 maysay1 wrote:
So this has been on my mind a lot lately...alternative lifestyles/philosophies and how people respond to them in the black community.
I find that in general black people are far less open to "alternative" ways of living. Whether it's in real life or online. It's like certain types of behaviors/beliefs/etc are just...not worth considering.
Examples: -long term relationships with no intention of marriage -being childfree -certain food diets (veganism, raw, not eating processed foods, etc.) -anti-consumption/consumerism -serious frugality -geek culture (steampunk, comics, going to cons, etc.) -minimalism, simple living
So do you live an "alternative" lifestyle or have an "alternative" belief/life philosophy? How do other black people respond to it? |
I'm the bolded, with moderation.
With my diet, there are many periods where I'm 100% vegan strictly, then periods where I'm not. I eat a lot of organic foods, fruits/vegetables, not a lot of processed foods, and a complete NO to all fast food. I have relatives that call me the 'whitish black person' they know (
whatever... haters. LOL) I don't smoke, drink, do drugs, etc.
Anti-consumption - I save a lot more $ than I spend, and stay of out debt. I'll splurge once in a while but generally am not a big on buying things/shopping just for the sake of buying something. I like to have nice things/clothing and look nice, but I'll buy things only when I need them (with the exception of my hijabs/headscarves - I have to admit, I will buy a pashmina/scarf with a nice print/color when I see it, even if I don't
need it
). I'm not the going-to-the mall-every-weekend type of girl. I'd rather go to a library, park, walking, or hiking.
(side note: there is a great book by a psychologist, the name is slips my mind at the moment, about the effects marketing and shopping centers have on our psyche and the tactics marketers use to convince us to buy their products, unnecessary things that they convince us are necessary. The authors notes how we are in a constant battle with a our temptations and urges at these places to resist buying things that we don't need, but are told we do.)
Minimalism-simple living - Own less and live more. I'm always decluttering my house, wardrobe, and life of excess things. Even with my wardrobe, I'll try to keep it small/medium but full of things that'll last me years and are very versatile that will not require me go shopping every month. I pray and meditate often throughout the day, like my surroundings to be peaceful, calm, and clean. Spend a lot of time enjoying simple things, spending time with friends and family.
I don't spend a lot of time watching tv or surfing the web.
Is homeschooling an alternate lifestyle/belief/philosophy? If so, *raises hand*
eta: generally, the response from fellow blacks/AAs is mixed. Some are mocking and others are more accepting. I've lost count of how many AA women I've seen and actually sat down with in Whole Foods about living simply and healthier.
But then again, I don't really pay attention to others' reactions to my lifestyle, nor do I share my personal life choices with just anyone and everyone. Something only my close friends and family really are aware of.
Edited by purpulicious01 - Dec 12 2012 at 8:57am
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