Oh and Khali as for films that portray black Americans in a positive light:

Best Man
The Brothers
Dawn of the Dead
Assault on Precint 13
Brown Sugar.

quote:

---

Originally posted by Khalilallah:

I was asked about the sate of relations and I provided. TempVox in returned replied:

"I have my strong belief that most black Americans who perceive a problem with Africans are actually the ones with the problem. And I couldn't blame an African immigrant for having a problem with such a person."

If that is not a potential white slip up, I don't know what is. The black person always has to be at fault is what I am getting from this.

---

Well, the reason that’s what you got from it is because you ignored the rest of my post. I gave you the specific observations I’ve made that led me to the conclusion: I enjoy every chance I get to vibe with people from Africa. A lot of black Americans I know do not. I get a lot of love and respect from them in return. The same African-Americans that dis them do not. From that, I conclude that the problem stems from the disdain WE show THEM. Since my theory was specifically a cause-and-effect theory, and I posted the cause and the effect in the same single paragraph, it’s pretty silly for you to claim I got the conclusion (the effect) out of the thin blue air, based on some internal biases I have for my own people.

When it comes to these online discussions, you’ll find that you’ll fail against me when you ignore what I’ve posted in favor of some idea you have of my internal motives or biases. I’m a big fan of the truth, and of facts. Sticking to them sets us free. Against me, you’re better off just taking what I wrote and disagreeing with it, rather than pretending you didn’t read what I wrote and making up stuff about my inner thoughts.

Oh, and here’s a fact for you: You said: And your just like whites in which it is the black person's fault. Oh no, an African could never be that way. The black person must of done something. Well, live in your fantasy world.

Well, in YOUR fantasy world, African immigrants are somehow not BLACK. In your very language, you put them in a completely different race from us. And then you wonder why you sense disdain from them.

[This message was edited by Vox on August 04, 2003 at 04:43 PM.]

I'll have to admit that the "Black person's fault" comment had me a bit puzzled, too.

"La vida te da sorpresas...
Sorpresas te da la vida...",
¡Ay, Dios!

Rubén Blades---Pedro Navaja

Plowshares Actions
The Nuclear Resister
School of the Americas Watch

I have already posted on this board the need for African Americans and Africans to unite. I have admitted wrong doing on the part of both sides but some seem to find it hard to believe that one side could be ignorant.

The anti-black racist looks at us the same way, to him/her Africans and African Americans are all niggers. The more we try to seperate ourselves from each other the more divided we become and the easier we are to conquer. When one badmouths an African American I too get offended because I dont try and seperate myself from the black struggle. After all I'm black too. In the end ALL WE HAVE IS US.

Maverick, don't get me wrong. I don't mean to put all of the blame on us. I do believe we're probably more to blame than they are, but there are no categorical rules when it comes to behavior. The fact is, we should all stop acting up toward each other. But since "You" can't control "We," control you. This is one of those situations where the individual's behavior really has to be the starting point. If I have to be the better man in a situation like this, then I will. Eventually, it has to be worth it.

True indeed Vox. And thanks for raising the point about Africans not being black. To me that statement is both arrogant and ignorant. Same goes for an African that says black Americans are not real Africans.

I think one of the problems with African-African American relations on our part is that we tend to romanticize Africa. Meaning some of us think Africans are waiting to greet up with open arms like long lost brothers. I admit, I use to think this too, until I actually went to college and met and talked to a few Africans. While there is a significant number of Africans that may think of us that way, there are more who see us as separate entities, not as long lost brothers. They make it clear that we are not the same, which I understand if the point is they don't want to be assimilated into African American culture and lose their identity.
But many more look at it from the aspect that they (and this goes for Afro Latinos too) don't want to be associated with black Americans because we are criminals, lazy, poor, uneducated, violent, have no redeeming cultural aspects, etc (which I find interesting because that is exactly how they are depicted in places where they are a sizable minority). This stems from the lack of education about the other community.

And with East Africans from the horn (Sudan, Somalia, Ethiopia, etc), it gets worse. Most don't want to be associated with black Americans OR black Africans, as they distance themselves with their assimilation with the Arabs, much like most Afro Latinos distance themselves from the stigma of blackness by overemphasizing the white/Latino influence and rejecting any form of blackness. The easiest way to insult many Afro Latinos or East Africans is to call them black. Not that I am putting all the negativity on non African American blacks, because not too long ago, if not still, the best way to start a fight in the neighborhood was to associate someone black with African.

