should be viewed as a starting point for understanding the African-American. (Akbar)" We must realize the legacy that slavery has left on our mental state and change our behavior accordingly. We must rebuild our culture from the ground up. Learning to celebrate ourselves and unite with one another to become stronger than we ever were, this is the only way to ensure the longevity of the black culture in America. “The problem that has been created for the Euro-American mind...Is rooted in this idea that made him believe that he was a Caucasian image that he identified as god. (Akbar)” We must no longer bow down to an associate the white race with divinity. Stop participating in the religions that were created to keep us down, but instead embrace a religion that empowers us. “Christianity handicapped the productivity of non-white people. (Akbar)” Creates a feeling of inferiority, when you associate the god that you worship with someone who is not your own. It is difficult for us to think differently and…
The term “Nigger” is a derogatory word used against African Americans. This term has more than one meaning, depending on how it is used. One of the meanings of this word is supposed to mean an ignorant person. It is an offensive word and is always mentioned to belittle someone. “Nigger” is the ultimate American insult used against African Americans. Going back to the roots of being called “nigger”, But Justifying that “nigga” has an entirely new meaning. The slang term is often used a lot in…
The pressure to fit in and conform to modern day European beauty ideals can be a lot to deal with for African American women of all ages. So much so that women everywhere who are not satisfied with their hair texture, because it is not socially accepted, go to get their hair chemically relaxed. Chemically relaxing naturally kinky hair is nothing new to black culture and is often seen as normal. The problem with this is that the chemicals used in these products can cause all types of burns and…
Universal Language Music was there for me. Music has always been there for me. When I needed someone the most, it was there to fill the void. In the dark, when I couldn’t see myself or the people in front of me, music was the light. Living with mom in such a hazy world and in a literal sense, I don’t remember half of it. I only remember feeling so lost and empty. But I feel complete around music and people involved in music. Almost as if they are closer to family then kin-blood itself.…
According to CDC Center of Disease Control nearly 70 million American adults are suffering from hypertension. According to mayo clinic staff Hypertension is condition where the force of the blood against the artery walls is high enough, which could cause health complications such as heart diseases. Blood pressure is measured by the amount of blood the heart pumps and the amount of resistance of blood flow in your arteries. The more blood the heart pumps and the narrower the arteries get, the…
black-eyed peas and other related meals ensures a prosperous new year ahead in my family. However, black-eyed peas was in fact fed to enslaved africans to help them survive and sustain their fearsome voyage. Black-eyed peas symbolizes a form of luck. Correspondingly, I discovered the “Rice Culture” in the United States was based on the expertise from the people of Sierra Leone on West Africa’s “Grain Coast.” In addition, I learned that in certain African cultures the name Kwaku means "born on a…
The Use of Media and the African American Culture A rhetorical trend is emerging in cases of police violence and corruption. Across the country, police are arresting, assaulting, and killing women and men without cause. Police officers take advantage of how much power they have over citizens, specifically African Americans. In other words, it is determined that police are committing serious offenses, but because of an unjust application of the law, they are completely let off. Families are let…
For this assignment, I decided to ask my friend “Sam” for help. She is of the African-American culture and was born and raised here. However, her family was born and raised in Africa. I have known Sam for over 10 years now, we first met in school as we were both new to the area. To my surprise we also discovered that we shared the same neighborhood and closer than we expected, right in front of my home. That was more than enough reason for my siblings and me to become friends with her. Although,…
It took sixteen years for me to become racially aware. While my mom did her best to make sure I was well-versed in both social justice issues and my African-American heritage, I didn't completely acknowledge, accept, or understand cultural differences—black culture in particular. I lived the majority of my life in Moreno Valley, a city primarily composed of minorities, never having been exposed to white privilege or minority disadvantage. Moreover, a good portion of the kids I've met are, what…
Modern society is striving for every person, regardless of race, gender, or nationality to be treated as if they are identical. Activist can publish all the articles they want in an attempt to make everyone equal, but that will not make it so. The front line in a combat situation is one place where women just do not belong. Society would like us to believe that the only difference between African Americans and Caucasians is skin color, but if you go to any park in America and observe a game…