However, the issue of prejudice and racism is always an uncomfortable topic that seems to constantly be swept under the rug and rigorously denied. From the perspective of oppressed groups living in America such as African Americans it has become a general consensus that their lives hold less value than white people’s do. Coates (2015) describes this concept stating, “Here is what I would like for you to know: In America, it is traditional to destroy the black body-it is heritage.” (p.103) This idea has driven and motivated the current movement of black lives matter. The underlying racism and injustice faced by minorities has become an issue that cannot be overlooked. The unfortunate truth is that the present state of mass incarceration, racial profiling and impoverished neighborhoods that minorities face displays the apparent discrimination that still exist today. Although America has always had its issues of discrimination the past few years has truly portrayed that the problem is only developing into something larger and becoming accepted by the majority as tolerable. This issue has been widely represented in African American interactions with law enforcement. The idea presented throughout the text discussed the concept of African Americans having to protect their …show more content…
The cycles of violence, poverty and discrimination faced can cause people to become paralyzed and desensitized to living a life under harsh circumstances. Coates (2015) related this sense of hardship, “You have been cast into a race in which the wind is always at your face and the hounds are always at your heels” (p.107). It is a shame that anyone comes to accept that they are beneath others and their lives mean less. America was built on the premise that everyone is in control of their actions, their fate and everyone is given the opportunity for a piece of the American dream. Today people are starting to question why that is not necessarily the case for them compared to others regardless of how hard they have tried. The problem of suffering and persecution groups is a major issue in America today and it cannot and will not go on without being