Okay, here’s the deal: I love my mom; but whenever this time of year rolls around, I can’t help but get especially frustrated when deciding what to get her for Christmas. You see, my mom is Black. I, for most intensive purposes, am regarded by society as a person of non-color. At least on the outside.
That’s why I was so grateful when a friend forwarded me this New York Times Gift Guide for “people of color.” Now I can buy the person who gave birth to me a gift that says, “You’re African-American, and I don’t know what that’s like. Here’s a gift that expresses that sentiment, even though I know you’d probably prefer jewelry or a gift certificate to NY & Company.”
The article covers stereotypical gift suggestions for people who are not White. Which is kind of odd. Why would a minority want a gift specially suited to their ethnicity? Like this year, during Secret Santa, if I get a White co-worker, I’ll just buy them an iPod or something. Because White people get regular gifts. If I get my Jamaican co-worker, though, maybe I’ll buy her the ’The Beauty of Color: The Ultimate Beauty Guide for Skin of Color’ by Iman.
I know that the NY Times is the authority on Black culture, and who am I to judge, but shouldn’t you buy someone a gift based on the persons’ interests? For example, if a so-called person of color bought me a tennis racket or a yoga mat for Christmas, I’d be a little peeved. That is exactly the type of gift you get when someone Googles ”White people christmas ideas.” You might as well say, “Hi Steph, noticed you’re White, thought you might enjoy this set of exotic teas.” Why would I buy an Indian friend a henna kit? A Spanish friend a t-shirt that says “Wise Latina” on it? It’s embarrassing enough to purchase something like that, but then to give it to someone and expect them to be gracious for it? It’s like you’re wrapping up an identity in a box, putting a bow on it, and saying, “this is so you,” even if it isn’t.
I’m not saying that these specialized knickknacks shouldn’t exist at all, but shouldn’t each person be responsible for how actively they participate in their culture? Should someone else really decide that your kid needs a DVD called “Baby Jamz”? (Srsly, WTF. Get the damn kid a gift certificate to Build-A-Bear or a Barbie Doll). Should someone else say, “Your hair’s kinda nappy, so I got you this hair shit that famous Black people use.” Mind your damn business! If someone wants a product that connects them to their culture, they’ll buy it themselves. That shit is personal.
Mostly, I’m disappointed with the New York Times. They publish this fluff piece after months of musing about a potentially postracial America. Are we? Aren’t we? Let me make it easy for you: electing someone who isn’t 100% white IN NO WAY signifies a postracial society, ESPECIALLY when journalists use said elected official as an anecdote for a trend piece concerning which Christmas gifts got mad flava!
Anyway, I can only hope that there aren’t any sheltered suits who read this article and are considering purchasing tickets for the Radio One Love Gospel Cruise 2010 to bestow upon their African-American bosses.















