Ghetto Black Culture--What is your opinion.

Hello,

I have noticed on this post and from other posts by some of the members that being "ghetto" is often associated with Black culture. I thouroughly have a problem with this point of view. If anyone has studied traditional Black American culture, you would know that Black culture involves:
1. Love of oneself
2. Love of one's family including respect for one's elders
3. Responsibility to one's community
4. The fight for the human rights and social justice of Black people and
all people who have fallen victim to imperialism, racism, sexism, and
the like
5. A great level of spirituality
6. The belief that putting one's faith in God and obtaining an education
is key to true liberation.
These are just of few traits of true Black culture.

What is being witnessed in Northern and some Southern urban inner city areas that promote "thugism", "pimping", "balling", "ghetto bitches" and what have you has little to do with Black culture and everything to do with the destruction of Black culture thanks to American media, structural racism and discrimination, and the internalization of these negative images and understandings of what it means to Black by Blacks who have absolutely no idea what it means to be Black. And a special thanks goes out to many middle and upper class Blacks who have failed to take the knowledge and skills they have acquired to improve these communities, which could be achieved through mentoring, job creation, and establishing organizations to serve the political, social, and economic needs of this oppressed group. Many of the Blacks who claim these twisted pathologies and destructive behaviors as being Black have absolutely no idea of what it means to be Black. None of these people can tell you about A. Phillip Randolph, Ephren Taylor, Randall Robinson, or Assata Shakur, for example. Furthermore, they couldn't even tell you the names of the various Black owned and operated Banks, Insurance, and Investment firms and companies that exist such as Douglass National Bank, First Tuskegee Bank, Booker T. Washington Insurance Company, Atlanta Life Insurance Company, Rice Financial Products Company, and Walton Johnson & Company--this is just a short list. Not only could they not tell you the names, many do not know they even exist. Also, they would fail the test to name the various organizations that are established by Blacks for Blacks whose agenda is to improve the economic, social, and political fate of Black Americans like 100 Black Men of America Inc., American Association of Blacks in Energy, and Nat'l. Black Child Development Institute, to just name a few.
Furthermore, I would hardly call Hip-Hop music a representative of Black culture. If anything it only reflects the psychological and behavioral dysfunctions of the poor and lower Black classes who reside in the urban inner city in the United States, which represents a minority in Black America. It definitely does not represent the majority of Black Americans who work everyday, love God, and try to live a decent life. Even though I do believe that ALL Black people who live in America may have some kind of "issue" they are dealing with due to being Black in America, for most, it is not at the intense level or degree that exists among many of those who form the poor and lower classes in the urban inner city. Also, not all people who come from this class subscribe to such stupidity and ignorance. It is not Black to call each other Niggas, B**ches, H*es, but sick, self-hating, ignorant, and downright uncalled for. It is not Black to be obnoxiously loud, verbally abusive, outlandish, and act in a ridiculus manner. This is pure ignorance. Furthermore, it is not Black to believe that an education is a "White" thing. Black people on this planet were scientists, political administrators, inventors, mathematicians, and philosophers long before slavery and colonial rule by White European powers. Also, Blacks continue to be these things--it is just that we do not hear about them because mainstream media and education fail to acknowledge their accomplishments and contributions and inform us about who we are as a people.

In all, please do not confuse Black Culture with the mental, emotionally, and spiritual dysfunction of an oppressed people. Black culture is in a state of continued destruction--a crisis.
I have noticed many of the Black male participants on this forum are intelligent, successful, goal orientated, loving, and interesting Black men. It is a shame that you have to experience ignorant Blacks who do not even know what being Black truly means. In fact, I would consider some of you the Blackest Men I have encountered on the internet. Instead of thinking of yourselves as being "white acting" consider yourselves as keeping the true tradition of what Black men should be in line with Martin Luther King, Jr., A. Phillip Randolph, Walter White, Thurgood Marshall, and W.E. B. DuBois. Peace Profound. Offering Love and Blessings.

---Jacklyn


What is your critique on my comment and what is your critical analysis on Black culture?

 

So what if anything do you consider rap/hip hop to be if it's NOT a part of black culture or an "outgrowth" of it at the very least :?: :shock:

 

Very interesting post and I agree with a lot of it. Too bad its message will fall on deaf ears. Any critique/debate of rap, the people who listen to it and low class ghetto "culture" as a whole always results in defensive attacks that blame the messenger. That's why mid-to-upper class blacks quietly wash their hands of the more ignorant class of black folks who support that garbage. Why bother even debating? I mean, Bill Cosby is the bad guy yet Tookie Smith is a hero. That right there tells you where black America is. If you're intelligent and know your history, just do you.

