Being black in the US vs the UK: There's a big difference | Alvin Hall | Big Think

TL;DR

A black gay man reflects on how his identity impacts his career opportunities and the different levels of acceptance in the US and UK.

Transcript

Two facts. One, I define myself as a black man first, because that’s what you’re going to see when you look at me. Being gay is something I define myself second, third, I can’t decide really. But it’s not everything I am. It’s a part of a complexity that I am. And that’s not backing away from the fact that I’m gay. It’s just that there are other as... Read More

Key Insights

• 🖤 The speaker prioritizes his identity as a black man over his sexual orientation.
• 🔇 Career opportunities and acceptance differ between the US and the UK, with the speaker feeling more appreciated and embraced in the UK.
• 🤘 The concept of being "coded" highlights the need to be aware of subtle signs of bigotry and adjust oneself to navigate such situations effectively.

Questions & Answers

Q: How does the speaker prioritize his identities?

The speaker prioritizes his identity as a black man before his identity as a gay man, viewing his sexual orientation as one part of his overall complexity.

Q: Why does the speaker believe he had better career opportunities in the UK than in the US?

The speaker attributes his career opportunities in the UK to people recognizing his talent, curiosity, and ability to discuss various topics openly. He suggests that such recognition and opportunities are limited in the US due to prejudices and biases.

Q: What does the speaker mean by being "coded"?

Being "coded" refers to situations where people may have prejudiced or bigoted beliefs but try to hide them. The speaker emphasizes the importance of being aware of subtle signs and adjusting oneself instead of expecting others to change.

Q: How does the speaker approach dealing with coded individuals?

The speaker believes it is futile to call out coded individuals, as they are unlikely to change. Instead, he focuses on adjusting himself to the situation and being aware of the subtle signs to navigate conversations and interactions.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The speaker defines himself first as a black man, with his sexual orientation being a secondary aspect of his identity.

• He believes that his career opportunities and the level of acceptance he has received in the UK would not have been possible in the US due to prejudice and bias.

• The speaker discusses the concept of being "coded" and highlights the importance of being aware of subtle signs of bigotry and adjusting oneself to navigate such situations.