The obvious conclusion to be drawn from this is that "White culture" is really the culture of people of color too but instead the chart suggests that White people, who "still hold most of the institutional power in America," imposed their culture on everyone else. "White culture" in fact reflects the ideas, experiences, sensibilities and perspectives of people of all races -- especially African Americans whose contributions to American culture are as widespread and profound as those of the stereotypical Mayflower pilgrims. If "White culture" was imposed on people of color, we're off the hook for all of that: the flip side of the denial of Black accomplishment inherent in the idea of "White culture" is a denial of Black responsibility. Because there is no White culture -- only American culture -- people of color deserve their share of the blame as well as of the credit. The notion of "White culture," whatever the motivations of those who advance such ideas, seeks to replace that priceless inheritance with a combination of pity and condescension.

Source: CNN August 18, 2020 20:59 UTC