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Yes... and No. Rubbing the head of a black man has historically been an insulting gesture from the antiquated days of slavery in the United States. As the myth went: "Rub a n*gger on his head and you'll steal all his good luck!". Black men who are aware of their history, therefore, may generally regard the gesture as racist and may either deny you the privilege forthright or question your motives prior to allowing you to do so; however, it does not mean the person committing the act is deliberately racist. In a historical context, the act effectively implied hoarding even more good fortune for "white folks" who were already benefiting tremendously from "white privilege", while the "negroes" were left with disproportionately more torment, anguish, and bad luck all around. However, many people today (including people of color) are often unaware or ignorant of the racist origin of the gesture. Therefore, those ignorant of the history of the act may perform the gesture (perhaps innocently) under the watered down assumption that rubbing the head of a black man (or any bald head for that matter) is "just for good luck". Whether or not it can be regarded as racism or racist is a matter of intent, nonetheless, it is widely regarded as a cultural faux pas. Tread lightly. Proceed with caution. Ask first.

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Q: Is it racist to rub a black man on the head?
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Why do some black women have a big booty?

It is an elusive concept that has been the subject of much philosophical, scientific and theological speculation. However the stereotype does proudly distinguish a select few. Why do Asian people have slanted eyes? Why do white people have paler skin? Some black women are just built differently just as some white women are built differently. Not all black women have larger posteriors. White women, red women, yellow women, black women, all colors of the rainbow women have gluteus maximus and the size depends on their genes and lifestyle. Are they just genetically built that way, or do they exercise to build muscles? Do they eat healthy, or do they gain weight? This question can also apply to anyone, male or female, of any race or color. One needs to be careful in asking, and answering, such a question because this could be seen as a racist question.


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