The Absence of Cultural Identity and its Impact on White Society

When examining white American society under a critical microscope, it rapidly becomes evident that much of the terminology, styles, trends and phrases popular among white Americans originated in Black culture, without so much as due credit for any contributions. The concept of whiteness, in effect, involves a nonstop cycle of appropriating Black culture to any and every extent possible, all while failing to have the self-awareness to critically understand and accept these ongoing and oppressive patterns. The hijacking of other cultures, primarily from Black America, is such a common occurrence in white American society because white folks have overwhelmingly surrendered their own cultural identities for the many real and promised privileges that the concept of whiteness brings, through many previous generations. With a lack of cultural ties and thus a lack of an integral part of one’s identity, it becomes apparent why white society is eager to adopt and abuse the trademarks of other cultures, attempt to identify with, and therefore consequentially and unapologetically promote the ideology of whiteness and white supremacy. 

Many generations of white Americans, most originating from Europe, have long lost their connections to their cultural heritage. Far too many cannot name their geographical origins because they come from a long lineage of ancestors who surrendered said cultural origins for the promised privileges that whiteness brings. With the omnipresent and far-reaching impacts of white privilege and white supremacy, many white passing people choose to assimilate into whiteness under the guise that it can offer them various forms of social protection and be advantageous to their personal successes, all while relinquishing their cultural origins in the process. The result of this becomes a lack of a cultural identity and the need to seek fulfillment of this void in other ways, such as appropriating other cultures, whether consciously or not. Black culture, in contrast, is a strong and well-connected community full of character, identity and solidarity against any and all forms of racial oppression—and is conveniently abused by white culture as a means for white people to feel more connected to a cultural circle, despite being entirely unable to relate to the Black American experience. 

Yet, whiteness is not in itself a lack of a cultural identity, but rather its cultural identity is centered around both the personal entitlement to resources and life successes as well as the oppression of others. The subjugation of people of color is largely the definition of white American culture, and has been since the inception of America. Previous generations of white Americans could only be granted the promise and safety of whiteness if they were willing to ignore the ongoing disenfranchisement of people of color. For example, though Irish and Scottish Americans were not considered the so-called higher tiers of American whiteness, it was posited to them that they were still better than various people of color, notably Black and Indigenous Americans, and therefore were not considered the lowest tier of people in American society—perpetuating American racism further. For the population of white Americans who understand this connection, it is easy to see the reality of whiteness but difficult to find what is acceptable as a replacement to fill the void of cultural solidarity.

For white Americans who are not, or refuse to be, connected to their cultural origins, rejecting the oppressive and dangerous cult of whiteness and seeking to fulfill the cultural void it leaves behind does not excuse the appropriation or blatant erasure of other cultures. Black populations have been in America since its modern inception yet were colonized, brutally murdered, forced into slavery, and faced other barrages of mass violence while resisting their oppression—and white America largely allowed it to happen because the promise of whiteness encouraged most to stay silent against such atrocities. As a white American, maintaining both self-awareness and awareness of the impacts of whiteness is crucial, but rejecting the notions of whiteness does not equate to excusing cultural appropriation and the blatant ignorance towards the oppression of non-white Americans. Yet, with not much more than a history rooted in the oppression of others, white Americans will struggle to reclaim their cultural agency in a way that does not oppress or harm other people and their sacred cultures. Cultural agency is crucial for self-liberation, empowerment and fulfillment, and with little more than a cultural history and legacy of allowing the ongoing oppression of others, it is evident why white Americans struggle to stop appropriating other cultures or divesting from white supremacy in any significant numbers.

If you think I’d be a good fit for your team, drop me a line and let’s meet. Also, check out my CV for relevant information.