What is Black British Culture?

From this radio programme I have learnt that Black people have made a mark on British of lives of many young people especially this generation and the past generation. They have done this through style, food, talking but most importantly music.

Starting with style, this shaped the identity of Black British people. Black wanted to dress well all the time especially on Sundays however, racism had an impact on their confidence. It started off with the Jackson 5 which a lot of people adopted the style of; afros and silk shirts. In the 90’s especially baggy jeans, baseball caps started to come in which many guys adopted. Even then idols like 50 Cent inspired young Black people with wearing a waist coat with jeans. Even Asians and White people want to dress like this. This generation is engaging with all cultures especially the Black style of baggy jeans or skinny jeans.

Food is a minor part of Black culture however it has had a huge impact on what we eat. Chicken and rice is big things that you can buy in many fast food places or sweet potatoes which some eat with a traditional roast. Again it is about the generations embracing all different cultures and involving them in their everyday lives without realising.

Other cultures are now accused of acting Black which Blacks do not feel offensive by but an unfair stereotype. This ‘acting Black’ may include how loud and aggressive they may be or them using the slang. It’s a very young thing to be talking like this. Many Whites and Asians may have grown up in an area and learnt the culture of Black people that’s why they ‘act Black’. However, young black people feel that in the Media Black people are always represented as violent young people; gang members, drug dealers and stay on the street. As the stereotype also is very forceful and big they sometimes feel that this is what turns them into the stereotype as they are fed up of the accusations.

Music is a huge part of Black British culture and the Black British music has a huge impact on what many of the young generation listens too. It is very popular amongst the genres of reggae, hip-hop, grime, dance hall, garage and drum and bass. Young Black people feel that this Black British music isn’t just for Black people but for every one as the young generation is such a huge market. They feel that this music is under an umbrella of urban music which has a huge audience in Britian amongst all cultures. Some music causes controversy because of some of the negative images that are portrayed as violent or sexual however the success of it is that a lot of people like it.

I believe that Black culture has impacted my life a lot. I listen to a lot of the music, enjoy the music and look up to many Black role-models. Even though there are some issues in the media that do put Black British people in a negative light I do not agree with the stereotype because of how much the Black culture has to offer. It is a positive thing to share all different cultures in experience new things but also having it as a part of my generation’s culture.