From Eliza Warren's DE ENGL 101 class:

Most people living in today’s civilized and educated society are expected not to dismiss facts, truths, and rational hypotheses concerning mankind’s chronological history, societal contributions, and accomplishments. However, this civility is frequently violated or ignored. For example, some people often view Black Americans and see only what general society and the media depicts them to be—basketball players, mega wealthy rap stars, or trash talking comedians. All in all, throughout American History, Black Americans have been deprived of receiving proper recognition or whole-hearted credit for their contributions. Fortunately, more and more exposure and recognition is being realized by Blacks for their efforts and accomplishments. Bigotry and ignorance is nothing new to the Black American. Nevertheless, I am always amazed at the fact that civilized and educated societies throughout the world are still making false assumptions about Black Americans and their worth in society as a whole. News -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Student Writing Submit writing to opublications@asia.umuc.edu Term I 2006-07 From Eliza Warren's DE ENGL 391 class: The Romance Novel Marriage – Wynne Queen A Family Portrait: How the Picture Keeps Changing – Rachel Bliss Term IV 2005-06 From Frederick Logan's DE ENGL 294 class: Got Spirit? – Suzanne Remetio (not written for a UMUC course) BeatleMania – Michelle Stilipec Term III 2005-06 From Elizabeth Fullon's ENGL 101 class at Kadena: Bedtime Stories – Bobby R. Kazmir Term I 2005-06 From James Wyatt's ENGL 101 class at Yokosuka: Ed's Enlistment into the Navy – Phillip "Ed" Fix Term V 2004-05 From Frederick Logan's DE ENGL 294 class: Sam Willow and the High King – Amy Maruna From James Wyatt’s ENGL 101 class at Yokosuka, Japan: Smiley – Lee Harris-Jones Term IV 2004-05 Education – A Long but Prosperous Road — Darrell L. Smith Term III 2004-05 From Eliza Warren's ENGL 101 class at Osan Air Base, South Korea: Achieving Success or Not? — Eziah M. Gonzalez Term II 2004-05 From Robert Rosser's DE ENGL 101 class: Her — Christina M. O'Connell Term I 2004-05 From Fritz Logan's DE ENGL 294 class: RE: Dear John — Adam Johnston (Note: contains strong language and adult situations) Term IV 2003-04 From Robert Rosser's Term IV ENGL 101 class at Camp Henry, Korea: Linus Grows Up — Bradley P. Christy Term III 2003-04 From Robert Rosser's Term III ENGL 101 class at Camp Carroll, Korea: Work Call — Steven L. Kenworthy From Joel Friederich's Term III ENGL 391 class, taught via Distance Education: Traditional Diversity — Annmarie Fitzsimmons New Teaching Methods for an Untraditional Audience? — Gretchen E. Jackson Revolving Door of Standards in Higher Education — Charlotte Bianco

In regards to this subject matter, my already heightened amazement kicked into gear one evening at a small Jazz bar, on the outskirts of Tokyo. Ironically, this took place while I was enjoying some John Coltrane and watching Kobe Bryant perform a reverse dunk. At that time, a highly educated bi-lingual Japanese friend, whose name I care not to mention, politely implied that the Black American’s only contributions to American society and culture were exclusively made in the fields of music, sports, and entertainment. Surprisingly, his assumptive comments did not anger me entirely. Instead, they provided me with an opportunity to enlighten my friend with even more knowledge and wisdom than he’d previously acquired on his own.

But, after realizing the nature of his cultural and regional background, coupled with the limited exposure he received concerning American history and society, I asked myself this question—Could I honestly blame him for his beleaguered point of view? Besides, this is not entirely his fault. He was born in a foreign country that has a history of racial profiling. Regardless, I felt it was my duty to help my friend understand and appreciate the Black American’s plight. Without implying that I was a racist who harbored separatist ideology, I wanted to prove my friend’s comment to be fallacious or unfounded. How? By informing or explaining to him that Black Americans have made more diverse contributions towards American culture and society than any other single ethnic group in American history.

Before totally going off or start lecturing my Japanese friend, I pleaded to hear his argument in its entirety. After listening for sometime, I firmly concluded that his impressions or perceptions were primarily based on what little he was actually taught in school, what he read and heard in the news, or what he saw on TV. Also to his defense, history indicates that the vast amount of meaningful contributions and innovations made by Black Americans were intentionally stifled or ignored. Even highly educated minds and great political leaders labeled these remarkable accomplishments as subterfuge or delusions. Therefore, I could see how a majority of the world, including the Japanese as well, could form this kind of presumption. To go even go one step further, let’s add another perception to his defense composite. What about the negative impact or burden that Black Americans have placed on America’s welfare system? What about the disproportionate number of Blacks that are housed in U.S. prisons? Some claim that this is a crisis that places additional stresses on both the country’s court systems and tax payers alike.