The point is, depicting Africans as the victims of black American prejudice is just as short sighted as thinking of them strictly as eager, long lost brothers waiting to accept us back into the family. We have separate identities, and different cultures. The point is to be able to bridge these differences to co-exist on a mutually beneficial existence.

Amen to that brother. Amen to that.

Nmaginate: " Do you have a running tally for Whites in America?"
C'mon... chill with the ill-will!

Do you have a running tally for Whites in America?"

It is because I expect whites to act in such a manner only to be presently surprised when they don't.

As for ill will, I was asked a question and you do not like the answer. I am not going to sugar-coat my response so that it would make you or anyone else feel better. Get over it.

Nmaginate: "You wanna know what you just said translates into: "Let an African dare call me a name and I swear...!"

Well Nmaginate, you should translate it to, if an African call me a racist, degrading name specific to our plight here in America, I will do the same to him like I would a white man.

Nmaginate: "I really don't think you advise anyone carry that kind of CHIP on their shoulder especially when it comes to White people in America regardless of the region."

I am an equal opportunity responder. No one has the right to degrade me because I am from a slave background.

As for advise, I did not advise anyone to act in any manner.

Nmaginate: "The attitude of yours and most African-Americans in general is more "forgiving" and patient, more judging on an individual basis regardless of personal slight."

Yes, and my attitude is to judge each one accordingly. When asked a general question as I have been given, all I can do is answer in general terms, along with a disclaimer. I provided that disclaimer. I forgive certain things, except racist or degrading acts/comments. Even if they are from Africa.

You seem to have a generalization problem of your own.


Nmaginate: "There are and have always been certain places where we have said "that town/city is racist" but that has never meant that any White person that you encounter from that town "you better watch out" or don't ever, ever deal with people in those places because of those experiences."

Never once in my statements have I said that I refuse to talk to someone from Ghana. I only provided with my limited exposure to that group of people. No pleasant exchange as of yet. Note the use of the word yet. I will deal with anyone accordingly to the experience at hand. I will not give them the right to disrespect me, my people, and the experiences we have to endure.

Nmaginate: "Khaliallah...
The truth is I'm sure there are some who will have personal experiences with Africans from the same regions/countries where you have had bad experiences and say they have had good."

IMO, regardless of what personal experiences are, we should engage ALL African countries as we see fit regardless of time and method it takes to establish good relations with them on whatever level."

That is where I have a problem. This is only a skin-deep ideological movement. I will not establish good relations with any country that have such feelings of superiority. I am not going to judge Ghana due to the actions of the few that I have met, but should I find out that that is the general thought of that populace, forget it.

As for my comment, I was stating that just because they are black, you are willing to over-look their actions.

By the way, what is it that we hope to gain? Is it business? Well that is another story. Social? On what level? I am lost on this. We should be concerned about things that would affect us rather than a mission of improved relations that would serve nothing.

As whites would say, whats a nigger with a PhD? A nigger. Well I am sure that the group of Africans I have met so far from the west would say, "Whats a cotton picker with a PhD? A cotton picker."

"So no I don't buy into what you are talking about or what you are suggesting."

You have no idea what I am suggesting. As for buying into it, I am not trying to offer a political position. On the contrary, I am providing a report on my experiences. Funny, the victim of discrimination is being treated like the aggressor.

Now, just as a bad experience with whites changed yours and my way of thinking. My experiences with the Africans I have met has done the same thing. Just because they are black does not mean a thing. They sold us into slavery in the past and I am sure they would betray us again.

"It's friggin' astounding how I'm sure you would be in favor of taking measures to increase better race-relations with White Americans yet seem so against dealing with misunderstandings, miseducation, and arrogant attitudes of Africans in the same type of group-relations concept as race-relations."

Better race relations with whites? Where does this come into play? Ask me about race relations with whites.

Well my report would go as followed:

I saved a company well over a million a month by starting a program of taking advantage of the warranties of internet equipment as well as improve relations with the vendors to increase the turn-around of obtaining the replacement. Thus keeping the internet downtime to a minimum. Saving them even more since they would lose thousands a minute.

