The Oreo’s natural enemy, if you will, comes from Black community, the very community where you would think a person of the same color would be embraced. But NO! Blacks are not tolerant of people who look like them but don ’t act as they do. At first glance, an Oreo may not be outed but once the Oreo opens his or her mouth, he or she will probably give him or herself away and thus be judged as not authentically Black. Criticizing Oreos seems to be an unwritten rule that many Blacks enjoy. Oreo discrimination is real, and it is very upsetting—Oreos would like to be respected as part of the Black community.
Trying to understand why RBPs (Real Black People) don’t like Oreos is a mystery to me. What I do know is if you become successful and benefit financially, or if you choose to move into a more exclusive neighborhood, you will be branded as a “sell-out ”or as trying to act White. The fact of the matter is, in most cities the neighborhoods as sell-outs may move to are generally populated with White people.
The Black person moving into such a neighborhood is doing so for the reason every-one else is: Its a nice neighborhood with good schools, more conveniences, and less crime. The racial make-up should not be a factor, but it becomes an issue. Are the only people who can purchase the 5,000-square foot home with the granite countertop kitchen and inground pool without fear of being labeled a “sell-out ”Whites? Why is moving up ”considered a sell-out?
A Black person moving up does not indicate that that person has abandoned his or her roots; it has more to do with lack of economic advantage and opportunity in the inner-city environment. It means not having to drive out of one ’s way to shop for one ’s wants and needs. It should be all good, yet, alas, taking advantage of the things that more prosperous communities have to offer is looked down upon by many RBP ’s. This is a reality across the U.S.A. Cities like Trotwood, Ohio, which most department stores and restaurants have left due to economic downfall, have been losing their residents as well to nearby cities that have better opportunities and services.
Is this same dynamic true in White culture? I think not! Whites don ’t seem to care if a successful neighbor moves to a more prosperous neighborhood. They aren’t labeled as “sell-outs. ”More likely, they are congratulated and asked all about their new home. Heck, there often is even a housewarming party, either hosted by the new owners or by one of their friends! No one questions why they made the choice to move; it ’s understood and accepted that the person has a right to better his or her existence. Again, I say, “Stop the insanity! ” In my opinion, selling out should be everyone ’s goal. We are all chasing the American Dream, to move above and beyond one’s present circumstances.
All of this requires ambition—something to be admired, not scorned. The covert rule for Blacks stemming from their community itself seems to be“stick with your own kind. This business of selling out permeates the life of an Oreo; I could write a separate book on this topic alone!
Consider the former “military brat” and Washington Redskins quarterback RGIII. In 2012, he amassed 3,200 yards passing, 20 TD’s (touchdowns), and815 yards rushing—as a rookie! He was a great contribution to the NFL, and became a hero to many Blackyouth. However, he was about to break culture and marry a White woman, Rebecca Liddicoat. THATbecame the focus of ESPN Black columnist RobertParker. According to Parker, RGIII was not “down for the cause.” I would really like to have a discussion with Parker and ask him just what he meant by that statement. I think I have some idea, as that very same comment was made to me not long ago. It implies that we have turned our back on the “brotherhood,” so in the minds of people like Robert Parker, RGIII, myself, and other Oreos like us are not “Black enough.” Parker went so far as to apply a derogatory term towards RGIII.
According to the Urban Dictionary, the definition of cornball brother is: “A man of Black/African American descent who does not support, nor does he identify with the Black/African American community.”Nobody ever goes after Robin Thicke or Justin Timberlake for not being White enough. Maybe we should call out Michael Vick for being too Black. How come nobody has gone after quarterback Tom Brady for being too White? That ain’t going to happen because it seems like only Black people care about other Blacks being Black enough. People love Whites who sing like Blacks! You’ll rarely see Black people break into country, rock, or bluegrass music. No one expects that to happen or wants to see it. But Oreos have the background and ability to make those genres viable based on their cultural backgrounds.
Kevin L White is a published author, Article writer and CEO of Brownie fox publishing LLC. He hosts a weekly podcast “The Kevin White show” Kevin and his family reside in Ohio.
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