What is Culture? Websters dictionary defines it as. The customs, arts, social institutions, and achievements of a particular nation, people, or other social group. But I think we as a society have given it a different meaning. Especially in the United States. In other countries culture is every aspect of life. From the way they look , the way they dress , they're cuisine , religion, how they raise their children. Their way of life is their culture and it redefines itself through its people throughout history. But in America it's not the same. America is a melting pot of different nationalities , religions , pigments and cultures. But not all are defined with the same measure. Take for instance Caucasians in America. White Americans constitute the majority of the 332 million people living in the United States, with 71% of the population in the 2020 United States Census, including 61.6% who identified as 'white alone. In all of those people their are hundreds of different variables of what's defined as culture. Conservatives and Liberals use they're beliefs as if they were a culture. Being a redneck or a hillbilly in America is seen as culture. In the African American community Hip hop is seen as a culture. We hear it all the time we have to support " Tthe Culture ". But truth be told Hiphop culture is not black culture. It was created by Blak people. But there were African Americans long before Hiphop was created. The misappropriation of the word culture is used alot today. People see black culture or Hiphop culture as gangs and hair-dos , rap music , having swag and being cool. Being from or in the streets is not what Hiphop culture is about nor is it Black culture. People take small elements in time periods and like to pinpoint or categorize and define aspects of trends as being "The Culture ". The truth is hiphop was created by people in as some define it the urban or ghetto community as a means of expression , creativity , freedom of speech , and to bring the community together and have a good time. It was formed in the streets of New York which is why it has a connection to the streets. But to categorize it with violence, crime , profanity or any other negative thing is absurd. But it's grown into this global phenomenon that has touched and inspired millions or people from different cultures and countries all over the world. With so many influences over the years and contributions from all kinds of people it's safe to say if Hiphop is a culture it's an American culture not just a black culture.
© ockindev213