u/teenytinyziny

I come from a mixed family, so I grew up appreciating different cultures. But I’ve always felt especially drawn to my African roots.

I love creating art with beads, wearing African-inspired makeup, and embracing deeper African aesthetics in my creative expression.

Recently, another Zambian woman told me I was “weird.”
I asked her, “How am I weird?”
She said it was because I like “all these African things”—the beads, the traditional-inspired art, and that whole aesthetic.

When she saw my reaction, she tried to soften it by saying, “Oh, but weird in a good way.”
It really got me thinking.

How far have we come or maybe drifted that embracing our own culture is considered unusual enough to be called weird?

Why is celebrating African beauty, art, and traditions sometimes seen as eccentric, while embracing Western aesthetics is often viewed as completely normal?

I’m not against other cultures at all. I appreciate many of them. But I don’t understand why taking pride in our own heritage can make someone stand out so much.

Has anyone else experienced this? Especially from fellow Africans? I’d love to hear your thoughts on why this mindset exists.

I’ve seen discussions before about employees having to train the manager they’re reporting to, and now I’ve unexpectedly found myself in that situation.

A bit of background: I was recently hired as an Assistant Manager at a company. At the same time, another person was hired/trained to take over as Manager because the current manager is leaving.

This is a field I’ve never worked in before, but over the past six weeks I’ve picked things up fairly quickly. (According to the staff anyway—I still feel like I have a lot to learn.)

The person who was supposed to become the new Manager unfortunately struggled during training and was let go. The company has now hired someone else for the Manager role.

The outgoing manager recently told me that because I’ve grasped the operation so quickly and understand how things run, I’ll be responsible for helping train the incoming Manager.

Part of me is flattered because it feels like a vote of confidence. Another part of me finds it a little strange because I’m still relatively new myself and technically I’ll be reporting to the person I’m helping train.

For those who have been in a similar situation:

How did you handle it?
Did it create any awkwardness once the new manager was fully in the role?
Any advice on maintaining a good working relationship while being the person showing them the ropes?

I’d appreciate any perspectives.

I recently started a new role and found out I’m the first Black woman to ever hold a management position here. The entire senior/top management team is white.

The owners of the company sought me out specifically because of my work ethic and reputation so I didn’t just land here by chance. That means a lot, but it also comes with its own kind of pressure.

The job itself is good and I’m excited about the opportunity, but I’m also aware of the unique position I’m in as a trailblazer of sorts.

Has anyone navigated something similar? How did you handle the visibility that comes with being “the first”? How did you build credibility and relationships without losing yourself in the process?

Not looking to vent, genuinely want to hear from people who’ve been in similar spaces and come out the other side with their sanity intact and excelled.

Any advice welcome.

I’m tired of being asked ‘Are you SURE you’re Zambian?’

I was born and raised in Zambia. And yet I constantly get hit with ‘you don’t look Zambian’ or ‘you don’t sound Zambian’ like it’s supposed to be a compliment.

What exactly is a Zambian supposed to look or sound like?

The worst part is the ‘your English is so good’ comments from expats and people online. English is Zambia’s official language. Most people learn it from childhood. Why is competence in our official language shocking to you?

These ‘compliments’ seem rooted in low expectations and outdated stereotypes about what African people are supposed to be. Not sure if these are supposed to be flattering or maybe I’m overthinking it but ey.

Zambia is diverse. Zambians look different, sound different, and have all kinds of experiences. Can we Stop reducing an entire country to a stereotype.