My award, nothing. While a white collegue was given an award for saving the company $75,000.
Others were given higher salaries and positions while I on the other hand, the one that also went to school full-time, as well as serve my country in the Reserves, as well as work overtime for my company had to work under them.
Now, I did not have any attitude. I also did not smile all the time. While my collegues would break into fits of anger, this was over-looked. Because I don't walk around like some cartoon character, I was considered to have an attitude.

A white person saw what was happening and they tried to place me in for an award. Well, I am sure that 911 had something to do with it since it was my manager who received the award for saving the company 30, 000. I, on the other hand, am credited with millions.

So, I found another position that is offered by a white person, for several more dollars. Wow.

So, I quess my experiences with whites is mixed. Some that have a pure superiority complex and others that understand right and wrong.

Now blacks. Get this. I was told by a black person that I did not have the right under the Constitution to be a follower of Islam. That it was meant for Christian denominations. This is from a black person!

So, do you understand my mind set? I am a practical person that would judge each one accordingly. I was asked a question and I answered it. I had bad experiences with those from Ghana and wonderful ones from those from Mozambique.

In fact you would like for me to do what the next time someone call me a nigger or a cotton picker? Turn the other cheek? Hell no. This has nothing to do with race, at least my position doesn't. I will treat that African like I would a white person or anyone else that comes at me in such a way.

"Your position is ridiculous...
What are you actually trying to say??"

Perhaps cease your desire to argue and actually read what I am saying because your responses are not warranted.

"Are you just informing us that some... some Africans are arrogant."

YES!!! The ones in which I have met thus far and that the ones seem to come from the same region. ONLY SOME, AS EVIDENT IN MY RESPONSES.

"Or are you saying that Pan-African type of concepts are useless since you personal philosophy is against it."

To try to establish relations in the way this group desires just because of the color of skin is silly to me. It sickens me that we are that stupid to treat Africa like it is one country. It is extremely varied in thought, customs and character.

"(at least in some regions... perhaps those where you've had bad experiences).

I would like for you to clarify that"


I believe I have. Please advise if I have not.

maverick :"I just dont like the way some people say Africans are the bad guys and we Americans haven't done shit to them. Like I said earlier in this board I personally haven't had bad experiences with African Americans but I know people who have and been on message boards where Africans have discussed such issues. What there can only be ignorant Africans but God forbid an African American be actually hateful and ignorant to Africans.

Why you are saying all of this is beyond me. If you can not accept that your perfect picture of Africans is being tainted by the likes of me, well get over it.

I am sure that you are right, I know. I have experienced it from both. "African-Americans and Africans." Not once did I say that Africans are all bad, nor did I paint blacks as being all good.
Your response to my somewhat negative response was that I was the cause. And that is only based on your experience. Well, why not learn from me, not all of them are good and because we share the same pigmentation levels does not mean a thing.

So, if you don't like the truth, ignore it until it happens to you.

Oh and Khali as for films that portray black Americans in a positive light:

Best Man
The Brothers
Dawn of the Dead
Assault on Precint 13
Brown Sugar.

And ask your African friends in the Western region if these films are being played in their theatres. Only then would I relent.

Oh, I love a challenge.
Thanks for providing it VOX.


Vox:" live in the heart of what is probably the most ethnically diverse region of the country. I can honestly say that I have never sensed any beef, disdain, or condescension from any African immigrant, ever."

Lucky you. Perhaps what they may say in private is different, or perhaps you are the exception to the rule in regards to blacks here in America. White people do the same thing to blacks, until you challenge their superiority or perhaps catch them when they are drunk or without a care in the world. of course this is all speculative but there is a history of it.

Vox :if you exhibit the slightest hint of knowledge or interest in the country they're from, they act like you're the coolest person ever."

So, walking by and recieving such a comment as I have is indicative of my failure to approach them sooner to let them know that I am aware of their modern cities, etc.? PLEASE!!!

Vox :"I have my strong belief that most black Americans who perceive a problem with Africans are actually the ones with the problem."

Gotcha. That was my concern with your comment in the first place. It had to be the black person's fault. You are so right, I did not approach these starngers who were a product of our insensitivity to their homesickness of their respective country. Someone shoot me.

Vox :"And I couldn't blame an African immigrant for having a problem with such a person."

Lol. Yeah, okay...

If I had said something derogatory to strangers then I would certainly be at fault, and I should be admitted to a psych ward for it is so unlike me. Yet, you are aware that I had no contact with these individuals but you are willing to defend them and their actions. Wow.

