A Legacy Hidden in Plain Sight

The Washington Post ^ | January 11, 2004 | Theola Labbé

[neverdem]

Iraqis of African Descent Are a Largely Overlooked Link to Slavery

BASRA, Iraq

The word was whispered and hurled at Thawra Youssef in school when she was 5 years old. Even back then, she sensed it was an insult.

Abd. Slave.

"The way they said it, smiling and shouting, I knew they used it to make fun of me," said Youssef, recounting the childhood story from her living room couch.

"I used to get upset and ask, 'Why do you call me abd? I don't serve you,' " Youssef said.

Unlike most Iraqis, whose faces come in shades from olive to a pale winter white, Youssef has skin the color of dark chocolate. She has African features and short, tightly curled hair that she straightens and wears in a soft bouffant. Growing up in Basra, the port city 260 miles southeast of Baghdad, she lived with her aunt while her mother worked as a cook and maid in the homes of one of the city's wealthiest light-skinned families.

[neverdem]

People of color did it too, who'da thunk it?

[Support Free Republic]

Here we go again folks... why not donate now and help get this fundraiser over with!

[neverdem]

PING

[cyborg]

heh... I know more than a few black people who get scorned upon by Arabs... darker skinned Arabs who get smeared by lighter skinned Arabs... human beings never learn.

[neverdem]

"human beings never learn"

It seems to me that some do, but most don't, e.g. the virtually mindless loyalty to most sports teams. It's an almost primitive reaction to a vicarious experience regardless of where somebody comes from.

The irony is that most folks can't appreciate that the Olympics and various contests were developed as a preparation and substitute for war.

[patj]

Here we go again, the NYT seeking to cause a rift wherever they go.

[MeekOneGOP]

Interesting. Thanks for the post and ping.

[MeekOneGOP]

This is the Washington Post ...

[rcofdayton]

Wasn't the Bush family involved in the slave trade back in the 900s?

[patj]

Sorry, my bad. The same thought still applies, tho. Same story, different page. (That's cleaner than what I was thinking. ;) )

[MeekOneGOP]

hehe ! All the news that's fit for outhouses ! ...

[MeekOneGOP]

LOL !

[expatpat]

That's nothing. African-americans with light skin smear A-As with dark skin. It is interesting fact that when an African-American describes another, the first thing will be the depth of skin color. I found that disconcerting when first experiencing it.

[bert]

......human beings never learn.......

Some may have. The American advertising industry and TV programming industry has learned that dark negros should be shunned and when needed, a light hued "Black" should be chosen for the part.

This is especilally true of actors playing housewives or working women on TV commercials. Only the Latte hued sharp nosed get the parts. Real Blacks need not apply.