Birmingham's Cultural Evolution Part 3

(Click here for Part 2) Brian returned to Birmingham on several occasions still longing for our childhood experience. In the late '90's, I took him on a shocking field trip. Our first stop was a late night visit to the Wal-Mart Supercenter on Lakeshore. At about 11:30 p.m. Wal-Mart became a mini United Nations. Families were speaking different languages and buying foods that we ate as children. Later that same year, I had to document evidence of globalization in Birmingham. Brian photographed all the places of our teenage years that were now occupied by Latino and Asian businesses.

He began with Green Springs Hwy and Valley Avenue. We reminisced about the old days heading to "soul night" at Holiday skating rink. After hours of skating and dancing, we would leave for a late night binge at Liberty Supermarket--close to where Sabor Latino sits. Latino nightclubs, Mediterranean grills, Asian grocery stores sit where we used to frequent places like Quincy's, the movie theater and the game room. Though I felt nostalgic, I was so amazed and excited. A friend who resides in Minneapolis commented that to sustain Las Americas, our Latino population must be really large.

The diverse community that I longed for was evolving right before my eyes. What used to be a bicultural community is growing into a global society. After a 20 year experience, I understand why Birmingham was coined, "The Magic City."

Birmingham's Cultural Evolution Part 2

(Continued from Part 1) As I registered for graduate school, the diversity that UAB had attracted caught my attention. Students and scholars from around the world converged on a daily basis on the Southside alongside Blacks and Whites whose families had lived here for over a century. One of the most memorable moments was when students from Bombay, Japan, South Africa, and a few Middle Eastern countries asked if we could go to a soul food restaurant.

We ordered just about everything on the menu including: ox tails, chittlins', pigtails, greens, and sweet potatoes. We gave demonstrations on proper use of hot and pepper sauces. After describing what we were eating, many of the students commented, "We eat many of the same foods in our countries." I was amazed that okra is referred to as ladyfingers in some parts of India.

Eventually Olympic soccer converged on the City. Sister city activities with Japan, China, and Hungary began to capture my attention. Japanese visitors frequented Birmingham to visit the Japanese Tea Garden and the Samuel Ullman Museum. The cultural fairs sponsored by the Greek, German, and Middle Eastern communities could not be missed.

Oppressed people from all over the world looked to Birmingham as a beacon. The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute documented how the Movement influenced the world including recordings of "We Shall Overcome" sung by students at Tiananmen Square. South Africans escaping Apartheid sought guidance for building relationships across cultures.

Brian returned to Birmingham on several occasions still longing for our childhood experience. ..Stay tuned for Part 3/3

Diverse Birmingham: Evolution of a Worldclass City

When my brother, Brian, and I moved to Birmingham from Northern, California in the late '70's, we experienced a major culture shock. At first glance, Birmingham consisted of two major groups--Black and White. For the exception of Five Points South, Birmingham was still segregated. However, as time progressed, Birmingham's cultural roots began to expand before my eyes. At John Carroll, I met Mexican, Palestinian, Lebanese, Greek, Italian, Vietnamese and Irish students. At Ramsay, I also met Muslim and Jewish students.

In the interim between college and career, I was looking for an escape from an infrequent lecture by Granddaddy. He asked, "Do you realize Atlanta and Charlotte had to start from somewhere--Use your talent to build Birmingham." One of my cousins rescued me. She had read that Birmingham was hosting a music festival similar to Summerfest in Milwaukee. We were able to raise
$ 5.00 each for weekend passes to the first annual City Stages. It was surreal. I couldn’t remember another occasion in Birmingham where so many people of different races, creeds, colors and musical tastes were in the same two square blocks. How could I leave for the east coast with all this excitement in Birmingham?

As I registered for graduate school, the diversity that UAB had attracted caught my attention… Stay tuned for Part 2/3

Sojourns: Change Your Wardrobe. Change Your World Eent

Change Your Wardrobe. Change Your World.
"A Fair Trade Clothing Trunk Show for Women, Men & Children."
This event is planned to start at 10:00 am on May 1, 2009 at Sojourns.
http://www.adventureartpeace.com/

11th Annual Lebanese Food & Cultural Festival

Eleventh Annual Lebanese Food & Cultural Festival
SAINT ELIAS MARONITE CATHOLIC CHURCH
Celebrating 11 Years of Food, Fun and Faith
FRIDAY, APRIL 17th and SATURDAY, APRIL 18th, 2009
10:00 A.M. - 9:00 P.M.
Admission is free.