Vox :"Originally posted by Khalilallah:

I was asked about the sate of relations and I provided. TempVox in returned replied:

"I have my strong belief that most black Americans who perceive a problem with Africans are actually the ones with the problem. And I couldn't blame an African immigrant for having a problem with such a person."

If that is not a potential white slip up, I don't know what is. The black person always has to be at fault is what I am getting from this.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Well, the reason that’s what you got from it is because you ignored the rest of my post."

Nope.

Vox :"I gave you the specific observations I’ve made that led me to the conclusion: I enjoy every chance I get to vibe with people from Africa. A lot of black Americans I know do not."

And we have to approach them with knowledge of their country before they call us cotton-pickers!

Vox : "I get a lot of love and respect from them in return. The same African-Americans that dis them do not."

No dis from me. All those that choose to offend a black person have to offended them first. That is what I am getting from you.

Vox :"From that, I conclude that the problem stems from the disdain WE show THEM."

Yes, the disdain that I showed them from my attempt to make it to class and my obvious ignorance of not approaching these strangers in a timely manner to discuss their homeland."


Vox :"Since my theory was specifically a cause-and-effect theory, and I posted the cause and the effect in the same single paragraph, it’s pretty silly for you to claim I got the conclusion (the effect) out of the thin blue air, based on some internal biases I have for my own people."

No thin air but rather a silly pre-conception that is illustrated in your response that we are the fault for their ignorance. That we have to bow before them in hopes that they do not treat us poorly. Please!

Vox :"When it comes to these online discussions, you’ll find that you’ll fail against me when you ignore what I’ve posted in favor of some idea you have of my internal motives or biases."

Yep, I scared behind this monitor of mine. Perhaps I should stop typing..........,./ll/,/,,/,/ , naw, I can take yah.

Vox :"I’m a big fan of the truth, and of facts."

Yes, the facts. The facts in which you failed to see in regards to my responses. The facts that you fail to understand in regards to the true nature of Africans, they are not all the same. The fact that they can be just as afraid of us as whites due to misconceptions. The fact that just like any other immigrant that they view themselves as superior and the fact that the person you are arguing with stated that they are friends with an African. Yes, from Mozambique. So your arguement in regards to my encounter is so, what are the words. Stupid, ludicris, senseless, without merit, no, arrogant. That fits it perfectly.

Vox :"Sticking to them sets us free."

Wow, how long have you been imprisoned by your own arrogance?


Vox :"Against me, you’re better off just taking what I wrote and disagreeing with it, rather than pretending you didn’t read what I wrote and making up stuff about my inner thoughts."

How am I doing so far?
I know your inner thoughts as well. At this moment you are scared and angry, wondering what to write next. Soon you'll get a little bit braver and you will start to write, but wait. You do not know how to respond, so at first, you'll respond to others and then you will reach the fateful decision to respond to mine.

Vox :"Oh, and here’s a fact for you: You said: And your just like whites in which it is the black person's fault. Oh no, an African could never be that way. The black person must of done something. Well, live in your fantasy world."

I was speaking in general, that if you were black you would understand. By the way, that is not a fact, that is an opinion. Fact: the world is round, opinion: the world stinks..."

Vox :"Well, in YOUR fantasy world, African immigrants are somehow not BLACK."

Nope, they are either from Ghana or Mozambigue, or a host of several other nations. Does any black person know where they are from? If they did they would not refer to themselves as African-American. No, they would choose something like Somali-American. Get my point...?

Vox :"In your very language, you put them in a completely different race from us. And then you wonder why you sense disdain from them."

In my very language, which is contemporary American English (always the smart-ass), I illustrate the predicament that they help place blacks in. The selling of our culture, lives and respect for manufactured goods. My disdain is only from those that look down upon us as inferior, for those that are ignorant about my religion and look down upon me for that and for those that ask for me to sell-out my sense of self-respect so that someone who views themselves as superior can feel good. Not from me.

maverick:
"True indeed Vox. And thanks for raising the point about Africans not being black. To me that statement is both arrogant and ignorant. Same goes for an African that says black Americans are not real Africans."

What African tribe or nation are you from my friend?

This is an entirely differnet issue that is discussed in another thread. The arrogance is in the fact that you believe that all blacks should follow your lead based on your thinking rather than allowing others to make their own.

