Tag: #ethnicidentity

PRO WHAT: CAN YOU BE FOR YOUR GROUP AND BE WITH ANOTHER

Related image

“Righteous outside your group.”

proud from the outside

I have heard from various people that you cannot be pro your ethnic group and marry from the outside. And for the longest I have been trying to figure out what that means. Because living in America to tell groups of people who come from different backgrounds to not marry each other yet promote them living and existing in the same proximity is mind boggling to me. Nowhere on Earth do we have a place where people are that wide and diverse where we are still shocked when they cohabitate with each other. And the idea that you can not be in the best interest of your group can be seen as mind boggling as well. But is there some truth to the madness? Well, lets observe for just one second what that could mean and look like in America.

one will live, one will die

When you marry someone of another culture, chances are, when the kid gets older and marry themselves they tend to choose. And the reality is, in that defining moment is when a lot of the culture of one of those groups is gone forever. So when you hear people say that you can’t be pro-your group and then marry outside, that could be an indicator. Now, do people intend on removing their identity from existence? The answer to that question is of course no. But the reality is, they do remove it. Meaning, if I marry a Latina, we have a child, chances are, that child will choose either African American culture or Latino culture. And just like that, in a full generation, something is lost forever. But what do you do tp keep this from happening?

proximity can keep things going

If you live in the same environment as the other group, then things tend to last a lot longer. If a Chinese person marries a Japanese person, it is a big deal overseas, but not quite in America. And the transition between the Eastern countries are for fluid in America than most groups. So when you have such close ties, then there is a possibility that the cultures can hold strong longer than most. Now, when you have something like a Pakistani that attempts to marry a Mexican, then things may go in a different direction because one is so much different. Now, when both groups live in the United States in the same metropolitan city, then and only then might the marriage stand a chance (ex. New York City).

stick to your guns

When in doubt, wait until someone who is of your group comes along. This could take a lot of time for your life to work and transpire. But you don’t have to worry about all the issues coming form outside your relationship. But if you are not concerned what people think continue to live. But whatever the case make sure you know this what you truly want. But also, are you prepared to do the same for your children?

Personal Website: http://www.faheemjackson.squarespace.com

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WE’RE ALL SOMETHING: HOW MUCH DOES ETHNICITY MATTER

 

People Holding Red and Green Striped Flaglets Up High

“Does it really matter.”

my identity

In a society like America where the population is so diverse, we all live in this country comprising of different ethnic groups. You would think a place that consist of so many different people we would understand different cultures and get along. Only problem is that the bulk of the diversity is in about five cities of the 19,000 plus cities and towns in America. So when you look at the landscape of the country, it is no wonder why we still have issues that existed decades ago. But the real question I want to ask is how important is identity really? Because as much as we say I like everybody, how much do we really stand by that statement? It is one of those things we say, but for the most part we don’t live by it.

strength in numbers

People are always in a position to feel like they are being oppressed for whatever reason that appeals to them. So when this happens, there is a sense of comfort knowing there are people there that look like you that will stand next to you. And with that comes this sense of pride that you don’t understand unless you have a group to stand with you. But with that, you can easily fall into this space where that same feeling becomes addictive. And now with those numbers, you can get a lot accomplished that can easily be counterproductive to your cause.

this is still america

We live in America, and a lot has changed. But we must still understand that in this country still, a lot of people aren’t happy with others life choices. And when that exist you are placed in a position in this country to either live your life as you choose. Or the other option is to play by the rules and stay single until you meet someone from your culture. Whatever you may choose realize the country where you live. And that it can be the defining choice that puts you in good or bad standings in society.

Personal Website: http://www.faheemjackson.squarespace.com

Instagram Me: @theefaheemjackson; @faheemjacksonphotography

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THEY WILL KEEP IT GOING: HOW CULTURE CARRIES INTO THE NEXT GENERATION

Children Wearing Yellow and White Traditional Costumes and Dancing

“Teach them well.”

pass it on to them

When you are young, and come from certain cultural backgrounds, parents like to instill at an early age cultural awareness to children. An identity that have kept a group of people alive for a very long time. And all the parent want to really do is make sure the longevity of that cultural appreciation and love is maintained. So the next generation is always the key to making sure that culture is sustained. Otherwise, it is very easy to lose that identity and then what you have is hundreds, if not thousands of years of heritage gone forever. And always remember, the people in power can always have the ability to rewrite history once it is lost.

