That was the greeting I received from someone (not black) the other day when I wished them merry Christmas. I was taken a back a bit actually. Actually I felt rather insulted like I should run up on them, grab them by the collar and say so ya think just cause I black I don't celebrate Christmas? What da?
Anyway I probably sound somewhat ignorant here and de wife say I should be glad that people know about Kwanzaa but I really don't see it that way. If they think that Kwanzaa replaces Christmas or just because I'm black I have to celebrate Kwanzaa then I think they still got a lot to learn.
Now before I continue let me get one thing straight, I really don't deal with no Kwanzaa business. I have no tradition to celebrating it and its not like I'm looking for extra celebrations to add to my life unless they come complete with added holidays. Yea hook a brother up with those 7 days of Kwanzaa as vacation days and I man will be waxing poetically on Ujoma, Kujichagulia, Imani and all that and jumping and waving like its Caribana in December but otherwise for me its Kwanzaa Swanzaa.Ok I wont disparage the 'holiday' although lets be clear about something just because I'm black does not mean I need to celebrate this does it? Its like saying just because I'm black I got to like Lil Jon's music or whatever stupid ass stereotypes people believe about us. Yeaaah! OK! What!
Yes I'll agree that the seven principles associated with Kwanzaa ( Unity, Self Determination, Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity, Faith) are strong principles and the holiday can actually serve a purpose as a reminder to us but still I aint celebrating no Kwanzaa. The colors may be the red, the black and the green (with a key you sissy!) but still I aint celebrating no Kwanzaa. The greetings may be 'Habari Gani' but I aint celebrating no Kwanzaa and I damn sure aint giving up Christmas for no Kwanzaa.
Its not a religious holiday, its not a National Holiday (and if it was it would be an American National holiday and I man aint American), its not an actual African holiday although the roots are African and although it seems to be getting bigger and bigger in the islands (Yes I actually went to a Kwanzaa celebration in Barbados my last time) its still a relatively new thing there.
I mean nobody never ever offer me no Kwanzaa ham, nor no Kwanzaa black cake nor no Kwanzaa Sorrel and wunnah want me to celebrate? Chupse ya mekkin sport!
Yes I'm being a bit facetious here but no I am not trying to sway anyone one way or the other about Kwanzaa just stating the facts about myself and that I don't currently celebrate this holiday. So if ya see me on the road you can just wish me merry Christmas or happy holidays and keep the Kwanzaa business to yourself.
Comprende?
18 comments:
Yuh shoulda grab dem by di colla fe troot! Oh gorm, I was laughing so hard at that!
But you make a good point...not 'cause it's Black, mean is fe all Black people.
Mi gwine answah yuh email, sorry boss! Mi usually pon di ball wit email but mi real tiyad lately.
Glad to read yuh alright!! :)
Jdid, you could at least list to a kwanzaa site so I could read up on the holiday. I mean,laziness is a real tind den! I hear what you are saying, but I feel the need not to be ignorant on the subject. if anything you've movitated me to check it out for myself.
peace
Happy Kwanzaa to you as well...
I'm feeling you on this post! *smile*
~Smooches~
hahahaha... i was saying this the other day too. like, any time white people wish me a happy kwanzaa, i say it right back to them. better you say "happy holidays", because what if my ass was jewish?
Yeah a lot of people seem to stereotype others. Don't know much about this Kwanzaa thing. All I know is that some afro-americans celebrate this holiday, but it seems that person think all black americans celebrate it instead of christmas
Well, if it's any consolation to ya, "Merry Christmas" (from a white chick), and have a great new years too!
I love your blog by the way... you have a wicked sense of humour. Keep it up!
Very good point Jdid, I have a similar feeling about it. I'm not trying to knock Kwanzaa, but I don't have enough exposure to hold claim and honor it as one of the rituals I practice for the holidays (maybe in time).
I already enjoy the traditions my family and I celebrate between the holidays.
Hope you and the fam had a great christmas! Wishing you the best in the new year!
You should have said something to them. I get tired of white folks assuming things. Good Post.
I hear you mah man, I hear you. :P
Happy Holidays, Merry X-mas and have a wonderful New Year!
hey, did you hear (i'm sure) about the shooting on yonge. madness!
In these fast time we live in, it would be nice if we as a ppl partake in making personal gifts for ppl. I do like the idea of Kwanzaa
but I also like the idea of finishing all the lil personal scarf, poems, and knick knacks that are started making for ppl and never finished... too
Buying something is easier and quicker
Happy All that Jazz to ya babes!
Happy Kawazna Jdid
I just had to do that. I used to celebrate the holiday until my true authentic Africian sister put me in check about the holiday.
Ilike the principles behind the idea and will respect those who celebrate. Some people need something to hold on to in these times and I see nothing wrong with holding to those seven principles.
So Jdid, next time just go up to any white fella and tell dem happy Hannakuh revenge on your part.
Ooooo black cake! I've got to get to the Bronx. I know mom made some :) and I feel you on the Kwanzaa thing. People just don't get it. I don't celebrate it but more power to those who do even if they're not black :)
:::Waving:::
I don't know one person who celebrates Kwanzaa.
It's a nice concept though. The principles are important for everyone to follow.
Maybe it's just more of an American thing?
I must say, I love your idea about having those seven days off as holidays! JDid for president!
i agree with rada. each of the days in the kwanzaa celebrations represent priniciples we should follow in ALL the days of our lives, not just a week during the holiday season...
and CHRISTMAS is the way to go. if someone said happy kwanzaa to me, i would stop and say (dumbfounded, of course) "kwanzaa? what's that?"
merry christmas, jdid. happy new year. and you missed some black cake and sorrel last friday too! : )
Maybe that person celebrate Kwanzaa [nevermind "not black"].
LOL.
Post a Comment