Personal Narrative: Personal Experiences Of African Americans

What causes people to act towards certain groups who may differ from them? For most, it is the experiences they are dealt with throughout their life, with even moments that seem insignificant having sizeable and long-term effects. These experiences can range from something that occurred to an individual in person or online, or secondary reactions to how a group behaves. With secondary reactions, it is important for one to note the importance of beliefs passed to individuals from parental, societal and peer figures, and how they can positively or negatively impact one’s attitude throughout life. By understanding the various experiences that impact one’s life, I feel both second hand, and specifically familial experiences, have played a negative role in my perception of African Americans and negatively influenced my …show more content…
However, there were a few African American students enrolled in the Weddington public school system. These students tended to socialize with other African American students, while white students mostly ignored them completely unless they were involved with a sports team or extracurricular program with them. Some of these students participated in similar extracurricular activities as myself. In the Weddington High School Marching Band, there were a few African American members placed throughout various sections of the program. My experiences with them were similar to my interactions with white members of the band. I would praise them when they completed actions correctly, and scold them when they were being distracting. They acted in similar ways compared to the white members, with both having difficulties at similar rates as the other. I do not recall treating anyone differently because of race, though I regretfully say I was a cruel leader and often over-punished people instead of giving them