By Malachi
For many years African Americans always been known to carry a negative reputation. In the late 1960’s and early 1970’s is when African Americans began to step up and speak up to the oppressor. We began to develop something called black pride that also led up to huge revolution movements. One of the biggest movements of them all was the Black Panther movement led by Oakland’s own Huey P. Newton. The Black Panthers were a revolutionary self defense based organization. They did many positive things for the black community but in the media’s eyes they were known for their violent riots and deadly gun fights with law in enforcement. I believe from that point on, black people were looked at as threats to America.
I can personally relate to this because there’s been plenty of a time when I was walking behind a white lady and she gripped her purse as if I was threat to her. When in reality I’m considered a nerd or a square.
Not only did the Black Panther movement put a negative reputation on black people but also the media put a huge negative perception on African Americans. When the media comes to the black community, they always find the most ignorant black person to do an interview. For example, sweet brown got famous off her well known saying “Ain’t nobody got time for that” when interviewed on her house being on fire. The great Huey P. Newton once said “I don’t expect the white media to create positive black male images.”
The point that I’m trying to prove is that we are always negatively portrayed. This is negatively affecting the people of color especially black males like myself. This interferes with my goals in life. This can also stop me from getting into my dream colleges and also succeeding in the work force. It’s sad that still until this day my people are being judged by the color of our skin and not the content of our character.