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Best post of the thread, in my opinion, and one that tells how I feel much more eloquently than I have the patience for on CD.
The problem with the way most of these assimilationists think is they don't value our unique cultural identity. Do I want to segregate myself? No! I wouldn't be at UT if I did. But if I would prefer to live in one of the "black meccas" after I graduate, there is nothing wrong with that.These black people that talk about how we need to "integrate" and "assimilate" never get upset at whites for not rushing to move to Memphis or Detroit.
I'm one of those "assimilationists" (and proud of it!). Here's my response:
The only reason I don't get mad at whites for not moving to Memphis or Detroit is because those cities are crime-ridden. While, yes, Detroit has nice areas like East English Village and Boston Edison (and white people DO live there), most of it is crime-infested ghetto. I can't blame anyone for not wanting to reside there. It DOES bother me how white people don't move to places like Baldwin Hills, CA or Bloomfield, CT. However, that's beside the point.
It's not that I don't respect your cultural identity, but the fact is, America does have a dominant culture. All Americans (black, white, Asian, Hispanic, etc.) should strive to assimilate to that dominant culture. That doesn't mean that a black man can't preserve some aspects of his culture, only that he should view himself as an American first and identify with mainstream American culture first. That's what assimilation is: not losing your heritage, but embracing all it is to be American.
Integration is a key component of assimilation. It's what Dr. King dreamed about -- not "black meccas" or "black capitals," but whites and blacks (as well as Hispanics, Natives, Asians, etc.) sitting down at the "table of brotherhood." That means living in the same neighborhoods, working at the same jobs, dating each other, marrying each other, looking out for the interests of one another. True integration and acceptance, not merely "tolerance" or "diversity."
As far as location goes, it's not my place to tell anyone where she can or cannot live. However, I will say that it is an absolute fact that a black person can do just as well in Mankato, Minnesota, Boise, Idaho or Minot, North Dakota as he/she could in Atlanta, DC or Charlotte. It's about a mindset and a will to succeed, not living near people who look like you.
It's not that I don't respect your cultural identity, but the fact is, America does have a dominant culture. All Americans (black, white, Asian, Hispanic, etc.) should strive to assimilate to that dominant culture. That doesn't mean that a black man can't preserve some aspects of his culture, only that he should view himself as an American first and identify with mainstream American culture first. That's what assimilation is: not losing your heritage, but embracing all it is to be American.
This is the part I don't get, but I'll give you the benefit of the doubt. So, tell me what exactly is mainstream American culture and what aspects of Black culture do you think clash with that?
Location: Detroit's eastside, downtown Detroit in near future!
2,053 posts, read 4,396,747 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kazoopilot
I'm one of those "assimilationists" (and proud of it!). Here's my response:
The only reason I don't get mad at whites for not moving to Memphis or Detroit is because those cities are crime-ridden. While, yes, Detroit has nice areas like East English Village and Boston Edison (and white people DO live there), most of it is crime-infested ghetto. I can't blame anyone for not wanting to reside there. It DOES bother me how white people don't move to places like Baldwin Hills, CA or Bloomfield, CT. However, that's beside the point.
It's not that I don't respect your cultural identity, but the fact is, America does have a dominant culture. All Americans (black, white, Asian, Hispanic, etc.) should strive to assimilate to that dominant culture. That doesn't mean that a black man can't preserve some aspects of his culture, only that he should view himself as an American first and identify with mainstream American culture first. That's what assimilation is: not losing your heritage, but embracing all it is to be American.
Integration is a key component of assimilation. It's what Dr. King dreamed about -- not "black meccas" or "black capitals," but whites and blacks (as well as Hispanics, Natives, Asians, etc.) sitting down at the "table of brotherhood." That means living in the same neighborhoods, working at the same jobs, dating each other, marrying each other, looking out for the interests of one another. True integration and acceptance, not merely "tolerance" or "diversity."
As far as location goes, it's not my place to tell anyone where she can or cannot live. However, I will say that it is an absolute fact that a black person can do just as well in Mankato, Minnesota, Boise, Idaho or Minot, North Dakota as he/she could in Atlanta, DC or Charlotte. It's about a mindset and a will to succeed, not living near people who look like you.
hmmmm now ask yourself how many people in "america's dominate culture" really want that to happen?
This is the part I don't get, but I'll give you the benefit of the doubt. So, tell me what exactly is mainstream American culture and what aspects of Black culture do you think clash with that?
Mainstream American culture is the values, ideals, interests and outlook espoused by a majority of Americans. It's a way of speaking, dressing, eating, listening, thinking, carrying oneself and relating to others.
The fact that a separate and unique "black culture" for native (born here) black Americans even exists clashes with the idea of integrating into mainstream American culture. Without delving into the stereotypical, many black Americans speak differently, dress differently, eat differently, carry themselves differently and vote differently than the majority of non-black Americans.
As a matter of fact, I'd say there are four cities that are the historical epicenters of Black music: New Orleans, Memphis, Chicago, and Detroit.
Don't forget about the Mississippi Delta. That's where most of the great Chicago bluesmen come from.
Also, I will include St. Louis on the list. This is home to Chuck Berry, Miles Davis, Ike and Tina Turner, etc. Scott Jophlin spent some time their before moving to Chicago.
hmmmm now ask yourself how many people in "america's dominate culture" really want that to happen?
I can't speak for hundreds of millions of people, but the vast majority of those I know and have talked to (of MANY different races) would welcome the change.
Mainstream American culture is the values, ideals, interests and outlook espoused by a majority of Americans. It's a way of speaking, dressing, eating, listening, thinking, carrying oneself and relating to others.
The fact that a separate and unique "black culture" for native (born here) black Americans even exists clashes with the idea of integrating into mainstream American culture. Without delving into the stereotypical, many black Americans speak differently, dress differently, eat differently, carry themselves differently and vote differently than the majority of non-black Americans.
No, I don't want generalities here, I want specifics. You put it out there, so don't be afraid to explain and defend yourself. Should I prefer Phil Collins over Drake? Should I discard my Air Force Ones, Timberlands, etc. for loafers? Should I give up collard greens for bagels? Do I need to vote Republican consistently? Should I attempt to rid myself of the hint of Geechee in my speech and consciously try to "sound White"? Should I resign from my AME or COGIC church and join a Southern Baptist or Catholic congregation? Should I cut my locs? Do I need to devalue everything in my life that has a hint of Black culture and replace it with something "mainstream American"?
You were SO off when you stated, "The fact that a separate and unique 'black culture' for native (born here) black Americans even exists clashes with the idea of integrating into mainstream American culture." You DO realize that Blacks were forced out of necessity to create such for the vast majority of our time here in America, right? Seems like you have absolutely no sense of how history or culture works, but I'm not surprised.
Don't forget about the Mississippi Delta. That's where most of the great Chicago bluesmen come from.
That's essentially Memphis.
Quote:
Also, I will include St. Louis on the list. This is home to Chuck Berry, Miles Davis, Ike and Tina Turner, etc. Scott Jophlin spent some time their before moving to Chicago.
When I saw Seattle as a possibility, I thought my town, Burlington Vermont, might make it too.
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