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Do Blacks copy ESTP black culture? Do white people sometimes even copy it too?

Elocute

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In social anthropology we often explain this with the concept of power relations and social discourses. A discourse is simply a collection of ideas about how something should be like that is collectively seen as a dominant point of view. For example many European countries are atheist and reject the notion of religion. There is no rational or logical reason why this is; it is simply so because we as a social collective decide it is so and we uphold these notions because we see it as desireable by valuing atheism over religion and teaching our children that religious views are undesirable.

When looking at ethnic groups, it tends to be in the shape of racial hierarchies with the discourses controlling where you fall in the hierarchy and how you need to be/act in order to be like "your race". There are cultural stereotypes that prevail how one should be like and there is power to be gained as well as submission in relation to how individuals decide to follow or go against the dominant discourse. So we for example have this stereotype that black men are all gangsters. What this means in a power sense is that we degrade all black men into a stereotype. This is how the power relation between white and black people is maintained. So your friends probably make comments like "I act white", they do so because they are inherently aware of these discourses that frame their being due to their skin color and ethnic origin and they submit to the idea that they are in fact subordinate "white culture" where people do not act like gangsters.

In post-colonial studies, a major part of the post-colonial mindset is how power relations are created between black and white people by defining black people as "savages" because black people are not seem to be the hegemonic group. It is exactly this kind of logic that is carried over here, where a projected view that black people are lazy, unable to control themselves both physically and sexually and so on onto modern-day blacks. The prevailing mindset is that a black person will thus never socially be as valued as a white person because our subconscious is so ingrained with the idea of this power relation that blacks should inherently not be trusted. They are dangerous because they are not civilized as white people are, they are savages. So if a black person says, "I did such a white thing today", they basically sadly submit to the idea that they are savages, that their way of being is of less value and it is not in their inherent nature to be "white". This was simply an exception of the rule, they were pretending.

So now that I've painted this very negative image of how the Western society as a whole tends to view race, I also want to stress that there is power to be gained and that power relations can be reversed. When a black person thus says, "I'm such a gangsta nigga", they are doing just that. They are creating value in in the stereotype, making it seen as something desireable to be and thus the power relations become reverse. I think this is very well exemplified in the black hip-hop scene and how white artists ironically tend to struggle simply because they are white. They lack that certain something blacks have which makes their music more authentic compared to the white man's.

Of course, as a whole, the hip-hop scene is still subordinate white culture and I'm uncertain about the values to be found within extreme black culture to be something we should eventually see as something desireable in children, especially when it comes to mascuilnity ideals. Anyway, I think that's a discussion I leave for another time as that is equally complicated. But at least I think you get an idea why your friends might say those things that they say and why.



/end of anthropology vomit

TLDR!!

Actually, it was quite spot on. From a personal standpoint, I always loathed comments like, "You act white", especially when given as some sort of compliment. It was, as you allude, in fact a great insult cloaked in the idea that said commentator is separating me from my culture because they view me as distanced from it. My reason for my manner of speech etc has always been the following idea: I speak one language; despite whatever subjugation of my ancestors went into speaking this language, it is no less the language I speak today--as such I see no reason not to attempt to master it. I think prior to civil rights etc, a lot of these people would have taken such as a compliment; I mean, some blacks with more admixture would attempt to literally pass for "white"--white being "purely" white as governed by the one-drop rule. However, today, it seems that people are less likely to say, "I am a white black man" rather than "I am an intelligent black man". While you could argue that the latter is still admitting some subjugation and admittance to stereotype, it is a far cry from "I act white".

Furthermore, Hip-Hop to me is the ultimate trolling using re-appropriation; it has taken common aspersions such as "nigga" and behaviors and made it something quite lauded, desirous (at least on the surface), and ultimately profitable. Some of these artists, if not for their skin color and features, seem to be almost in black face--doing everything and anything to amplify their perceived physical prowess. But is it admitting subjugation? Somewhat, as with any other culturally re-appropriated idea or measure, but it is done because it is in jest and lucrative. To some extent, people desire to be as powerful, in the moment, and headstrong as these people portray. I don't think it's purely coveted by whites. I think we're moving into an ideal that involves more cultural integration, but again, we could go into this in great lengths.

I do have a bias. I favor the western model of liberal democratic capitalism and I do not regret that western countries triumphed over other societies, which would not have developed beyond their existing "modes of production".

The question still remains, if we believe your answer, why did European societies produce a surplus, leading to the development of towns and early industry (prior to industrial revolution), necessitating more resources, while "primitive" societies did not.

I really have no problem admitting the engineering/scientific/governmental deficit of those conquered by European nations as it logically follows that in order for such to happen, one power had to be greater than the other. However, I hope, on a personal level with you that you do not (if you're American or from another ethnically diverse diaspora) take these antiquated relics of history into your judgement of the subjugated (blacks/hispanics/asians) etc. The reason I say this is not because you cannot salvage statistics to speak of the whole but rather because it diverges greatly with certain (a great deal, actually) individuals.
 

