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African-American Assimilation and Acculturation
Self-identity and acceptance are important for any individual attempting to adapt to society and social change. Many African-American's have a difficult time adapting to cultural values and traditions in Western America. Some assume that assimilation an acculturation to Western values will remedy the social distress that exists within the African-American population. Many have described the current social status of African-Americans as in a state of distress. Much controversy exists regarding the subject of assimilation and acculturation of African-American's to American culture. This paper will explore the issues surrounding acculturation while also examining Pan-African movements and assimilation.
The most important question to ask is whether assimilation and acculturation are positive outcomes for African-Americans. Many would argue that assimilation might contribute to the current state of social crisis that exists among African-Americans. Young (2003) for example, notes that African-Americans share "an ancient and vital history" including values and belief systems and cultural artifacts impacted by Western values imposed on African natives (p. 164). Further the author describes African-Americans in a state of social crisis, influenced by past segregation and legal systems that encourage...
Parenti (1978) early on pointed out that African-American interests "are shaped in the context of social relationships" instead of generated by the self (p. 12). This suggests that social relationships may affect the extent to which African-Americans have adjusted to American culture and societal values.
The extent to which African-Americans can successfully assimilate into American values and culture depends on a number of factors including whether they internalize standards of behavior based on positive values, whether they have adequate coping sources to deal with complex social situations and whether individuals maintain ongoing links with traditional family members (Young, 2003). One must still question whether assimilation is a good choice for African-Americans or any individual with ethnic ties.
American culture emphasizes much more individuality than traditional African culture, which emphasizes the extended family as a source of support, food, shelter, comfort and community (Young, 203). Taking on the values and cultures of the dominant American culture have…
References:
Adeleke, T. (1998). "Black Americans, Africa and history: A reassessment of the Pan-
African and identity paradigms." The Western Journal of Black Studies, 22(3): 182.
Parenti, M. (1978) Power and the Powerless, New York: St. Martins Press
Young, Carlene. (2003). "Assimilation and social change dynamics in African and African-American communities." The Western Journal of Black Studies, 27(3): 164.
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