The Cookout

I was raised in a way not to think of skin color. It helped me in some ways and hindered me in other ways. If I wanted to be Spiderman or something for Halloween, that is what I would be. I didn't care Peter Parker was white. I come from a mixed family though so within my family, it was a non-issue but I have been told "You can't like___" or "You can't be ___" because you aren't white! That is what bothered me most. It was other people and what they would say to me. I got it from white kids and black kids.

It did kinda bug me growing up, because I didn't have many characters to look up to. Maybe the black power ranger, but of course they put him in the black suit, probably because he's black. I think we got a lot of representation from tv though. The likes of Fresh Prince of Bel Air, Martin, Family Matters, The Cosby Show (now has a stigma to it because of what Cosby has done, but I grew up with that show and it still holds a spot in my heart), and more.

Plus hip-hop music, I felt like I was represented there as well, because it was music for us.

As for toys and other things. I didn't really care all that much. I think GI Joe eventually made an African American soldier in their line. I swear I had one, but maybe it was made elsewhere. But yeah, we def weren't represented in toys.

Honestly, I think we ended up having to represent ourselves. It almost seems like we had to always make it ourselves. From the magazines, movies, toys, etc. Because we know no one else was bothering to do it, so we had to do it ourselves.

It did suck not having representation in a lot of things. I was seeing it happen with movies and tv, but we didn't get many toys of our own, it was always the white people toys. But, I will admit I had my share of Batman figures. But, it would have been dope to see a black Batman finally come about. Surprised that hasn't happened yet.

I didn't see Black males doing as much positive stuff outside of sports. It became apparent that they did not want us seeing successful Black business owners who were not sellouts.

For me it was the opposite of the title of this thread.

In HS I became friends with a brotha who was from money. His dad is a millionaire. Changed me. It was the first rich black person I met in person. They were also cool as hell. Dude had 3 homes in 3 cities in the rich part of town. A jag and I think a benzo. Low key guy, not flashy. He dressed quiet money. High quality clothes but understated. I ate up anything he said, and did.

The fact that you can see and know someone like that is inspirational. Completely transformational.

I'm still friends with his son and I told him I looked up to his pops and he was the reason I thought I could be successful. His pops was very surprised to hear that as he was just bring his son and his son's friend around to places. It's important to tell people who molded you. They often have no idea they were inspiring.

I am no where as successful as I would like but from what I grew up with socio-economically, the homies think I am.