When African American men marry white women for the following reasons: prestige among the African American community; a genuinely perceived rise in status by other African American men; and most importantly, to cover up "their blackness". As opposed to "
Mud Sharks" (extraordinarily ugly
Caucasian females, rejected by
Caucasian men, that marry African American men for perceived attention).
Marrying Milk: Two friends, one Caucasian, one African American, broach the subject of female variety they particularly enjoy dating. The white
man responds, "Italians, English, and Eastern Europeans". The white
man wonders what type his
friend likes (..."slanky, busty, thicc?" ). The black
man reveals demurely, "I like Milk.. Just Milk." The black man can sense from his
friend's silence, that he is completely unacquainted with his particular vernacular. For emphasis, the black
man demonstrates by miming milk being poured over his arm. "I want to be covered in WHITE..." the black
man continues, in euphoric bliss, "...Now you get me? I only like WHITE women!!". His
friend pauses, then widens his lips into a knowing grin. The black
friend continues, and inches closer, as if to strengthen their bond. "You know. My girl, the one coming today is a "Mud Shark". "And I like it -- she means a lot. No complaints...AND I get a lift in "my" community. Later,
man...you come out and hang with us. Alright?" A droning buzz marks the end of the shift. The two friends rise from a comfortable recline, stretch their weary bodies, and proceed toward an enclosed space
lit by sparks, to the hum of drills. The friends become swallowed by a sea of working men of all races and backgrounds, as they follow the dim fluorescent glow of the factory.