Why I Want To Be An African American Experience Essay

The article entitled “Why I am Black and Not African American” written by John H. McWhorter argues that americans should use the term black instead of African American when referring to people of color. The term black is perceived as a symbol of strength and hard work, while the term african american transports blacks back to a time in history filled with bondage and discrimination. Therefore, McWhorter argues that the derogatory term of african american should not be used and that the term black is more appropriate. McWhorter was able to establish a strong argument because he met several of the standard criteria for a quality argument. The established criteria explains that a quality argument must include a debatable thesis, supporting evidence, ethos, pathos, and an opposition.

Even though I have had these disadvantages and probably many others, I am not going to let it stop me from being successful. I have made it this far so I can’t stop now. In this paper, I talked about my social location and identity, my life experiences and my privileges and disadvantages. The point of this paper is to allow me to reflect on who I am and at this point I think that I am a motivated, hardworking, young African American woman with a bright future ahead of

“Behind every success, large or small, there is a story, and it isn't always told by sex or skin color” (page 2, par. 15), Fortgang, T (2014). Some people base their success on their racial background. “Checking My Privilege” by Tal Fotrtgang was written in an effort to voice his opinion on this matter. In his essay, Tal Fortgang says, “I actually went and checked the origins of my privileged existence, to empathize with those whose underdog stories I can’t possibly comprehend. I have unearthed some examples of the privilege with which my family was blessed, and now I think I better understand those who assure me that skin color allowed my family and I to flourish today”

Plessy v. Ferguson (1896, 163 US 537) For centuries people of African descent have suffered of inhumane treatment, discrimination, racism, and segregation. Although in the United States, and in other countries, mistreatment and marginalization towards African descendants has stopped, the racism and discriminations has not.

Years have passed but the same obstacles are being faced by African Americans today, as those who have passed. We are still looked at as the less fortunate class and discriminated against. I want you to be better than me at life to know that you can do all things in life if you put your mind to it. I do not want you to be known as the kid from Baltimore because the first two questions majority of people would ask you is “where were you doing the riots” or “how does it feel to live in a city with a high crime rate. These are two questions I get asked all the time because society remembers Baltimore by the riots or the wire.

Peter Schroeder Dr. Christopher Marshall Modern United States History 2/2/17 Writing Assignment 1: The African-American Experience with Reconstruction Reconstruction among the south refers to the point in time which the United States was attempting to establish a relationship between the union and the rebels. The Union had won the civil war, so the next step was to begin to mend the broken relationship between the north and the south. Though historians cannot agree on when it began, there is merit in saying that it started before the end of the Civil War. After victory, had been solidified for the Union, attention of President Lincoln turned towards reconstruction.

Stasis Interrogation Essay Parents talk about having ‘‘the talk’’ with their children as they grow from childhood to adolescence. This ‘‘talk’’ is associated with teaching youth about sex or drugs; but Dana Canedy, an editor for the New York Times, had a different type of ‘‘talk’’ with her son. Her conversation was on proper conduct in the presence of the police.

Lastly, an individual should overcome discrimination to achieve one’s goal. In conclusion, bigotry are hurdles that an individual

No matter how someone may be living their life there will always be obstacles to face. Everyday someone may face an obstacle they come across by and figuring out how to overcome something. Wheather it is a work related obstacle or a school obstacle there are many possibilites and opportunities to over come these series obstacles. Malcolm X wasn't an ordinary inmate in a prison. From being in a prison he was trying to become an educated man.

What does it meant to be american? In america we might have conflicts like diversity, political problems, and more. America also has some amazing aspects to it we have freedom. With us having freedom that means that we can believe in any religion, have freedom of speech, and much more. In america we have a great military, army, and marines.

Race is an issue. Our culture tries to pretend that it’s not, but our minds can’t help but compare the people with the stereotypes. It’s easy to identify yourself based on your race, but it’s even easier to pre-judge others. Our race has nothing to do with potential, with success or with what a person is capable of. What can we do to fix this injustice is to raise awareness and give people knowledge that we shouldn 't judge people based on their race.

However, I have come to terms with the fact that all I have is my story and even though it may not be the saddest or dramatic, what is important is, it is my own and I know how difficult it has been for me to overcome the obstacles in my life. Being a black woman I have learned early on that I need to work twice as hard in order to be taken seriously, and there are certain obstacles that I will face because I am a woman as well as the fact that I am black that many others do not face.

It is through this knowledge that I have learned to overcome discrimination and the uncertainty of living in the shadows. I experience rejection and discrimination throughout the formative years when my character was being built, but that allowed me to become the person I am today. No more than a year ago, I thought all my hard work was in vain. My visa was about to expire and immigration denied me a renewal of my student visa due to my family’s low income level. Without any legal documentation stating I could be in this country, I was afraid I would not be able to continue my education or obtain a job in my desired field.

Black people are struggling in their lives because they are getting a lack of education. They can’t afford a house and provide the needs for their family. People will then ask themselves why don’t blacks get a job to

Growing up I always believed that hard work and dedicate were the keys to success, yet I was unaware that social location played any part in advantages or disadvantages that people had. I think that part of this is because I grew up in a family of fairly privileged people. Perhaps if I were a different race or ethnicity or even sexuality I would have experienced oppression more closely, but because I was from a privileged group, I was ignorant to what was going on around me. Learning more about oppression has helped me see my own privilege as well as the oppression that others face every day. This has shown me how truly lucky