Oracle Oprah was right when she foreshadowed that actress Raven-Symoné would set Twitter on fire with her “colorless” comment. Over the weekend, the child star’s interview with O aired on the OWN Network’s Where Are They Now?. There she explained how she rejects labels, including “gay” and “African-American.” In exclusive statement to theGrio actress Raven-Symoné addressed her critics saying:
“I never said I wasn’t Black… I want to make that very clear. I said, I am not African-American. I never expected my personal beliefs and comments to spark such emotion in people. I think it is only positive when we can openly discuss race and being labeled in America.”
In case you missed it, here’s the clip of Raven talking race with Oprah. See below for the transcript.
“I’m tired of being labeled,” she says. “I’m an American. I’m not an African-American; I’m an American.” When Oprah asks her to clarify she adds:
“I mean, I don’t know where my roots go to. I don’t know how far back they go… I don’t know what country in Africa I’m from, but I do know that my roots are in Louisiana. I’m an American. And that’s a colorless person.”
See more of our recap here: “Raven-Symone Talks Relationships & Labels With Oprah“.
Well, she can say that she is American which is great. However, her ancestors who were shackled, murdered, raped, lost their culture and identity would argue with her. They weren’t allowed to bring the richness of their culture therefore, had to adopt Eurocentric culture and values. Everyone in this country, excluding us, have that richness therefore, a self confidence. She needs to read a little more about her history.
Who cares… Homegirl has not done anything relevant in years, then gets on Oprah with a crappy attitude and stirs things up with numerous questionable sound bites. Let’s not get wrapped up in this BS.