Click here for the menu


Name your favorite Mediterranean restaurant. Mine is Ali Baba in Hoover.

Group Identity

Attached is a response to a query from a journalist regarding why certain cultures take responsibility or feel ashamed when a member of that culture engages in illegal activities. I believe it was in response to the Madoff Ponzy scheme and the Jewish community feeling that it was a bad reflection on everyone. The concept discussed below also relates to why African Americans rejoice in the success of people such as Tiger Woods.

Many theorists believe that cultures can be divided by "I" or individualistic cultures and "We" or group cultures. There is a continuum within those "I" and "We" cultures. The level of individualism or collectivism may be influenced by other factors such as generation, geographic location, socioeconomic status, etc. How these traits are manifested differ across cultures. The U.S. is characterized as valuing individualism over collectivism. The U.S. macro culture or the U.S. mainstream is perceived as valuing one's individual attributes and individual responsibilities.

Why Individualism? The founding of the U.S. and the Bill of Rights are two manifestations of this value. Persons of English descent strongly influenced American cultures. Many immigrants of European descent adapted or assimilated to the values of the early English settlers. Western psychology also emphasized the individual and the concept of personality instead of group norms.

Many African Americans, people of Jewish descent, etc. hold collective identities and are judged in context of their groups often by the mainstream. This identity is not just held by the group, but historically they experience prejudice because of their "membership" in the group. If someone encounters that individual, he or she is often held responsible for the group. The first encounter with an individual within the group often defines the image of the group in the eyes of the person encountering the member of the group for the first time.

In training, for those who are interested in popular media, I recommend that they watch Gangs of New York to get a sense of the early ethnic clashes in the U.S. Group identity among European ethnic groups was very evident is the movie. Some theorists believe that the concept of "Whiteness" or a white identity among persons of European descent happens after three generations. Interethnic and interreligious marriages among European immigrants aided in this process as well. Other films that I frequently recommend include: My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Monsoon Wedding, The Joy Luck Club, Soul Food, and School Ties .

Is the Oprah Winfrey, Michelle Obama Comparison Racist?

Why are some people outraged by the comparison between First Lady Michelle Obama and Oprah Winfrey? By the tone of the post from Tina Brown and the Daily Beast, perhaps she was attempting to compliment the First Lady. As a fairly new blogger I have been introduced to tags, trends and headlines. Perhaps Brown knew that the Oprah factor would increase traffic to her blog.

Several people have commented that they wonder why Mrs. Obama was compared to another black women as opposed to past first ladies such as Hilliary Clinton. Clinton and Obama are both attorneys. Instead, she was compared to another popular African American woman. Their sentiments are congruent with many African Americans who have experienced tokenism.

Tokenism occurs when a person is expected to represent an entire group of people who share the same or similar characteristics. Once a person or member of that category is hired or accepted into a mainstream group, that person becomes the standard and sometimes the stereotype. At times, that person is pigeon holed by not being promoted or allowed to function in a capacity other than the one that was originally prescribed for him or her. He or she also becomes the only person with those characteristics who is accepted into the mainstream group. This person is usually not a member of the majority or the mainstream. On a macro level, this applies to people who are considered to be in the minority or groups that have experienced chronic, institutionalized discrimination. As opposed to the micro level in which a member of the mainstream is placed in a similiar situation, but on a temporary basis.

So why is controversy surrounding this comparison? Some members of the community view the comments as insensitive due to the fact that Oprah Winfrey is one of the wealthiest and most powerful people regardless of gender or race. Several people are comparing the First Lady to Jackie Kennedy or to the French First Lady. Others compare her to Princess Diana.

The comparison to Oprah gives the appearance that when one sees the First Lady, one immediately sees a black woman. The hoopla relates to the fact that the Daily Beast puts the two icons in competition as though there can only be one African American women on top. I think the recent cover of "O" magazine says it best. Until Mrs. Obama, Winfrey didn't share the cover with anyone. The cover conveys the message that there is, can be and will be more than one powerful African American woman.

The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency

The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency gives a glimpse of life in Botswana. The show is based upon the successful novels by the same name. A woman detective sells cows she inherits from her father to start a new life by solving mysteries in the city. Surrounded by a cast from the African diaspora including the USA, Europe and African nations, Jill Scott’s series is entertaining and educational.

Her character travels the country from cities to villages. One witnesses indigenous practices and global influences. The show portrays the rich, middle classes, working class and the poor. One is even introduced to elements of nature.

