American Identity by Andre Clark

'"...To build a homeland of the free." The free? Who said the free? Not me? Surely not me? The millions on relief today? The millions shot down when we strike? The millions who have nothing for our pay?'

andreclark — 2024-05-29 17:43:30 UTC

America's "founders" fought hard to break away from the rule of Britain, in search of a truly free country. "America: Land of the Free" is commonly used not only to show fellow Americans just how free we are but to boast to the rest of the world as well. The issue with thinking the entirety of America has the freedoms that our country promises follows the fact that all citizens of the United States aren't white men. In fact 109.2 million of our citizens are white men. That is almost 33% of the population in the United States. When two-thirds of the population faces oppression whether from the law or from society, how can we sincerely say that our country is free?

"Every girl comes into the world with varying degrees of ambition... even if it's only the hope of not belonging body and soul to her husband."

andreclark — 2024-06-04 01:39:06 UTC

When considering the groups of people that America has overshadowed with its idea of freedom, one of the first groups that comes to mind is women. In the early 1900's people sought to accomplish their version of the American dream, but women weren't allowed to dream back then. They had to follow the dreams of their husbands which led to a wave of depression and suffering for women across America.

"Lamar stated his views on police brutality with that line in the song quote 'And we hate the popo, wanna kill us in the street fo sho' Oh please, ugh, I don't like it"

andreclark — 2024-06-04 01:49:13 UTC

It is often said that if you are facing unfairness and/or oppression, all you have to do is stand up for yourself and it will fix itself. This is not always the truth. Even when finding the strength to stand up for yourself against a world built to keep you down, others will still find a way to push you back. This is America.

"This is America (skrrt, skrrt, woo) Don't catch you slippin' now (ayy) Look at how I'm livin' now Police be trippin' now (woo) Yeah, this is America (woo, ayy) Guns in my area (word, my area) I got the strap (ayy, ayy) I gotta carry 'em"

andreclark — 2024-06-04 02:05:54 UTC

"This is America" breaks down the American dream into a simplistic view of the reality of America for African Americans. This quote specifically touches on how America is a place for people to show others what they've accomplished rather than appreciating it themself. It also briefly brings to light the untrustworthy police system in America that causes an extreme increase of guns on the streets due to people not feeling protected by anything or anyone but themself.

"And rhyming like I rhyme, way back when I would play the violin Thought that s--t wasn't cool, momma sorry, I just stopped tryin' it Paid for your house in hopes there'd be no more reason for cryin' That shows you how stupid I am, cause ni---s is out here dying"

andreclark — 2024-06-04 02:13:12 UTC

This quote highlights the mindset of American citizens that put a higher value on monetary gains than anything else. J. Cole reflects on his ignorant approach to curing his mother's sadness by buying her a house to make her happy. He sees that that despite the gift, she is still crying because she understands the bigger picture of what's happening in society. Our people are being killed and killing each other while the world pretends it isn't happening just because they are "succeeding" in life by being one of the few who thrived in a system designed to put our people down.

"What you want you, a house? You, a car? 40 acres and a mule? A piano, a guitar? Anything, see my name is Lucy, I'm your dog Motherf--ker, you can live at the mall I can see the evil, I can tell it I know when it's illegal I don't think about it, I deposit every other zero"

2024-06-04 13:11:15 UTC

The capitalist society we live in is driven by one thing: greed. In America, it is taught to obtain as much money as you can and the more money you have the higher value your life has. This materialistic mindset is disguised as the "American Dream". To pursue more than you need is a fundamental idea in American society. A lot of people will put their hunger for wealth over their morals and compromise who they are as a person.

"Can't win me over with a stimulus bribe Still want me stuck in the system They hate that we chosen, it kill 'em inside"

andreclark — 2024-06-04 15:57:47 UTC

African Americans aren't happy with the current condition of the United States. We don't just want to be given money that's used to push our history under a rug to be forgotten about. This "system" in the quote, is constructed to keep our people oppressed even if everything is "equal". The negative effects of America's history still affect our people today. From impoverished black people being stuck in low-class areas due to the residual effects of slavery or the selling of drugs in black communities by the government, we can never truly be equal until the system is destroyed.

"Acting 'as if' doesn't mean being phony or inauthentic. It's about changing your behavior first and trusting the feelings will follow. As long as your motivation is in the right place, faking it until you make it can effectively make your goals become reality."

andreclark — 2024-06-04 17:04:16 UTC

The "American Dream" encourages people to act outside of their normal self. It encourages people to act in a way that is meant only to please others. This isn't inherently evil or bad but when you are acting a way that actively puts down other people, this is where it becomes a problem. Politicians in America are a great example of this. Do you really think they are public about what they believe in? Of course not. They pander to certain audiences in the country in order to secure an "important" status of authority. Politicians will outwardly share how they don't support what a certain group of innocent people are doing (i.e protesters) in turn causing these people to receive unnecessary hate. Why should people be receiving negative attention due to someone pretending to not approve of them? Is the fragile political power that is awarded from doing so worth it?

"I understand, however, why many political leaders can be reluctant about stepping into this minefield. Religion, and tradition, are powerful and sensitive areas to challenge."

andreclark — 2024-06-04 17:06:52 UTC

America, especially the southern parts tend to be very traditional. People stand on what they were taught and won't accept any other option besides that. This doesn't just apply to basic traditions like cuisine or activities, it also applies to the treatment of groups of people. In a place where women are seen to have men's children and let the man make all the money, there has bound to be women who don't accept that. There has bound to be MEN who don't accept that. These same men become leaders in hope of making a change but soon realize the culture and traditions that they are trying to overcome will suffocate anyone who stands against them. If the women aren't given a chance to stand up and the men who are willing to stand up for the women are fizzled out, what can we do?

"It is backward logic that has our society investing in locking young people up instead of creating opportunities for them or preparing them for life after prison."

andreclark — 2024-06-04 17:15:00 UTC

As a people, we are so quick to give up on others and assign unwarranted labels. Mass incarceration is a prominent issue in America. People make one mistake, or commit one crime when are younger and then their entire life is affected from that point on. People lose social skills. People struggle to find jobs because of their record. People are told they not only do they not belong, but that they don't deserve to belong either.