reality. And there is alot more to being P.Rican than just being spanish, read about the natives who were there before europeans( spanish is a european language, spain is in europe) and see what assimilation did to them.

[righteouslady]

I have a problem with this video, my brotha. Assimilation is not only to adapt but it is adapting by conformity to the point that you take on the dominating culture obsuring your own. There is in psychology and science the mental fight of assimulation vs. multiculturalism. There are many ways that one can adapt but these are two that are opposed to each other. I believe that we must keep our own culture or a better word is to preserve it.

[ForChangeMovement]

The only way you would be able to successfully keep your own culture and not adapt would be to separate yourself from America. Eventually cultures do die out. They evolve. Thats the way of the world. You may not like that, but it is what it is. By all means hang on to your own. But learn to embrace others as well.

[ForChangeMovement]

Just today a woman died ins Alaska. She was the last living person to speak a certain language. When she died the language died with her. There are many other ancient languages that have died as well. Thats called evolution...

[righteouslady]

My brotha you are not be advocating the extinction of your own culture, are you? And evolution is survival of the fittest. To say that is to say that the caucasian culture is better and therefore we must become white. My brother dont believe the hype. And we can adapt and retain our own culture. Example again the 60's and 70's in that time we as blacks own more businesses, than today. There is nothing wrong with that.

[ForChangeMovement]

I never said that at all. What I said is that cultures mesh with one another and blend. We are a part of American culture. We have added our flavor to the mix. Its not about white & black... Its about American culture. America is a mix of many different cultures that will continue to grow and change every single day. Assimilating may mean that we learn spanish one day. Thats not white. Whits have latched on to many of our cultures... It is what it is. A BIG MIXTURE OF CULTURES...

[righteouslady]

I think that we are differing in the actual application of the word assimilation. It is as you say to take in as your own. The thing is if you take it as your own yours is gone. This is where we differ. An example of multiculturalism is the use of the term African American. An example of assimilation is the dropping of African from that term. And again that does a disservice to America and what it claims to be.

[ForChangeMovement]

That doesnt make sense. I have taken many things as my own without ridding myself of my old ways. Take for instance standard English. But i also use slang... Im not ridding myself of either just beacuse i have taken on something new.

Or how about spanish. I am trying to learn to speak Spanish. But i wont abandon english one I speak fluently in spanish...

[RAMAL700]

you have 5times of subscribers and his vids do more thatm your to show people love him. your vids are not getting hits and you have 200 subs. let it go watch it will die down! unsubscribed

[RAMAL700]

every body could see if you was in his face he would of beat oyu to death . so let peace over come with them stop promoting it. they are black you doing what the white man is doing. LOST RESPECT

[RAMAL700]

it's dark so i can't see what i'm typing so be a man and let to people work it out and stop promoting fights amongst the two.

[RAMAL700]

I don't know what type oof private relatinship yall have but if you was a real man you would not get in it. I don't know if this is your boyfriend or what

[RAMAL700]

All you doind is adding gas to the flame. that guy is for his people. Reborn attacked him first and he done what any man will do defend himself

[TheDreamReborn]

I have never attacked anyone. I have never even seen this individual before he made a response to my video. He followed up his response video with another video in which he primarily attacked me and my country. Could you please show proof of me attacking this person before or after he made these videos?

[RAMAL700]

you say you are so smart but you act dumb by attacking a guy who did not start the beef. If you were a real man you will stay quit and let two men work out the problem

[RAMAL700]

just because a person has you on their page you feel you have the right to rescue a person. you are a boy i have no more respect for you.

[macadie114]

this guy is a fag bitch stay in your place fag.

[BeYouBeTru]

One question is that the hood behind u. Why is it way over there? Just kidding! lol I see u r remodeling and I like the the stove/oven and granite countertops. I'm sure the kithen is going to be really nice once u'r done. I've always like cherrywood cabinets and real pretty porcelain backsplash. Do u have room for an island? I'm sorry I love home improvement. I'm also upgrading! Now I will listen to your vid!

