Yan wrote
"I do not know where you are trying to go with this."

My response is that I was trying to learn...which is my sole intention for ever coming to this website at all...although some may view my conduct inappropriate at times for asking questions which help me (and perhaps others)for clarification or to assess where the person is coming from / what the person is saying ...this often can be beneficial to keep reasoning instead of entering a debate based on speculation...but of course since I am a member of the "old guard" (for lack of a better descpription)I am viewed with distrust and skepticism as to my motives although even under the "old board" vibe I felt my conduct wasnot of the nature which seems to draw so much animosity toward the ones who are being targeted.I feel this is between the We and them and is not my business at a public level since I am not privy to all the facts and have done my Best (maybe in somes opinion not 100 percent)to stay out of it...while trying to adjust my interaction on this board to meet the current standards..with that said..
I will explain what I was trying to learn...

Bantu Kelani wrote in"western arrogance at best"

The very fact that so many western so-called Rastafarians live in a white dominated racist society, and are functionally immune to its racism, creates arrogance/insensitivity. The fact that most of them I suppose whites or near whites are not targeted for police scrutiny and arrest based on their skin color and the fact that their community isn't classed as "sub culture" is white privilege indeed!

Now Bantu Kelani has revealed certain information such as she is a recent immigrant to the u s from Africa and also pointed out the white western male arrogance aspect of the western mindset...and the Black skin/white mask reference was also made...Now my interpretation of this was that it referred to BEING Black but in certain circumstances a white mask is required to avoid unnecessary hassels which are the result of being in white dominated circumstances (if this is not correct feel free to educate me)..I proceeded to ask the question how one avoids this particular pitfall in a white racist country...of someone who I felt had the information to share on how she does this..not as an attack or to try to undermine her but because I thought she could give me an answer...the question was not answered in the thread and since in the "question" thread started by RASIFREE I had asked a question of her also, with her response being:

"Kristine, members may be interested in giving you information about the Great Indigenous system and RASTA Ideology in another thread. You can start another thread on this topic. I will then share some thoughts and info in this thread."

At the same time I had started a search on the internet for said information (of which I could find very little) and found the link posted below...the article and any subsequent information I found brought to light to me or at least implied that African people immigrating to the u s actually intially look at it as a priveledge which I was somewhat astounded to find out...(excuse my being so naive)...at which time I started the thread utilizing the words already put forth by Bantu Kelani as a reference for the information I was requesting...to further educate myself and anyone else interested...After all I have always felt the best source for information is someone who has actually lived it...that is all...