Hartigan points out that white people have a culture that they are often not aware of despite the fact that "Americanness" equates to whiteness. However, what makes up white culture? All other cultures seem to have common themes that relate them all. Some are stereotypes, while others are unique characteristics that people in that culture tend to cling to. When I personally think of white culture, I am aware that it exists, but I am not sure how it effects me as an individual. I know that white people are born with an advantage, yet trying to figure out how I am tied to a most of the rest of America perplexes me. I am white and middle class, and I understand that there is a culture but I would definitely respond as many of Hartigan's subjects did- by denying a culture or being confused as to what that culture would be. White Americans claim descent from a whole spectrum of European countries or a variety of other countries and most of the time, there is a mix of ethnicities.
I hope not, but am slightly concerned, that the major thing connecting all white Americans is the advantage they are automatically born with. Very few white Americans know how it feels to be in the minority. Does that create an ignorance to the lives of the rest of Americans who are not in the majority? I suppose this could create some kind of cultural bond from the similar experiences and background. Is our culture one that stereotypes say- minivans, soccer moms, business dad, two dogs and a white picket fence? When I look at what makes Americans American, I cannot separate the classic desires (for success, to follow our dreams, to achieve happiness, etc) by skin color, but is this simply because I am white and cannot distinguish "American" from simply "white"??
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I believe that you are asking a question that crosses many of our minds, because "American" is normal or "natural" for us. Us meaning anyone who grew up here or even comes for a visit. However, I do not believe that you are at all blinded due to the fact that you are white (I am assuming you mean racially?). I have lighter skin but am often told that I am "not from around here", and I come from a middle class family. I spent plenty of times in the minivans coming from soccer practice with my white friends, but we also had a very diverse group of friends and teammates. However, hindsight being 20/20, I now can piece together that it was the socioeconomic status that connected us. Regardless of race, we all have been headed down the same path and doing the same sort of thing. Yet is what my non-white friends and I been doing our culture (based on socioeconomics)? or am I invading another group's "culture"? I think that we are part of the American culture that is embodied by whiteness and the advantages often ascribed to it.
ReplyDeleteI do not think that you vision is clouded, in fact I think that it is quite clear on this matter. But that you are concerned or somewhat bothered by being on the advantaged side of the equation. Just like I am, and many of the rest of us are. The first step, like with many other things, is to get past the denial and now see what positive things we can do (for others, if possible) with our implicitly advantageous position.
I also remember reading about Hartigan’s section where he points out the “Americanness” equates to whiteness.
ReplyDeleteTo begin, I just want to share a story. One of my friends, and President of the International Student Federation, is an international student from Poland. She has lived in the States for over 5 years and has adapted to American culture and society. She was out with one of her guy friends recently, whom she met a while back. He is American and born and raised in the States. He attended and graduated from Harvard University and is currently working in a business firm down on Washington Avenue in St. Louis. So far we have the stereotypical “white, middle class male”, correct? He seems to have all of the advantages stereotyped by this category.
While my friend and this guy were out, somehow the topic of culture got brought up and he didn’t understand something about a particular culture my friend was talking about. She responded by saying, “Well, you’re white.” He was apparently taken aback and responded, “you’re white too, what’s the difference between us?” She explained to him, “I know I am white, but I am Polish. You’re just American.”
I definitely see where Hartigan draws his conclusions that in many instances, people equate Americannes with whiteness—that is a common perception. Perhaps with this boy and his circumstances, it is much easier to draw this parallel due to the stereotypes he already seems to fulfill. But here is what I see. Culture, in this case, is used to reinforce someone’s identity. It is also this culture that, in a way, is used as a marker. Both my friend and her guy friend are white, but it seems that she is not the “standard” and “common” white that “Americans” appear to be. What do you guys think?