Misconceptions of African American life Essay - 2549 Words

Misconceptions of African American life â€Å"When you control a mans thinking you do not have to worry about his actions. You do not have to tell him not to stand here or go yonder. He will find his proper place and will stay in it. You do not need to send him to the back door. He will go without being told. In fact, if there is no back door, he will cut one for his special benefit. His education makes it necessary.† This quote, spoken true by a prominent African American scholar of the 20th century, Carson Woodson, is aimed at shedding light on the inherent miseducation of African Americans. His beliefs that controlling one’s thinking with such a powerful grasp that allows little or no movement will lead to that individual behaving†¦show more content†¦The vast majority of aids in this process, however, come from African American scholars, writers, poets, film-makers, etc., who have set out to expose the â€Å"miseducation of the Negro† into believing and acting upon forced actions or opinions and to learn the truths behind their actual heritage. Four works that susinctly bring the â€Å"miseducation† about African American history into the spotlight of the national public are Claude McKay’s â€Å"The Lynching†, Harriet Jacob’s â€Å"Incidents in the Life of A Slavegirl†, Gordon Park’s â€Å"Washington D.C. Charwoman†, and Spike Lee’s â€Å"School Daze.† All four works illustrate a common thread of the misconception of African-American life by blacks themselves, as well as Caucasians around them, that has been carried intact through many a generations in the history of the United States. The earliest example that I would like to call attention to is Claude McKay’s poem entitled â€Å"The Lynching.† In my opinion, this poem addresses the commonly held misconceptions of both blacks and whites against African Americans during the period of slavery in the U.S. In terms of the miseducation of African Americans, the author uses the line of â€Å"The awful sin remained still unforgiven† to insinuate that being born black was considered by him and other African Americans at that time to be a sin or something to be ashamed of. He blames thisShow MoreRelatedThe Challenges Of Stereotypes Within Africa1513 Words   |  7 Pageselaborates on human natures need to group people, places, and things, which creates the theory of superiority or dominance over races, cultures, and even religions. Keim’s opening argument dives directly into the how stereotypes are often misused by Americans and Europeans. Keim proposes that the main reason why stereotypes have endured or sustained, is societies overwhelming need to categorize and configurated. Keim suggests that in an ideal world, stereotypes regarding Africa would become abandonedRead MoreDisproving Misconceptions About Africa1743 Words   |  7 PagesDisproving Misconceptions about Africa Africa is a country filled with primitive tribesmen who have made insignificant contributions to history. Today most Americans pride themselves on being open-minded, politically conscious, and socially aware of world wide problems. Yet when discussing Africa, its history, and present state, most misconceptions as seen above are accepted without question. These myths have been developed over a century of time and have become imbedded in the minds of the WesternRead MoreDifferences And Similarities Between Hip-Hop And R B786 Words   |  4 Pagesare beauty and greatness in all music Hip-Hop, and RB when I listen to two these genres I tend to notice the differences and the same that they have. The two has the same and difference lyric, tone and melodies The birth of RB was created by African American in the early 1960’s from Soul music, Jazz, Gospel, Pop music and Blues as time went on RB was born. In its earlier days, RB Music was all about racial issues, and artists gave a lot of importance to the style and arrangement, which includedRead MoreChildhood Obesity: A Growing Problem795 Words   |  3 Pagesthat needs to be resolved. Many people may say it is the Child’s fault, he is weak willed. This is just a common misconception; there are hundreds of different reasons for childhood obesity. I will just be scratching the surface of this paper. By the same token childhood obesity is a growing problem that needs to be resolved. We can achieve this by understanding some common misconceptions, understanding health problems, and understanding fitness. Therefore who is to blame for childhood obesity? TheRead MoreEssay about African American History: Tribute to Sojourner Truth632 Words   |  3 PagesDocumentary Film Analysis Worksheet History 221 – African American History Before 1877 Instructions: †¢ You will find the list of films you can choose from in the Lesson section of the course. †¢ Go to the list and pick your film. You must view the entire film. If you can’t access films because of deployment, geographic location, or other reasons, please let your instructor know so they can give you an alternate assignment. †¢ Please type you answers into this sheet. You must submit the worksheetRead MorePerception of the African American Males1600 Words   |  7 PagesPerception of the African American males African Americans males are considered dangerous based on a false identity, misconceptions, and misinformation that are available in the media; this includes but is not limited to rap music, news, and TV shows. This misconception can be traced as far back as slavery. The perception of blacks’ males as being dangerous began when the slave came to America on 1619. Due to the situation of being treated as property, to be freely bought and sold, andRead MoreAfrican Americans : The Primary Victims Of Police Brutality1188 Words   |  5 PagesIn the United States, studies have shown that minority citizens, particularly African Americans, are the primary victims of police brutality. This use of excessive force, when utilized by law enforcement officers, encompasses a wide range of abusive practices – racial slurs, profanity, unnecessary searches, physical abuse, and even murder. According to a report by the Malcolm X Grassroots Movement, 313 African Americans were killed without trial by police, security guards, and vigilantes in 2012.Read MoreThe Black Colleges And Universities Essay1464 Words   |  6 Pages â€Å"Historically Black Colleges and Universities, or HBCUs, have played an important role in enriching the lives of no t just African Americans, but our entire country.†(Keller) What Ric Keller states here is an opinion that outlines a compelling fact about HBCUs that along with several other significant information that may come as a surprise. Essentially, the great debate between the choice of whether an Historically Black College and University or Predominantly White Institution is more beneficialRead MoreHistorically Black Colleges And Universities Essay1465 Words   |  6 PagesHistorically Black Colleges and Universities, or HBCUs, have played an important role in enriching the lives of not just African Americans, but our entire country.†(Keller) What Ric Keller states here is an opinion that outlines a compelling fact about HBCUs that along with several other significant information that may come as a surprise. Essentially, the great debate between the choice of whether a Historically Black College and University or Predominantly White Institution is more beneficial orRead MoreSt aples and Cofer1308 Words   |  6 Pages Different Ethnicities Same Problems When Americans meet someone new they are already sticking that person into some sort of category because of their appearance. If someone looks different than Americans are use to, they automatically stick some sort of stereotype to them. Stereotypes are strongly displayed in the media; stereotype can be based of someone’s color, culture, religion, or sex. In Black men in public spaces by Brent Staples, and in The Myth of the Latin Woman: I Just Met a Girl Named