The questions cut through my mind and soul like a hot knife cutting through butter. Anyhow, I had to handle these questions with great care and precision. However, before I could attempt to address or properly answer these self-challenging questions, I had to first realize what was valid and what was not. In other words, should today’s Black American’s social and economical problems, only experienced by the minority of Blacks in America, erase or negate prior achievements and contributions made by that entire race of people? My answer—No! I’m sure this question can be challenged and debated, using both rational and irrational logic. There are many who feel that there is adequate proof or evidence available to contradict the reality that all ethnic groups have contributed to America’s greatness and its demise. However, let them not forget to separate historical fact from chronicled fabrication when presenting their case.

For the most part, throughout history, the suffering, misfortunes and hardships of Black Americans have been well documented. Also well noted are the problems that plague some Black communities—crime, teen age pregnancies, unemployment, poverty, drugs, and health problems—all have received a more than adequate amount of media coverage and documentation as well. Unfortunately, when it comes to positive contributions and achievements made by Black Americans, some people in the world only see what they choose to see. They elect to ignore the vast amount of innovative contributions made by Black Americans. Instead they tend to focus on the negative stereo-types that falsely enlighten the close-minded simpletons and rejuvenate the racist bigots. The amount of great Black American innovators and pioneers that contributed to such fields as medicine, science, art, architecture, literature, exploration, and the military are too numerous to mention. However, some contributions made by noted Black Americans do include: the invention of modern refrigeration and air-conditioning systems, the invention of the traffic light, the final design of our nation’s capital city, the invention of the carbon filament that was used by Edison to create the light bulb. Also, a Black American man designed and assembled the first clock ever built in America. These accomplishments are a minor snapshot of the multitude of contributions made by Black Americans. Furthermore, throughout American history Black Americans have sacrificed many lives in the name of freedom, liberty, and justice for all—only to be denied the right to equally participate in these liberties and freedoms. From the Revolutionary War to The War in Iraq, Black Americans have fought, died, and sacrificed for America. Now, once a person becomes aware of these wonderful contributions made to American society, is it still possible to assume that Black Americans’ only contributions exist in the rhythmic, comedic and athletic domain?

Without the proper education or a constructive learning environment, it is easily understandable to see how certain individuals can develop false perceptions and fall into this kind of stereo-type trap. Relatives, teachers, friends, and community leaders can greatly influence how people think and form their views. At times through out my life, I believed certain things about a particular race or group of people to be true. However, thanks to age, education, travel, open communication, and empathy, I was able to break free of such prejudice and ignorance. I taught myself to judge the human for what he or she is worth as an individual, as oppose to what color or creed they represent. Unfortunately, an ignorant person cannot differentiate fact from assumption. For example, based on my defense posture, in regards to equality, recognition, and justice for the Black American, a person might assume that I favor the Black American over all other races or ethnic groups. But, in truth, throughout my life I’ve often pointed out misconceptions and falsehoods regarding the perceptions of all ethnic groups in America—to include Italians, Jews, Mexicans, Asians, and so on. Therefore, once again, I had to disprove my Japanese friend’s misconceptions of Blacks in America. In doing so, I had to highlight the great contributions and achievements Black Americans made and continue to make towards society in general.

Being ignorant is not a crime by itself. However, being ignorant and refusing to seek knowledge to correct that ignorance is unforgivable in my book. Fortunately, there is a remedy for ignorance and misinformation. Proper education, coupled with desire, is the best remedy to cure ignorance. Unfortunately, due to economics, time, or location, some people are not afforded the luxury of attending college classes or any other formal learning institution. However, there are an abundance of programs, exhibitions, websites, and libraries available throughout the world. These varied sources contain historical facts on just about every subject matter imaginable. New doors to awareness and understanding can be opened and explored. Taking advantage of these educational opportunities can entertain, astound, and inform the knowledge seeker. Who knows? With a little research, maybe one can discover some new facts about the Black American, and other cultural heritages as well. Opening these doors of knowledge can also help dispel myths and stereo types about all races or ethnic groups.

In summary, placing focus on one particular race’s achievement is normally not a burning passion of mine. However, anytime there is ignorance, injustice and denial introduced, I feel a responsibility to challenge the assertion and properly correct the misguided. In the case of my Japanese friend, I’m sure his crude comments were meant to serve as a compliment—showing his appreciation to Black Americans for their achievements in music, sports and entertainment. However, just the mere notion of assuming that Black Americans and their contributions were limited to just these three areas was on the border of being offensive and insulting. There is no doubt Black Americans have contributed more than their fair share towards the advancement of sports, music, and entertainment—a fact which cannot be successfully disputed. However, the Black American’s useful and innovative contributions made in the areas of science, arts, math, medicine, and architecture, just to name a few, can be seen in every aspect of society. I find it quite hard to understand why anyone would attempt to refute or ignore these accomplishments, or any other ethnic group’s accomplishments, for that matter. Nevertheless, we must learn from history, accept it for what it is and was—then move on. We must attempt to eliminate racial profiling or delineation. A world free of jealousy, hatred, and bigotry can be created for our children and their children. Once this is accomplished, complete harmony and unification of the entire human race can truly be celebrated.