African Americans could still be treated like slaves and not treated like human beings. America would still be a very segregated place. Freedom Summer was a very dark time in American history but all in all, America has turned out pretty good. It’s no doubt that America was not the most favorable place during this time period for most, if not all African Americans. But without all the events that occurred then, we might not be where we are
The term African-American is more geared to those who are generations removed from the home land but are still heavily influenced by the culture of their ancestors for a lack of a better term the “blacks” of America. Ignorant to their history many blacks of the 21-century try to dispel their heritage and try to only become American. Referring to themselves as only such with no ties to anywhere past what is now. This mind set is conducive to what was trying to be accomplished by whites for centuries the relinquishment of everything known before slavery. “in a situation of the colonizer and the colonized the question of consciousness become a site of intense struggle” (Thiong’o, 109) As discussed in class being ripped from everything you know into a new world is the most traumatizing experience and those who gave their lives in hopes of a better future, a future where if they can’t make it home at least they claim their own stake in this new land; these ancestors will look in turmoil as they realize that
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is a novel that has sparked significant controversy. It is arguable that it is controversial for more than just one reason, but in actuality it is because the word “nigger” is used “almost one occurrence on every page”. The “N” word today is not an acceptable word to use to refer to African Americans, but in the setting of the deep south in the mid to late 19th century the use of the word “nigger” is acceptable for the reason that at this time the African American race was for the most part enslaved and that was simply the type of language used. In this rural part of the country along the Mississippi river, society is dominated by the white race and the old confederate ways of slavery and cruelty towards the African American race exist. This being said at this time people with black skin were not equal, along with women and also children.
The victory of the Union (Northern States) over the Confederate (Southern States) freed the Negroid’s from slavery, and gave them the right to vote, and own property. Although African Americans now had their liberty, they weren’t free from segregation, violence and prejudices. “We wear the Mask” is written from this experience, and regrettable it is still to a small degree part of the American fabric today. Being African American in the late 20th century wasn’t a bed of roses. They were the minority and were not treated with respect as a whole from its community.
Based on research I understand that White racial identity is frequently depicted as an avoidance racial category, which is considered to be an indistinguishable, but advantaged identity molded by years of repression of other nationalities other than whites. Being white has become equal with privilege and opportunity. Individuals who are white can really advantage in society. As young Americans we have not all been exposed to other races. I was raised in a predominantly African American surrounding, which only allowed me to be exposed to people of my own ethnicity.
This book not only supports what we have collectively learned in African American history thus far but furthermore justifies the subject matter. For example, we have learned of the contrast regarding segregation between the north and the south. The south having the tendency to be more prejudice toward blacks which coincides with the time period reflected in the book. Nevertheless, we have yet to mention one of the major catalysts to the civil rights movement - the Emmett Till case. Although many of the students who study African American history may not be able to fully empathize with The Emmitt Till Case they may on the other hand find the content useful in reflecting on their own lifestyle.
The Second World War is a significant event in history. I believe that it made a small amount of difference to the lives of black Americans; it was able to change some of the attitudes of white Americans; it helped influence the passing of the Fair Employment Practices Commission (1941) and also helped reduce the unemployment figures of black Americans. Although it made a substational difference, things were still not perfect. Black Americans were still targeted by extremist members of the Ku Klux Klan and they were still treated as second-class citizens. In this essay, I will analyze the ways lives changed for black Americans after the Second World War, as well as this I will look at the ways they may not have changed.
With a prevalent segregation between the black and white communities, particularly in the south, the availability of opportunity for African-American citizens to grow as individuals was diminutive. However, I strongly believe that the only ones to blame for this tragic oppression of freedom and individuality is the African-American society itself. The lack of racial unity among this community during this time period, as well as the naiveté, makes me believe that the African-American community should be held accountable for preventing themselves from succeeding
In fact, Blacks were denied education. It was not until after the Civil War that Black people began confronting the issue of illiteracy. In modern day society blacks have low test scores. The ability to articulate words the same as educated Anglo-Saxons has bridged a wedge in recognizing written words. The Black community, as well as teachers needs to understand, that although they have come far from slavery the English patterns learned created a new dialect amongst the African
I Have a Dream speech it gave rise to many hopes and opportunities that allowed African Americans gain their rights and their position in society. Although we do not see racism to its fullest nowadays, we still see some sorts of prejudice amongst African Americans. In certain situations they are denied employment solely because the color of their skin or the fact that they are not qualified with certain perquisites, which most of the time are associated with the level of education and experiences obtained. Although at the same time we see successful African Americans that have excelled and become prosperous, they are only a small fragment of the African American community. But as a result of our history African Americans are frown upon and look as inferiors that as a result prevent them from achieving any sort of economical or social gain in our