Do We As African Americans Have A Culture?

[AKA_Monet]

DSTChaos,

I have a question for you:

What is the sociological standpoint about referring to "black" people from the African diaspora in the United States?

I ask, because last I remember, there is no Republic of "Black" country/region...

And because people were enslaved from various countries/regions solely based on a "phenotypic variation", then that is why "African Americans" are referred to that way.

Just asking 'cuz I really don't know...

[DSTCHAOS]

Originally Posted by AKA_Monet

DSTChaos,

I have a question for you:

What do the sociologists say about referring to the African diaspora in the United States in reference to "black" people?

I ask, because last I remember, there is no Republic of "Black" country/region...

And because people were enslaved from various countries/regions solely based on a "phenotypic variation", then that is why "African Americans" are referred to that way.

Just asking 'cuz I really don't know...

I hope I'm answering the correct question:

Opinions differ on such matters but I find that sociologists who deal in race and ethnic relations tend not to use "African diaspora" because it mixes different groups of people whereas "African American/black" is a more distinct grouping. When sociologists say "AA/black" we understand we are talking about a people with a distinct history in this nation and with a distinct culture/cultural identity. The strength and traits of the cultural identity is the question, not whether or not there is one.

But when taking a more international perspective and talking about the common struggles of black and brown people all over, "African diaspora" is a common term. It is to say that we all deal with similar struggles--the slave ships just dropped us off at different continents (or didn't pick some folks up at all, they migrated generations ago).

Essentially, it is insulting to many sociologists in the racial and ethnic inequality area to assert that blacks/AA do not have a culture or cultural identity. We should focus on understanding it and strengthening it.

[shinerbock]

I'm glad black people came up with various music, regardless of whether its collaboration from other sources...granted, I hate the music put out by the black community today (most of it), but undoubtedly black culture has influenced music. If we didn't have the southern (mostly irish) and african roots of music, I wouldnt have very much to listen to.

[AKA_Monet]

Originally Posted by DSTCHAOS

I hope I'm answering the correct question:

Opinions differ on such matters but I find that sociologists who deal in race and ethnic relations tend not to use "African diaspora" because it mixes different groups of people whereas "African American/black" is a more distinct grouping. When sociologists say "AA/black" we understand we are talking about a people with a distinct history in this nation and with a distinct culture/cultural identity. The strength and traits of the cultural identity is the question, not whether or not there is one.

But when taking a more international perspective and talking about the common struggles of black and brown people all over, "African diaspora" is a common term. It is to say that we all deal with similar struggles--the slave ships just dropped us off at different continents (or didn't pick some folks up at all, they migrated generations ago).

Essentially, it is insulting to many sociologists in the racial and ethnic inequality area to assert that blacks/AA do not have a culture or cultural identity. We should focus on understanding it and strengthening it.

Thank you. I was looking for those answers. I do not know how sociologists define a distinct culture/cultural identity.

Research molecular genetic scientists define race based on Genus and species. There is only one race, Homo sapiens sapiens. Variations in the genetic code based on land masses/regions/pestilences are what make "people" look different from one another.

[DSTCHAOS]

Originally Posted by AKA_Monet

Thank you. I was looking for those answers. I do not know how sociologists define a distinct culture/cultural identity.

Pretty much the same as is defined in larger society. Distinct markers that are used to set a group apart from other groups. While there's no such thing as talking, acting, or dressing black we know what things are often attributed to black people. Both the negative and the positive. There's a thin line between stereotypes and valid generalizations.

Originally Posted by AKA_Monet

Research molecular genetic scientists define race based on Genus and species. There is only one race, Homo sapiens sapiens. Variations in the genetic code based on land masses/regions/pestilences are what make "people" look different from one another.

That's very interesting. Laypersons are too far gone to have this raw conceptualization of humanity. The categorical distinctions that we've (created and) perpetuated for centuries have taken on lives of their own.

[sigmadiva]

Originally Posted by AKA_Monet

DSTChaos,

I have a question for you:

What is the sociological standpoint about referring to "black" people from the African diaspora in the United States?

I ask, because last I remember, there is no Republic of "Black" country/region...

And because people were enslaved from various countries/regions solely based on a "phenotypic variation", then that is why "African Americans" are referred to that way.

Just asking 'cuz I really don't know...

I know you did not direct this question to me, but I'll answer too. Yes, I do know that DSTCHAOS has already provided a great answer.


While there is no Republic of "Black", as I understand it, when the Spainards (?sp) saw Africans, they called us negro, which translates to 'black' in English.

btw, we (AA/Blacks) have been referred to by many colors. In my grandmother's day, they were 'colored'. When I was born, my parents and I were listed on my birth certificate as 'Negro'. I think referring to myself as African American is just a pc term. I don't disagree with it. I just think calling myself African American is about as specific as someone of known French heritage calling themselves European American. How will that French person differentiate himself from someone who has known German heritage. They are both Europeans, but they each have very different cultures and languages.

I would much rather know the specifc place of origin my ancestors came from in Africa and refer to myself as that. Africa has so many diverse and distinct cultures that to lump them all as one category I feel is kinda useless.