A Tik Tok trend to the song “Shabooya” has sparked much debate among Africans and African Americans, with Africans using the track to express that they are not African Americans and do not want to be.This put a spotlight on the conflict between the two, opening the door to an ongoing conversation that is needed to preserve the relationship between Africans and African Americans.
There has been a long-standing tension between Africans and African Americans, which is rooted in the complex histories of colonization, slavery, and migration. Despite shared ancestry, the two groups often have different perspectives and experiences, which can create barriers to understanding and solidarity. While there are many factors that contribute to this tension, I think one stands out from the rest: prejudice.
There is a perception of Africans as "foreigners" or "outsiders" within the African American community. This perception has been fueled by stereotypes and misconceptions about Africans, which has led to a sense of distrust. Many American school systems have ignored African and Black history. This institutional miseducation has frequently disconnected African Americans from their African heritage, ethnicity, and national origin, leading some to believe that Africa is a country or that its people live in huts. If African Americans do not personally go out into the world to educate themselves, their ignorance can bring about the bullying of Africans, even in adulthood.
On the other hand, Africans have their own perceptions of African Americans, like that they are “thugs” or have no culture, provoking a sense of hostility and a desire to not be grouped with African Americans. In addition, cultural differences can contribute to misunderstandings and tensions between the two groups. Africans often have diverse cultural backgrounds, having more differences in language, customs, and traditions. African Americans do have a distinct culture and identity, but it isn't always recognized because it is rooted in the history of slavery and the civil rights movement.
There is a perception of Africans as "foreigners" or "outsiders" within the African American community. This perception has been fueled by stereotypes and misconceptions about Africans, which has led to a sense of distrust. Many American school systems have ignored African and Black history. This institutional miseducation has frequently disconnected African Americans from their African heritage, ethnicity, and national origin, leading some to believe that Africa is a country or that its people live in huts. If African Americans do not personally go out into the world to educate themselves, their ignorance can bring about the bullying of Africans, even in adulthood.
On the other hand, Africans have their own perceptions of African Americans, like that they are “thugs” or have no culture, provoking a sense of hostility and a desire to not be grouped with African Americans. In addition, cultural differences can contribute to misunderstandings and tensions between the two groups. Africans often have diverse cultural backgrounds, having more differences in language, customs, and traditions. African Americans do have a distinct culture and identity, but it isn't always recognized because it is rooted in the history of slavery and the civil rights movement.
Additionally, there is a slight difference in treatment between Africans and African Americans in American society, creating more separation between the two. Even though at first glance they will be treated the same, Africans have more positive associations in American society because they are seen “harder workers,” which leads them to not want to be associated with African Americans, who are seen in society as the "lazier" counterparts that have experienced more systemic racism and oppression in the U.S.
Despite these tensions, there are also many instances of cooperation between Africans and African Americans, particularly in the areas of activism and social justice. By recognizing the shared struggles and experiences of these different communities, it becomes possible to build bridges of understanding and solidarity, working together to challenge systems of oppression and build a more equitable and inclusive society.
Despite these tensions, there are also many instances of cooperation between Africans and African Americans, particularly in the areas of activism and social justice. By recognizing the shared struggles and experiences of these different communities, it becomes possible to build bridges of understanding and solidarity, working together to challenge systems of oppression and build a more equitable and inclusive society.
Overall, the disconnect between Africans and African Americans is a complex issue that is deeply rooted in history and cultural differences. While there are many challenges to building understanding and solidarity between the two groups, it is important to acknowledge and address these issues in order to work towards greater unity and shared goals. By fostering open communication, mutual supportiveness, and a willingness to learn from each other's experiences, it may be possible to bridge this divide and build stronger bonds between Africans and African Americans and unify the communities.
We are all Black, regardless of whether purposeful immigration or involuntary enslavement caused our division. Despite the fact that our cultures and values are different, we are all affected by problems like racism and white supremacy. Our diverse cultures share many elements with one another, so coming together to celebrate them and each other is a goal that we should all try to achieve.
We are all Black, regardless of whether purposeful immigration or involuntary enslavement caused our division. Despite the fact that our cultures and values are different, we are all affected by problems like racism and white supremacy. Our diverse cultures share many elements with one another, so coming together to celebrate them and each other is a goal that we should all try to achieve.
Betty Rivers
