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 .