Posts tagged ‘authentic’
Will I ever be authentic enough?
Last night I saw a documentary called Blacking up: Hip-Hop’s Remix. Basically, it was about how “white” people can never really identify themselves with “black” culture.
Terms like wanna be were used to describe “white” rappers and those who liked hip-hop music. Even Vanilla Ice realized that he was being exploited in this music genre to put a “white” face to hip-hop music. This is part of the reason why he’s not in mainstream anymore.
All this begs the question: Will I ever be authentic enough?
Over the past year I’ve heard of several churches bring a “black” person on staff because they wanted an authentic gospel sound. It’s the fine line of trying to be authentic and maybe even racist.
Sometimes when people mimic other cultures it’s because they’re fascinated with those cultures and want to learn more about it. Yes, there are people who make fun of other cultures, but I don’t even try to pay attention to those people.
So, the other question I have to ask is: How can I honor someone else’s culture even though I’m from another “race”?
The answer is in relationships and immersion and….practice, practice, practice. For example, if I wanted to incorporate country music in our service I would do a few things:
1. Go to country music concerts in the area.
2. Find someone, locally/regionally/nationally, who loves country music.
3. Visit some places where the cities are identified with country music.
4. Ask the people who love country music if I’m doing it “right”?
The fact is there’s always going to be critics. But keep your eyes on Christ and ask Him to help you find ways that will honor other culture and style of other people…while at the same time allowing it to be part of you too.
I’ll end this article with a quote from my capoeira teacher, Mestre Senna DaBahia: Everyone wants to be special, be different, unique, but the thing is to be authentic!!!!!
Share your story and your life…
Sincerely,
Peter Park
Blogger/Worship Leader/Speaker
peterpark@redemptionboulevard.com
(800) 453-3284
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