[ForChangeMovement]

LOL... Thats not granite. Granite is expensive. Thats just tile. In the spot where the stove is there used to be a refrigerator. The old stove was under the hood. A friend of mine did the cabinets on the bottom. The top ones need to be replaced with cabinets that he has been designing... He did it all out of cedar wood. There is an island but its just a cheap store bought Island.

[MRBACKWARDZ]

Yeah I agree with you 100% I see mad brothers with gold teeth and pants sagging down to their knees complain about not being ableto get jobs or be proted at their low paying job I mean what do you think White cultue, which is the dominat cuture in America doesn't respect that so you must adapt or asimilate to get ahead...to an extent at least.

[wsm34]

your saying it so staright for so many people..I feel like you I am black and work hard becoming an engineer..and when others tell me about being pushed down and I ask them "by who??"..I am black as hell but I make things go my way..If you cant make it in the U.S..tell me where can you make it??? good job..

[ForChangeMovement]

I posted a video asking who. Comments with any real answers were few and far between. People told stories about police pulling them over, or that one job they couldnt get etc. Nothing preventing them from reaching their goals though.

Blacks in the US make more money than blacks in any other country. Period. The opportunities are here. Just have to prepare yourself to take advantage. Cant squander time away.

[MissLady212]

I agree, assimilation is the act of gaining the acquired "skills or traits", in an environment thats completely new to you for survival. Just as the animals in the wild, it's a game of "survival of the fittest".

[MalcomAP]

U know what the only brain-washed blacks R the ones who think disobeying the laws, staying outta school are brain-washed I don't get why successful or middle-class blacks say the white an i holding them down though? Also the ones who agree with everything Sharpton & Jackson says

[ForChangeMovement]

The truth is that if we dont agree on definitions then we are going to bump heads. Im beginning to see the reason why El-Hajj Malik Shabazz spent all that time learning the dictionary...

[305636]

there are many who had and still have a freed slave culture. the didn't embrace it and don't today it was thrust upon them and weighs heavily on them today. (i'm whining now right) someone tell me there is no freed slave culture.

[RevolutionaryINK]

Chi, I read a comment you wrote and you asked, "Who is America?". I think that is a good point. WE ARE AREADY AMERICA and our CULUTURE is American Culture. I Think that people aren't nessisarily rejecting American culture, I think they are just reject those aspects of the culture that they deem negative. That would be considered self preservation. For Instance, Fatherless homes, lack of Unity or curupt government practices can be deemed American can culture.

[RevolutionaryINK]

I still would like a Solid example of Assimilating into American Culture. An example of a negative assimilation practice would be the fact that Asians now have this new surgery that they get were they can get their Eyelids cut and it will open their eyes more to look more American.

[RevolutionaryINK]

That is a an attempt to assimilate but it isn't nessisarily positive. I know that was an extreme example but I am just trying to get you to give me example that you would consider positive. Learning spanish isn't assimilating to American culture, that is America embracing latin culture.

[RevolutionaryINK]

And FOR ANYONE ELSE READING, I have noticed a sort of attack on people that consider themselves "Pro-Black". I'll just say that individuals the berate other so-called Blacks that have embraced things like PERMING for example, are not "Pro-black", they are "pro-their-own-agenda".

[RevolutionaryINK]

Advising someone about the unhealthy practices that they embrace is diffrent from totally trashing an individual for not knowing, the way that guy did QUEEN LATIFAH in his videos, that CHI responded to a little while ago. "Pro- Black" is loving all blacks regardless, That other stuff is Hitler-esque.

[ForChangeMovement]

Good point.

[ForChangeMovement]

Yes, but that Latin culture will then become American.

Understand that whatever someone or something assimilates to, actually becomes a part of them. So if America accepts Spanish as a language, then Spanish is then a part of American culture. Even America can assimilate.

