So what is Creole?
Creole is the non-Anglo culture and lifestyle that flourished in Louisiana before it became the USA in 1803.
Creole was an adapted, self-contained way of life that was created out of the blending of 3 very different ethnic influences: The West European, the West African, and with significant input from the Native American.

Creole was a class system, based on family ties, position, wealth, and connection. It was more elitist than it was democratic. In its philosophy, economics and politics, much of European custom and modern thought (Enlightment, "Le Siécle des Lumières") was thrown out and, in its place, was followed a strict, self-serving pragmatism, a conservative world-view formed out of isolation and desesperation that characterized Louisiana in its early years.

Because of the tragic lessons of survival learned in those first years in frontier Louisiana, the Creole was family-centered, not publicly oriented. Creole culture put no value in public education or public works and little value even in the rule of law.

The Creole experience in New-Orleans bears striking resemblances to Creole cultures world-wide. The best examples can be found in the Caribbean islands, Cuba, Haiti, Guadeloupe and Martinique; Or the Indian Ocean in places like Mauritius, Reunion, the Seychelles or Portuguese Goa. In South America, the Guianas and Brazil are recognized as Creole countries.

All these have similar histories of colonial liberalism, the same ethnic roots, architecture, music, folklore, life-styles, family & business values. New-Orleans is only one small cousin in the Creole world, but it is the only part found in the USA.

Creoles are the descendants of those 3 ethnic groups who adapted to life in our city by creating and living in this alternative culture.
Even today, New-Orleanians who are descendants of Creoles or live according to Creole customs (whether knowingly or not), can be referred to as Creole and regardless of race or color, find themselves cousins by blood.