Culture is Deeper than Skin Color

Culture matters more than skin color—this is something I’ve come to realize during my time in Japan. In my experience, I tend to connect more with African American residents than they might with residents from Africa. This dynamic seems to hold true for me as well. For instance, I feel a stronger cultural connection with African Americans and non-Spanish-speaking Caribbeans than with most Spaniards.

I am speaking specifically about cultural connections, not individual personalities or shared interests, which are unique to each person. Skin color is a product of evolutionary variation, while culture is the lens through which we view the world. It reflects our shared experience, historical background, religion, and the traditions of our respective communities. Culture runs far deeper than skin color.