I’ve noticed a significant shift in recent times where many people of African descent are embracing and celebrating their African heritage. When I was younger, identifying as African was often met with negative stereotypes and misconceptions. People would associate Africa with huts, monkeys, and wildlife, and I’ll never forget the hurtful term “African booty scratcher,” which was used to devalue and ridicule Africans, likening them to monkeys.
Furthermore, there was a time when having dark skin was stigmatized, almost akin to the discrimination faced by people of color in the 1950s. In the past, women within my own community often favored lighter-skinned individuals, desiring men who resembled figures like Chris Brown. I recall my high school days when those of us with darker skin were mocked and made to feel inferior. Now, it’s astonishing how the tables have turned. Today, I can’t go to a club without receiving compliments on my skin or appearance, as dark skin is now considered a desirable trend.
In the world of music, artists like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido have risen to prominence, with Afrobeat becoming a dominant force in 2023. These artists’ music is frequently played at clubs, reflecting the broader shift in cultural preferences.
Overall, it’s remarkable how perceptions have evolved. In the past, being African was met with fear and shame to the extent that some of us would even pretend to be Jamaican or Dominican to avoid the negative stereotypes. Today, many people are eager to engage with African culture, whether it’s through Afrobeat music, adopting accents, or showing an appreciation for dark-skinned individuals.
Unruly Bodies 
This is the good take on how we’re handling race today, it seems like things are only ever accepted when they’re some glamourous fad that can taken on and off, like toe-socks. What people don’t realize is that once this trend eventually ends, when being dark-skinned isn’t desirable anymore (because let’s be honest here, people will stop pretending to care once everyone decides to put their attention elsewhere, a flavor of the month type of thing) dark skinned people can’t just…change who they are! Calling it a trend, realizing that this appreciation is a trend, is so disheartening because all anyone wants is to integrated and respected; culture, skin, no exceptions or limits. In a perfect world, this trend could lead to that respect, but only time will tell.
I definitely agree with your post. Being African in elementary and middle school was definitely brutal. It’s quite astonishing receiving backlash on your heritage from people who look exactly like you. Unfortunately, there is still a huge divide between the African & African American community. I often think of what will happen to the engagement with African culture and compliments on African features when this hype dies down. Have people actually accepted African culture or is this just another trend that will soon pass? Being African right now is cool but will it remain cool forever?