Your ignorance is that you are choosing to view Africa as country rather than a diverse continent with distinctive cultures and rivalries which are harsher than our current plight with the "traditional" white person. So go ahead, call yourself an African American while our African counter-parts refer to themselves as a part of their nationality, ie, Somali-American, etc...

Oh, to freak you out even more, there are generations of Africans that are WHITE!!! Surprise! They are Africans if you like it or not.

whatzgoingon:
"The point is to be able to bridge these differences to co-exist on a mutually beneficial existence."

The other parts of your statement I am on par with, however the last one I have a problem with.

What is this beneficial existence? Why not have that experience more so with those that share our plight, such as Haiti and the Carribean?

Tell me, what existence are you and all of these other pan-African movement people are talking of?

Khali I dont think you are hearing me or is it you dont want to hear me? When did I ever paint the perfect pic of Africans? Did I not mention ignorant Africans who look down on black Americans? You were the one who tried to imply that Africans were not black so when calling someone else ignorant look in the mirror shall we. Being African Somalian didn't exactly help Diallo did it?

All I've tried to do was bring Africans and Americans together, tried to make everyone see past their petty differences. Of course I know its not going to be easy but its worth trying. If you dont want to follow my lead then dont. No one is forcing you to. You can just sit there and be bitter and live in your crazy world where Africans are not black and you are constantly a victim, it doesn't bother me. But for all the Africans be you Somalian, Sudanese, Ghananian or Nigerian and Black Americans and Afro-Caribbeans lets try and stick together. Those that are not part of the solution but part of the problem please step off.

I once had a bitter debate with Khalilallah about her views on Africans and African Americans. I must admit following this thread I am very much enlightened. Sad is all I can say.

I am wondering if Khalilallah could provoke an angry reaction in me and not know it at the time is it not possible as Vox pointed out earlier that some AA's gets a bad reaction from Africans because of certain actions on their part? This is just a thought because many of us do not even dream of annoying or picking a fight with our brothers across the Atlantic, this does not mean we do not hit back if we are provoked, I expect the same strong reaction from a Western black person if an African is rude or insulting to them. If this happened that is not justification to claim that Africans and Western blacks don't get on.

I have had some pretty terrible experiences with Jamaicans but at the same time my wife and some of my best friends are Jamaican. Despite my bad experience with one or two I know it MUST NOT limit me to the joy and pleasure I get from getting to know my brothers in the West.

Very sad.

_____________________________
Is it just talk or are you for solutions? If you are GENUINELY interested in solving black problems? Then join us at http://www.theguidedog.com/index_nation.html

Khalilallah...

What the hell is your point?

• Africa is a diverse continent...
  
• There are generations of White "Africans"...

Do you really think those are revelations to anyone?

TELL US SOMETHING WE DON'T KNOW!!

You know exactly what is being discussed here and the intent behind each term discussed. You are just being a crab...

Those of us who are Pan-African in our thinking or aspirations are aware of the cultural diversity of Africa and take that diversity in account. I don't think there's a need to try to stipulate in discussions like this to the multitude of nuances that it would take to "bridge the gaps" in each and every region and culture in Africa. Just because the task is monumental doesn't mean it is undesirable or that someone is taking anything for granted.

You are just being a crab by making points that are not even being debated. That's pretty sad...

I will deal with each one of you one by one...


maverick:
Khali I dont think you are hearing me or is it you dont want to hear me?


Hear you loud and clear.

When did I ever paint the perfect pic of Africans?

Your statement: "The same African-Americans that dis them do not. From that, I conclude that the problem stems from the disdain WE show THEM."

It is showing me that you have the belief that we are the cause for their disdain. After my post, my initial post, everyone jumped on the VICTIM of pre-emptive hatred. Perhaps you should try reading my posts for I respond to each line that you write.


"Did I not mention ignorant Africans who look down on black Americans?"

Again, per your words: "From that, I conclude that the problem stems from the disdain WE show THEM."

"You were the one who tried to imply that Africans were not black so when calling someone else ignorant look in the mirror shall we. Being African Somalian didn't exactly help Diallo did it?"

