The Confrontation of Diversity within the Black Community

Abstract

While in recent years Blacks have tended to become more unified at one level, there are indications that there are polarizing influences operating at another level. This influence may be felt in the differential use of the terms Negro and Black by certain of the more verbal segments of the population. The former is utilized to denote the "Uncle Toms," or integrationist individuals of African descent, while the latter term is used to denote those who have undergone a "rebirth" in terms of Black pride. The "Toms" are often derogatorily referred to as "middle class," and in contrast there is a glorification of "our roots," which by implication means the lower classes and the folk families. Implicit in this new usage is the accompanying idea that all persons of African descent were unaware of their history and sought escape from any form of "Negro" connection. As a result, the stage is being set for a confrontation of diversity among persons of African descent within the United States.