White Culture & Black Culture: A Guide

Black and White cultures are often misunderstood identities. Many people equate white culture with American culture. Others believe white people don’t have a culture at all. Some interpret this to mean white racist culture, leading to further misunderstandings and heated debates.

Black or African American culture faces similar confusion. While recent discussions about cultural appropriation have made more privy to Black culture, these discussions rarely provide a complete picture of what Black or African American culture truly encompasses.

More concerning is how some people mischaracterize Black culture by focusing on negative stereotypes and racist ideas. Others mistakenly assume that Black culture must only include elements directly traceable to Africa. These misconceptions, combined with varying interpretations of what culture means in the U.S., have created widespread misunderstanding and misinformation.

In this post I’ll address common questions about this topic, examine the common traits of both Black and White cultures, discuss how stereotypes and statistics relate to cultural identity, and address concerns about viewing Americans as separate cultural groups.

Understanding Labels

While some may question using “Black” and “white” as cultural identifiers, these terms have evolved beyond simple color designations into meaningful cultural identities that shape how people interact, live, and experience the world. Though they began as arbitrary social constructs during times of slavery and segregation, they now represent distinct cultural groups with shared histories, traditions, and experiences.

The separation between these groups wasn’t solely due to racism – it emerged from shared ethnic ancestry, traditions, and historical experiences. However, racism and segregation played a significant role in maintaining these distinctions, particularly through laws and social norms that discouraged interracial relationships and kept communities separate.

Some argue that using these racial designations is divisive, but avoiding these distinctions can be more harmful than helpful. The real problem lies in how white Americans often view culture as something “other” people have, seeing themselves as the default or “normal.” This perspective creates barriers to meaningful cultural dialogue and understanding.

To move forward as a society, we must:

• Recognize that the US is home to many different ethnic groups and that white Americans are just one of the many
• Recognize Black or African American culture accurately, as well as its influence and importance as part of the larger American identity and history
• and understand how these identities formed through historical interactions and institutional structures

Only by acknowledging and understanding these differences can we engage in meaningful dialogue and progress toward a more inclusive society.

What we mean when we talk about culture

Culture consists of things like shared beliefs, history, and traditions that unite people through a common identity. Think of culture like a recipe that creates each distinct group. To understand and accurately describe a group’s culture, we should observe their traits objectively, as we would when studying any unfamiliar community.

I emphasize this because people often dismiss the cultural traits of different groups in the US as simply being “normal” rather than recognizing them as legitimate cultural characteristics. I type culture into the search and click to view images. What I get is pages of different groups in full regalia, customs and traditions in parts of Africa, South East Asia, and the Americas. What I don’t see are pictures of people at the office, a church service in small town USA, or families in modern day clothing making meals together.

This is part of the reason so many become confused and even angry when I list the cultural traits of ethnic groups in the US; if it’s not foreign or exotic, it isn’t seen as “culture.” This idea is misguided, of course.

Here’s what’s important to know about culture: Different groups can share some of the same cultural traits – they don’t have to be completely unique. Also, culture isn’t frozen in time – it changes and grows as people and their communities change.

Understanding culture is important because:

• It helps us recognize and respect different ways of life
• It reduces misunderstandings and prejudices
• It allows us to better navigate our diverse society

When we discuss the culture of an entire ethnic group, we are talking about generalizations; commonalities found across the board that unite the group with a shared identity. And although we’re talking about generalizations, we’re also talking about notable traits; things that give us a window into someone’s identity and life.

What does it mean to be American?

In the United States, many people incorrectly equate being American with being white. Society often treats other groups as subgroups whose identities need explanation. For those who aren’t white, race or ethnic ancestry becomes a hyphenated addition to their American identity. We have to explain how we’re American while whites get to be just American– even over Native Americans! This thinking is problematic for various reasons.

In the US, we have a general American culture. It’s our nationality and the values and traits that unites us all with a shared identity no matter our appearance or ancestry. Some of these general values and traits, whether individuals personally subscribe to them or not, are as follows:

• Individual rights and personal autonomy
• Democratic principles and equal opportunity
• Innovation and business success
• Work ethic and achievement
• Patriotic identity
• Religious freedom and secular government
• Consumer-driven society
• Optimistic outlook

Now, let’s review some aspects of the white American culture and Black American culture!

Some aspects and traits of white American and Black or African American cultures:

In white American culture, the nuclear family is considered the ideal unit. Parents and children living separately from extended family. There is an emphasis on independence and individual autonomy within the family unit. Children can be expected to move out and establish separate households in early adulthood. There is a focus on self-reliance, privacy, and personal space.

White American communication style typically features non-confrontational approach to disagreements, often using indirect language to express dissatisfaction, avoiding conflict, and politeness is a priority. The person who is upset should first consider others’ feelings before expressing negative or inappropriate emotions. People are expected to maintain low volume in most settings.

Some of the values of white American culture:

• Individualism/Rugged Individualism
• Competition
• Emotional restraint
• The hard work ethic also known as Protestant work ethic where work should be hard to be worthwhile and a source of pride

Food preferences:

• Traditional “meat and potatoes” dishes
• Casseroles and comfort foods
• Fast food and convenience meals
• Food is more mild in flavor or bland. Adopted dishes from other cultures have been modified by emphasizing meat and vegetables while reducing spice levels.

Religion:

In white American culture, Protestant Christianity has been the dominant religious influence.

