Many times I've heard the expressions "she talks black, acts like she's black, she's so ghetto..."

but may I ask, what is "acting black?"

for those who aren't familiar with this statement, to my understanding "acting black" refers to someone who typically isn't African American who "acts" stereotypical in that specific ethnic group. For example, I've mainly heard this term from people describing someone's action who isn't black.

She acts so black, like she talks ghetto. I mean she's white but she wants to be black so bad.

When you're educated and aware of social and political issues across this world, including American "pop culture" you'll know this saying is derogatory. It is diminishing. It is unacceptable.

Every time you hear this saying, that person is tearing down the image of African Americans. There is no such thing as "acting black" and just because certain people act a certain way doesn't give OTHERS (including blacks and people of color) the right to categorize people.

Acting loud, ratchet, ghetto, WHATEVER, it's not a compliment and for anybody to use is unacceptable.

So... let's flip this!

What is "acting white?"

Acting "white" refers to someone who "speaks" proper, dresses nice/ preppy, or those who simply likes things that are "not done/ enjoyed by black people."

So how it is that when someone uses this statement, people think it's a compliment?

I say this from experience. Throughout high school many people would tell me "I act white," "you had a white phase" or the famous "your hair isn't like most black people" and I'm SICK of it! There is absolutely no such thing as both, and when will people wake up and understand that SOME BLACK PEOPLE like not being apart of the system?

For many, being highly educated and aware of social issues makes you either "woke" or "wanna be white."

This has to stop. HAS TO!

Parents, stop teaching your kids this derogatory language. You lead by example.

Overall, I can AND deserve to have nice things in life, and why shouldn't anyone? I deserve to be educated, want more in life, and for my family!