African American/Black Christmas greeting cards

Loveland, Ohio

Dec 18, 2012 @ 04:48:51

Hello,
This is my first time posting a question in a forum so please bear with me. I was not sure how to phrase the post as some people I personally know prefer the term black as opposed to African American and I am White. I have a family member who is White that sent out Christmas cards to our family that depict the 3 wise men as African American/Black. Inside that card Jesus, Mary, and Joseph were on another card and depicted as African American/Black. I have no problem with the race depiction of the figures on the card. The problem is the person sending the cards and I had a conflict in the past where they said some very racist things about African American/Black people. I told this person their comments were offensive and not to talk like that around me please. This person was/is resentful that I spoke up about my feelings on the subject. Do you think this card was sent to be hurtful and racist or can you think of another reason?

I fully know that if you consider a historical and cultural context of the Biblical events none of the people were likely to have either white or dark brown color.More Likely they were of Middle Eastern background.

1

Tar

San Antonio, Texas

#2

Dec 18, 2012 @ 06:11:07

@simone12 Said

Hello,
This is my first time posting a question in a forum so please bear with me. I was not sure how to phrase the post as some people I personally know prefer the term black as opposed to African American and I am White. I have a family member who is White that sent out Christmas cards to our family that depict the 3 wise men as African American/Black. Inside that card Jesus, Mary, and Joseph were on another card and depicted as African American/Black. I have no problem with the race depiction of the figures on the card. The problem is the person sending the cards and I had a conflict in the past where they said some very racist things about African American/Black people. I told this person their comments were offensive and not to talk like that around me please. This person was/is resentful that I spoke up about my feelings on the subject. Do you think this card was sent to be hurtful and racist or can you think of another reason?

I fully know that if you consider a historical and cultural context of the Biblical events none of the people were likely to have either white or dark brown color.More Likely they were of Middle Eastern background.

Race is only where you see it....

0

futilevoice

Deleted

, Illinois

#3

Dec 18, 2012 @ 14:41:31

@simone12 Said

Hello,
This is my first time posting a question in a forum so please bear with me. I was not sure how to phrase the post as some people I personally know prefer the term black as opposed to African American and I am White. I have a family member who is White that sent out Christmas cards to our family that depict the 3 wise men as African American/Black. Inside that card Jesus, Mary, and Joseph were on another card and depicted as African American/Black. I have no problem with the race depiction of the figures on the card. The problem is the person sending the cards and I had a conflict in the past where they said some very racist things about African American/Black people. I told this person their comments were offensive and not to talk like that around me please. This person was/is resentful that I spoke up about my feelings on the subject. Do you think this card was sent to be hurtful and racist or can you think of another reason?

I fully know that if you consider a historical and cultural context of the Biblical events none of the people were likely to have either white or dark brown color.More Likely they were of Middle Eastern background.

Maybe this person feels bad about it and wants to show you they are not really racist.

0

chaski

Stalker

Tree at Floydgirrl's Window,

#4

Dec 18, 2012 @ 15:18:00

@simone12 Said

Do you think this card was sent to be hurtful and racist or can you think of another reason?
.

It is only "hurtful" if you allow it to be hurtful.

Maybe it was sent to bait you... get you into a fight, start an argument or insult you. Or maybe it was sent in the spirit of christmas and making amends for the previous disagreement.

You get to choose for yourself.

Take the proverbial "high road" as treat it as a loving christmas card and be happy.

If the sender ever brings it up, say that you thought it was great and smile!

IF the sender brings it up and says something negative and racial negative about it, give him "blink eyes"

Say "wow" in sarcastic way and walk away.

0

Edited: December 18, 2012 @ 15:18

sTreetAngeL

root tedt ree

in a paradox,

#5

Dec 18, 2012 @ 18:06:56

@futilevoice Said

Maybe this person feels bad about it and wants to show you they are not really racist.

That's how I would choose to take it.

I think a real racist would hiss at the mere image; never mind actually sending it to someone. LOL

0

Edited: December 18, 2012 @ 18:08

Electric_Banana

, New Zealand

#6

Dec 18, 2012 @ 18:14:32

@simone12 Said

Hello,
This is my first time posting a question in a forum so please bear with me. I was not sure how to phrase the post as some people I personally know prefer the term black as opposed to African American and I am White. I have a family member who is White that sent out Christmas cards to our family that depict the 3 wise men as African American/Black. Inside that card Jesus, Mary, and Joseph were on another card and depicted as African American/Black. I have no problem with the race depiction of the figures on the card. The problem is the person sending the cards and I had a conflict in the past where they said some very racist things about African American/Black people. I told this person their comments were offensive and not to talk like that around me please. This person was/is resentful that I spoke up about my feelings on the subject. Do you think this card was sent to be hurtful and racist or can you think of another reason?

