Hmmm
This is such a strange topic of discussion (one that I am very tempted not to comment on); however I would like to give my two cents, lol.
On a national level- and in general I would have to say black women; if by no other virtue then because a large percentage of them had to occupy the roles of both parents (i.e. mom and dad) while also being the sole income provider for their household. This feat is not unique to black women specifically by any means, however in this country- in which the black male has occupied some of the most marginal roles and negative associations in society they have had to endure much more than their peers in other social strata or racial groups. This of course coupled with the fact that the content of their character is often over looked because of the color of their skin doesnt help much either. On the other hand, within context of African Americans- as a group -being a black gay male is often times far worse than being a black woman. But this is usually dependant on ones social up bringing almost exclusively; from what I observed in my experience thus far.
Aside from that, this topic eventually boils down to what many already know, accept, ignore or could care less about, or dont understand. And thats the issue of race, yet again. Though this country has made great progress in better establishing racial equality, it has by no means accomplished this yet. That is why these words from Dr. Martin Luther King still haunt us today. They read:
The majority of white Americans consider themselves sincerely committed to justice for the Negro. They believe that American society is essentially hospitable to fair play and to steady growth toward a middle-class Utopia embodying racial harmony. But unfortunately this is a fantasy of self-deception and comfortable vanity. Overwhelmingly America is still struggling with irresolution and contradictions. It has been sincere and even ardent in welcoming some change. But too quickly apathy and disinterest rise to the surface when the next logical steps are to be taken. Laws are passed in a crisis mood after a Birmingham or a Selma, but no substantial fervor survives the formal signing of legislation. The recording of the law in itself is treated as the reality of the reform.
In any case, I do believe this country of ours has made great strides to address some of the great wrongs of its past. But we must not forget that the last major vestiges of slaveries legacy- in this country (i.e. institutional racism/legally mandated segregation) -were only really challenged and broken less than fifty years ago... FIFTY! This means at least two generations of people- still very much alive today experienced this all first hand. Historically speaking, those are freshly made wounds in need of healing that were not caused by any "choice" of the people who suffered from it. Let me know what you all think.
Sincerely, my two cents
Ted D.
Ciao-