If Being Black Was Really Cool...

Take a close look at pop culture trends in the media, and you'll discover some things that are not too surprising. Apparel styles from other countries (like India) are commonly celebrated; and international cuisine is the stuff that Food Network television shows are made of. But there is something to be said about the trends started by the African American community. There is no mistake that American culture is steeped heavily in the behaviors, styles, and even cuisine of African Americans. But for some reason, this particular community still isn't receiving the "props" that it should regarding the many pop culture contributions that it has made to the world. Since America is a "melting pot" of sorts, it's interesting to note how other ethnic groups receive credit for the influences that they have on American society. It would be interesting to note what this society would be like if the majority of the population really thought that being black was cool...

...Everyone would crave "kinky" hair...

The world is obsessed with tanning. Tanning machines and services, and self-tanning lotions account for billions of dollars in the beauty industry. And while people with fair skin pigmentation understand that they will never have the kind of dark skin that black people have naturally, it is fair to assume that if they could, "African American Brown" would not be the top pick on the tanning menu. That being said, the same goes for hairstyles. In a Summer 2007 magazine article, Minnie Driver addresses the envy she possessed growing up, of her sister's straight blonde hair; her own thick mass of curls was something she was not too proud of. And while there are plenty of people who practically salivate over natural curls, the majority of people, black, white, or otherwise still find straight hair to be preferable to the "kinky", tightly coiled hair that African Americans are typically known to have.

...Achieving real "Street Cred" would be more popular...