Yet, if that person was "African American" as you would like to put it, many in the African community would of believed that he deserved it. You can deny that, you agreed to the statements from whatzgoingon:

"I think one of the problems with African-African American relations on our part is that we tend to romanticize Africa. Meaning some of us think Africans are waiting to greet up with open arms like long lost brothers. I admit, I use to think this too, until I actually went to college and met and talked to a few Africans. While there is a significant number of Africans that may think of us that way, there are more who see us as separate entities, not as long lost brothers. They make it clear that we are not the same, which I understand if the point is they don't want to be assimilated into African American culture and lose their identity.
But many more look at it from the aspect that they (and this goes for Afro Latinos too) don't want to be associated with black Americans because we are criminals, lazy, poor, uneducated, violent, have no redeeming cultural aspects, etc (which I find interesting because that is exactly how they are depicted in places where they are a sizable minority). This stems from the lack of education about the other community."

Did you forget to read that part?


"All I've tried to do was bring Africans and Americans together, tried to make everyone see past their petty differences."

Uh, you call racism petty? PLEASE! Why, because they are of a darker complexion? All you have done is alienate blacks into believeing that they should take one for your cause, allow someone to view you as inferior. Does not work.

"Of course I know its not going to be easy but its worth trying. If you dont want to follow my lead then dont."

Your lead is that of going no where. My lead is by having respect for each other. You have it in your head that I am condemning an entire group of people when in fact all I have done is reveal my experiences, in which you deny, the cause, in which you are under the belief it had to be my fault, and a movement in which the results does not help our people at all.

"No one is forcing you to."

No one is going to.

"You can just sit there and be bitter and live in your crazy world where Africans are not black and you are constantly a victim, it doesn't bother me."

I challenge you to go back to any of my posts on this thread and obtain a statement that leqad you to that conclusion. Your reaching. The only thing in which I have done was ruin your perfect view of Africans and you hate me for it.

"But for all the Africans be you Somalian, Sudanese, Ghananian or Nigerian and Black Americans and Afro-Caribbeans lets try and stick together."

Yeah, lets try to stick together with people that may not want to have anything to do with you. It is a waste of time. Improve ourselves and let them approach us. Try improving relations with someone due to their skin pigmentation is foolish.

"Those that are not part of the solution but part of the problem please step off."


Lol, YOU HAVE NO SOLUTION!!!! Lol. Your desires lead to nowhere, come out of your deep sleep or please reveal to me what is it that will be gained? Greater economic respect? Improved political clout? Nothing. Especially if you hide behind the belief that everyone that is black like us.

henry38!!!!!! Long time. Shall we go another round? Shall try to keep it civil this time.

"I once had a bitter debate with Khalilallah about her views on Africans and African Americans."

Actually I am referred to as him. I am a man however I believe that you already know that, nice sneaky jab right there.

"I must admit following this thread I am very much enlightened. Sad is all I can say."

I always make you depressed...

"I am wondering if Khalilallah could provoke an angry reaction in me and not know it at the time is it not possible as Vox pointed out earlier that some AA's gets a bad reaction from Africans because of certain actions on their part?"


Confused at what you are trying to say here friend. It is never my desire to get an angry reaction out of anyone, rather to prove my point in which I have always done. Some people just can't handle it.


"This is just a thought because many of us do not even dream of annoying or picking a fight with our brothers across the Atlantic, this does not mean we do not hit back if we are provoked, I expect the same strong reaction from a Western black person if an African is rude or insulting to them."

Wow, here we go again. This African even claims to know what others on his continent would do. Did you know of the genocide in Rwanda? How about the child slavery in Western Africa? For those that do not know our history, Henry here believes that these things never happened but are a product of American propraganda... I quess Liberia is propaganda as well.

So tell me, how do you know the actions of the few West African men who decided to act in such a manner?


"If this happened that is not justification to claim that Africans and Western blacks don't get on."

Never was that my intention and you can go back to my posts to see. As I have stated that is my results from a limited exposure to a number of Africans. I provided a disclaimer and they as well as you choose to ignore it, that has to be my fault to...

"I have had some pretty terrible experiences with Jamaicans but at the same time my wife and some of my best friends are Jamaican."

That is wonderful!!! All I am saying is that you don't have to be responsible for your bad experiences as maverick likess to put it. Be friends, there is nothing wrong with that.

"Despite my bad experience with one or two I know it MUST NOT limit me to the joy and pleasure I get from getting to know my brothers in the West."

Limits. Limits. Not once did I say that I will never talk to a West African, not once did I say that they are all bad. Henry, you are doing it again, read my posts from the beginning to know where I am coming from.

"Very sad."

Yes, for you not to read what I have actually said... Cut and paste and respond, if you like.