In a recent episode of “Tea Time With Raven & Miranda,” Raven-Symoné addressed the controversial comments she made in a 2014 interview with Oprah Winfrey. In the interview, she stated that she is “an American, I’m not an African American,” which led to backlash and misunderstanding from the public. Raven-Symoné clarified that she was not saying she is not Black, but that she does not identify with the label of African American because she was born in America and identifies simply as American.
Raven-Symoné explained that she understands her history and where her ancestors came from, acknowledging the sacrifices they made to create the America she lives in today. She stated that when she is in other countries, people often refer to her as an American rather than as an African American, highlighting the importance of clarifying her identity. She also expressed that she felt attacked and judged by the public’s reaction to her comments, emphasizing that she is not first or second-generation African American and that she simply identifies as American.
The actor shared that her mom believed Winfrey set her up for backlash by reacting to her comments immediately during the interview instead of allowing her to explain further. Raven-Symoné clarified that the original intention of the interview was for her to come out, but it ended up focusing on labels and misunderstandings. She expressed frustration with being labeled, stating that she just wants to be recognized as a human who loves humans, rather than being classified based on her race or sexuality.
Raven-Symoné reflected on the impact of the interview and how it shaped public perception of her identity. She acknowledged that the younger generation is more understanding and accepting of the complexity of identities, which gives her hope for a future free from strict labels and categorizations. While she still feels the repercussions of the interview, she is grateful for the opportunity to address the misunderstandings and clarify her stance on identity and self-identification.
The actor’s wife, Miranda Pearman-Maday, joined the conversation, asking Raven-Symoné about how the public reaction affected her at the time. Raven-Symoné shared that she felt misunderstood and unheard, feeling as though her intentions were misconstrued. Despite the challenges she faced following the interview, Raven-Symoné remains steadfast in her belief that people should not be mislabeled or judged based on societal expectations or stereotypes. She continues to advocate for a more inclusive and understanding society that embraces individuality and personal identity without succumbing to rigid labels.
