Classmate Says Cleopatra Was Black, Egyptian Student Gives Her What She Pays For: A Lesson

You’re settled in a university lecture, scribbling notes, when a classmate Kennedy detonates a shocker: Cleopatra was Black. This hit an Alexandrian Egyptian Redditor hard as Cleopatra ruled her hometown. S

he fired back fiercely, sparking a heated clash of facts, passion, and flying accusations of heritage erasure. Tempers soared like chariots, now she questions if labeling it reverse bias crossed the line. The classroom erupted in cultural pride versus revisionist fire.

Egyptian student argues with classmate claiming Cleopatra was Black, the community blames Netflix.

In this situation, our Egyptian Redditor, proudly repping Alexandria, found herself in a heated debate when Kennedy claimed an artist’s rendition of Cleopatra was “whitewashed” due to British colonialism.

Insisting the iconic queen was Black, Kennedy tied it to Nubian roots – but the Redditor, sitting right there, pushed back with facts: Cleopatra was of Greek and Sogdian descent from the Ptolemaic dynasty.

What started as a polite correction escalated into the Redditor labeling Kennedy’s stance as erasing Egyptian and Hellenic history, leaving her feeling guilty for the upset but baffled by the insistence.

Flip the coin, and Kennedy’s perspective isn’t pure villainy. It’s a classic case of misplaced enthusiasm in a world obsessed with reclaiming narratives.

Maybe she was channeling that Netflix docudrama vibe (you know the one), where modern lenses repaint history to spotlight underrepresented voices.

Her offense at a “white” Cleopatra could stem from seeing it as another win for colonial erasure, even if the facts don’t align.

The Redditor, though, felt her own identity under attack. Imagine someone rewriting your grandma’s story because it fits their agenda.

Zoom out, and this spat mirrors broader tussles over cultural ownership in education. Misinformation spreads faster than gossip at a reunion, especially with pop culture fueling the fire. Take the Jada Pinkett Smith-produced Netflix series on Cleopatra – it sparked lawsuits in Egypt for its portrayal, highlighting how entertainment can blur lines between fact and fiction.

According to a 2023 report from the BBC, debates over historical figures’ ethnicities have surged with streaming docs, often leading to real-world backlash. It’s not just academic, it’s about who gets to tell the story.

Enter the experts for some sage wisdom. Kathryn Bard, Professor of Archaeology and Classical Studies at Boston University, has noted, “Cleopatra VII was white – of Macedonian descent, as were all of the Ptolemy rulers, who lived in Egypt.”

This directly echoes the Redditor’s point: Kennedy’s Nubian link ignores centuries of dynastic gaps. Bard’s take urges us to stick to artifacts over assumptions, preventing history from becoming a game of telephone.

Neutral ground? Both sides could benefit from a chill pill and a library card. The Redditor might dial back the heat next time – facts win debates, fireworks just scorch.

And for Kennedy, a quick dive into primary sources (hello, Ptolemy family tree) could save face. Ultimately, invite open chats in class: “Hey, let’s explore this together!” It turns foes into fellow learners.

Here’s what Redditors had to say:

Some people affirm OP taught Kennedy accurate history.

Others explain Cleopatra was Greek, with no evidence of Black heritage.

Some blame Netflix’s portrayal for the widespread misconception.

Others note regional education or motives behind Kennedy’s claim.

In the end, this Cleopatra kerfuffle reminds us history’s not a choose-your-own-adventure book. Facts anchor the plot, even if feelings steal the show.

Our Redditor stood tall for her heritage without meaning harm, but the guilt lingers like spilled ink on papyrus.

Do you think calling out the misinformation was a power move or did the personal jab cross into drama queen territory?

How would you handle a classmate rewriting your cultural playbook? Share your hot takes and let’s keep the conversation rolling smoother than the Nile!