Is there something wrong with having your own culture within America?

Question

I found an interesting little quote in response to a different question and I was wondering if more people thought the same way.

"Whites resent that blacks try to remain seperate in word and deed. Instead of conforming to the majority."

Answer 1

No, there's nothing wrong with having your own culture in America, but for Blacks it's a trap:

If we try to conform we are called "sellouts" or "Uncle Toms" or accused of trying to be white.

If we try to remain Afrocentric we are called ghetto or a gang member, and everyone that isnt Black is afraid that we might kill, rob, or beat them up.

Its a no-win scenario for Black people in America. In the end it doest matter what we try to do, or how we try to better ourselves. We will always be seen as a threat regardless what we do so why bother?

Answer 2

We should not all be the same. That would just be boring. I know, some people get upset at seeing other people bring their cultures to the US or trying to maintain the customs of their ancestors. Heck, trying to create new customs will make some people angry.

Remember, the people in Germany back in the 30's and early 40's who conformed to the majority are now viewed as monsters. Be an individual. Do stuff that you like as long as you know it is not bringing any harm to others. If someone criticizes you, ignore them. To do any different is just giving them energy.

Answer 3

I agree wholeheartedly with that statement, there are a lot of people of the dominant culture that feel that their way is the "American"way..my position is that as long as I pay taxes and observe the laws of this country then I and others should be free to express ourselves within our own cultural practices and traditions.

Answer 4

This country was based different cultures. However I don't think people can be treated as equal if they insist on being different. This country was also based on wishy-washy thinking and hypocrisy. God Bless America!

Answer 5

I love it when a family is able to retain the culture of their forebears as long as they are able to also learn how to assimilate enough to fit into their "American" community as well.

Answer 6

I think black culture sucessfully "melted" into American culture.Jazz, Rock, Bluegrss, blues, southern food, American dance...All created by blacks but its not exclusivley black. If anything whites have conformed to our standards than vise versa. I think groups should learn to melt into U.S. culture rather than totally isolate themselves.

Answer 7

To each his own culture, as long as he doesn't try to abuse the culture of others.
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Answer 8

I think what that person is talking about is the culture that is created to fly it in the face of their "oppressors." you know stuff like kwanzaa, rap music, ebonics, krump dancing, etc.

soul food, jazz, break dancing, etc was the black culture I enjoyed and feel it just fit right into the mainstream.

Answer 9

To answer your question no, but the quote...I think it has less to do with fitting in and more to do with feeling left --behind--. One group gaining more money, power, and control in fear of ---only God knows what they're thinking Black people are going to do to them---.