Has Black Atlanta LOST its Afrocentric/Black Cultural "energy/edginess?" ? (White: college, living in)

[Mutiny77]

Originally Posted by AcidSnake

I'm not attacking you, I'm just speaking in general.

Maybe it's just my personal perception, but when I look at the immigrant communities and how they showcase their culture in Metro Atlanta, it's nothing short of impressive.

Heck, even communities with the smallest of imprints(Japan) are able to attract throngs of non-Japanese to their cultural events and festivals in Atlanta. Somehow cultural awareness across the Metro Atlanta Region is accomplished without niche-y social media or special associations.

Well I don't think this is an apples to apples comparison here, seeing that you're comparing mainstream Japanese cultural events with a subset of African American culture. Also, Asians have that whole "model minority" stereotype thing working for them, but that's a whole 'nother discussion.

[DreamerD]

Originally Posted by AcidSnake

Should a person have to really be "in the know"?

Heck I'm not "in the know" about Indian/Hindu culture and yet I can drive down Lawrencville Hwy going into Gwinnett County and see a huge temple. I can be North of Decatur close to Church St and Dekalb Industrial and see swaths of Indian/Hindu Commerce. And I am not even Indian/Hindu.

Culture should be of such magnitude that it practically hits a non-practicing person in the face as far as I'm concerned.

It speaks to the power, resilience, and thrivability of the people who practice that culture.

It shouldn't be some hidden out-of-the-limelight niche situation.

"Culture should be of such magnitude that it practically hits a non-practicing person in the face as far as I'm concerned."

I love this quote!!!!!

[AcidSnake]

Great points. But in a metro area like Atlanta where black people are out in force Afrocentric-ness should be spilling out like a flood.

I can't imagine Japanese folks in Tokyo relegating their culture to small, tuck-away, hole-in-the-wall sectors of their city if they run things. Or having their kids wait until College to learn about their culture.

Originally Posted by Mutiny77

Just like you have to drive to that part of the town to see those things, you have to drive to the West End to see the things the OP is specifically speaking of. Same thing.

[AcidSnake]

Originally Posted by Mutiny77

Well I don't think this is an apples to apples comparison here, seeing that you're comparing mainstream Japanese cultural events with a subset of African American culture.

If Afrocentric-ness is a subset, then what exactly is African American culture?

Isn't Afrocentric-ness THE African American culture? Or shouldn't it be, idealistically?

Because otherwise, the only other thing African Americans have as I see it...is simply imitating White American/European people.

And that way of living has not worked out very well for us as a whole/collective so far.

[Mutiny77]

Originally Posted by AcidSnake

If Afrocentric-ness is a subset, then what exactly is African American culture?

Isn't Afrocentric-ness THE African American culture? Or shouldn't it be, idealistically?

Because otherwise, the only other thing African Americans have as I see it...is simply imitating White American/European people.

And that way of living has not worked out very well for us as a whole/collective so far.

You're opening an entirely different can of worms here and this issue goes well beyond the parameters of this particular discussion.

Just suffice to say that Afrocentricity and mainstream African American culture are not the same thing at all. There are elements of the former enmeshed in the latter but seeing the former in its "purest" form is quite rare.

[equinox63]

Originally Posted by AcidSnake

If Afrocentric-ness is a subset, then what exactly is African American culture?

Isn't Afrocentric-ness THE African American culture? Or shouldn't it be, idealistically?

Because otherwise, the only other thing African Americans have as I see it...is simply imitating White American/European people.

And that way of living has not worked out very well for us as a whole/collective so far.

Remember, Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun. Every member of the family represented an element of African-American culture. Walter Lee, the father, was the most tragic character because he so wanted to equate himself with whites. But the music (jazz, blues, hip-hop, gospel, etc.), food (soul food), a certain solidarity (which has waned in recent decades but is still present), language, perseverance, style, and a certain communal understanding of ones collective history are all aspects of African-American or Black American culture.