[ForChangeMovement]

How about someone coming from another country that may not have the facilities to give them as good of an education as they could get here. Say that person assimilates and gets a medical degree here. Then they take that education and bring it back to their home country. Would that not be a positive example of assimilation? Im just getting up so my mind couldnt come up with much. LOL

[mzsuzuki]

What type of assimilation is that?

[305636]

that's infiltration.

[fuckuwanabpolitician]

Revolutionary I think you are clear about the meaning of Assimilation. Kudos to you sir for doing proper research before speaking.

[LOOKB4ULEAPBIOTCH]

THATS REAL TALK REVOLUTIONARYINK!

[Pythomyst]

Theres alot of truth in this video. I do agree, but you were wrong about hip hop being all rebal in a nut shell. This is a sterio type that doesn't fit every artist. The rest I pretty much agree with. You should check out my page.

[YanniChibaba]

you see thats the difference between the say chinese people in america and the blacks or natives of america. some came by choice and did get to embrace having and merging there two cultures together while others where taught to forget themselves and their people and learn there new place in the white mans world. yes there are many different forms of assimilation but hich actually needs to be bought up when discussing black issues?

[YanniChibaba]

im fairly sure the slaves being herded into ships didnt get to choose wether the wanted to "assimilate" into american culture they where taught not to speak their native toungue opressed from really anything that reinded them of their homeland dancing, religious beliefs etc...

[RevolutionaryINK]

It is kind of hard to embrace assimilation these days when Society has been forcing us to assimilate since they assimilated us into their cotton feilds. You stated, "The only way you could survive is to adapt." Just for arguements sake, many slaves didn't assimilate they rebelled and some died but some broke free.

[RevolutionaryINK]

It is difficult to embrace assimilation when that is the only choice we are given. Society will not allow us to co-exsist and not assimilate. How is that beautiful? And does America really want us to assimilate? And If so, what is their version of Our assimilating? Also what is your version of our assimilating, specifically?

[RevolutionaryINK]

Also being that we have only been here, how do we have to assimilate if this is what we were born into and it is all we've ever known. We are as American as anyone else, regardless of how we live our lives individually. You never had to assimilate while you were in your own home, growing up. If you moved in with someone else then you would but if you lived at home with the fam all of your life. There would be no assimilation nessasary.

[RevolutionaryINK]

The questions in the 2nd comment aren't rhetorical, I really would like to see your answers for those. Also sorry for the long comments, but You know what it is like when you wanna get alotta stuff out. Thanks for the great topic to disscus tho. Peace Brother.

[ForChangeMovement]

Well thats why I explained that there is your culture that is under the umbrella of American culture. You understand. I know im confusing it a bit. Reading the comments i can tell I may not have been as clear as i had wished.

[ForChangeMovement]

Your culture may be different from mine. If i came to your house and you like for people to take off their shoes in your house, then i have to assimilate to the "culture" of your home. Embrace it, even if its just while i am there. I would be rude to come in with shoes on.

[ForChangeMovement]

Wow. Great questions. 1)My point was that Living in America it is beautiful that people can embrace their own culture and eventually add it the the flavor of the American culture. Culture here is constantly evolving. 2&3)Well who is America? Arent we all? As an American do you want to be able to understand people around you? To share a dialect? To Share the fact that you have things in common, but also share your differences...

[ForChangeMovement]

4) Assimilating to me is making something your own. For instance Yoga, is something that came from India. For many Americans it is a part of their everyday routine. It has become their culture. They assimilated and embraced something from another place and made it theirs. Some assimilation, obviously is voluntary while some may be mandatory for communicating or even survival. So it is easy to see that many may not embrace it.

[ForChangeMovement]

I think here in America it is okay to be yourself. But at the same time there is a universal "way" to do some things here in America. Paying taxes when you work for instance, or obeying the law. Laws differ from country to country & even state to state. You must assimilate if you dont want to be in violation of the law... In NYC you cant turn right on red. Its against the law. But as you and I know, it is totally legal here. You have to assimilate every time you drive up to NYC in your car.

