Colin D Fletcher

I Am Not African American: the Beginning of My Journey Colin D Fletcher

Although I relish the fact that I am black, through my life experiences, I have concluded that this does not make me African American. As a result, I realized that being black should not be synonymous with being African American. This continued pairing has allowed the slave masters of the Confederate South to continue and define our identity. If we do not proclaim our individuality and group distinctiveness, no black person can ever be seen for their character. In addition our society will not be able to solve the problems which persist in any particular community. Specifically, the African American community because of their history suffers from issues which are unique to them and have not been experienced by other immigrant groups. In order to confront and overcome these issues we must first realize that there is no black culture just like there is no white culture. There is clearly a culture unique to each group of black immigrants, as there are issues unique to every white migrant group. African Americans have a culture grown out of slavery, and we must examine the consequences which resulted from the oppression and perpetual discrimination which followed. It is only then will we be able to truly diagnose the problems and arrive at possible solutions. Hence, America will never be able to truly see people strictly for their character if they continue to group us all solely by our color...