[Joel S.]

I would not dare say that African Americans are the only oppressed people on the planet, not even in the United States. The world is full of oppression toward all types of people. However, as an African American, let me speak briefly about our situation and hopefully elaborate on the question asked. No, I do not know what slavery is like firsthand; I was not on a slave ship from African, nor have I ever picked cotton or called another individual master. However, that system of slavery has had drastic repercussions on African Americans to this day. As a result of slavery and the racism that served as its ideological foundation, African Americans are today disproportionately impoverished and are forced to cope with that fact and the scenarios that accompany it: poor education, poor health, poor living standards, crime and often hopelessness. Not only are we in this environment, but it is extremely difficult for us as a people (as opposed to a couple of individuals) to rise up out of these circumstances. Our chances at attaining success are often painfully limited because of these situations – and the fact that racism is alive and well. Existing in such a state, which has lasted for centuries, is enough to generate a great deal of anger. This anger is increased as many whites (definitely not all) refuse to admit that they have benefited from slavery and the accompanying racism.

In response to your suggestion of returning to Africa to learn of our culture, many blacks do, but we are forced to ask ourselves, Where in African am I from? From what area of this massive and amazingly diverse continent do I descend, let alone what country, or specific ethnicity within that area? Do you see my point? Africa is not all the same as you appear to suggest, hence African Americans will never completely know their heritage. This only adds to our sense of anger and frustration. Personally I am from the United States and indeed proud to be so, but until African Americans are respected and are freed from the oppression that treats us as second-class citizens, some ill-will will be harbored by many African Americans. I believe in peace and justice, and work to end hate and violence, but can you understand why many African Americans are so angry?

User Detail :  

Name : Joel S., Gender : M, Sexual Orientation : Straight, Race : Black/African American, Religion : Christian, Age : 22, City : Ann Arbor, State : MI, Country : United States, Occupation : grad student, Education level : 4 Years of College, Social class : Middle class, 

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