The world is becoming more aware that no matter the skin color, gender, or nationality of a person, you never know what personality you are going to get. Gone are the days when it was safe to assume a person’s character just by looking at them. And as the ancient proverb states, when you assume, you make an ass out of you and me.
There are many different misconceptions about introverts in general, such as they are shy, they are miserable, and they are recluses. The misconceptions about Black people give more impactful reactions that lean towards negativity. One familiar example is the age-old tale of the police officer viewing a Black person as a threat at first eye contact. And as we have witnessed on the news, it usually does not end well.
Black introverts may not always be viewed as threats, but they do paint a false picture in people’s minds that can be harmful to all parties.
Highly Intelligent
A Black person who is soft-spoken, reserved, and maybe wears glasses is often thought to have a superior mind. Because these qualities are rarely seen by outsiders that may perceive Black people as non-intelligent, by default it brings them to the conclusion that the Black introvert is an intellectual.
Don't get me wrong, it is a flattering thought, but it is also a stereotype that has no concrete proof. One does not need to be Black and an introvert to be highly gifted in one or more fields. A highly intelligent person has no distinct shape, size, or color.
A Black introvert that stays silent and acts dumb might very well be ... dumb.
Well Mannered
Many introverts indeed display exceptional manners in public, but not everyone is polite. Black introverts are seen as angels because they are in contrast to loud Black people, who can be perceived as rude or manipulative.
If a Black introvert is placed in a small group, they can reveal an unruly side no one knew existed. They can speak with the mouth of sailors in certain environments that may offend some people. They may neglect to greet or say "thank you" in appropriate settings.
Model Citizens
When we see the rough mugshot of a Black person on television, we instantly assume they are ill-mannered, ruthless, and disrespectful to all people. And because they exhibit unruly behaviors, the belief is they are the antithesis of a model citizen.
When we see Black people with conventional hairstyles, square clothing, clean faces, and excellent posture, we assume they are saints, thus there is a strong possibility they are introverts.
Model citizen is a subjective term. An individual can be painted with tattoos and will always be perceived in a negative light by some groups. Black introverts are capable of practicing criminal-like activities like hacking, drug dealing, and pyramid scheming. Not everyone can be a saint.
Achieve Successful Careers
The message so far in this topic is that being quiet and reserved equates to staying out of trouble and following rules. If a Black person is not out hanging with friends or robbing stores, they must be good people striving for success.
What is success? Achieving a six-figure job? Owning a large house? Married with three children?
If all the above are true, then Black introverts are definitely fighting hard in the rat race like everyone else. Some aspire to achieve their dreams; some have no dreams and are just getting by. That poor soul sitting by the gutter surrounded by empty bottles of 40 ounces might be a Black introvert.
Geeks
Black people obsessed with video games, technology, and other geeky goodness are often classified as introverts. Obsession over a hobby can be temporary or practiced at certain times during the day, both of which may cause a person to display introverted mannerisms. But it does not make them an introvert.
And not all Black introverts are geeks. What is hidden behind closed doors could be an interest in medicine, animals, the environment, or anything non-tech related.
The world is filled with so many fun things to do.
Favor White People
Yielding to the principles of whiteness seems to grant Black people favor with their neighbors of white skin. From the examples I have given, Black introverts seemingly display behaviors other Black people may interpret as, betraying their kind. Since Black introverts are rarely seen hanging with other people, especially other Black people, their kind may assume they have switched sides. If a Black introvert, or any Black person for that matter, talks without using street slang, their kind may assume they have switched sides.
It is easy to believe that white people love them for their seemingly pleasant behaviors and their seemingly passive nature. On the contrary, some white people hate ALL Blacks, no matter if they are introverts or extroverts. And Black introverts can be friends with Blacks, whites, Hispanics, Asians, and mixed races if they favor the company of that person.
We do not live in a Black and white world. Friendship possibilities are countless.
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