blended cultures

What happens once the next generation blends in with another group of people? Then what you have is the choice to either forgo one of the cultures or try practicing both. And the one that is the more dominant seems to always take over and replace the other. Or in the case of immigrants coming to America, they are seeing there cultures diminish because the American culture is more of what they live. Now what you have is the identity of the group lost so that the kid can have a better life in this country. The only thing is, are you prepared to sacrifice identity for a better career? Because that could potentially happen once the kid is brought to this country.

they care when we care

If parents are not interested in the identity of the kid, what will the kid do about it? And the answer is nothing. The culture is only as important as the parent that take the time out to teach them. Because it’s very rare that the kid will reach out and want to get to know about their culture without the parent expressing much interest. Children don’t just ask their parents where they come from. Children just grow in a society in which they live. So the priority must come from the ones that are raising them.

Personal Website: http://www.faheemjackson.squarespace.com

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COMING TO FRUITION: HOW HUMANS CREATED CULTURE

Clay Pot Lot

“We have for more than pride.”

the evolution of us having it

Throughout human history, of building civilizations we have consistently contributed to our worldwide culture. But in the beginning of time, we were unaware that we were even creating culture. That’s right, the human brain had not fully evolved, and we were just creating things we needed out of necessity. We might create a eating utensil, then someone else somewhere else might create one as well. Then over time we go back as anthropologist and see how different groups created what they built. That is how we are able to see how the evolution of culture had taken hold. Then once we started developing language we gave it a name that can be translated eventually into many languages.

i’m hungry, i need shelter, i need clothes

If you’re curious as to why we need culture. Well, we don’t need culture, it just sort of came out of needs. If you lived in Africa, your culture is going to seem a lot more primitive than Europe because of a few factors. Clothing is more of a need in Europe because of climate and more scarce resources. Africa is thee most abundant resource place on Earth. And when food needed, during the distant past there were oasis of plants, wildlife may not have always been the first choice. Given where you live, your culture might have also been shaped by the resources around to build a shelter.

interconnected species

The fact that we were evolving and creating our own tribes and identities, goes to show that we are the make up for what was supposed to be culture in the world. Meaning, if I am in Africa, someone else in Europe, someone else in Asia, and we are creating shelter, clothes, figuring out food for self, then the DNA makeup of people was set in us to do so. We just needed a situation where need came into play, then we created culture from that need. And from need we built off of something to further embrace and gave ourselves a sense of belonging.

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MINORITY SELECTION: WHO WILL BE THE NEXT MINORITY PRESIDENT

achievement, adult, african

“Whose next?”

2020 and beyond

The presidential election run of Barack Obama left a door open for the next president either Black or any other ethnic group. But the question still stands, who next? Because in my opinion, there will be a White female before anyone else. There aren’t any prominent East Asian politicians or Indians that are strong candidates. The closest Hispanic/Latino candidates would be Marco Rubio or Ted Cruz. And the only African American next that’s remotely a force would be Kamala Harris. Now, do I think this will happen in 2020, no. Because in my opinion, just observing the landscape of America, Donald J. Trump will be back in the White House in 2020.

importance

What is the real significance in having a president that is of another ethnic group. Doesn’t mean much to the group who has always seen a president that looks like them. Even now with young Black kids growing up. They didn’t understand why older Black people, typically middle aged and above, were in enamored with Barack Obama. Yet, for someone who has never seen themselves in that position it means a lot. Let’s look at something on a much smaller scale. The former New York Knicks basketball player Jeremy Lin was an anomaly in the NBA. He was an Chinese American basketball player, who not only played in the NBA, but played well for New York. The interest from the entire East Asian community created a massive following for the Knicks. So I’m thinking, what would happen if there was a “Lin” for president.

what is a minority really

We always look at the word minority and say to ourselves, ethnicity. But what about the first White female president and a member of the LGBT community of any ethnic group. We will in our lifetime see a president that is one of the two mentioned in the previous sentence. The questions are who and when will it take place. Because from the looks of America right now, Donald Trump, or another like him (White male, older conservative), will be president if not him. Does it matter if we do have another president of a minority group? Does it have to be another African American? How about Hispanic? What about Native American? How about a White person, but a female? East Asian? Or is America going to stick with what has been in history which is White males? Because we all say pick the most qualified candidate, but I am intrigued to know when these historic moments occur, who really votes from the job or the historical image.

