Cultural pride is not racism. Many people are proud of their national origin, Italian, Chinese, AFrican, etc. Racism is a system of preference and systemic domination which delivers or denies access to goods and services based on an individual’s cultural group or race.
It also uses race as a reason to oppress or limit the progress of another cultural group. Cultural identity and self-awareness is the key to personal maturity and an ability to respectfully interact with other cultural groups. Michelle Obama’s interest in consciously exploring her own culture and how she has been influenced by America’s dominant culture is an admirable journey. It demonstrates her willingness to know and accept herself and her own history. More of us, Americans from all cultural groups, should take the time to do the same–to become aware of how our views of ourselves and others have been shaped by the institutions around us–families, schools, churches, etc. WE
