Someone got angry with me when I suggested on X (the social media platform formally known as Twitter) that there was no such thing as Black Culture after reading about the “Black on the Square” (I hope we never see this event again) event in London. I was essentially accused of saying that black people had no culture. In response to that accusation, I decided to write this blog.
The term “Black Culture” is often used to refer to the shared experiences and traditions of people of African descent. However, this term is problematic for a number of reasons. Culture is traditionally defined by tribes, communities, and nations. These groups share commonalities in terms of traditions, beliefs, languages, and history. However, skin colour is not a tribe, and it does not define a shared culture.
First, there is no single, monolithic “Black Culture“. The cultures of African people are diverse and varied, reflecting the many different regions and countries of Africa. To lump all of these cultures together under the single label of “Black Culture” is to do a disservice to their rich and unique histories. I have never heard anyone say, we are celebrating “White Culture“. When we refer to someone as “White,” we typically do not assume they share the same traditions, languages, or behaviours. The diversity within the group of people categorised as “white” is immense, spanning various countries, languages, religions, and customs. It’s time we apply the same perspective to those categorised as “Black”.
Second, the term “Black Culture” can reinforce negative stereotypes about black people. For example, the stereotype that all black people like rap music or that they are all good at basketball is often based on the idea of a monolithic “Black Culture”. Stereotypes lead to assumptions and biases that can be damaging and limiting because it denies the diversity of black people and their experiences.
Third, the term “Black Culture” can be used to essentialise black people. Essentialism is the belief that all members of a particular group share the same essential characteristics. When applied to black people, essentialism can lead to the belief that all black people are the same, regardless of their individual differences. This belief is false and harmful, as it denies the complexity and diversity of black identity.
So, what is the alternative to the term “Black Culture”? I believe that we should focus on celebrating the diversity of African cultures. We should talk about the different cultures of Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Ethiopia, and so on. We should also talk about the different cultures of black people in the Americas, the Caribbean, Asia, Europe, etc. By focusing on the diversity of African cultures, we can avoid essentialising black people and we can celebrate the richness and complexity of their experiences.
Someone also once told me that the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement is about Black Culture, so let me address this here too. The Black Lives Matter movement is a powerful example of how people of African descent can come together to celebrate their shared experiences and to demand justice. However, it is important to remember that the Black Lives Matter movement is not based on culture. It is based on the shared experience of being black in a world where racism is still a reality.
We can all do our part to challenge the myth of Black Culture. We can start by being more mindful of the language we use. When we talk about black people, let’s avoid using terms like “Black Culture”. Instead, let’s talk about the different cultures of Africa and the Americas for example. Let’s celebrate the diversity of black people and their experiences.
When we do this, we can help to create a more just and equitable world for all people. Culture is a complex blend of traditions, history, heritage, language, music, and so much more. Assuming that individuals with the same skin colour automatically share the same culture is an oversimplification that leads to harmful stereotypes and generalisations. We must move away from the idea of a singular “Black Culture” and acknowledge the rich tapestry of traditions, languages, and histories that make up this diverse group of people.
Over to you.