The quote reflects the differences in perceptions about race and nationality between the United States and Europe. It suggests that Americans tend to assume African-Americans have deep roots in the country, whereas Europeans often see people with dark skin as recent immigrants or descendants of former colonies.
Digging deeper into the implications, this observation highlights how different societies process their histories differently. In the U.S., there is a long-standing acknowledgment of the presence and contributions of African Americans dating back to slavery, leading to an understanding that many have been here for generations. Conversely, in Europe, where colonialism played a significant role until relatively recently, people might still associate individuals with dark skin to their countries of origin or former colonies rather than recognizing them as part of European societies. This mindset underscores the ongoing impact of colonial history on present-day perceptions and attitudes towards racial diversity.
Zazie Beetz is an American actress and model known for her roles in various films and television series, including "Deadpool 2" and Netflix's "The Umbrella Academy." Her observations stem from personal experiences navigating different cultural contexts as a person of color.