Reflections Unit Four

We Got To Go Get It

From the moment our ancestors arrived in America, African Americans have been receiving the bad end of the stick (or no stick at all even). We've been forced into a life that we did not ask for and yet are being accused for it. From being crammed into a ship like sardines to being shot by the police, African Americans have been right for their life. Reaching for a gasp of air in this ever so drowning world. Through it all, we cease to give up and continue to unite as a nation.

The Civil Rights movement was all about reaching out to the community in order to spark change. Change that can be sparked and developed from any "ordinary" civilian. This movement was sparked by people who felt the need to take a stand. Dating back to Plessy vs. Ferguson which started with a mixed man sitting in the whites section of the train. One ordinary move manifesting into a monumental movement. This continued to happen through people such as MLK, Rosa Parks, and Malcolm X. All the way down to the crowds of ordinary people who marched and boycotted in order to prove a point. To begin a dialogue for the world to contribute to.

Many people believe that the Civil Rights fight was something of the past. Yet, signs today clearly show that this is an unceasing battle. America has and currently is still trapped in the mindset of a "slave society". Fearing other races and sexes. To belittle them or treat them as lesser than when in all we should be equal. Progress has definitely been made throughout the generations but greater change will come from the generatiosn to come. It takes the minds of the youth to come together and create a greater foundation for our children's children.

This class has been an amazing experience. Through this course I gained knowledge of how far America has come, although much more work needs to be done. I am grateful and appreciative of the progress that has been made and the path that our ancestor have paved for us. The message that stuck with me the most from these lessons was the country being "a society with slaves, to a slave society". For some reason that quote sticks with me and really helps me understand why stereotypes, classism, and race are in place. As a country we are completely brainwashed from the past. I will step forth in life with the knowledge in hand and try my best in becoming one of the "ten percent" who can represent our community well.