Abstract
Abstract
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The United States of America is purported to be a land of freedom and integrity. The Constitution, Bill of Rights, Declaration of Independence, National Anthem, and more central tenants of the country all propose these ideals to be fact. It is clear that these are the principles on which the nation was founded; However, the historical record- as well as current events, raise the question of who this nation was founded to benefit. Given the fact this this proposed freedom is not applied to all people who live in this country, it would seem these freedoms and rights would only apply to the White majority of the United States.
The United States of America is purported to be a land of freedom and integrity. The Constitution, Bill of Rights, Declaration of Independence, National Anthem, and more central tenants of the country all propose these ideals to be fact. It is clear that these are the principles on which the nation was founded; However, the historical record- as well as current events, raise the question of who this nation was founded to benefit. Given the fact this this proposed freedom is not applied to all people who live in this country, it would seem these freedoms and rights would only apply to the White majority of the United States.
The hypocrisy of America's concept of "freedom" stems from the time of the America's founding itself. Slavery- specifically the racism that rooted itself in slavery, grew alongside the population of the nation. Vicious laws and practices became accepted as normal components of society so long as they kept Black people in America at the disposal of their White counterparts. When the institution of legalized slavery was challenged, and ultimately overcome, the racism associated with it did not suddenly disappear. In fact, racism was stronger than ever and simply looking for ways to spread within society. It re-rooted itself in laws, in social interactions, in politics, in economic practices and in our educational systems.
The hypocrisy of America's concept of "freedom" stems from the time of the America's founding itself. Slavery- specifically the racism that rooted itself in slavery, grew alongside the population of the nation. Vicious laws and practices became accepted as normal components of society so long as they kept Black people in America at the disposal of their White counterparts. When the institution of legalized slavery was challenged, and ultimately overcome, the racism associated with it did not suddenly disappear. In fact, racism was stronger than ever and simply looking for ways to spread within society. It re-rooted itself in laws, in social interactions, in politics, in economic practices and in our educational systems.
The "1619" publication (2019) brought the topic of slavery to the forefront of modern American society from a variety of perspectives. Two of the most compelling essays spoke directly to the incredibly intricate issues surrounding the ways in which Black Americans have been systemically disenfranchised:
The "1619" publication (2019) brought the topic of slavery to the forefront of modern American society from a variety of perspectives. Two of the most compelling essays spoke directly to the incredibly intricate issues surrounding the ways in which Black Americans have been systemically disenfranchised:
These essays speak to the reality that approximately 13.4% of the US population face daily as Black identifying individuals. They bring to the forefront the issues that America has legally allowed to impact generations, past and present of Black Americans: Violence has been thrust upon Black individuals not simply by individuals or outliers of society, but instead the institutionalized laws that the nation is built upon.
These essays speak to the reality that approximately 13.4% of the US population face daily as Black identifying individuals. They bring to the forefront the issues that America has legally allowed to impact generations, past and present of Black Americans: Violence has been thrust upon Black individuals not simply by individuals or outliers of society, but instead the institutionalized laws that the nation is built upon.
There has been an established legality to the subjugation and oppression of Black people in the United States. From slavery, to Supreme Court rulings, to Black Codes, to "Stand Your Ground" defenses, Black lives have been deemed unfit to be protected by the law. The only way to work against this dangerous precedent is through understanding the components of miseducation, re-educating members of society to recognize and hold dialogue on the ways in which Black lives can safely fit into society, and work to apply the lessons we should learn from the past to build and form a conscious citizenship moving forward.
There has been an established legality to the subjugation and oppression of Black people in the United States. From slavery, to Supreme Court rulings, to Black Codes, to "Stand Your Ground" defenses, Black lives have been deemed unfit to be protected by the law. The only way to work against this dangerous precedent is through understanding the components of miseducation, re-educating members of society to recognize and hold dialogue on the ways in which Black lives can safely fit into society, and work to apply the lessons we should learn from the past to build and form a conscious citizenship moving forward.
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