I fully know that if you consider a historical and cultural context of the Biblical events none of the people were likely to have either white or dark brown color.More Likely they were of Middle Eastern background.

What tactic did you use to confront them?

"Dude! Look, man..I know you find this funny but you should stop sometime and review our history. Most of the attitude and legacy that you keep making fun of was implemented by the same type of discrimination from the start.

There are too many forms of discrimination nowadays. Stop and think back how many jobs and girlfriends you've been turned away from because you're a non-Christian Liberal."

Or

"a*****e! I'm going to make f***in' sure that everyone, for the rest of your vile life, knows what kind of a f***in' biggot you are!"

0

syco

Deleted

Somewhere, United Kingdom

#7

Dec 18, 2012 @ 19:55:33

@simone12 Said

I fully know that if you consider a historical and cultural context of the Biblical events none of the people were likely to have either white or dark brown color.More Likely they were of Middle Eastern background.

Is that because the events depicted in that novel are set in the middle east?

0

treebee

Government Hooker

Moderator

London, United Kingdom

#8

Dec 18, 2012 @ 19:59:22

I am pretty sure that the origins of the wise men is written down in the bible. I am pretty sure they come from different parts of the world. I am fairly sure one or two of them were dark skinned. However I cannot be arsed to look it up.

0

BozieFozie

Life's a Beach

Paradise, Florida

#9

Dec 18, 2012 @ 20:40:43

I think one was from Africa anyway, so what? Jesus, Mary and Joseph were likely dark-skinned middle-easterners, with curly black hair....I get pissed when I see depictions of the Holy Family and they looked like they came out of Stockholm!!!!!

0

syco

Deleted

Somewhere, United Kingdom

#10

Dec 18, 2012 @ 21:16:40

according to Ethiopian church, at least one was from etiopia, but I cba to check.

0

Spinkiegirl

Chicago, Illinois

#11

Dec 18, 2012 @ 21:19:01

@simone12 Said

Hello,
This is my first time posting a question in a forum so please bear with me. I was not sure how to phrase the post as some people I personally know prefer the term black as opposed to African American and I am White. I have a family member who is White that sent out Christmas cards to our family that depict the 3 wise men as African American/Black. Inside that card Jesus, Mary, and Joseph were on another card and depicted as African American/Black. I have no problem with the race depiction of the figures on the card. The problem is the person sending the cards and I had a conflict in the past where they said some very racist things about African American/Black people. I told this person their comments were offensive and not to talk like that around me please. This person was/is resentful that I spoke up about my feelings on the subject. Do you think this card was sent to be hurtful and racist or can you think of another reason?

I fully know that if you consider a historical and cultural context of the Biblical events none of the people were likely to have either white or dark brown color.More Likely they were of Middle Eastern background.

I would keep the lovely greeting card & boot the friend!

0

simone12

Loveland, Ohio

#12

Dec 18, 2012 @ 22:40:35

My tactic for confronting them was,"Those comments offend me and make me feel uncomfortable. Will you please not say things like that around me anymore?" There was no loud tone involved. I thought it was a reasonable request. I came to find out that he called me a B#*ch behind my back for saying it.

0

shinobinoz

Stnd w Standing Rock

Wichita, Kansas

#13

Dec 19, 2012 @ 04:32:05

He may well have thought it cute to send you the card. Probably not though, and he may value your friendship enough to send it as a peace offering. I'd not feed into the first 1) if it wasn't meant that way- he would really be angry with you & 2) if it was mean't that way I would tell him how special you found the card to be. If he asks "why"? you can let him know it is great to see one that is more historically correct than usual.
That leaves it up to him to make any move that you seem more than able to handle!

And NO, your response in the initial instance you mention was perfect and what more people should do when so faced.

0

syco

Deleted

Somewhere, United Kingdom

#14

Dec 19, 2012 @ 13:09:41

Osama bin liner rang up bill Clinton and said "why isn't there any Middle easterners in star trek?"......

0

Edited: December 19, 2012 @ 13:10

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