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AFRICANGLOBE – Raven Symone just gave us all something to think about. In an interview with Oprah Winfrey, the actress/singer/lesbian says she doesn’t need labels, and would prefer not to be categorized as “gay” or “African-American.”
“I don’t want to be labeled ‘gay,’ ” the ex-Disney star said said. “I want to be labeled ‘a human who loves humans.’ ”
And while some may take issue with that, perhaps arguing that she should embrace her identity, Raven does say that she’s proud of who she is — she would just rather not be put in a box. While Oprah tried to get her to talk about “coming out,” Symone said she has always tried to keep her personal life private and refuses to let people use her sexuality for conversation fodder, as she’s tweeted about before.
Her view about labels extends to race and heritage too. “I’m not African-American — I’m American,” the “Cosby Show” alum said — to the shock of Oprah, who said she had presumably already set Twitter on fire with that statement.
Yes, Oprah: One look at Twitter, and it’s already started. Some fans have come to Symone’s defense about wanting to be treated equally, but mostly, others are mad that she doesn’t want to identify with one group.
Our folks in #Ferguson fighting to be seen n treated equally as ‘Americans’ but black folks mad at Raven for wanting to be simply American
— Malty (@Malt_bia) October 6, 2014
Oprah’s face while looking at Raven……oh dear. She tried. — Olivia A. Cole (@RantingOwl) October 6, 2014
The collective side eye/shade being directed Raven-Symone’s way right now could power cities. Nay, NATIONS.
— Bim Adewunmi (@bimadew) October 6, 2014
it’s ok if raven simone doesn’t want to call herself african-american…. i ALWAYS check “other” on surveys. then, i write in, “almondy.” — fooler initiative (@metroadlib) October 6, 2014
Did Raven Symone really say “I have a nice, interesting grade of hair” – on national tv?! Nope. No puedo.
— Film Fatale (@FilmFatale_NYC) October 6, 2014
Here’s Raven’s response:
“I don’t know where my roots go to. I don’t know how far back they go,” she said. “I don’t know what country my family’s from. But I do know that my roots are in Louisiana.”
“I’m American — and that’s a colorless person,” she said confidently. That’s so Raven.
There you have it. Of course, make sure you tell us what you think in the comments.
By: Emilee Lindner
Please Remember That Raven Symone Is Not Black When She Is Given The Daniele Watts Treatment
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