Entropic

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Sustainability is no good if it implies living like animals.

But we are animals. And a truly sustainable society can achieve high living standards without outsourcing the natural environment. It's detrimental to our entire species as a whole. I shouldn't need to remind you of global warming.
The proof is in the results. European cultures triumphed and continue to triumph, despite occasional setbacks. Now Pope Francis will restore the vision of the west.:D
I fail to see the connection here?
IMO some cultures are not inferior because they are subordinate, but subordinate because they are inferior.
Inferior in what way?

[MENTION=18016]Elocute[/MENTION] I agree that the capitalist tendencies within the hip-hop scene of course makes the discussion of hip-hop in terms of race a bit complicated since capitalist values are Western and thus also ultimately, white. I agree though that white artists have become more accepted and there's overall in my opinion an emerge of the idea of race perhaps mattering less, at least pertaining blacks. However, in terms of the US racial hierarchy, the problem is that while blacks climbed the social ladder and are now almost as accepted as whites, the same cannot be said about Mexicans and Puerto Ricans.
 

Il Morto Che Parla

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But we are animals.

You know what I mean.

If you wanted to live in the "sustainable" way I am referring to, you wouldn't be using a computer, and you would die at 30 with no medicine or antiseptics.

Inferior in what way?

Living standards, economic, political and civil freedoms, equality, education, scientific and technological ability. For example.
 

Entropic

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You know what I mean.

If you wanted to live in the "sustainable" way I am referring to, you wouldn't be using a computer, and you would die at 30 with no medicine or antiseptics.

Not quite true, especially not about the latter. And I personally think there are ways to develop sustainable technology and still maintain my computer. Investing in solar energy for example, and stop supporting capitalism and race-to-the-bottom logic.
Living standards, economic, political and civil freedoms, equality, education, scientific and technological ability. For example.
Doesn't say anything about those societies you are referring to here being void of economic, political and civil freedom, equality, education (depends on how you define education here) and so on. I think you need to read up. Just because you value something personally it doesn't mean it's always better.
 

Elocute

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But we are animals. And a truly sustainable society can achieve high living standards without outsourcing the natural environment. It's detrimental to our entire species as a whole. I shouldn't need to remind you of global warming.
I fail to see the connection here?
Inferior in what way?

[MENTION=18016]Elocute[/MENTION] I agree that the capitalist tendencies within the hip-hop scene of course makes the discussion of hip-hop in terms of race a bit complicated since capitalist values are Western and thus also ultimately, white. I agree though that white artists have become more accepted and there's overall in my opinion an emerge of the idea of race perhaps mattering less, at least pertaining blacks. However, in terms of the US racial hierarchy, the problem is that while blacks climbed the social ladder and are now almost as accepted as whites, the same cannot be said about Mexicans and Puerto Ricans.

I think for them there are two solutions that I've noticed the oppressed in that arena take:
1) Some pass as white (esp Puerto Ricans) and as long as they don't mention anything, they essentially are treated as whites (Italians) due to similar features/names.
2) There is some denigration; however, I think it's largely because the inception of this group at the levels of blacks is just now arising. There are steps being made by this diaspora, yet with the focus currently still on other minorities (gays etc), the US hasn't looked that far into it. I would also say that despite climbing the social hierarchy, many places still view blacks in the pejorative, especially in the South. I am not sure if you are American? However, if you not, there's such a difference in racial tolerance and ignorance alike (on both sides) dependening where you are in the goegraphic United States that you would question whether or not you entered a different country upon transitioning. Other places seem to give no fucks in a sense, generally Northern territories.

You know what I mean.

If you wanted to live in the "sustainable" way I am referring to, you wouldn't be using a computer, and you would die at 30 with no medicine or antiseptics.



Living standards, economic, political and civil freedoms, equality, education, scientific and technological ability. For example.

Are you talking blacks in America or in African/tribal societies? I was under the distinct impression that the OP implicated Black America, seeing as the Gangsta type perpetuated in the culture is a stark contrast to what us lauded in Africa, where such music and ideals do not coincide--yet somehow you diverged?

Furthermore, African Americans are closing in on the education gap in America..
 

Il Morto Che Parla

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Are you talking blacks in America or in African/tribal societies? I was under the distinct impression that the OP implicated Black America, seeing as the Gangsta type perpetuated in the culture is a stark contrast to what us lauded in Africa, where such music and ideals do not coincide--yet somehow you diverged?

Furthermore, African Americans are closing in on the education gap in America..

Yes you're right, we diverged a lot from the OP for some reason.
 

