to be confused

[isittooearlyforgin]

In the last few weeks I’ve been trying to educate myself and would really like views about the following. Matt Hancock was asked how many black people were on the cabinet. He listed Priti Patel and Rishi Sunak. There has been uproar because the people he listed weren’t considered black. I had understood that being black was an experience subject to racist abuse based on the fact you are not white as opposed to a specific ethic description but others have pointed out that all non white races shouldn’t just be lumped together. Obviously I am very on board for being put right. If you go down the path of explaining black as a specific skin colour only it gets very offensive surely? If a child is mixed race, you wouldn’t say that the child isn’t black. I have no intention to offend, just interested in understanding.
I have no love for the Tory party at all btw.

Ethnic not ethic

What's to understand? Priti Patel and Rishi Sunak aren't black

It’s not to do with shade surely as people if many different many skin tones identify as black?

They aren’t black, though. The world isn’t divided neatly into black people and white people. There are lots of ethnicities and races.

They are not black. Their heritage is nothing to do with being black at all. That's why people are pissed.

It's ridiculous he would consider them black and highlights his ignorance on race.

He should be called out

Are you dense?

Black = of African descent. Not just "not white".

This is my interpretation anyway. Happy to be corrected.

I am not dense thank you, trying to find out more.
“Black...is a skin color-based classification for specific people with a mid to dark brown complexion. Not all black people have dark skin”
This is what I found in Wikipedia, which I acknowledge is not the most appropriate source of information but struggling to find alternatives.
Those of Aboriginal descent might identify as black so think it is bigger than those of African descent?

@daisydukes7576 I completely agree that cabinet does not reflect diversity of our country and completely needs calling out on it

I'm confused at what your question is. People were upset with Matt Hancocks answer because neither of the politicians he named are black. They are Asian.

I personally find it offensive to say we're all the same because our skin is just 'non white' for what it's worth. Also I'm mixed race, and wouldn't describe myself as black, but wouldn't mind if you did. I wouldn't describe myself as white either (obviously)

Maybe you could rephrase your question?

Just wow.

What time did you start on the gin, OP?

What don't you understand? He was asked how many black people were in the cabinet and he named 2 Asian people.

I'm black..I'm not Asian...we're not all the same.

Black people face different issues than Asian people.

His simple response should have been none...but he didn't want to say that and blabbered on about diversity of thought.

He knew what was being asked..but was ashamed to say ZERO... and quite frankly the token black person is pointless when they're within a racist system..but that's another issue altogether.

The world is not filled with black and white.

Ok, my question wasn’t really about Matt Hancock. I think he is crap. All I was really asking was whether people from different races identify with being black and the experience of not having white privileged. Sorry to have upset or offended anyone

People who aren't black don't tend to identify as black.

You seem to be lumping in all ethnic groups as black. That's why people are getting offended.

I think you mean BAME

All groups have different experiences of prejudice. Did you see the interview? It was very clear.