Thursday, January 20, 2011

Black Faces, White Masks

Reflections, observations and conversations with others have all provided me with the primary and secondary information to make a logical analysis on human psyche in the world of an African American. Right? No wrong. No one person can make an analysis or believe they can make a factual judgement on the behavior and psyche of African Americans in the Western World. Although some think they are capable of doing so.

After undergoing research on the history of slavery, the times of Africa in the early years and the current situations that America faces including discrimination and racism, the current psyche, mentality and behavior of African Americans in a Western World can relate as far back in history as slavery and the treatment of these people during this time. It may even scale to the oppression of the African Americans and the racism incurred in the times of the 1960's. However, whatever the case the current mindset and mentality of African Americans today is rather evident of the pain incurred for years and years and it seems generations and generations.

From the constant oppression and years of racism and discrimination it appears that the average African American person is expected to believe that they are not equal with those who are Caucasian and therefore act upon it accordingly. Not only are they more susceptible to being considered irrational, inappropriate or incapable, they do not try to prove themselves otherwise with their ACTIONS. In relation to their words and their thoughts they are more than capable of constantly proving how great they are, the success they are headed for and how much of an individual they are. However alot of the time this is never realised because they do not take the appropriate actions to do so. They then insist on blaming it on the system and how opportunity has not made a way for them. Although this may not seem right and yes the system is not always innocent, it is the constant oppression, discrimination and racism over the years that have created this mentality and the internal belief that they may not make anything of themselves.

Stemming from this internal insecurity comes the inevitable come back of attempting to assure the world of the big and wonderful things that they are doing, how they are going to be at the top soon and how exciting and grand their lives are and how everyone wants to be like them. Reading between the lines and looking closely into the theory stemming from slavery, this is merely a cover up for the insecurities felt and the lack of drive to be proactive enough to make their dreams happen rather than talking about them.

The strength of African Americans is remarkable. However, they are yet to realise their true potential, strength and abilities to be the greatest people of all time. They are different, beautiful, creative and exciting individuals and together a race that can clearly change the world for the better. Overcoming the past generations' beliefs and understandings of life and simply following their own dreams and believe in what they want to make of themselves is what needs to be done.

In order to change a mindset and individual people, it begins with ones' self. Let go of the insecurities, stop trying to prove yourself to others or make a point, work hard for yourself, to better yourself and always look at the positives of your life rather than comparing yourself to others. You will be more successful than you realise. There are no short cuts or no excuses to hard work. It begins with yourself and ends with yourself. Dont let others define you, define yourself.

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