Culturalism vs. Racism
The recent film Green
Book exemplifies and dramatizes the differences between racism and
culturalism. Culturalism is a term Dr.
Lachkar devised as a psychohistorian, psychoanalyst, and author of numerous
publications and articles on cross cultural issues. It means that people bond through values, morals,
religion, customs and ideologies. It is the acceptance of people from other
cultures without prejudice or judgment. Racism is a belief system that one’s
own race or culture is superior and has the right to dominate the other and viewing
the other as inferior. This can lead to hatred and bigotry.
In this film, Dr. Don, a black virtuoso concert pianist, is
stuck between many worlds and cultures.
In the role, he is removed from the stereotypical black world and
realizes he does not fit in the black world, the white world, the music world,
the straight world or the south. Tony,
his driver and protector, is a rough and tough Italian man who starts out with
prejudice and bigotry. Over time their friendship
evolves and compassion enables them to bond through acceptance and the human
spirit.
Joan Jutta Lachkar, Ph.D. and Richard Seigle, M.D.
Joan Jutta Lachkar, Ph.D. is a psychotherapist in private practice in
Sherman Oaks, California, an affiliate member for the New Center for
Psychoanalysis, and is the author of numerous books and publications on couples and
cross-culture, including “The Narcissistic /Borderline Couple,” Aggression
and Cruelty in Cross-Cultural Couples and “The Psychopathology of Terrorism.” www.joanlachkarphd.com
Richard Seigle, M.D. is a retired
psychiatrist.
