A manufactured street code for continued white supremacy. As used in common speech, could also be phrased, "keeping it submissive" or "keeping politically, socially, and economically irrelevant."
African-Americans (especially men) who have evolved into greatness through traditional paths are invalidated as they have not "kept it real." The term's definition relegates and caps many potential great African Americans through peer-pressure, advertising, greater social misunderstanding, and ambiguous racial identity.
The phrase is harmful in that it not only damages the collective psyche of a large portion of the American populace, it also limits (in all facets) the unlimited potential that this group could have upon the country.
African-Americans (especially men) who have evolved into greatness through traditional paths are invalidated as they have not "kept it real." The term's definition relegates and caps many potential great African Americans through peer-pressure, advertising, greater social misunderstanding, and ambiguous racial identity.
The phrase is harmful in that it not only damages the collective psyche of a large portion of the American populace, it also limits (in all facets) the unlimited potential that this group could have upon the country.
"Thurgood Marshall, Barack Obama, Bill Cosby, Oprah Winfrey, Morgan Freeman, Booker T. Washington, (Sports Analyst) James Brown, and Condoleeza Rice are not keeping it real."
"50 Cent and Michael Vick are keeping it real."
"50 Cent and Michael Vick are keeping it real."
by Adam S. Chin August 23, 2007
Real is an abbreviation of Retaliating for Every Attack Line. Therefore, "keeping it real" is a defense mechanism used to sustain one's pride and self-interests against motherfuckers and bitches whose key intentions are to humiliate you and attempt to eliminate the much needed respect from your peers. To be real means to follow your heart, never giving a fuck about what your enemies try to do to break you, and always keeping a steady eye on your goals as well as the loved ones you set out to protect.
Keeping it real is the way of the soldier, one who always keeps his head up and his eyes on the prize.
by T Hizzle April 9, 2005
keeping it real- blowing things way out of proportion useually ending in somebody getting a stomping
by ryan kowalko September 23, 2005
The act of living in the real world. This consists of avoiding prolonged television and computer use. Usually one who keeps it real spends alot of time outside or under the influence of mind expanding drugs.
by MattRabbit April 3, 2006
by Mandingoh November 20, 2005
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When someone does not change who they are or what they believe due to societal pressures. Especially true with regards to someone who has attained some financial success but does not change their behavior. Alternatively, may relate to someone who maintains connections to their ethnic background in a multicultural environment.
Example 1: I criticized Netanyahu in front of my Jewish boss. I was keepin' it real.
Example 2: At work, I might wear a suit and tie, but if I come in on weekends, I keep it real with baggy jeans and a hoodie.
Example 3: Who the fuck pays $50 for a cab from the airport? I keep it real and just take the bus.
Example 4: Some gora was complaining about the smell of my dal in the microwave. But I keep it real and eat the same shit I eat at home.
Example 2: At work, I might wear a suit and tie, but if I come in on weekends, I keep it real with baggy jeans and a hoodie.
Example 3: Who the fuck pays $50 for a cab from the airport? I keep it real and just take the bus.
Example 4: Some gora was complaining about the smell of my dal in the microwave. But I keep it real and eat the same shit I eat at home.
by nlsanand June 14, 2012