[mzsuzuki]

Maybe its confusing to me because there are different types of assimilation and people are writing comments based upon their own definition of assimilation. #1-progressive assimilation #2 regressive assimilation #3 Reciprocal assimilation #4 Coalescence assimilation #5 partial assimilation #6 total assimilation.

[mzsuzuki]

You have either talked in your video or posted in your comments about 1 or more of the different types of assimilation..So if you are talking about #5..someone else could be thinking about #6

[ForChangeMovement]

So you are saying that my definition has changed to fit the conversations? I dont know about that. maybe i assimilated to the version of assimilation that another poster was using. LOL.

[ForChangeMovement]

Yes I realized that a while ago. LOL. Thanks for pointing that out to us MzSuzuki. it seems that we all have our own definition of the word Assimilation. I thought mine was made clear in the video, but i guess it wasnt...

[deborahbetty58]

Wow mzsuzuki, I wasn't aware of that many differentiations in concepts of assimilation. Thanks, now I'll have to wrap my head around it and d figure out the differences. As far as I can understand it for now #2 and #6 don't sound appealing to me.

[RevolutionaryINK]

Sure. I don't mind learning New languages and learning about other cultures. I plan to travel the world so those things are paramount. But for some reason I don't think that is what you had in mind as far as assimilating, just learning Spanish. As far as a people embracing their own culture, everyone one else seems to have their own except darkest Americans (that actually makes my point, someone else chose all the names we have).

[RevolutionaryINK]

We really don't have a culture except for the more recent things we have come up with. We are still trying to learn who we are, while faced with the notion of learing someone elses culture. Like I said, I would love to learn more spanish than the 4 years I took in highschool, but I am about your age and I am still trying to learn my own culture. I know Psuedo-AMerican culture like the back of my hand. I only say psuedo because it really isn't as all encompassing as people say it is.

[ForChangeMovement]

I never intended for people to rid themselfs of their own culture. What you are saying is a separate thing. Us not knowing our original culture is something that we struggle with now. We can try and retrace our history. But even if we found our true roots in Africa... if we wished to remain in America afterwards, we would still have to embrace American ways & traditions. We could then add our lost but now found traditions. They would find a way into mainstream America over time.

[ForChangeMovement]

Well see the "darkest" Americans or African Americans do have culture. Now maybe people feel that we lost our original culture though slavery. I wont dispute that and that was never my intent.

[deborahbetty58]

I concur with you, since that is why I referred in my comments to:

1. different options to choose from as well as creating them

2. your own point of reference; yourself and family

3. a measuring rod (principles of life) by which you weigh the quality of choices

4. anticipating on the benefits of choices made in the present for the future

5. discerning the qualities of the diversity within communities, being able to communicate

[deborahbetty58]

communicate on basis of respect and equality, while meeting each other on mutual (co-exist) grounds, in contrast to a single minded, closed collective which lacks diversity and respect for the variety of opinions within

6. if this is what it means to 'assimilate' than I am okay with that, yet I have my doubts if certain powerhouses in societies all around the world have this in mind when they use this terminology.

[MalcomAP]

EAB how am I making it seem like white people are the victims?

[MalcomAP]

also And remember a lot of whites were also part of the civil rights movement & killed just 4 helping us the way most black people of today persecute them as all being racist is fucked up cause the same way they generalize us when they watch BET we do the same thing with them accuse them & give them a bad rap

[IssaiasMaatra]

so basically your are saving the innocent white people from the rage of an angry black mob? how heroic. most black people dont think all white people are racist I dont know where you get your facts

[MalcomAP]

I know most black people don't think all white people are racist hello I'm 1 of them & I really have mostly black friends they don't think all white people are racist but they do have a strong hatred 4them like many black people on this site

[EastAtlantaboy]

I'm grateful for the whites that fought for us, but the rest of your comment is bullshit! Your views are bias. I can come back and ask what about the whites who are racist towards blacks. To a certain extent, I can understand blacks being racist, but not whites.