For the premiere, friends and I gathered to support Jill Scott and to learn more about Botswana. We discussed some of the cultural elements of the show including the greetings and lifestyles. In the show, bush tea is a supporting character. I happened to have some tea from Malawi which is a country also located in the southern part of Africa. For the next party, we plan to have Botswanan themed foods and bush tea.



For additional information see the BBC's website.

Alabama Germany Partnership Annual Dinner

The Alabama Germany Partnership is holding its Annual Dinner and Silent Auction on April 23
5:30 p.m. Reception 7:00 p.m. Dinner/Program at the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel & Spa at the Convention Center 201 Tallapoosa Street Montgomery, Alabama 36104

For more information, contact Trish Coghlan, to become a sponsor or for additional information
call 205-943-4772 or Email: irector@alabamagermany.org.

Fees for the dinner are: Members: Dinner $100 per person; $115 per person after April 8th. Non-Members $115 per person, $125

Madonna and Malawi

I am afraid that I have not been keeping a close eye on what has been going on with the Madonna Malawi adoption situation. However, based upon some of the conversations I have overheard, people are considering this situation from their own perspectives. I am not suggesting that Madonna circumvent Malawi law, but I thought I might give a semi-informed perspective. I visited Malawi once for a few weeks. I only visited one orphanage. So here it goes.

A talk show host was commenting on the fact that Madonna was adopting a child though she had relatives living nearby. It depends upon the living situation of the families. I only visited one orphanage that cared for children whose parents had died from AIDS. Imagine if your parents had at least five siblings and they had an average of five kids. Your grandparents might have 25 grand kids. What if all of your aunts and uncles were dying as a result of AIDS and other unrelated issues. What if your grandparents had already taken in several of your cousins?What would happen if you were on the younger end of the spectrum, where might you end up?

I always cringe when the only image of African nations is AIDS and orphans. One should not ignore this pandemic, but there are still people living, loving and functioning everyday. I had the privilege of interacting with the top academics and students at the University of Malawi. They spoke several languages and knew a great deal about the world around them.

Preparing for Passover at a Seder Meal

Our family has been invited to the home of a Jewish friend for a Seder meal. Yes, even our two year old. Another friend asked, "What is a Seder meal?" Despite courses in religion including one at a temple in Birmingham, the only answer I could come up with was that the Seder meal is similar to what we refer to as the Last Supper. As an interculturalist, I thought my answer was kinda pitiful so I tried to elaborate, but ended up coming up with something just as ethnocentric. I described a Seder meal that I had attended at a Presbyterian church on Good Friday. I described the foods and decor as a representation of Biblical times.
Since interculturalists (I am a professional interculturalist for The Byrd's Nest, LLC) generally try to encourage people to avoid ethnocentric perspectives, I recommend contacting the Jewish Federation or one of the local Rabbis to find out this sort of information. Since I was communicating with a Christian, I thought I would research an interfaith cheat sheet as well:
Passover
Hebrew name means: Pesach means Passover. It refers to Exodus 12:23, when God passed over the Israelites.What's it about? Passover celebrates God liberating the Israelites from Egyptian bondage and is probably the single most theologically important holiday in the Jewish calendar. (No pressure.) The holiday lasts eight days, though liberal Jews may celebrate only a week. Pronounce it: If you can't say the guttural h sound represented by the ch in Pey-sach, say Passover.Time of year: Usually falls in April.Foods: Traditionally, Jews eat no bread or leavened food on Passover, and do eat matzah, an unleavened bread. There are many food traditions that spring from this, including all the many foods made of ground matzah (called "matzah meal"). These include things like matzah balls, gefilte fish and sponge cake. Cookies and cakes made out of nuts, like macaroons, are also big on Passover, as are candies that follow the special rules of keeping kosher for this holiday.Activities: Observant Jews don't eat bread or other leavened foods and have big holiday meal called a seder where they retell the story of the Exodus from Egypt. This is a major holiday, meaning that traditional Jews take days off of work at the beginning and end of the eight days of the holiday, but work in the middle.Symbols of Holiday: Matzah, lambs (because of the historical Passover sacrifice), eggs, horseradish root, salt water. Greeting? It's fine to say "Happy Pesach" or "Happy Passover." Some people say "Hag Sameah v' kasher"--have a happy and kosher holiday.Read more: Try our Passover and Easter Resource Page and our Guide to Passover for Interfaith Families (also available in Word format).