In obvious ways, popular culture impacts what we consume. It influences the music we listen to, the clothing we buy, the information we digest. In a broad sense, it fosters and strengthens connections between people we may not have connected with otherwise. Nonetheless, we go about our daily lives mindlessly consuming the products and the information that has been fabricated by a myriad of cultures. Minorities in America play an important role in the formation of our nation's culture, despite seldom being recognized for their contribution. Blacks, in particular, possess an undeniable influence on the nation's culture. Given this importance, I would love to take the time to analyze some of the interesting ways in which African American culture has influenced pop culture!
African American culture is hugely embedded in popular culture through music.Blues music developed amongst slavery and evolved to be one of the most far-reaching genres in terms of influence on other types of music. It translates today through jazz, r&b, rock, and more. It makes sense to see how heavy of an involvement African Americans have today in the music genres of rap and hip hop. We can also pay attention to the role blacks played in solidifying modern fashion trends. Trends such as dressing in “streetwear,” or even being a “sneakerhead” were popularized by black athletes, hip hop artists, or even dancers. The worlds are strongly interconnected. African Americans have enraptured American culture and continue to create trends that captivate audiences and ingrain into the evolving roots of popular culture.
