Common Miscomceptions About Black People

       There are lots of myths that have become quite common among black folk such as myself, as well as popular beliefs among other races concerning the African American community. Listed below are 2 of the most common I grew up hearing, perhaps you have too? Time to educate.


"Black Don't Crack"
        Funny as this saying is, according to Dr. Andrew F. Alexis, director of the Skin of Color Center at St. Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital in New York City, this is in fact true. On the topic of African American's having a better rate at aging in terms of skin endurance, Alexis mentions that in her "dermatology practice, black men and women tend to present with skin aging concerns about a decade later than... patients with lighter skin". So what does this say for those of African American descents alike? Just ask 45-year-old, Stacy Dash who still manages to take on roles requiring a 20-something year old. And lets not forget music producer/designer and artist, Pharrell of N.E.R.D. who has looked barely the N.Y state drinking age since the year 2000.

Black men are naturally Athletic
       According to the National Basketball Association and the National Football League, more than 80% of basketball players in the league and over 60% football players are of African American descent. Just what does this mean exactly? According to Jon Entine, an American author and journalist explains that the case is less about race but due to environment and ethnicity.
In his book, "Taboo: Why Black Athletes Dominate Sports and Why We’re Afraid to Talk About It book", Entine breaks down the athletic features of certain ethnic groups:
West-African's: Dominant in speed and jumping; this is due to an increase in fast-twitch fibers in their muscles which can contract faster with greater force. In contrast just as well-trained whites and Asians cannot jump as high as most African-American athletes according to Entine.
        Yet this being said the characteristics named above of the West-African athletes (smaller lungs, increase in contracting fibers in muscles) make them less apt at a sport such as swimming, unlike those in other race groups.
       Caucasian's of Eurasian backgrounds have more of an upper body strength helping to dominate shot-put and weightlifting, while East Asian's show their strengths in diving, ice skating and gymnastics  due to their flexibility.
Al in all, while African American men dominate in a majority of sports played in warmer weather, whites dominate in winter sports.

       At the end of the day lets all just get along, because at the end of the day we all share the same insides. In a way. Sort of. That is all.