Cultures Born from Discrimination
As we discuss in greater depth in The Pragmatist’s Guide to Sexuality, discrimination can drive those who face public persecution to commune with each other in private. This can foster the development of new, underground cultures through a process called “cultural drift,” which has produced many now-iconic, influential, and cohesive cultures complete with unique traditions, values, and mannerisms (think: LGBT culture).
While these cultures may have a place in your life if you fall within an associated discriminated group, they are not a mandate. It is OK to be part of a historically persecuted group and not feel personal affinity toward the culture that formed around it. We say this, as a feeling of disconnect between an element of one’s identity and that attribute’s associated culture can cause significant cognitive dissonance. You are not more or less “X” because you participate (or don’t participate) in “X” culture.