[MalcomAP]

What do u mean u can understand blacks being racist, but not whites? No one should be racist 2 anyone cause at the end of the day we all got 2 eat we all gotta sleep, drink, piss,shit & we all gonna die so 2 be racist period is stupid

[EastAtlantaboy]

Agree, but stop making it seem like white people are the victims.

[MalcomAP]

And don't forget about the Asians who are also leaving there stamp here lol but yeah I believe those who say your acting white or your brainwashed there the ones who don't even realize there the ones who are brainwashed into believing we can do everything rebellious against laws & still be successful I'm sorry 2 say it but what a bunch of dumbasses but Excellent video bro.

[mzsuzuki]

E Pluribus Unum - You mention this phrase at the beginning of your video...had to look it up...One out of, or composed of many. (The motto of the United States of America)

[mzsuzuki]

The problem I have with assimilation is when we lose ourselves while assimilating..Jewish people can assimilate and still hold onto beliefs and values that NO ONE can change. AA's who assimilate without knowing their history, who they are, what they stand for is an interesting thing. I think of the melting pot as everyone bringing their unique flavors to the stew!

[EastAtlantaboy]

That was great

[LIBERATIONUNIT]

the sad thing is we MUST lose ourselves. if not we hang on to the mentality of a people who were controlled and oppressed for centuries. tell me, what year the oppression of black people ended in the U.S.A.? that is a good question for your students. i need to know the answer so that i can move on...

i am 305636

[ForChangeMovement]

305 havent you said in in your past vids that you dont give people a chance to oppress you? You said that you are not oppressed in one of your vids. Im not understanding the switch up... Unless its for arguments sake.

How could anyone answer such a loaded question? 1st of all, we cant speak for all black people. 2nd It seems that we all use different definitions these days. You would have to define oppression.

[mzsuzuki]

No year but understand that there are people who choose not to assimilate..they follow the law but they don't adopt a lot of American norms. They only eat the food of their ethnic group, they wear traditional dress of their ethnic group, celebrate holidays, they do not allow their children to watch television or very little television. AS far as you being oppressed..you don't have the mentality of an oppressed person believe me..I have talked to oppressed people before.

[ForChangeMovement]

Assimilation is a decision. That is a very important thing to understand. Assimilating to laws isnt something that we all do. People like to pick and choose what they want to do and what they dont. Hopefully they make educated decisions. Healthy choices are important. Thats all i am saying...

No one said to abandon who you are... Just make sure that you can live a good life in the environment that surrounds you. & if you dont know who you are, get to searching!

[IssaiasMaatra]

how ever you rationalize it, assimilating is sellingout. how is that even debatable?

Did MLK preach assimilation or equality?

[TheDreamReborn]

Selling out to who?

[IssaiasMaatra]

you would know better than I. the very definition of assimilation is to become something different then what you are or to take on a new way of thinking.

[EastAtlantaboy]

Exactly, that what it seems like. I'm thinking to myself, If I was to "assimilate" the way he's talking about it, then I wouldn't be myself. Being something that you're not is not cool. The MLK reference was great.

[ForChangeMovement]

You obviously misinterpreted what I was saying then. It isnt about leaving who you are to become someone else. its about adding on embracing both.

[TheDreamReborn]

You still haven't answered my question.

[EastAtlantaboy]

Selling yourself.

[TheDreamReborn]

What question are you answering?

[EastAtlantaboy]

Yours

[TheDreamReborn]

That is not an answer to the question I asked.

[EastAtlantaboy]

That might not have been the answer you were looking for, but that was my answer to your question. You still haven't answered his question either. He asked,"Did MLK preach for assimilation or equality?

[TheDreamReborn]

If you believe that you replied to my question with that statement you need to work on your comprehension skills because that is not what I asked. And in reply to his question, MLK preached for equality. Since when did we start living by what MLK preached though?