 

Lower Class vs. Upper Class

Karmacoma,

I understand how middle and upper class Blacks would like to wash their hands of lower class Blacks. I myself have seen first hand the ignorance displayed by many of those who occupy this class. However, this is one of the various reasons why lower class Blacks tend to be in the same position--the lack of positive rolemodels and leaders in their lives that is visible and in close contact. In fact, it is when "Black Flight" occurred taking their businesses, knowledges, and skills that contributed to the onslaught of the "ghetto" culture of today. If you desire not to deal with adult lower class Blacks, so be it. But my target is dealing with children--it is very unfair to write them off because of what their parents do. In fact, I agree that many lower class Adult Blacks must be written of, but then of course, I believe many middle and upper middle class Blacks must be written off because of their worship of materialism, extreme individualism, their sense of superiority--elitism, their internalized racism of "white is right", and their lack of humanity and spirituality. Again, when I think about mentoring, establishing social programs, and the like--I mostly am referring to the children. Furthermore, many of these lower class Blacks (male, female, adult or child) deal with hopelessness, depression, frustration, and stress. If only they had those who cared, maybe their attitude and behaviors will change--some will change others will not change. You might just luck out and find out that you have allys in this class who wants to see positive things for Black America. Remember, many of those who were part of the Black Power Movement, the Civil Rights Movement, and Black struggle, in general, came from the lower classes in Black America because they felt the pain the most dealing with being Black and Poor.
My friend and I constantly debate about working with lower class Blacks having different points of views. He has a point of view somewhat similar to what you mentioned. The point is very vaild and I definitely understand how those who have that viewpoint may feel. It is that we have different ideas as to what the solution to solving the problem is, if one believes the problem could be solved. Some say it can and some say it cannot. But what my friend and I have come to an agreement on--the CHILDREN in these environments are most important. If a person who has "made it" does not have the patience to deal with the adults who occupy this lower class status. Perhaps an alternative would be working with children and youths. Personally, I prefer young children from 12 and under. I love children and impressionable. They are either susceptible to learning the right stuff or the wrong stuff, which could stay with them for a long time. Even though my friend doesn't want to deal with the adults, he definitely feels the need to at least provide a positive rolemodel for young children who come from these environments; believe me, one can have a greater effect than he or she may think. It does not excuse parental responsibility, but offering a support system and an alternative to the same ole same ole. You may have to deal with ignorant parents when trying to work with children--I know because it has happened to many who have worked in this field. However, you will be suprised to find just as many lower class parents who would be appreciative that they are finally getting the support that they need and will appreciate it--I know becaue I know many people in this field have witnessed it as well as myself who has worked as a mentor. I am an example of how a few positive influences in my life as a young person helped me get through despite all of the negativity that surrounded me on a day to day basis. You may not be able to reach all of them, but you will reach some or most.

--Jacklyn

A person from the lower Black classes who gives praises to God I was not "written off" by some good people who occupied the lower, middle, and upper class (mostly Black, some White, some Hispanc, etc...) because of my skin color and class position. I am very thankful they were in my life to show me the beauty of who I am and always encouraged me to reach my fullest potential mentally, spirtually, and emotionally.

Peace Profound

 

I see what you're saying, man. Hey listen, everything you wanna know about black culture is contained in one very book. It's called "Black Rednecks and White Liberals" by Thomas Sowell. It is the most adept at this issue you dive into. Now i often am at odds with Sowell (and all black conservatives) about 98% of the time but this is a very good book. You should read it.

 

Is this issue about black america or your hatred of hiphop? Stop being so ignorant and bias. Look up the history of rap and the comsumers of hiphop records. DMC,Common,Talib,etc are very positive hiphop artist. The other nonsense rap, nothing you can do about that. But look at the consumers. You do realize white hiphop fans generate 80% of the income associated with rap?

Alot of blacks youths don't have/ or won't spend 100+ dollars on a 50 cent show, $100 on gunit shoes, or $20 on a CD. I like all hiphop. I may like to listen to violent rap at times, but it's just for entertainment. Is it any difference than watching a violent hollywood movie? If all these white actors can make money off of violence, why can't a brotha? And why aren't brotha's allowed to make money off violence?


Hiphop originates from africa, to the bronx, to the world. It is part of black culture whether you like it or not. Not the negative hiphop, but the positive. If you want to talk about the issues in black america lets go. But don't come here acting like hiphop is the only reason for the negatives in our community/culture. And if guys like 50 cent or whoever weren't around, we'd be living in peace. Come on man.

