How do you view Black Culture?

Question

How could you describe Black culture?

Answer 1

I'm white, female, 38 years old, originally from the South but now living in Los Angeles for the past 8 years, and a teacher for the past 14 years. So I've had a bit of experience in two very different cultures.

Let's go back to the beginning: slavery. Once Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, slaves were free by the law, but they still had a long way to go. And even today, Blacks are not really free, and not quite equal yet. It's sad and it's wrong.

Blacks in this country were done a huge disservice because they were never fully enfranchised. I truly believe that if Blacks had been given governmental assistance by Lincoln after being freed, America would look very different today. But instead it was a very hard climb up the social and political ladder then as now.

That disenfranchisement is still felt today, over a hundred years later. Blacks don't live as long, make lower wages, have less health care, and are still second-class citizens in many ways. That's where all the stereotyping comes in. Again, it's sad and it's wrong. Blacks cannot count on the government to help them, so they must bootstrap themselves up. Individually, there are more and more middle- and upper-middle class Blacks out there, and this is a good thing. But the culture is still suffering.

There is an alarming trend of Black separatism that goes back all the way to slave times. It's reflected today in the different speech, different dress, different cultural mores (for better and worse). Ultimately separation is an ego defense. Separation only leads to alienation, mistrust and suspicion, which is rampant enough already throughout the world. The only thing that is real lis love. Ultimately no matter what our race, we all have to see how we are more alike than different. And yet humans being humans, we want to hold on to some difference to call our own, which is understandable.

Black men, it seems, have the most ground to cover. Black men are jailed in huge numbers, killed in huge numbers, and it seems, father babies but don't hang around to raise their children in huge numbers. I am not sure if this is a stereotype or the truth. Black women, on the other hand, seem extremely career- and success-driven. There has to be some meeting point, some half-way mark, where we can all help each other, all get along, and strengthen each other, no matter if we are black, white, male, female, etc.

Personally, I would say resist listening to or talking about anything that involves separation. You must assimilate. Keep the best of your culture and discard what is wrong, hurtful, hateful, or whatever keeps you from success. There are positives and negatives in all cultures.

The best thing that anyone can do is to get his/her education, stay in school, stay off drugs, get and keep good jobs, provide for your family, be responsible about birth control, and be responsible about your obligations in life. And that's good advice no matter who you are.

No matter who you are, no matter what culture you come from, it is important to overcome the past, and not let it haunt you. You must be the best person you can be, and let your inner light shine.

I think Blacks have a long way to go in becoming fully enfranchised in American culture, but I see it happening every day individually. Just do your best, love yourself, your neighbor and forgive those who racially insult others.

I hope this helps. Cheers, K :)

Answer 2

Having seen it from the 60's on, I can truthfully say that they have gone down hill just like the rest of us.
There was a time when people were decent, law abiding and respectful to people of all ages.
Yes, all races have their exceptions to the rule.
But growing up as a kid in the 60's and 70's, I always saw the black people as more polite and kinder than most races.
But like all things, they too have degraded themselves to the mess our society has made it today.
I love the older folks who remember how to be kind and polite and I cherish them from all races for being so.

Answer 3

What is Black culture?

It is called American culture. Unless you were born and raised in another country then you will have that countrie's culture. The majority of people in the U.S. are employed, have their own home, family, love, peacemaker, vacations, healthy, freedom, etc.

Those are some of the things that make up American culture. It's not about the color of ones skin. It's not 1963, its 2006.

Africa: famine, genocide, disease, drought, mal-nutrition.

U.S.A.: opportunity.

Answer 4

To be sincere, Asians are the race that I simply do not "get". I think like I get along side and recognize men and women of each different race extra. I've had peers of each race, besides Asian (excluding combined Asians)...I've simply had dangerous reviews with Asians. I do not dislike Asians...it is tough to give an explanation for.

Answer 5

Black is the new white....Everyone wants to be white not because we necessarily want white skin but because of priviledge. However, I believe people in the US are ideep down infactuated with Black culture. Ie. Hip-hop

Answer 6

Well unfortunately it seems like the black race is only portrayed in one way..(the ganster, socioeconomically unfortunate, tough, talks like Flavor Flav, etc.) I think this causes people to stereotype and become racist although this stereotype is not true! My best friend is black she is in medical school with me and she comes from a great, well educated family.

Answer 7

too many cultures to even begin to describe

Answer 8

More interested in American culture -united.

Answer 9

Black has their own culture sufficient to survive in this world.

Answer 10

They think that everyone owes them something everyone should be equal & intell they stop playing the racist minority card it will never happen.