Task Six..

"What is Black British culture?"- 450-600 word essay.
I have learnt from this radio pod cast, the true extent of the two cultures and how they could easily clash yet they seem to bond and thrive exceedingly well especially with each next generation. This point in itself has made me see the true extent of the black British culture. How far it has come and how it may be doing so well that the culture divisions are now blurry, that we really are as one in many ways.

Firstly I learnt how it's people coming mainly from Jamaica who settle in Britain that make the term "Black Britain". When they come here they bring their culture, including their attributes and way of talking. This is then passed on to their children and then their grand children thus making further generations have this mixed culture. In the beginning their was a lot of racism towards the black culture and they were not allowed in venues. Learning of how they would have house parties and meetings at youth clubs, they loved music and could dance very well this helped them bond and grow closer to other races. This made the connection to the present day and how these gatherings and musical influences are present in the youth today.

The black culture brought with them particularly foods such as chicken, rice and yams. These are all popular foods especially amongst the younger generations. Which have been heavily commercialised, meaning many take-aways establishments are based around Jamaican foods. It is now accepted and a normality, typical black British food. In the sixties fashion and the "Jackson Five"  influenced and thickened an already strong black style, of which they were persecuted for, as black women liked to dress up. They were consistent and strong with their style statements, rough but necessary pushes like this from black women and men have helped to make them fashion icons to many other races in Britain. In the 70's and 80's the low-slung jeans where apart of black style and caps and big round glasses all helped shape and influence a nations style.

 I found America's arrogance in the 90's thinking it was the only country to have massive black influences and instead of embracing new ones from other countries they became outraged. Due partially to soul and reggae bands like "Soul2Soul". American artists are showing their mixed cultures, with artists such as "50 Cent" and "Jay Z" mixing their styles to show their mixed cultures. This was not something I had ever picked up on before and to know they do this consciously shows their respect for both cultures. A lot of white people especially teenagers have taken on this culture and get mocked for "acting black", when it's simply a complete acceptance to be appart of it. David Beckhams lifestyle led him to be named "Britains most famous black person", made me realise that the acceptance of these two races as one is  more apparent, even in the media.

The media does tarnish the black race, as it dims a lot of peoples opinions. So much so that you see them as  "all the same" and not as idividuals. The podcast clearly stated more white offenders then black offenders in 81% of crown court cases, however more black people went to prison. Black boys under achieve compared to white boys at school and partly due to the media. Musical talent and the film industry glamourise a gansters life, I agree the media make many think this the only option. They don't show the stronger characters that say no to this lifestyle, this should be the side that they promote.

My opinion on black british culture is still the same its black people who's ancestors moved here and through generations gave them a strong mixed culture, which they share with other races. I am far more determined to not take much attention to news stories and just the facts and statistics. You can't change everyone, the older generations will still have their prejudices, that's their problem. The younger generation should be the focus enabling them to respect everyone for who they are, will help close this already narrowing gap.