Yeah, so I'm white/Caucasian American but I have an affinity for other cultures and races. I really empathize with black- and Asian-Americans, and get truly pissed off when people say racist things. When I see non-white actors in lead movie roles, I'm really happy (especially Asian-American actors, since the males are always given minor roles usually.)
I feel like I've grown up oblivious to "my own American culture", but I'm not anti-American at all. It just doesn't interest me.
I always read online boards designed for Muslims, Latinos, Jews, Asian-Americans, or Homosexuals-- all 'minority' groups I don't belong to. And even if I lively participate in the conversation, and believe in working towards a less-discriminating America... well, I don't belong with them, do I? It would seem that I've been looking for somewhere, (anywhere?) to belong to. But I don't really belong anywhere.
How can I appreciate my 'own culture' more? Should I even try? Sometimes, I wonder.
What's the problem here? What better way to understand "your own culture" then by learning about others'? And just what is "your own culture" anyway, now of all times, and especially "American culture", one of the most diverse and multi-culturally defined cultures in the industrialized world? These distinctions are becoming increasingly trivial. In our increasingly globalized world, global-culture is of increasing influence, and there are only gonna be more people like you and me to espouse it.
>>2
"Diverse" and "Multi-culturally defined" is a bit strong I'd say.
> I feel like I've grown up oblivious to "my own American culture"
I don't blame you there, it's not exactly the richest of tapestries.
> How can I appreciate my 'own culture' more?
Look in to your own ethnic heritage, whether it's Saxon, Welsh, Gallic, Vandal, etc... there's a lot of deep history, culture and achievements there.
> "American culture", one of the most diverse and multi-culturally defined cultures in the industrialized world?
I'd say India is far more ethnically, religiously and culturally diverse than any western nation, whether we realize it or not.
>>6
Nah. Australia, or even England is more diverse than that.
But if we're talking about Western developed countries, then I'd have to say that USA comes near last in recognising/celebrating multi-cultural diversity.
Look, I can understand it not being first, but seriously, do you even live here?
How many immigrants have come to the states? How many non-English foods have been integrated into the American diet and then propagated all over the globe? How many non-English forms of music have formed the basis of rag-time, jazz, rock, rap, etc, etc? How many Spanish speakers live in this country? How many Chinese, Cantonese, Koreans as well? I don't think you realize how huge, diverse, and ecclectic America's history was. The impact is unimaginable because it is so huge, it goes without saying. If you're an American, just look at your last name, chances are it's not English.
Granted, cities are generally the centers of cosmopilitanism in the States, whilst rural areas are more conservative that way, but even then, you have a huge sweeping continent with many different regions, dialects (historically at least), attitudes, religions, and Native influences.
The concept of "American Culture" is a myth.
>>8
Very true, never though of it that way. Hawaii is the best example.
Overall, linguistically and religiously, that variety is still by and large restricted to a small minority.
Although there is the large, distasteful minority in America that make up the "Ugly American", who would turn red with rage at the mention of 'multi-cultural' or 'diversity'.
Yeah, I think you get some of those just about everywhere.
I know the Right-wing French nationalists bristle at the thought of all the Algerian immigrants. In Cologne, Germany, Turkish immigrants are pooling resources to build a medium-sized mosque, with similar opposition.