This piece is part of my 2016–2026 archive migration. Some original formatting, content, and external links may be missing, changed, or not be optimized.
Ummmmmmm……whaaaat?
I don’t have any context because it doesn’t exist in this case. It was a completely random question out of the blue.
A white guy randomly asked me if I could twerk.
My initial response was, “Doesn’t everyone (and my thoughts went straight to Miley Cyrus)?”
Heck, I’ve seen many non-black individuals twerk better than black individuals. Anyone and everyone can do it.
What’s The Issue With This Question?
Why did this question rub me the wrong way, though? Would it rub you the wrong way, or am I just being overly sensitive?
I wasn’t necessarily offended, but the question did seem offputting and unusual.
Maybe because many people believe that if you’re Black, you should be able to dance, play sports, be loud, or be overly sexual.
Expectations & Stigmas
Black people have a lot of stigmas and expectations to live up to in this world.
Expectations are a form of prejudice and exemplify perpetual racist thinking patterns.
A perfect example of an expectation is how many people expect Asians to be subservient and passive, but who’s to say your personality isn’t subservient or passive?
Another example is that people often vigilantly watch people of color – especially Black people – shopping in stores. It’s because many people know we traditionally have a lower socioeconomic status and because many view us as dangerous or criminal.
Racial identity should never pre-define an individual.
The Skin Color Example: One Shade For All
Recently I visited a foreign country, and a white woman asked the native, your skin is unusually light to be of this country. Are you from here?
The woman politely answered “yes,” while my friend and I balked at the question.
Here we find another example of expectations. Because the woman didn’t meet another woman’s expectations, her mind bubbled up with curiosity – enough to ask an impolite question.
People of one race or country come in all different shapes, sizes, and looks. There is no such thing as a uniform look; everyone has physical differences – no matter how large or small. Just as Black people all have different levels of physical abilities.
So, Can I Twerk?
Who knows. Ask my friends who I go out dancing with, but please don’t ask a Black person if they can twerk; it’s simply distasteful.
Some can. Some can’t. Not every Black person can dance. Not everyone Black person is athletic. Not every Black person moves on rhythm.
We’re all different and unique human beings with different abilities – even odd abilities such as twerking.
More Thoughts On The Question
It seems harmless enough. But the thought shows how powerful stereotypes are. Because I’m a Black female, the white male assumed I could dance and shake my ass.
I wonder what else he assumed about me. That’s what racial stereotyping will have you doing: making assumptions about people based on their race.
This content is for informational purposes only — not professional advice. Consult a qualified professional before making any major decisions.