 

I actually listen to a little bit of rap myself, not much, but some. Mainly old school rappers like tupac, biggie, bone thugs & harmony and now eminem. I do believe that some rap is okay. I don't center my entire personality around rap, but i do believe that some rap is okay nonetheless. The whole debate about miss juicy was hardly about miss juicy herself, but more about a culture that i don't necessarily see as being all that positive for black people, and it's gaining more and more steam around the world, as witnessed by the numerous white kids, and asian kids, etc...etc.. who feel the need to impersonate it. I don't see this culture as being all that positive for them either. The reason is because there's a certain abrasiveness about it. People who idolize the hip hop culture sometimes feel like they have to be tough and abrasive (saying stuff like F you, F the world, i'm all about gettin my money and chasin my hoes), etc..etc..etc. I just don't see any of those traits as being positive, and it makes the black men who don't act this way seem like "squares" or "white acting" and that's just not fair.

 

Damn, did I call it? Didn't think it'd be so soon, though. :roll:

And Bryant, this is about Jacklyn's post, not about the Mizz Juicy thread.

 

In response to Hip-Hop

Noble druali,

You know what; I am feeling really "salty" right now. I wrote you a wonderful response and when I clicked to enter the post--it did not go through. My silly self didn't copy my post to template. Anyway, I will give you a brief version of what I have written.

First of all, thank you for pointing out this boo-boo I made about Hip-Hop. I thought about it after I posted and I appreciate you giving me the chance to clarify myself. I must always remember to think clearly through on what I have to say before I write it. I love the emoticon at the end of your response. It was funny and cute.

O. K.,

Hip-Hop music is an incredible musical art form, which in and of itself is Black culture. When it first came on the scene it was about partying, having a good time, creativity, and provided a platform for those who were oppressed to express themselves in a freestyle artistic manner. Hip-Hop music is a neutral art form that can be used for social change, political struggle, economic development, and to uplift those who have been oppressed. Or it could be used, as we see today, to promote negative Black images of Black on Black crime, vice, sexism, and etc... When I say the Hip-Hop music is not Black culture. I am talking about music that is promoted by mainstream White media and Black radio stations, and White owned but Black operated BET whose only concern is profit--- promoting the mental, emotional, and behavioral dysfunction of a certain class of Blacks who have been cut off from their culture, from their identity, and have absolutely no idea what it means to be Black. They are "lost." Also, this class of Blacks is neither representative of the majority of Black people in America, and even for some Blacks who do occupy the lower strata of Black America. Hip-Hop has been used to promote "Ghetto" culture, not Black culture.
To clarify "Ghetto" culture is not race or ethnic specific; it is not created from the values, traditions, customs, or beliefs of a particular ethnic group. It is actually a reactionary culture that is developed based on the living conditions that one is exposed to. Ghetto culture has for the most part been produced in inner city urban areas that is overcrowded and overburdened. These areas are overburdened with high unemployment or underemployment, poverty, not having access to basic needs, being overly exposed to environmental hazards. As a result, those who live in these situations tend to respond--most of the time it is not positive like vice, violence, domestic abuse, and etc... This is not race or ethnic specific, but class specific as a result of prejudice and discrimination based on skin color, religion, and ethnicity. For example, the Irish and Italian immigrants of the late 19th and early 20th centuries had "Ghetto" cultures similar to the ones that Blacks have today because of their oppressed condition not being viewed as White and as a result experiencing prejudice and discrimination and being limited to inner city living spaces with all of its problems. They also engaged in inter-ethnic violence and crime. Many received inadequate education and grew to be pessimistic about it too. Furthermore, they experienced strain in their interpersonal relationships as well. It was only until after WWII, when United States recognized them as White, and opened the door to gain the resources that Whites had available to them to build better lives that this phenomena ended for them. However, this still did not mean that their reactions to their environment defined their culture. Italian and Irish Americans were communal people who stressed the importance of family, community, education, and achievement. The same could be said for Chinese Americans when they first settled in America and faced extreme prejudice and discrimination who formed China Towns, which were run by gangs called Triads. These triads involved themselves in crime, violence, and etc...However, it did not define Chinese culture, which promoted values, beliefs, and customs that were not in alignment with what these individuals in these gangs participated in.

In all, "Ghetto" culture has nothing to do with Black culture. Unfortunately, the perpetuators of this misconception are Black people who either "lived the life" and have no understanding and knowledge of their history, culture, and the current accomplishments and successes of their own people or you have those who never lived "the Life" and know better but promote this imagery anyway in the name of profit. Also, you have those who have lived the life, learned better, but still go with the status quo for monetary gain. It really comes down to--PROFIT. Even in the hood, everybody is not riding in bling, bling cars, bling, bling clothes, walking around looking like pimps and hoes; neither do many in the hood have this mentality. Yes, there is a high prevalence of this behavior and attitude, but by far it does not represent all--some on this forum may say most or majority--but I believe all of us can agree it is not absolute for nothing is absolute. A lot of poor Blacks are working, loving, and doing the best with the cards dealt them. Its just a shame when you have ignorant and/or materialistic Black people tell you what you are and then put it out there for the public to see having people mistakenly associate Black culture as being the same as Ghetto culture. These are the last people to use as a credible reference on Black culture and Black life.