Entropic

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I think for them there are two solutions that I've noticed the oppressed in that arena take:
1) Some pass as white (esp Puerto Ricans) and as long as they don't mention anything, they essentially are treated as whites (Italians) due to similar features/names.
2) There is some denigration; however, I think it's largely because the inception of this group at the levels of blacks is just now arising. There are steps being made by this diaspora, yet with the focus currently still on other minorities (gays etc), the US hasn't looked that far into it. I would also say that despite climbing the social hierarchy, many places still view blacks in the pejorative, especially in the South. I am not sure if you are American? However, if you not, there's such a difference in racial tolerance and ignorance alike (on both sides) dependening where you are in the goegraphic United States that you would question whether or not you entered a different country upon transitioning. Other places seem to give no fucks in a sense, generally Northern territories.

Fair points. Im not an US citizen and live in a very racially homogenous country which is why I'm seeing paranoid people such as my uncle throwing up a shitstorm over nothing because of the so called "Muslim threat" -.-
 

RaptorWizard

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Haters in the building; the top of the mountain is black with dirt, not white with snow.
 

Bamboo

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You have unlocked our secret. Prepare to die, Bamboo.

You know what it is black and yellow black and yellow



Ummmmm....but aside from *that* one other thing I thought of was that if you're in a bad area you have an incentive to look tough or gangsta because it reduces your chances of being attacked. If you look weak, people will try to mess with you.
 

iNtrovert

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Because it seems very much like they all want to be gangsters, and your archetypal gangster is a black ESTP (or ISTP I guess).

what is your point of reference for saying they all seem to want to be gangsters? I also think it's interesting that being a gangster is now viewed as a black thing when the real archetypal gangsters were everything but black. There were largely Asian and Italian. There was also the Russian the Irish and even Jewish large organized crime organizations. The concept of Black or African American gangsters is relatively new compared to those previously listed. When you think about it more "White people " fit the stereotype of a true archetypal gangster than black people do. Even if we are looking at the Us gang violence existed in cities soon after the revolution.Blacks were enslaved so you can't give them much credit for that.

The archetypal gangster you allude to didn't really exists until around 1960's. I don't think it a coincidence that it coincides with the civil right movement. Black people were often misrepresented in the media around that time( continues today). Most depictions of black people in the media were negative. That's not to say that there weren't black people committing crimes but the media framed it in such a way to increase "white fear". I feel there is truth to the gratification of the gangster in the African american community but I also disagree that it is what most would aspire to be.One of the largest mediums of gangster glorification today is the music industry. A large number of African Americans can relate to rap because a lot of them have grown up in that environment. Even if they do not intend to perpetuate the acts associated with gang life they can relate to gang mentality. The us vs them get money over anything else kill to survive way of thinking.It may not be apparent in the langue they use and they way that they dress but most strive to escape that lifestyle. No one really want to live in a low income area. No one really want's to grow up to become a criminal but some (because of their economic standing, lack education, personal situations ect) feel as tho they have no other option. There is also the realization that they will be viewed with cretin biased because of their ethnicity that brings about a feelings of helplessness. Gangs and organized crime become an arena to succeed and reclaim power.In addition 70% of hip hop and rap consumers are white so I don't think it is a black or white thing entirely.I believe the glorification of a gangster life style is a result of certain aspects of that way of life becoming mainstream.
 

Azure Flame

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I am the blackest of all of the black motherfuckers.

sheit.
 

Azure Flame

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If anything, ESTP's make up most of asian bboy community.

I've always associated your loud obnoxious black person with ENFP's. At least, the black ENFP's like to make it extremely clear to everyone just how incredibly black they are. So maybe those are the only black people I'm aware of.

 
S

Stansmith

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I've always tried to be accepted for my black ENFP self in one way or another.

Sensor-dominance in rap died a while ago. Being intuitive and/or a Feeler is actually trendy in hip hop now thanks to Kanye, Drake, Tyler the Creator, kendrik lamar, etc. Alot of popular rappers today are 'gangsters', but they're not held in the same esteem as those guys.
 
S

Stansmith

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If anything, ESTP's make up most of asian bboy community.

I've always associated your loud obnoxious black person with ENFP's. At least, the black ENFP's like to make it extremely clear to everyone just how incredibly black they are. So maybe those are the only black people I'm aware of.


Contemporary black humor is more ESxP trying to imitate Ne:



Honestly though, ESxP is considered ideal among all races in the US; it's not specific to black people.
 

Eric B

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I've always tried to be accepted for my black ENFP self in one way or another.

Sensor-dominance in rap died a while ago. Being intuitive and/or a Feeler is actually trendy in hip hop now thanks to Kanye, Drake, Tyler the Creator, kendrik lamar, etc. Alot of popular rappers today are 'gangsters', but they're not held in the same esteem as those guys.
That's probably why the earlier "hardcore" rappers at one point declared hiphop "dead" (This led by Nas). I had stopped following rap by that point, and from what I was told, it was this southern style that focused more on dance that they felt was "bubblegum" and had killed the genre.
(To me, gangsta is what destroyed the positive potential of rap, as it just reinforces the very negative stereotypes of the community we are hearing belted out in full force from the Right, especially now in the aftermath of Trayvon and all the routine hatred of Obama. I liked the "message" style of 30 years ago).
 
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