The origins of black-on black segregation are obvious. There was a time in this country when black people had no choice but to be segregated in every aspect of life, work, school, neighborhoods, etc. Once segregation ceased to be legally mandated, blacks still remained segregated in American society because of residual racism. Now, in the 21st century, blacks have more choices in where to live, work, go to school, and socialize, etc., yet there are a lot of black people who are still segregated, not by law, but by their own doing. It’s not just poor blacks who are segregated in urban ghettos because they lack the financial means to move elsewhere, but it’s affluent blacks who choose to live in all-black communities with other wealthy blacks.

As survivors of slavery and legalized segregation, many blacks still hold on to the “us against them” mentality, with “them” being white people, a.k.a. The Enemy. For some blacks, listening to rock music, dressing a certain way and speaking a certain way is construed by other blacks as trying to be white, therefore many of us force ourselves to conform to the correct ways of being black for fear of being ostracized by our community.

The argument for self-segregation is that it strengthens our community. I’m all for strengthening black communities, but not at the expense of causing self-imposed isolation. Isolation breeds ignorance-and more racism. I have seen some of the most anti-racist black people turn around and use racial slurs against others, such as Asians and whites. Two wrongs do not make a right.

Many blacks complain about being marginalized in American society then turn around and marginalize themselves by choosing to live in an all-black neighborhood, socializing with and dating only black people, and only doing things in life that it are acceptable within the black community. To even discuss self-segregation is taboo among blacks. You better not speak on it lest you open yourself up to being called an Uncle Tom.

Blacks have to end self-segregation if we want to become a part of mainstream society. We can’t have it both ways. We can consider ourselves bi-cultural, without having to limit ourselves and pick and choose only those aspects of life that are politically correct within the black community.

I will expose my children to all different cultures because there is good and bad in everyone. They will also learn about their ancestors and racism in this country without feeling that everyone who looks physically different from them is a threat. It’s a step in the right direction in moving towards better race relations for the 22nd century.