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Between the World and Me p.126-152

In this final section of the book, I was struck by Coates' powerful message to his son to struggle for his identity and his culture. He encourages his son to not struggle for the Dreamers (white America), but rather hope and pray for them. Coates encourages the Dreamers to learn about the struggle of Black America, writing, "The Dreamers will have to learn to struggle themselves, to understand that the field for their Dream, the stage where they have painted themselves white, is the deathbed of us all" (p.151).

I think the last few pages of the book perfectly summarize Coates' message. We as a collective culture need to acknowledge the painful and tragic history that this nation was founded on. For black Americans, embracing their culture and all of its struggles can help give the community a sense of pride and identity. For white Americans, myself included, it is critical to acknowledge our role in the perpetuation of racism and our history of destroying the bodies of black Americans.

This book has encouraged me to take a hard look at my culture's role in the continuation and encouragement of racism towards minorities in this country. It has also shown me the subtle ways in which racism can effect everyday life. Coates' story has encouraged me to fully immerse myself in the often forgotten stories of American minorities and strive to empathize with their struggle. If all Americans can embrace the troubling past of our country and work diligently to rectify the pain, I believe we can build a better and more vibrant America.

Comments

  1. Karsen KrierNovember 24, 2019 at 5:56 PM

    I completely agree with you Abbey I think that the last few pages for a prefaced summarize of Coates message. I liked how he said that we should come together as a culture and that we need to acknowledge that there is a problem for black Americans and that the problem should be solved. Also, I liked how you pointed out that your perspective on minorities has changed. I can comply agree with my perspectives on African Americans minorities has changed as well from this book.

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  2. Karsen KrierNovember 24, 2019 at 5:56 PM

    I completely agree with you Abbey I think that the last few pages for a prefaced summarize of Coates message. I liked how he said that we should come together as a culture and that we need to acknowledge that there is a problem for black Americans and that the problem should be solved. Also, I liked how you pointed out that your perspective on minorities has changed. I can comply agree with my perspectives on African Americans minorities has changed as well from this book.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Tara BoerDecember 3, 2019 at 2:01 PM

    Your ability to empathize and desire to understand is admirable. I can sense a lot of maturity and humility in your writing which makes you a great candidate for justice work, reconciliation, and peace making. Thanks for writing.

    ReplyDelete

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