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- Mar 2018
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ds-pages.swarthmore.edu ds-pages.swarthmore.edu
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The group has long been internally divided by dilemma as to whether its striving upward, should be aimed at strengthening its inner cultural and group bonds, both for intrinsic progress and for offensive power against caste; or whether it should seek escape wherever and however possible into the surrounding American culture.
I feel like either path invites criticism. When nonwhite communities strengthen their own boundaries and attempt to celebrate their culture, they are criticized as being disruptive and not making an effort to "become American." Yet people of color are also actively discouraged from integrating into white spaces due to fear and unfamiliarity, or are accused of whitewashing themselves. There's no winning here for people of color.
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