Raciality as a cultural asset

Raciality as a cultural asset

Introduction

The American society is unique in its social context because of the co-existence of various types of races. Over the years, the interaction of these races has spurred up controversies hence resulting to social isolation and alienation. This was mainly encouraged by the marginalization of certain races by the government and the society as a whole. Due to racism, the marginalized communities such as the African Americans, the Mexicans, Filipinos, and Asians etc. developed a different culture as a way of creating identity among them.

The African American culture

Due to the history of slave trade and other social misfortunes that affected the African American people, they were forced into having their own unique culture. In this culture, every individual with a dark skin is referred to as a “brother”. This is because of the shared ideologies and previous history. Though this notion is fading away with more integration between the blacks and the whites; it still plays an important role in the creation of identity.

The African American culture is characterized by a unique form of fashion and language. This society is always associated with “gangster” lifestyle whereby sagging baggy jeans, oversized t-shirts, large boots, different walking style etc. are the most appreciated form of fashion. The youth also adopt an accent that is characterized with the use of incomplete and obscene words. In addition, the African American Culture associates itself with basketball game and “rap” music as their preferred forms of entertainment.

Comparison between the African American culture and Zoot suit

In 1943, the zoot suit was a common dressing fashion among the Mexican Americans. This was because it was unique at that time and created some form of identity among the marginalized Mexican people. Due to its fame not in only Los Angeles but also the rest of the American cities, it had an appeal to the rest of the marginalized societies such as Asians, Filipinos and African Americans. The following are the comparisons between the zoot suit and the African American culture.

Form of identity

Both cultures gave a form of identity to the marginalized society. In 1943, the people wearing the zoot suit were mostly those of the Mexican origin found in the southern states of the United States. The American Mexicans showed some compassion to their own race because they could be easily identified by these suits.

The “gangster” lifestyle among the African Americans has helped to create some form of identity among them. From the analytical point of view, the African American society had to find a culture that they could associate with because of them despising the whites’ culture. Therefore, the formation and embracing of their own culture played a role in self appreciation among themselves.

Involves the use of fashion

Both the African American culture and the use of zoot suit involve the use of fashion. Due to its flashy nature; the zoot suit was deemed to be fashionable at that time hence they were very expensive to buy. In consideration to the African American culture, the use of fashion is widely spread. This is because they mostly prefer bright colored t-shirts with sagging baggy jeans. Therefore, both cultures incorporate the importance of fashion uniqueness.

Involvement in violence

The occurrence of both cultures has resulted directly or indirectly to violence. During the Second World War, the use of the zoot suit was viewed by analysts as portraying a divisive image about the American society. This is because the zoot suit identified Mexican Americans as people from Mexico who did not have interest in winning the war. According to Luis Valdez’s book, the power of the zoot, “violence broke out in 1943 between the whites and the Mexicans because of the dress code of the Mexicans” (Valdez pp.13).

The African American culture has been mostly linked to various forms of robberies and violence. This is because the people in this society mostly leave in poverty hence prone to crime. In addition, this “gangster” culture gives them a form of superiority because they mostly walk in groups hence they easily get involved in violence activities. Therefore, both of these cultures have a history of being violent.

They are widespread

 In comparison with the number of people associated with these cultures; both the use of the zoot suit and the African American cultures were widespread in the United States. The zoot suit fashion was widely seen in cities like New York, Detroit, Chicago and Los Angeles. This is a similar situation with the African American culture.

Contrast between the African American culture and Zoot suit

Effect on patriotism

The African American culture has no effect to patriotism as opposed to the wearing of the zoot suit. In a research carried out in 2004 on the African American culture; it was found out that the African Americans are proud and patriotic about their country. However, considering the circumstances in World War II, it was unpatriotic for the Mexicans to alienate themselves in terms of dressing.

Effect on moral behavior

In consideration to the two ways of life, the African American culture has a negative impact on the moral behaviors of individuals when compared to the wearing of the zoot suit. The “gangster” lifestyle gives the youth a sense of superiority and lack of control hence they are prone to prostitution and drug abuse. For this reason, many African Americans drop out of school due to peer influence. However, the wearing of zoot suits had no big impact on a person’s moral values.

Complexity

The African American culture is more complex compared to the wearing of the zoot suit. This is because the African culture incorporates the ideology of difference in race, previous social injustices, “hustle” etc. Therefore, it is more detailed compared to a specific way of dressing as in the zoot suit.

Conclusion

In conclusion, racism in the United States led to the development of various different cultures. These cultures developed as a result of the need to create identity and recognition of certain communities. During the Second World War, the Mexicans were mostly dressed in the zoot suit while the African American society have devised their own culture which incorporates the wearing of sagging baggy trousers, oversized t-shirts, different walking styles etc. Both these cultures have been associated with violence, use of fashion and hence creating their own identity. However, they differ in complexity, effect on moral behavior and patriotism. Therefore, racism has played a key role in the creation of various cultures in the American society.

Works cited

Valdez, Luis. The power of the zoot suit: youth culture and resistance during World War II. Carlifonia: University of California press.  February 2008. Print