Looking to interview African-American players

By all means, feel free to.

Thanks, Chip

That story is perfect for the black experience as lived by a white person. I emailed Hamlet to ask if I could use it in my paper. Thanks for sharing that with me. Very helpful!

My pleasure I'm glad you found it useful.

Cristiano I think I know what you are talking about even though you are beating around the bush somewhat. Are you saying it is understandable for people to portray what they see on television in Second Life regardless of the consequences? I also see you saying that black people are responsible for creating this sterotype and it is up to them to correct that image.

Why on earth are you accusing me of stereotying when I assume that a white av is played by a white person? That one really baffles me.

Sorry if I misunderstood you , bud, and I apoplogize for any offense.

I still don't see what country music has to do with a black American's SL experience nor do I understand the claim of some people being Cherokee having anything to do with this thread. That has nothing to do with your post by the way.

I don't really want to get into a discussion about race here--for one, I don't think many people are really knowledgeable about the totality of the situation, or argue it from their own biased perspective (and since this is a public forum...well, you know what can happen); but, also, I just don't have the time! Honestly, while I do agree that some people in the black community could make choices that would better empower them and might lead to more positive relationships with other people; I also think that, respectfully, Cristiano, you are venturing into "blaming the victim" territory--meaning: "the problem" is the problem of the black community and not how other communities play a role in that problem. Because in reality, problems are co-created. What this means is that it takes two people to play the game; you can't blame black culture any more than you can blame the conditions in which it exists (i.e. white culture--the dominant socio-cultural paradigm). Psychology is very important to look at in such issues (e.g. human development, the legacy of trauma, schema, heuristics, the famous Stanford Prison Experiment, etc., etc.).

You may have a point on the stereotyping, but I think really it's a valid possibility that Tommy brought up and should be considered.

Like I said: I don't want to get into a discussion about race here. ;D

I just wonder how many of you wise and all knowing people arguing about what is black and what is African, are either. and to be honest with you chuckleheads I've never seen black people anyway... we are different shades of brown. Just as I've never seen white people... you get cold you turn blue, get sunburn you're red, go under go under the tanning lamp you're orange, get a bruise you're black and blue. so all this talk about color is a never ending argument stemming from someone trying to do a study of life as a black people in SL. as soon someone showed a interest in a "blacks" (who I prefer to call brown) the trolls got upset and changed the focus of what the topic was about. Any question please see the HNIC.

Only recently, I was looking for a poem I came across many years ago which highlights this very thing. Its unclear who wrote it. Some say it was written by an Indigenous African person, while I have also heard that a German, or Indigenous Australian person wrote it. There are also many variations to it. Here is one version. I do love the paradoxical nature of semantics.


When I born, I Black
When I grow up, I Black
When I go in sun, I Black
When I scared, I Black
When I cold, I Black
When I sick, I Black
When I ill, I Black
When I die, I still Black

And you white fella
When you born, you pink
When you grow, you white
When you go in sun, you red
When you scared, you yellow
When you cold, you blue
When you sick, you green
And when you die, you gray
And you calling ME Coloured?

It's pretty sad to see this post get as much off topic attention as it has. I am black, or whatever the more accepted term is, and I play SL as tanned as I can be. Until I saw Midnight's skin I didn't know a good one existed. You do seem to feel more comfortable looking like a barbie rather than looking like a reflection of you, however the one thing that attracted me to SL was it's individuality. It saddens me to see that racism can be just as real in virtual reality. I would think this would be a place that you can become more open-minded, and in some cases it is... I would not mind being in your study, however my character is not black. So I don't know if that will help...

Actually, some "black" children are born pink too. (Me included.) XD

Anyways, hello, everyone! What's going up in this thread?

Hey, Serenity

I'm not sure who you mean when you say "You do seem to feel more comfortable looking like a Barbie..." Do you mean me or female SLers in general or...?

It is sad to see racism manifest in virtual reality, but even more sad is that it doesn't surprise me.

I actually need the opinion of more black people who play non-black avatars, so I would love for you to share your experience. I'll either try to private message you or contact you in-world.

Thanks!

I meant as a female player, it's a lot easier to look like barbie. Every now and then you catch a glimpse of someone "original" or "real" but for the most part it's looking like every man's fantasy. At least that's what I've seen so far.