We all talk about each other. I for one am fascinated by how culture affects how we interact with each other. One thing that we African immigrants do is talk about a strange group of people called African Americans. It is no secret that there is some animosity between Africans and African Americans.
If I had the courage, I would walk up to an African American and ask the following questions on behalf of a minority of my continent mates;
So, what exactly do you want to call yourselves? Is it African-American, Ameri-Nubian, Black-American, Tanned American, Mzungu, Mzungu Mweusi?
I don’t understand why you say, “teef” instead of teeth, and “truuf” instead of truth. Is English really that hard?
I am yet to find and African American who flat out caims to have black/African in them. Most usually say “I am half Native-American” “I am half French” or even, “I ain’t from Africa!” They forget that to the other races they all are…..black.
Why do you have to be so loud and dramatic!
Why do you have to insist on naming your kids “African” names like DeAndre, DeJuan, DeShawn, JuMichael, Keyshawn, Latonya, LaShonda, Lashawn, T’Keyah, YaSheema, and Latrina.
What’s up with spending thousands on “pimping” an old car while you live on food stamps?
Why do you look down on those of you who speak proper English?
I think Chitterlings are just nasty, now that that’s off my chest, wanna eat some chicken feet?
While I normally rant and rave about Genge and Kapuka, I felt the need to bring to light a fact that I feel is so evident yet ignored by most of the older Kenyan generation. So what is this fact? Well the fact is I am an ikenyan youth.
This means that among other things;
I have an email address.
I’d rather read a blog than a book.
I have a website.
I am actually in touch with my peers in kenya and around the world through social networking tools like facebook, youtube, myspace…and the list goes on.
I am not as dumb as I look.
Understanding this new medium called the Internet is a way in which the older generation can use to bridge the gap between their generation and my igeneration.
Back in the day the youth used to sit at the heels of the old and listen to them tell stories that taught moral lessons. Today that same person can use the simple precess of going on youtube, opening a channel and tell the same stories via video camera and in so doing reach countless Kenyan youth worldwide.
Do not misinterpret our lack of asking “tell us about the good old days” as a lack of interest in our history. Many of us have shed our Christian names for our tribal names e.g from Scholastica to Akumu, from Johnston to Kimani.
We now listen to Kenyan musicians who sing and rap in English and swahili. Before you roll your eyes and click your tongue, remember that though our genge, kapuka and bongo music is African American influenced in the same way your beloved “Helule Helule”, and “Angelike Twist” was influenced by the African Americans of your era.
