I present to you: I know Black People–the CNN story
ATLANTA, Georgia (CNN) — Joshua Packwood knows what it’s like to be a minority. (This is where I should have stopped, but instead I pressed on)
“Because I’m one of the only white students, it’s easy to call me ‘the white boy,’ I’m naturally going to stand out,” says Packwood.
For those who don’t know him, what is surprising is that a Rhodes Scholar finalist turned down a full scholarship to Columbia University to attend the all-black men’s university. (Because who would want to go to a Historically Black College/University if they don’t have to amirite?)
This came naturally to Packwood, who attended a predominantly black high school.
“A large majority of my friends, like all my girlfriends have been minorities,” says Packwood. “So it was very, it was kind of strange that I always kind of gravitated to the black community.” (Fans self–truly, he is the wave of the future)
Adolescence was rough. His mother’s second marriage to a black man ended in divorce and family tension forced him to seek refuge with his best friend’s family - who were black and middle-class.
“I gained this interest in African-American studies and I thought that Morehouse would probably be the best experience,” says Packwood. “I think of it in terms of ’study abroad.’ If I really want to learn it, if I really want to understand it - maybe it’s best if I immerse myself in the culture.”
“One guy came up to me and told me — he didn’t like the fact that I was here,” recalls Packwood. “He absolutely didn’t like the fact that I dated black women.”
“I think that it should be a wake-up call to an all black campus,” says Muhammad. “At Morehouse we’re supposed to be at the top as black men. We only have a few white students and to see a white student will rise to this - is something unsettling to me because it shows that we need to work harder.”
Okay, so constant attempts to explain his connection to the black community? Check
Details about his “chiseled” good looks and how he’s managed to best all the darkies on campus? Check
I don’t know about you, but I really enjoyed the idea that black culture is a monolith and furthermore, it’s foreign and being immersed in it is like study abroad. A++++++++ Way to immerse yourself in “black culture” for at least four years, and come out patting yourself on the back for doing so. Clearly, he’s learned a lot.
Tags: "Black experience", I am such a good person, I have black friends, I know what its like to be a minority
