Assimilating for black folks was a survival mechanism.. its a simple fact that the white you looked the better you were treated in my Grandma and mother's (who is of the Silent Generation)

When I was young to go visit my grandma in NC in the summer, she would always say STAY OUT OF THAT HOT SUN

When I was young I thought she was worried we would get heat stroke

I found out years later that it was because she didnt want us getting too dark.

All these habits and behaviors are just passed down from one generation to the other. My sisters would never wear their natural hair.

I dont think any less of them for it. In fact its never crossed my mind