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IDENTITY: THE IMPORTANCE OF A STRONG CULTURAL IDENTITY

“A name, a religion, an identity.”

 so so important

In a world where social and political strife has been erupting lately, what is the significance of having an identity on a ethnic level mean to you? Because I can speak for my myself coming from a family who were descendant of slaves, there is no real strong culture like a lot of families globally. Meaning we don’t have an official language, religion, country, or namesake.

actor, adult, ancient

And the problem with not having an identity of your own, and having someone else dictate your identity, is that you seek validation from that group. And then when that group shows the slightest bit of disinterest there is this fight to be had. It’s why you must define yourself, and not look to other groups to do it for you.

the fear that is identity

Why would there be fear connected to the identity of another person? Well, the reason why fear exist is because you seek to control a group of people. How do you control people who have their own cultural identifier. Little you say or do matters to them as a people. But when you are able to manipulate and control, that group needs you.

And the reason why you may seek to control is because there is a supremacy factor. Supremacy lies in the ability to feel better than another group of people. But also you need another group to show why you’re not in your supreme position so you can have a reason to continue to hate and look to self as the reason you’re not successful.

shifts and changes

As time progress, will we see cultures collapse, and due to war and conquest. But we may see the decline to the introduction of more and more technology. The cultures of the past that have held groups together has gone from one of isolation to one of inclusion. We are becoming more and more a one world place to live.

But can that last forever (togetherness), since we as people have a hard time coexisting for too long. There always going to be someone who wants a little more than someone else. Someone working harder or going to be smarter. And that advantage will bring us together, but will also give rise to new wars and separation. Man loves having an advantage, and with that comes power, and with power comes abuse. So thinking we will be this one world place in the future is farfetched, which is why cultural identity is important.

My Personal Website: www.faheemjackson.squarespace.com

Instagram Me: @theefaheemjackson

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APPROPRIATORS: WHEN CULTURAL APPROPRIATION FEELS UNCOMFORTABLE

“When it goes bad.”

cultural appropriation

What is cultural appropriation? Well, cultural apprpriation is when someone of another culture adopts the look of someone elses’ and writes it off as their own. Now, do they do this on purpose, or is this a blunder that draws criticism?Related image

how it becomes problematic

To me, I don’t think people are doing things that will purposely remove the element of the group. But when are you of a dominant group and where something this tends to happen. For instance if you are a White American.

If you are a White American and wear your hair in corn rows because you might have seen a well-known Black celebrity or friend of yours in this style. Then you draw criticism because now, it’s called boxer braids when you sport it.

Image result for cultural appropriation
Image courtesy of artist: Shannon Wright 

Not only does the name change, but the connotation that comes with it. Because when African Americans do it, it’s considered unprofessional or a thug mentality. But it’s a breakthrough when White Women do it. Is this a lot of White women’s fault, no.

We live in a country where the mainstream media picks up on something and they exploit it more than the single female herself. They push the narrative and it becomes all the rage. Like Miley Cyrus twerking. This was popularized by Black female strippers, but she does it and it becomes the dance of the year.

what do people expect

We all are very protective of our cultures, especially when someone on the outside does something that mirrors what we do. Yet, like I said before, it’s not an intentional move to remove a group’s credibility. And to be honest, it wouldn’t matter if someone does give the proper respect. Society may still run with whoever they like in the end.

But also outside of the giving of just do, you can’t also get made when someone from the outside wears something that they find stylish, but society places a different guideline for the look. Like a Miley Cyrus twerking video. She could say all day where she got it, Kim Kardashian could say corn rows; views will be views.

Yo have to change a social construction of the ideologies behind the differences. You can address the person doing all day, but it’s out of their hands. They (appropriators) can show respect all day, the view is different in the eyes of masses because how people perceive another group of people. Meaning Kim K is not viewed in the same light as when a Black woman in corn rows because the “negative image” of Black women has to shift.

My Personal Website: www.faheemjackson.squarespace.com

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