[EastAtlantaboy]

You're incorrect. It's just not about what MLK preached, but others who preached the same things. That comment about MLK was irreverent, but I expected it.

[IssaiasMaatra]

if you are preaching assimilation often times MLK is used to justify the ideaology. but you were forced by the facts to say that he would be against that ideaology. Its kinda funny, in a sick way, that in 2008 an African American man would beg to be assimilated into another culture with so much passion and conviction.

[TheDreamReborn]

Nobody is begging. If someone is begging, then they are trying to be accepted. To assimilate is not to be accepted; it means to blend in.

[EastAtlantaboy]

To blend in?

[TheDreamReborn]

Sorry, I forgot I needed to use small words with you. Stop acting dumb bro. You claim to be a college student but you can't comprehend simple words and basic phrases.

[EastAtlantaboy]

LOL! Sorry everyone isn't as "smart" as the "DreamReborn." Keep on blending "bro"

[TheDreamReborn]

Stop trying to twist my words bro. As I told you before, that is very dangerous. A few people have already come to my channel disrespecting me because of garbage someone told them I said, but as soon as they checked out my videos they apologised because what they heard was not true. And you are avoiding the main topic as you usually do.

[EastAtlantaboy]

oooooo "dangerous"

[EastAtlantaboy]

What the hell are you talking about? No one is twisting your ill words. You act like we have a moderator, everybody's going to go off topic. We know you won't because you're "TheDreamReborn" and you're the smartest person ever.

[RevolutionaryINK]

With You being of Caribean origin, then attempting to blend in may be nessasary, but would you be asked to blend in to your native country? That wouldn't make sense, would it?. But, If you were home and you were urged to blend in to a certain governmental regime. You possibaly would be offended.

[TheDreamReborn]

You make it seem that the government is communist or something. I was asked to assimilate in my country. We have Catholics, Muslims and Hindus living side by side. We all celebrate each other's festivals. I went to a Catholic school with Hindu and Muslim kids.

[LIBERATIONUNIT]

he preached assimulation to the idea of standing against oppresion. strenghtening of the black people. he simply had a better idea than fighting with violence. using your brain works better.

i am 305636

[EastAtlantaboy]

What do you mean standing against opression? When have we fought with violence? Was this a reply to me

[ForChangeMovement]

Thats not really the definition my friend. Its really to take something as your own. You can choose whether you want to assimilate or not. Its not about becoming someone other than yourself. Its just adding on to who you are. Again people... Its not erasing who you were prior to assimilation. Its only an addition... At least thats how I see it.

I think peoples point of view on this issue is quite telling...

[LIBERATIONUNIT]

i agree. if it's adding to who you are. how do you expect those who were captives and servants for generations to be something other than a well adjusted captive and servant. if slavery and oppression of black people didn't exist we seem foolish for looking at racism as a reason for our struggles, today. what if it did exist for five hundred years?

i am 305636

[ForChangeMovement]

I expect people whose Ancestors Ancestors Ancestors were slaves to do what their Ancestors ancestors have done...Follow me? Strive for more! Generations just out of slavery were extremely hardworking and not always screaming VICTIM all day long. They built schools, fought & died to get education, fought and died to basically "assimilate".

[ForChangeMovement]

I cant disrespect everything that they did for me and neither should anyone else. Sitting here complaining about being oppressed isnt what they would have done. Thats not the spirit of our ancestors. They didnt wait for racism to end...

[EastAtlantaboy]

This is so confusing!!! I disagree.

[ForChangeMovement]

How can you disagree with something that you are confused about brother. Come to an understanding first and then make a decision.

[LOOKB4ULEAPBIOTCH]

Assimilate; to take in as one own; to bring into conformity with the customs attitudes etc., of a group

[fuckuwanabpolitician]

You are talking in circles young man. I suggest you do some research about Cultural Assimilition before you attempt to do a video.. I suspect you had good intentions although you lack the necessary education.

I will give you an E for effort young man.

