What do you think about the modern african americans lack of cutural knowlegde about their own culture?

Answer 1

Not much. This is 2007. I think we all need to move on and grow up. Who really cares? What difference does it make? If you live in the US you are an American. Why should you find the need to find an identity in another culture? If it's an African culture then maybe you should return to Africa. You are either an American or you are not. White or black. What difference does it make? Who is an American? An Indian? Didn't we all come from some other culture?

Answer 2

I think Black Americans are facing the same decline in interest and understanding about their culture that other ethnic groups are facing. While knowledge of your heritage and history is important - it should not keep you from making an effort to understand people of other backgrounds.

A more direct answer to your question is, knowledge about ones ancestry is best learned within the family. Since there has been a breakdown in the family (within many cultures) - some of this knowledge has been lost. A lack of respect for the older generation, a lack of interest in self improvement (within certain circles), and a pressing need to survive or make a living has contributed to this decline in knowledge.

I think the most pressing issue for people of all colors is to learn how to live together and stop focusing so much on being different.

Answer 3

I think that is par for the course. MOST Americans of any ethnicity have no real knowledge of their culture. How many americans of European descent (other than Italians and Irish) have any real knowledge about then heritage. Not many. And with African americans it is worse becasue they are lied to and told that there is no way to track which tribe their ancestors were brought over from. IF more americans took the time ot look into their respective heriteages they woudl ahve a greated understanding of not only where they came from, but where they are now.

Back in the 70's there was a huge push in many African american communities to try to reconnect with their heritage, but in an effort to prevent that, they were lied to and told that ther was no way to know for certain which part of Africa they were from.

I know a number of African american that have tracked their ancestory so the information is there.

Answer 4

African, Scottish, German, Japanese--every person from any and every ethnic/cultural group should definitely know the history of their ancestors and/or culture. In terms of Blacks, I feel that if more Blacks--particularly those that are part of the younger generation--would EFFECTIVELY learn about their African roots, as well as adopt at least some aspects of the African world view (which, by the way, stresses cooperation and unity), many of problems existing within the Black community would probably decrease. It's wishful thinking, but definitely something to think and/or dream about.

Answer 5

I think most of us - African-American, Caucasian, plaid, whatever - are out of touch with our past, our culture, and the historical events that got us to where we are.

And you know, it's not something I'm going to criticize people for, but it's a shame.

Answer 6

About the same as what I think Caucasians know about their culture; some people care about such things, others don't. There is no right nor wrong in this situation.

Answer 7

I think it's a myth these days. We are teaching our children more and more about who we really are. I think the media would love to have people think the opposite is STILL the norm, but it is not. Each one teach one, been going on for years in some form or fashion.

Answer 8

I think their immersion into rap and hip hop has hurt their race and set them back as a people 50 years. Nearly every night in the city where I Iive I hear gun shots and nearly every night I hear on the news about the latest black-on-black killing. They are going in the wrong direction as a people.

Answer 9

They should know about it. A lot of people today, however, don't know about their culture which is a shame. I am guilty of it too. I am native american, and haven't really gotten into it. I keep telling myself I will, however, I never do.

Answer 10

For all those who say "who cares?" Is that the same thing you would say about Global warming, genocide, racism and all the other important issues of the world? That's irresponsible.