Social behavior, environment, language, history, customs, ideas, and even the citizens who live in Africa differ from those with African descent that are from the United States. America’s multiculturalism allows cultures from other countries to be woven into their society, but deep division still lies within the country.
According to many Americans of both races, Africans greatly differ from Black-Americans and Black-Canadians, with their views, education, values, and more. The history and current events that occurred in the United States involving the Black-Americans do not only physically separate Africans and Black Americans, but it created a psychological separation as well.
Black-Americans don’t feel any unity or connection with Africans. Most Black-Americans even prefer to be called “Black” rather than “African American” because they don’t consider themselves African in any way.
Calgarian, Denzel Morgan, a 23-year-old fourth-generation American, with African ancestry explains:
“African-Americans are very different from Africans. Most Africans have respect and admiration for white Americans because they dealt with white Americans who went to Africa with peace. Such as mentors, doctors, or teachers.
“On the other hand, African-Americans or Black-Americans dealt with the history of slavery and the cruelty it inflicted on the black race in North America.
“With this history, most Black-Americans do not trust white Americans because of the racism it entails, and also do not trust Africans who don’t understand what we went through.
“The two just don’t understand each other.”
According to Morgan, Africans and Black-Americans are not united in any way, and he thinks the divide is “very messed up.” Reaction to discrimination is just one of many differences that the two cultures have. Being black, the views on racism, reactions to adversity, and all the prejudice it entails between Black-Americans and African immigrants.
Most African immigrants tend to see the positive side of living in North America, and the opportunity they have been given. According toBaako Adebayo, who immigrated from Nigeria when he was 17 years old, most immigrants came to America for economic advancement, without a political agenda, and tend to live mostly in mixed neighborhoods where they easily integrate with other American races.
Adebayo mentioned as he recalled his childhood in Africa:
“When I came here it was a big culture shock. Everything was different, but in a good way.
“I had heard about how life in America was, but coming here and experiencing it myself was really overwhelming. I missed home, but I also started to love America, and I understood why so many people in Africa wanted to immigrate over here and live the American Dream.
“After many Africans suffered in civil wars, and suffered through many governmental problems, they are just happy to live in a free country.”
For Black-Americans, there is often a tendency to blame slavery and racism for most of the problems they face today, while also feeling betrayed by Africans in race wars. They are left wondering if Africans even care about what they go through.
Black-American ancestors were also taught that anything African was negative. They were taught Africa was full of savages, which developed self-hatred and confusion on their ancestry.
Adebayo adds another observation:
“I realize that Black Americans are bitter towards white Americans and some African immigrants. But I don’t feel the need to get involved in their politics and issues because I am happy being here and have managed to stay out of problems by not getting involved in the race war and not having a certain type of attitude.”
Marvels film The Black Pantheraccurately depicts the complicated relationship between Africans and Black-Americans. Throughout the film, a war develops with the African protagonist, T’Challa, and a rival American, Killmonger, on who should be the rightful leader of an African imaginary nation (Wakanda). Killmonger represents how many Black-Americans feels towards African countries. They feel that their rights were stolen from them, and black people continue to suffer in acts of racism, discrimination, and unfair treatment. Meanwhile, Africa does nothing to help them. Killmonger says as he is dying that he wants to be buried in the ocean with his ancestors –the slaves–, and he doesn’t feel any connection to the natives of Wakanda, despite possible blood ties.
Most Black-Americans today don’t feel any ties or strong connection to those in Africa, and many are confused about their original heritage. Even Black-Americans who visit Africa feel as if they are tourists. Aisha Harris, who took a trip to Kenya for a wedding, voiced what it was like for her.
“I would have to explain that I’m American, with American parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents.
“For me, being black means, well, being black. It has nothing to do with Africa.”