The strong correlation between culture and race in America has allowed the term Black to be used interchangeably to describe both. Since it is generally accepted that race cannot be altered, it, in turn, encourages the delusion that Blacks are pawns in a hopeless fate that lies in the hands of structural forces just beyond their reach. It fosters the perspective that nothing can be done within Black communities to change their relatively poor social and economic outcomes.
However, if we can…
Unlike race, which is perceived as natural and unchangeable, ethnicity or culture is flexible and can be altered. It can be enhanced by opening up to other cultures and assimilating or being influenced by new knowledge or aspects of a new culture to improve one’s way of life. The American culture, for example, has impacted the cultures of millions of people worldwide through its movies, music and educational system. My family and others from hundreds of different cultures…
This is the space for all life at home fun and entertaining - alone and when guests are over. This space should make you feel alive yet relaxed. The living room should feel like a bar, a lounge or a theatre, depending on the mood you need at any moment.
This is the most unlikely defined space in homes but if the threat of pandemics become commonplace or we happen to spend more of our lives at home, this needs to become important and a normal space we create
This space is for sleeping and ‘sleeping’. Period. Although that sounds obvious, it needs to be explicitly stated.
I like the idea of having books on my night stand but I am usually too tired when I get into bed that I pass out almost immediately and wake up wondering if a toddler had gotten a hold of my book and crumpled all the pages
Acknowledging the complexities of cultural change within the Black community is essential. While it won't be easy, fostering open dialogue, challenging stereotypes, and embracing diversity of thought and behaviour could be steps toward shifting cultural norms.