Also, there is still some good Hip-Hop out there, but these artists mostly get ignored, not played, or it takes them soooo long to make it to the top forcing many to go underground with their music to get a following b/c they refuse to subscribe to the status quo.

I hope my response has clarified my stance on Hip-Hop.

Peace, Love, and Many Blessings.

--Jacklyn

 

Karmacoma, the miss juicy thread has direct relevance to this because they both deal with the hip hop culture. That's why i brought it up.

 

Soul Brotha,

If you have a disagreement with me please let us not resort to name calling. I refuse to name call anyone on this board. If I have made a mistake, I would appreciate it if you would point it out to me in a respectful way as noble druali has done. Please read my reply to noble druali. I was working on it as you were writing your response to me. I do appreciate the constructive criticism, and in the future I will be more clear and concise. Respectfully.

---Jacklyn
Peace, Love, and Many Blessings

 

A response to being considered "White acting".

Bryant,

I totally agree with you. It is not fair or right to be labeled as "white acting" or what have you because of your principles. In fact, many White people do not have the same principles. It never fails to amuse me how mainstream American media and society exposes Black folks dirt but never talk about those White people who live in the Appalachian Mountains, who live in the trailer park, or poor rural Whites and poor Whites in the cities. Nor do they talk about their "Rednecks" to the degree they talk about other ethnic groups with embarrassing members.

Love yourself and know that you are honoring who you are and the generations who came before you who fought, shed blood, and died so you and I can have a chance at a better life. Those who say that you are White acting have the problem, not you. Also, when another person comes at you with that B.S., ask them this question. Was Malcolm X "white acting"?

--Peace Profound

--Jacklyn

 

I apologize. But you have to look at it from my point of view. I'm a young black male, who at one point grew up in public housing in the late 80's/early 90's, and listened to everything from KRS one, Pac, Biggie,etc. But according to you I am contributing to black society in a negative way or whatever.

But when really I've never done drugs, graduated from college, never been arrested,etc. So you have to understand why I was originally offended. As black people, we must stop stereotyping ourselves before we expect other races to stop. But now you've made yourself clear, I see what you mean. Again, my mistake.


But things change. People need to realize that. Just like what rap was in the 80's, is not what it is today. Whether it being positive or negative. 10 years from now, these youngs kids today will be saying hiphop isn't what it use to be back in the days also.

 

Soulbrotha

Soul brotha,

I feel you. I am glad that we could peacefully understand each other. We practiced good communication. I am very happy about that. I currently have a friend with a similar background like yours. We also have heated debates, and from them we learn a great deal from each other including how to truly listen to each other and understand where each one is coming from. I am glad that you have imparted on me a little bit of your personal history. I myself would have been considered a statistic, but I made it. Therefore, I understand how it feels to want to defend who you are, as you should. There is no shame of who we are and where we come from. It makes us the kind of people we are today---DYNAMIC and POWERFUL individuals!!

Peace, Love, and Many Blessings,

---Jacklyn

 

:? Jeverage one thing about your comments concerning "ghetto black culture" is that you speak as if these people or more importantly OUR PEOPLE are some type of lab specimens. :shock: Are you yourself a social scientist that must remain devoid of any "familiarity" while you discuss this particular topic or what?

 

Lab specimens

Nobledruali,

The fact that I am a sociology major shows, huh?

However, I do not understand your question as far as stating being devoid of "familiarity" or viewing "our people" as lab specimens. Would you please be so kind to clarify to me what you mean before I answer the question? I would appreciate it. Thank you.

--Jacklyn

 

Re: Lab specimens

And I don't understand your whole "ghetto black culture" thing as well. Not that I don't agree with you on some things but what made you decide to post on this site? :?

 

Re: A response to being considered "White acting".

That gets me too.

 

Misunderstanding

Nobledruali,

It's O.K. that you do not understand where I am coming from. Sometimes that just happens.

If you would like to now why I posted on the site, please read my introduction in the welcome center. I posted on the site because I like the different points of views offered on various subjects that is brought up on the forums. I like feedback because it helps me with gaining perspective. I find the people on these forums to be very intriguing.

Peace and Blessings

Jacklyn P. Everage

 

Re: Misunderstanding

Thanks I find your writings and your insight to be really intriguing as well. We're all glad to have you. :wink: