culture.

Cultural affairs expert Miss Ruth Elaine Thomas warned it was being replaced by influences from North American.

And part of the blame could lie with the enormous modern-day impact of television and the print media.

Miss Thomas, who heads the Department of Cultural Affairs, delivered her warning at Hamilton Lions Club.

She told how early English settlers had put down cultural roots in Bermuda.

These roots were diverse because of the big class difference between shareholders, tenants, and servants.

"These people were responsible for establishing an English-based culture,'' she said.

"This, I think, is unfortunately disappearing rapidly to the North American culture.'' The international influence of new communications technology was part of the explanation.

Its impact was dramatically highlighted in the Gulf War and the recent Los Angeles riots.

Both events were relayed as they happened to people's living rooms, said Miss Thomas.

Miss Thomas called for Bermuda to understand its cultural heritage -- and assimilate the best elements of other cultures.

She told of the multiplicity of cultures already incorporated in Bermuda.

But were Bermudians assimilating them profitably as part of an enriching process? The slave trade brought African and Indian influences, said Miss Thomas.

"Why is there no evidence of African folklore or visual arts?'' she asked.

"The reason may be these slaves were so concerned for survival; they had to fit in and learn to be what their masters wanted them to be.'' A recent discovery of earthen jars in St. George's, however, indicated African culture may not have been totally subsumed by slavery.

Miss Thomas said the United States bases had a profound effect on Bermuda's culture.

"Americans lived in our homes and neighbourhoods...our style of living changed,'' she said.

They influenced people's dress, eating habits, and even the way Christmas trees were decorated, she added.

"Cultures are not static. They are dynamic and always changing.'' Miss Thomas underlined the cultural importance of the Portuguese.

She expressed delight at the success of the Portuguese Festival at St.

George's.

"It was wonderful to see them celebrate their heritage. What happiness and joy there was.

"That is what comes when you allow yourselves to share cultures.'' The Italians, Filipinos and Chinese, had also brought their heritage to Bermuda, said Miss Thomas.

She added three options faced Bermudians: They could look at different cultures with indifference; Focus solely on differences; or Use them to enrich the community through creative interaction.

It was to be hoped Bermudians would pick the third option, said Miss Thomas.