Black Boy
I just finished reading Black Boy by Richard Wright. I was reading it as an assignment for my history class. The class is African Americans’ Struggle for Equality.
The book is about Wrights life from about four-years-old untill he is about twenty-years-old. The book begins near the end of World War I and is set in the south.
I really liked the book. It made me think alot about race and diversity.
White people treated Richard horribly. He was never beaten badly by a white person, but they treated him less than human. In every way possible.
I hope that people aren’t treated like that anymore anywhere in America. I know people are jerks to each other, but I hope that race is not a reason to treat someone like crap.
There is a lot more diversity here in Western Montana than I ever saw in Wyoming. But there are not alot of African Americans, so I can’t really say how they are treated. I guess even if there where, I couldn’t say how they are treated. Seeing is one thing but experiencing is another.
The book made me sad over all. America has a messed up history. We as a country have done and continue to do some crappy things.
On a positive note, I thought it was great how my proffesor picked this book for us to read, because it goes so well with what we are doing in class. It really helps you get a sense of the times. You getter a better sense than simply having the teacher tell you about it.
So, if you are looking for an intersting book read Black Boy.
We took care of the Indians. How did we miss the black?
Words by cowpoke on February 20, 2006 at 9:19 am | #
If you took an indepth look around the world at other cultures you would realize that America isn’t the only ‘bad boy’ when it comes to racism. The British started a whole lot when the colonized Africa and the Middle East, and wiping out hordes of the indigenous population in Australia before making it a penal colony. The French and Spaniards in S. America and the Southwest United States early in the 17th century have committed the same atrocities. The fact that the latest and most covered is the black’s history as slaves in America make that the #1 issue. I wish we could all move on, and although it is still a problem, I think it is no longer a growing one, and we can be thankful for that.
Words by Steve on February 20, 2006 at 12:49 pm | #
Hey Stevie, I have a bridge for sale. Whites have been commiting genocide since before we wiped out the Neanderthals. If you got something we want, past or present, you are a marked target. You don’t have to be black, just have a little oil, or land or something. Hell you don’t even have to be black or human, we’ll wipe you out if you pray to the “wrong” god or because some animals’ skin looks good as a hat. It han’t gotten better, we just have new targets.
Words by cowpoke on February 20, 2006 at 2:42 pm | #
I do think Steve is right. Well I hope he is right about the problem not growing.
Cowpoke, I hope that was a smart ass remark about the Indians. We in no way took care of them.
In Montana, where they make up about 2.5% of the population, they don’t get shit for health care. Montana Prison inmates recieve more money per person for healthcare than Indians recieve.
Have you ever heard of the story of the Nez Perce. They have probably a tenth of the land they started out with thanks to the whites.
Remember Chief Joseph “I will fight no more forever” He was Nez Perce. You should look into that story.
Words by Jaime on February 20, 2006 at 2:54 pm | #
i think that both Steve and cowpoke are right steve is right that the racsism against blacks isn’t growing anymore but i also feel that cowpoke is right that we just have new targets just think about the racail remarks you hear about illeagal imigrants or poeple of the mideast I know i personaly don’y hear to many poeple talking about how great poeple from the mideast are it is the exact oppisite
Words by Glenn on February 20, 2006 at 3:52 pm | #
When I say we took care of them, I mean we wiped them out.
Words by cowpoke on February 20, 2006 at 4:12 pm | #
I think that cowpoke and Stevie are white, because only white people think that racism is gone. I deal with racism every time I walk into a store and get followed. I deal with it every time I apply for a job and don’t get a call back. I deal with racism every time i do anything. So don’t sit back and talk about how it’s gone.
P.S. Cowpoke, Indians are still here. There are more of us now than there ever was!
Words by Luella on February 23, 2006 at 9:35 pm | #
From now on, when I use sarcasism, I’ll underline it so even the idiots can see it. Luella, I’m not proud of what white europeans have done, or will do I was just pointing out what they’re capable of doing. By the way, are you black?
Words by cowpunk on February 24, 2006 at 8:50 pm | #
No dumbass. She is Indian. Did you miss the part where it says there are more of us now than ever.
PS Don’t do us idoits any favors.
Words by Jaime on February 25, 2006 at 5:38 pm | #
She assumed I was white, the article was about blacks and whites and I’m the dumbass? Why should I aasume she’s an Indian. Every teenager I know can tell you the same discrimination stories she mentioned, being followed around stores, etc. Sounds to me she’s a a “victim” not an Indian. She wears it well.
Words by cowpunk on February 26, 2006 at 12:12 pm | #
Ok cowpoke, if that is your real name, sarcasism is fine, but use it appropriatly. Secondly I’m not a victim. I’m just stating a fact. If you want to see me as a victim thats your choice. I could care less. I’m making something of myself, despite the obstacles in my way. I was making the point that, yes, racism is still here. So get off my back!
Words by Luella on February 27, 2006 at 1:33 pm | #
Yes cowpoke is my real name, dumbass. luella woudn’t know sarcasism if it bit her in the papoose so how can she tell me when the appropreate time to use it. She plays the victim when she talks about making something of her self, “despite the obstacles in my way”. Many, many people have real obstacles to overcome, blindness, deafness, physical or mental handicaps. Her obstacle is she’s an Indian, when she says there’s more Indians than ever. Get a grip girl. Sounds like most of your obstacles are selfmade. I bet you blame being an Indian when your pizza is late, or the light turns red and you have to stop. Poor girl.
Words by cowpunk on March 4, 2006 at 2:38 am | #