Raven-Symoné has revealed why her identity surpasses being African-American and why she can’t be limited to that. The actress explained her thought process during her interview on The Unplanned Podcast. She shed light on the meaning behind the boxes. Raven noted that trying to fit her into one box was not respectful of her multicultural bloodline. She also questioned why white people didn’t have to conform to the same process.
Raven-Symoné Says Identity Beyond African-American
During her interview with Matthew and Abby Howard, Raven-Symoné revealed that she doesn’t identify as African-American.
“I’m black, and I’m an American, and I have African descent in me, and if you test my blood, I also have American Indian, I also have a lot of other things,” the Raven’s Home actress disclosed.
She added that the attempts to fit her into a box were selfish and discriminatory, as it only served the interests of others.
“For me to be placed in one box and just call me that for the ease of others, I think it’s unfair. As a white person, you don’t have to say that. You know what I mean? You say you’re Irish, but you don’t have to click on or check on a box on a piece of paper, ‘Irish American,’ Raven opined.
Raven-Symoné Thinks More Black People Need Awareness
The effect of Raven-Symoné’s identity fight was also not lost on her hosts, as Matthew Howard wondered what ticking a race box meant for the time.
“Is that really what it means like when you’re checking a piece of paper? It would come up as African American. It wouldn’t just say black or white?” he asked Raven, who clarified that the box always said Black or African-American.
A surprised Matthew remarked that he has never claimed to be German American, and Abby doesn’t have to say Irish-American.
“Nobody white has to say anything like that. No, even if you’re from another country and you’re first generation or immediately here, you still just get to check Caucasian white,” Raven stated.
She pointed out that it was an issue with the country’s obsession with categorizations, but many white people now understand her position. The actress also noted that some black people are “starting to understand.” You can speak your truth,” she said, adding that one just needed to be prepared to explain it and say it at the “right time.”
Fans React To Raven-Symoné’s Identity Claims
Many people commented after Onsite posted a clip of Raven-Symoné’s identity claims. However, most were divided on the validity of her claims. Some fans agreed with her, while others thought she was only being controversial. Some also shared that the That’s So Raven actress’ clip helped them understand her position clearly.
“Now that she explained it I understand. I never looked at it that way, a fan commented. A second fan replied, “Yall not gon like this…but she has a very great point.”
However, someone noted:
“I’m African American. I be dam if you want me to not acknowledge my ancestors!”
“There has never been consensus about what to call our people. This conversation is centuries old. She’s not wrong about anything, but I do think she catches heat for 1) having this convo in mixed company, 2) misunderstanding the context of the demonym used, 3) having this frivolous conversation at all when our rights are more important than what synonyms we call ourselves,” another fan said.
However controversial they may seem, Raven-Symoné’s point on identity is valid and worth looking into, as many people do not fit into any of the existing boxes. Hopefully, this can spark the necessary discussion so everyone has room for expression.
#Clique, do you agree with Raven-Symoné’s thoughts on her identity? Let us know in the comments.