However, the sister, Beneatha, was the only one who identified herself as "Afrocentric" (a subset of the broader culture) was into Afros and dashikis, listened to African tribal music, spoke Swahili, and would have probably celebrated Kwanzaa today. In fact, she even said jazz was "assimilationist music" even though it was created by Black Americans. I'm all for Afrocentrism. But I do agree with the other poster that it is a subset of larger African-American culture as a whole.

With that said. I do believe you can find that in the West End and Sweet Auburn to a slightly lesser extent.

[Infinite_heights77]

Thanks for your input!!!

Originally Posted by OuiOui

Yes, Atlanta has somewhat lost that atmosphere, but that is because the city is becoming more diverse, which is good. You can still find those places in the AUC and West End. West End just hosted the annual Malcolm X Festival. You've got the colleges, churches, Hebrew Israelites, and Black owned restaurants (some vegan) in AUC/West End areas. There's Kemetic Yoga (based on African spirituality) Saturday mornings at Firehawk Yoga in West End.

I wouldn't say it's very prevalent in the entire city, but that is because that movement has sort of died down nationwide (no one's walking around in dashikis anymore like back in the day lol). But you can certainly still find what you're looking for in the areas I mentioned. Start with finding local meetup groups online & on Facebook, and more than likely they'll lead you to events in Atl that you weren't even aware of. I see plenty on the Kemetic yoga pages that I follow.

[AcidSnake]

Originally Posted by Mutiny77

You're opening an entirely different can of worms here and this issue goes well beyond the parameters of this particular discussion.

I suppose. But it's my assertion that people of my generation and younger do not do this issue of afrocentric-ness, being "conscious", enough justice. Too many folks I feel have a superficial, vague, and poorly defined notion of what being Afrocentric means.

So many subjects on city-data have taken various turns and segues in a way that have proven both entertaining and enlightening.

I feel that it is shame that we would put conversational handcuffs on this issue...at a time where black/African American determination is pretty much under seige.

Originally Posted by Mutiny77

Just suffice to say that Afrocentricity and mainstream African American culture are not the same thing at all. There are elements of the former enmeshed in the latter but seeing the former in its "purest" form is quite rare.

Doesn't answer what exactly is mainstream African American culture as you seemingly put it. I mean, isn't Afrocentricism essentially what is "central to African Americans"?

I literally don't see how you can say that there is Afrocentrism...and then there is a completely separate unique mainstream African American culture.

Eurocentrism and White Americans are intrinsically tied together. Heck, the American standard K-12 education system & the American Corporate Media proves just as much. White supremacy in a nutshell, with no apologies or alibis necessary.

So why and how can it be different when it comes to black people?

Intellectually speaking, I cannot reconcile that notion you have put forth.

[Infinite_heights77]

Naw Acid, your points are well taken! I truly understand what you're expressing.

When I mean Afrocentric/Black Cultural, I referring to BOTH elements. People can be in touch with their Black cultural expression without being Afrocentric. There are people who will never embrace Africa, Afrocentricity or African-Centeredness, but, DO embrace their Black American cultural experiences, traditions, and dynamics (that may be a topic for another discussion!)! LOL!

Originally Posted by AcidSnake

Probably depends on how you look at it.

You can find afrocentric events, organizations, and media that cater heavily to that niche.

Now...if you are talking about in terms of political and social awareness? As in a general reactive/proactive response to the events of the present day that affect the black community? Issues such as public schools, public safety, the economy(buying black), and all other stuff?

And how or if the average black Atlantan is in touch with their afrocentric roots when contemplating these issues?

Now you are talking a different ball of yarn.

Maybe I am reading too much into the question. Sue me!

[Infinite_heights77]

Interesting discussion people! Stay focused though. This is not an attack on "who" and "what" is Afrocentric, as opposed to who is not! I'm just getting some sort of understanding.

When I mean Afrocentric/Black Cultural, I referring to BOTH elements. People can be in touch with their Black cultural expression without being Afrocentric. There are people who will never embrace Africa, Afrocentricity or African-Centeredness, but, DO embrace their Black American cultural experiences, traditions, and dynamics (that may be a topic for another discussion!)! LOL!