Common characteristics of religious expression in white American culture include:

• Emphasis on individual spiritual journey rather than communal religious experience
• Separation of religious and secular life
• and Private rather than public expressions of faith

Beyond traditional religious practices, white American culture has developed a distinct civic religion that combines:

• Reverence for national symbols like the flag, the national anthem, the Constitution & Declaration of Independence
• Belief in American exceptionalism
• Celebration of civic holidays as quasi-religious occasions such as July 4th and Memorial Day.
• Many white Americans feel a personal connection to the founding fathers

The following are some behaviors that impact intergroup relations:

• Assuming white cultural norms and practices are universally “American” rather than culturally specific
• Defining what’s “normal”
• and unconsciously and/or consciously accepting and feeling more comfortable with predominantly white leadership structures

Now let’s review some aspects and traits of the Black or African American culture

Some of the values of Black culture are:

• Resilience in facing adversity
• Deep respect for elders, especially older women
• Community-focused achievement
• Rich artistic expression
• Interdependence

The family:

• The family unit extends beyond the nuclear family to include extended family
• Multi-generational households
• Strong maternal influence and leadership within families
• Respect and care for elders

Food preferences:

• Soul Food – Traditional dishes that emerged from African American culinary heritage
• Emphasis on spice and bold flavors
• Fast food and convenience meals

Religion:

Protestant Christian influence due to historical factors during slavery and dominance of white American culture. Protestant Christianity gave rise to various denominations, including Southern Baptist and others. Spirituality plays a central role in Black culture.

There is also significant representation in Islam, particularly through the Nation of Islam’s historical influence.

Communication Style:

Black communication style typically features expressive and animated speech pattern, the use of African American Vernacular English or AAVE, and non-verbal cues and gestures. Importance is placed on expression of strong emotions – the individual is free to verbalize and express what they are feeling. Those present are supposed to listen and validate feelings.

This heritage continues to evolve while maintaining connections to both African roots and the unique American experience of Black communities.

Here are more detailed outlines for each group. Feel free to download and share!

Is this any different from stereotyping?

People often confuse stereotypes with cultural traits. Stereotypes are oversimplified, often harmful generalizations about a group, while cultural traits are authentic shared practices, beliefs, and traditions that develop naturally within a community over time. Cultural traits, like stereotypes, are generalizations—but with a key difference. While not every individual will practice or agree with all aspects of their culture (such as specific religions, values, foods, or traditions), they will still be familiar with and influenced by these cultural elements.

Here’s an example. Understanding Latinx/o cultural traits provides insight into family dynamics and upbringing, even if someone doesn’t follow all traditions. Knowing these traits explains cultural practices – like why I keep a rosary even though I’m not religious and why I keep vapor rub handy. As my friend discovered after marrying into the culture, these seemingly small details reflect deeper cultural influences.

Cultural awareness helps bridge divides and foster inclusivity. It’s up to each of us to remember and remind that individuals have unique experiences that go beyond cultural patterns and stereotypes.

Cultural Characteristics Comparison

Despite shared history and influences between Black and white American cultures, my research revealed distinct differences between these groups. Understanding these differences – and recognizing that both groups have their own valid cultures – is important & necessary for meaningful dialogue about identity and society.

A common misconception is viewing white American culture as simply “the default” or “normal.” This oversight can lead to several problems:

• It obscures how cultural values and behaviors are shaped by unique backgrounds
• It reinforces the false idea that white Americans are “just American,” making other groups seem less American
• It overlooks that all native-born Americans, regardless of race, share fundamental American values while maintaining distinct cultural identities

Similarly, Black American culture is often misunderstood in two ways:

• Through stereotypes and perceived negative traits rather than authentic understanding
• Through statistics without proper historical, social, and economic context

Key Factors in Cultural Misunderstanding:

• Social Norms: White culture is often framed as the default, making its unique patterns nearly invisible
• Limited Education: Schools don’t teach about white or Black cultures as distinct, complex systems
• Stereotypes: Authentic cultural traits are overshadowed by misconceptions
• Implicit Knowledge: Cultural differences are often sensed but not consciously understood

Understanding these cultures requires looking at shared values and practices across socioeconomic backgrounds while recognizing that cultural traits indicate emphasis rather than exclusivity. For example, if competition is listed as a white American value, it doesn’t mean Black Americans don’t value competition – rather, it may hold different significance in each culture.

Final Thoughts

I have presented white and Black cultures side by side to illustrate an important point: White American culture is not inherently better or more legitimate than Black American culture. Both represent equally valid ways of being American, each with its own positive attributes.

Anti-Blackness is widespread throughout society. The lack of an anthropological or culturally nuanced perspective means that Black culture is often discussed mainly in terms of stereotypes and perceived negative traits, rather than being recognized for its actual values, traditions, customs, and beliefs.

Now that you’ve learned what Black culture is and entails, here’s a challenge. Ask friends, colleagues, and relatives to name 3 (three) aspects of Black or African American culture. Just ask, “What are 3 things about Black culture?”

The point of this challenge is to demonstrate how normalized anti-Blackness is, emphasize the importance of challenging these ideas, and provide you with an opportunity to teach others valuable information.

Without proper education on white and Black culture and open dialogue about the richness and diversity of the cultures in the US, misconceptions and prejudices persist, both within and outside marginalized communities; not just amongst white people. Addressing anti-Blackness and promoting an authentic understanding of Black culture are essential steps toward equity, respect, and genuine cultural appreciation.

Thanks for checking out my blog! As a Latina and American, I have grown up with the experience of being viewed and treated as foreign, other. This allowed for a perspective of an outsider looking-in. I have been observing white American culture my entire life and began examining the culture in anthropological terms years ago. Now I am sharing my perspective and what I learn along the way with anyone who wants to understand. I believe that by understanding the cultures of the primary ethnic groups in the US, the better we understand ourselves and where to go from here.

If you wish to write me, click here!