What are the benefits of being Black?

Question

What are the benefits of being Black? Is it really worth it if one is instantly underestimated as a human being? Is it worth it when as far as education is concerned that with few exceptions, black schools seem to suffer in comparison with their white counterparts? Is it worth it if there is still a need for Affirmative Action? Is it worth it if you are automatically thought to be promiscuous, a gangsta, a thug, or a criminal?

So with the above aside, what are the benefits of being Black? I know people will mention their skin, being strong, the ability to bond and understand suffering, of being perceived as cooler, etc. Are there any other benefits?

Answer 1

Chris Turk from "Scrubs" said that god gave black people a lifetime of coolness. XD

Answer 2

Wow. Lets see. I love when people see me and underestimate me. I use this to my advantage. To me, the underestimation is an advantage. My darker skin means that I don't have to go tanning like my pigmently challenged counterparts. When I filled out my college ap, I did not put my race on there and my grades earned me a scholarship *See I don't like affirmative action*. You see, when people make assumptions like the ones mentioned in your posts then they are the ill minded ones. Its when you make these assumptions a reality that causes the shame. Failing schools and bad reputations mean nothing to me because its not my reality. People have to be the writers of their own story and as long as my people keep putting themselves down and limiting themselves then their true potential is further from being realized. As for your question. Being Black in its self is a benefit. Strength. Lower cases of skin cancer and osteoporosis, strong skin elasticity, etc. I love it and never want to be anything else. If we all just collectively joined forces to better our race, we would be a force to reckon with.  

Answer 3

It's not white people's fault that a lot of black areas are crime ridden. It's not white people's fault that blacks have higher drop out rates. It's not white people's fault that blacks have higher crime rates. If you have an education, speak properly and dress nicely, people will treat you better. If you act like a thug and wear your pants down to your knees, people will treat you like a thug whether you're black or white. I know very many successful black people and white people who could care less what race they are because they're nice people.

Benefits: You can get into schools and get scholarships solely for being black. You can be a C student and get a scholarship for being black over a white kid who is an A student.

Answer 4

I think you're right there aren't many benefits other than the ones you mentioned. well, we are less likely to get skin cancer coz we don't tan (but still get it).

Answer 5

Look.... you can't do anything about it...No matter what you do, you will ALWAYS have jerks like Random (the first answerer) thinking that you are whining, by making such errant, BLANKET statements..

Just try to live your life and make sure you are reversed of what white people expect. Be happy you aren't living during the early part of the century, or having to call some white guy, sir...ugh

Answer 6

For starters, you are all proud people.You have a close brotherhood bond that other dont get yet.U are smart,extremely tallented on so many levels that others cant match.

Most of all, you are just wonderful people & so big hearted. Im trying to express myself here and feel its coming out all wrong.

Lets put it this way, you should be so proud of your color.I am a white Australian woman and at times I am ashamed to be white, I truly am.

Why, well just look to the past, it says it all.

You have such natural abilities that no one else has, like dance, rhythm & music.It comes from your soul.You have so much you can teach others if only they would see.

Yes, I am ashamed of being white, and if people dont like it then too bad.

In my opinion there is way too much racism in this world & it should be outlawed.

There, I said it. If I say any more Im going to upset too many people

Answer 7

Yes it's worth it, the problems you mentioned have nothing to do with us. The benefit is that we come from a very diverse culure. We excel in major sports, we are artistic musically, we are trendsetters for other races as far as fads/styles.

Despite all the negativity, it is fun being black...I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.

Answer 8

I love being black, i think that racist are just racist because they're jealous of how far we come and how we've made being black cool now, i can honestly say i wouldnt want to be any other race in the world.

Answer 9

That depends on what you mean by "benefits"?  What are you looking for exactly?  I think there are pros and cons in every race, creed, and religion but it's up to you how you deal with it.  I know how many of us are perceived...but we must ask ourselves how much of this is our own doing?  The minute someone reminds us that our educational system is not doing its job with black kids..people call them racist - so they stop saying anything.  When Bill Cosby mentioned what was going wrong with us...people got mad?  I don't understand how we can "fix the problem" when we won't acknowledge that there is one.  I have students who can't read..but they know all the lyrics to complicated rap songs.  WE have to acknowledge and than agree to fix the issues.

Answer 10

I never just think of myself as "black", I tend to just think about myself in terms of wholeness.

Answer 11

the stereotypical stuff-

dancing

athletic

chicks dig you/girls have nice butts

but thats not all black people...and very very stereotypical

Answer 12

I'm a black guy and I have seen no benefits other than being one of the first black guys to do things in job professions that hasn't been done yet by black people. Other than that, being black has been nothing but a huge, sh*tty burden for me.Especially in the being underestimated department.

Answer 13

The only real benefit of being black is you are instantly categorized and you can prove that to be wrong.  

Also being strong in mind, I love my Blackness...

Answer 14

This may sound stupid so don't think I'm making fun.  Sometimes I've wished I was black so that I would have a reason to feel like I don't fit in with people.  I already feel that way all the time, but then I would have some reason, I could just say "ah, it's racism"