[EastAtlantaboy]

Majority of blacks are black first and American second. Blacks are doing whatever they can to distance themselves from the Europeans to find their own identity. That's how it was, blacks didn't want to be like their oppressors. I'm not to fond of assimilating. What happened to being yourself?

[deborahbetty58]

Oh, one more thing I was thinking of an appropriate other name for yet an other channel for you: 'forachallengemovement', meant as a compliment.

[ForChangeMovement]

ForChanllengemovement huh? LOL... Why the challenge? Do you think i am constantly challenging people? LOL

[deborahbetty58]

I don't know about constantly, yet I do know you challenge my thought processing, which is good. Thank you for that. :-)

[deborahbetty58]

So you will be able to anticipate what benefit it, the assimilation process will bring into the present and the future. Yet a caution towards collective uniformity which has very different qualities from unity within the diversity of communities. Since the latter are still finding mutual grounds to meet one another on.

[deborahbetty58]

A chameleon mind set? I have a bit of reserve towards the concept of 'assimilation' when the definition is offered to you without any input on your own behalf. You need a variety of options to choose from in order to form your own certain degree of conviction to get a foothold on your concept by which you feel comfortable with, in relation to the dynamics process of assimilation.

[EastAtlantaboy]

Right, I am a little fishy about the word "assimilation" too.

[deborahbetty58]

Still, you need a point of reference, your family and yourself most likely, a measuring rod (principles of life), by which you can measure and weigh the quality of the options. I wanted to add this part of my comment, cuz I forgot.

[MalcomAP]

also And remember a lot of whites were also part of the civil rights movement & killed just 4 helping us the way most black people of today persecute them as all being racist is fucked up cause the same way they generalize us when they watch BET we do the same thing with them accuse them & give them a bad rap

[Panacea101]

You are an idiot, you know that? Those Whites who were killed just 4 helping "us" were killed by other Whites. You said that "Most" black people of today persecute "them" meaning White, Most Blacks? Where are you getting that statistic from? You are an idiot, Bwizer was right about you!

[no1butmenotu]

Excellent video.

[MalcomAP]

And don't forget about the Asians who are also leaving there stamp here lol but yeah I believe those who say your acting white or your brainwashed there the ones who don't even realize there the ones who are brainwashed into believing we can do everything rebellious against laws & still be successful I'm sorry 2 say it but what a bunch of dumbasses but Excellent video bro.

[khammurabi]

Good vid.

[TheDreamReborn]

Excellent video bro. Video Response coming soon. Peace.

[YourDailyApple]

preach it babes

[madics12]

First Post and view. I agree with your comment. It is just some of us are just stuck in our ways and are afraid of change. Nice kitchen but what is up with your vent hood? Isn't it suppose to be over the stove and did it come with the house?

[TheDreamReborn]

I challenge you to a "first post" battle. The war is on!!! LOL. It's not that some of us are stuck in our ways. There are just a bunch of "crazies" who crave authourity and because they are not able to obtain it, they try to break down their own people so at least they could be in charge of them. And yes, I am talking to all the "pro black" brothers out there who believe the black woman is a sellout for perming their hair and that blacks speaking Standard English is kissing the white man's ass.

[deborahbetty58]

I noticed that mind set as well amongst a certain amount of brothers and sisters. Sad and dangerous also, for by the fire of their mouth they can destroy so much. Hate will ultimately consume you from the inside out.

[EastAtlantaboy]

I remember coming home from college and all of my friends made fun of me. They said I spoke like I was white. I understood because I was around alot of white people. I was far from speaking Standard English though. Blacks say that to make themselves feel better.

[EastAtlantaboy]

Hold up, Typo! Blacks who speak white say they speak Standard English to make themselves feel better.

[ForChangeMovement]

LOL.... Yeah that vent hood. That kitchen has been under construction for several years. If you notice the cabinets dont match either. The bottom ones are real wood. The top... Well... Lets just say that they just dont match...