Introduction
Cultural background is essential in determining how an individual interact with others. The United States comprises of many different cultures. These include Whites, Africans, Mexicans, and Latinos, among others. Cultural heritage has influenced each of the races in different ways. Consequently, the cultural mix has been met with suspicion as cultural conflict dominates. For a long time, mainstream whites have dominated cultures in the United States. Their culture has become a lifestyle. However, most communities have continued with essential aspects of their culture. In this paper, I will explore my family’s cultural background. I will also relate it to other cultures in the United States.
The African American heritage experience
Culture has different facets. It includes aspects such as language, morals, art, traditions, customs, and beliefs. These aspects are essential in shaping an individual’s habit (Hunter, 1992). Moreover, they differ from one place to another. It is essential to note that cultural background defines an individual. The behavioral pattern in individuals is a direct result of cultural aspects. African Americans have a rich culture. They derive their culture from a mixture of West African and American cultures. Notably, African Americans have a strong cultural foundation which is fostered from generation to generation. They form more than 14% of the United State’s population (US Census Bureau, 2011). They have a unique culture that is characterized by a unique parenting style, structure of the family, the role of gender in the family, and their views on marriage. Moreover, they utilize their unique cultures to manage adversities. However, it is also necessary to note that their experiences during slavery integrated foreign culture that greatly affected family structures in African American society (McGoldrick, 2005).
Moreover, slavery also brought with it poor economic status, inequality, and racism amongst other complications to African American society. Previously, these cultural norms were derived from West African families. West African cultures, just like other African cultures, valued strong family relations. Nuptials were also regarded highly in African societies. Marriage was considered special and specific to given individuals at a certain age (McLoyd, Hill &Dodge, 2005). Notably, children were associated with women which is in contrast to current views. Moreover, whenever a woman could not give birth, she was solely to blame. This trend has persisted in most West African societies even with the advent of technological advances in the health sector. In this regard, African Americans borrowed much of their heritage from West Africa. Besides, paternal parents were not responsible for their children. For instance, this happened in my family too. For instance, my family developed a rebellious attitude after he was deserted by his father and other members of his extended family. Nonetheless, it is important to note that most African American cultural norms have been deserted. For instance, paternal parents are increasingly concerned wt the well being of their children. Additionally, they have developed artistic lifestyles drawn from both African and American culture (Walker, 1996).
Childhood memories about identity development
My childhood memories of identity were influenced by evidence of racism, rebellion, and distrust among peoples of different colors. I noted that our family members had a black complexion while others were had brown and white complexion. I also listened to stories of how West Africans were stripped of their identities and made them their master’s properties. However, they kept their family relations despite hardships to overcome difficulties. They tried all they could to adapt to American life with the desire to hold on to their morals. Of great essence to them were their cultural norms which they valued and wanted to hold on to. Unfortunately, this was not possible on whole. In the past, I used to wonder why our generation was socially, economically, and physically considered inadequate. This was strengthened by the fact that whites saw themselves as superior and powerful (Gaines, 2002). Moreover, due to discrimination, I thought that were the lowest cast. However, this changed when I witnessed various gains with regards to equality, citizenship, and racism (Hattery & Smith, 2007).
Other incidences that shaped my memory of identity occurred during my stay with my father who narrated to me how he had been abandoned by his father. He also talked about the difficulties he faced during that period since he was a breadwinner at a tender age (McAdoo, 2007). I compared this to the lifestyles of whites and other cultures in American society like the Latinos. I realized that we were in a precarious situation given the challenges we faced. This developed the real challenges of our identity in America. Further references from historical boos also helped develop my identity as African American. I also realized that we had ditched some of our cultures and instead acquired those of our ‘masters’ (Abatso & Burchett, 1991).
Reflections about African American Oppression
African oppression was both painful and agonizing. It was a disgrace to our identity. Those who carried it out should be sorry for what happened. Our ancestors were denied the rights to be descent humans (Lee, 1991). This was terrible; it brought about groaning and rebellion. Sometimes I wondered if ignorance meant slavery. Africans who were enslaved were very essential to the establishment of the United States of America, yet they were discriminated against (Hornes, 2006). Our ancestors were enslaved against their wishes. This was characterized by tyrannical lordships over them. Against their will, they worked for their masters and they were separated from their loved ones. They faced discrimination from all corners of their surroundings. Fellow members, we used to hurt them. This was mean to destroy their strong bonds. In some instances, it succeeded. However, in general, it never succeeded. Many lessons were learned from these experiences. Moreover, a course of action was taken to gain human rights and citizenship.
African American oppression destroyed their hopes and family structures. Their norms were destroyed and greatly despised. This brought about poverty, unemployment, early age pregnancies, addiction to drugs, psychological issues, low literacy levels, and broken families. Effects of slavery and discrimination have brought about economic, social, and political difficulties. The realization of the American dream was increased when Barack Obama became president. However, this will be complete when other races and gender also take the helm of the State. For instance, women have not had enough representation in politics. Spirituality was essential in helping African Americans overcome these difficulties. Moreover, the gains of the American constitution helped them feel that they belonged to American society. This has helped them to cope with atrocities committed during slavery. They are working hard to improve their livelihoods (Lassiter, 1999).
Third generation African American with grandparents from the United States
Third generation Americans have had a unique experience. Despite experiencing some form of racism, they have been forefront in minimizing it. Also, they have maintained some of their heritage from West Africa. However, this has been eroded with an influx of different cultures from different parts of the world. US census 2010 statistics showed that over 73% of children lived with both of their parents. This stresses the fact that most African Americans value strong familial bonds (Johnson, 2005). This generation has also experienced unemployment, addiction, mental illness, and poor economic status. These are some of the problems that have worked to discourage marriage among the African American community. Moreover, women who have good earnings nowadays prefer to remain single. This was not possible in African societies. Marriage was compulsory for a woman. However, these have changed; third-generation African Americans enjoy unlimited freedom that has disjointed their once strong cultural norms (Lassiter, 1999).
Conclusions
The cultural mix has led to the reshaping of cultural norms amongst communities in the United States. However, it is important to note that African Americans have conveyed strong familial bonds ever since they were enslaved. Despite the challenges that have transpired besides the ever-changing cultural dynamics, my family has maintained a strong familial bond. This is a strong characterization of African American society. Besides, parents are involved in their children’s activities. Besides, they have continued to improve self-esteem and priced in their culture and race. My family has a strong orientation for success. Contemporary African Americans have ditched some of the heritage they once valued. For instance, children are nowadays born outside wedlock, parents are less involved in their children’s affairs and inclination to spirituality has been abandoned. However, my family’s inclination towards spirituality is strong; we also value marriage and children inside wedlock. Besides, we have strong kinship as well as strong involvement of parents in their children’s affairs. In essence, as much as we have acquired the American way of life, we still value our heritage and identity.
References
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