American Black culture, that is, African-American culture. There are tons of positives, let's see what we can do to define and praise them.
This diary is to further the dailyKos discussion of race. Theory: let's talk about positives. Let's praise what's praiseworthy. Let's get the good out of the closet, as well as the bad.
Follow me below for rules of engagement, as well as a short list of my own.
This diary has suggested rules of engagement:
--Post something positive, take negatives elsewhere.
--I'm no authority, no one is, don't sweat it, just write from the heart.
--No one's post or list is definitive, don't bash people for leaving out your favorite aspect, just add it.
--Feel free to add your race or culture, for perspective.
--If you think there should be a "Praise of Hispanic Culture" diary (I agree) just create it, don't complain that this diary is more narrow in focus. Likewise for all other cultures.
--If you think it's a troll, add a recipe. Jello recipes are quick and easy!
--If you disagree, it's possible to do so reasonably. Chill with the name-calling, etc.
--Thanks for reading this far.
A short list from my life, my experience. (OK, now for the scary part. Sheesh, I'm sweating. I probably don't know how to add real depth to my list, but I'm committed to the idea.)
Outright: I'm white and there are many things I appreciate about black culture. Times in my life, most of my friends have been black, and I ran in those circles. That isn't right, wrong, whatever, it's just a fact. I feel I'm a better person for it.
--Dignity as embodied by the custom of calling older people "Ms Smith, Mr. Fletcher".
--Looking out for each other. Being willing to lend a hand when, say, people are moving, or need to borrow something. Having a sense of community, positive community.
--Not treating whites as badly as whites treated blacks. In my opinion, for the vast majority of blacks, this has always been true. Takes character and wisdom. Who wants to sink to the lowest common denominator? Most blacks have taken the high road here.
--Being willing to accept some whites as friends, despite the whole messy, despicable history of American racial oppression. Remarkably complex to do, and extremely tolerant choice.
--There's a custom where black men flirt with everybody. All women, no matter how old you are. It's actually complimentary and affirming, in my opinion. White men mostly just don't do that, they only flirt with women they think are hot, and/or want to bed. This custom can cause cognitive dissonance for whites who don't see instances of this as part of a positive whole.
--Building institutions to serve blacks' own needs, when whites were demanding segregation. Example: the traditionally black universities. They're so good, whites have begun sending their children there. (Ironic enough?)
--Finding a way to instill self-esteem in their children, no matter how much counter propaganda they might encounter in white society. Hat's off to generations who've quietly done that.
That's my small list, in no particular order, just from the heart.
What would you like to add? What aspects of American Black Culture do you cherish or admire?