Tag: #ethnicdivide

CULTURTAL CLASHES: WHEN BOTH SIDES DON’T WORK

Printer Paper Cut With Orange Scissor

“It’s just not working.”

when two sides come together

People always say love you want to  be with. But not all things are based around love. Because sometimes the differences are far too great to be overlooked. And that is the case for when most people of different cultures decide to get married. And this is hard considering we live in a country where there are so many groups who live in such close proximity of each other. So the idea that people from different groups marry should not be seen as that big of a deal. But it sill means a lot to a lot of different people. But what do you do when both sides are having these issues with trying to bring two people together?

should family have a say

Most people want their families to approve of the person they are dating. And if the family does not approve that could mean disaster for the relationship. But when you have someone who comes from a totally different culture, then that creates a whole new set of challenges. This means the family intervening saying how the kid should be raised. And this is usually not going to be based around your happiness. But more so because it aligns itself with what make them feel good. Only problem is that when you are in the house everyday, make sure this works for you because you have to live this life.

society could really test you

A lot of people don’t care about what society thinks, but when you have to deal with the grunt of their behavior, then it makes a difference. When you have to deal with the ignorant things that people say and do, then you think differently. And if you genuinely don’t want this for yourself, you are going to find yourself in a serious situation. So does that mean to give up on a good relationship, no. What it does mean is that you are going to have to develop some tough skin.

Personal Website: http://www.faheemjackson.squarespace.com
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WE’RE ALL SOMETHING: HOW MUCH DOES ETHNICITY MATTER

 

People Holding Red and Green Striped Flaglets Up High

“Does it really matter.”

my identity

In a society like America where the population is so diverse, we all live in this country comprising of different ethnic groups. You would think a place that consist of so many different people we would understand different cultures and get along. Only problem is that the bulk of the diversity is in about five cities of the 19,000 plus cities and towns in America. So when you look at the landscape of the country, it is no wonder why we still have issues that existed decades ago. But the real question I want to ask is how important is identity really? Because as much as we say I like everybody, how much do we really stand by that statement? It is one of those things we say, but for the most part we don’t live by it.

strength in numbers

People are always in a position to feel like they are being oppressed for whatever reason that appeals to them. So when this happens, there is a sense of comfort knowing there are people there that look like you that will stand next to you. And with that comes this sense of pride that you don’t understand unless you have a group to stand with you. But with that, you can easily fall into this space where that same feeling becomes addictive. And now with those numbers, you can get a lot accomplished that can easily be counterproductive to your cause.

this is still america

We live in America, and a lot has changed. But we must still understand that in this country still, a lot of people aren’t happy with others life choices. And when that exist you are placed in a position in this country to either live your life as you choose. Or the other option is to play by the rules and stay single until you meet someone from your culture. Whatever you may choose realize the country where you live. And that it can be the defining choice that puts you in good or bad standings in society.

Personal Website: http://www.faheemjackson.squarespace.com

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CLASS: THE NEW RACISM

Image result for classism

“Society’s transformation.”

the new injustice

As a young man growing up in the Midwest you got a chance to see something that was quite interesting. And that was the disparity in society regarding the wealth in America. In the majority of minority communities there was poverty and then you had the predominantly White communities. This is where all the wealth was centralized. And as I aged I got a chance to see kids I went to school with, which was mostly White students who came from poor households. Then it hit me, who has the money in America if so many White families are struggling. Because the wealth is growing in the White community, but a lot of White families were poor. Yet the money wasn’t being trickled down to Blacks or Latinos.

numbers and the meanings behind them

When you hear the ethnic group and then look at the stat, you have to ask yourself, what does this really mean? Because if White wealth is growing, Black wealth is actually decreasing in the community, Latino wealth not much growth, and Asian growth is growing, but the numbers are still small; how is it White wealth is growing with a growing poor population. It seems to me like the same families that have amassed wealth money is growing at an increasing rate. Black people are being pushed out, Latino numbers are rising, but wealth is in White hands. What you’re seeing is a rich-poor nation. And when you hear Trump supporters, who are mostly White saying, “Make America Great Again,” they are not realizing their pockets are shrinking from other wealthier White hands.

as we trek along

Moving into the future the face of America is changing, which means the problems will still exist. Only thing is, what will they be. And with the pushing out of communities, you’re talking a cultural clash, a divide, but most of all, class will be a serious war. Because we are already starting to see people fight over who has the right to make what amount of money in a year. And who deserves to make what income. Trust and believe it will head into the future, even by 2050 when so many of Americans are slated to look similar in facial tone.

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RIGHT TO STAY OR MUST GO: THE MULTIPLES VIEWS ON IMMIGRANTS FROM MEXICO

Image result for mexican flag

“Our land as well.”

mexico 

A nation that has just over 50% of the illegal immigrants that exist in America. With less than 10% coming from other places around the globe. And that is because of the proximity to the United States. And as millions have crossed the border and continue to cross the question that has people throughout the nation split on,”Who should stay and who shall go?” Because there are people who have broken the law that are in American prisons, yet the bulk came for a better way of life. Two sides: ones side states that they should go through the legal process like everyone else, while the other side states that if they are law bidding citizens, what is wrong with them staying especially since they are contributing to society.

a conservative stance

There are so many people that are on a long list awaiting the process to come to America. And that is a process which has taken so many people years. So there is this feeling by many of them who think that they have taken that long process to enter. Why should someone else be able to walk across? And the conservative viewpoint in America aligns itself with that view. Now let’s observe that perspective for a second. If I am an immigrant looking to come to America from elsewhere, it has taken me years, and not to mention money spent, what is the feeling knowing someone easily walked across. Or better yet, Americans working everyday, already seeing their employment moved to countries outside the United States, one of those places being Mexico. Now the little employment afforded to citizens is being held in the hands of some of the same countries citizens illegally entering. That viewpoint is enough to cause an outrage within a society.

a liberal stance

Now there is another perspective that exist within society. And that is that a lot of immigrants that have been deported in America recently have been in this country a long time. Some have been here decades. So to deport them would be counterproductive considering so many have been contributing to this country the entire time. A major disagreement is the sending of children back to a nation from which they have never been. It’s like taking a Sudanese kid who was born and raised here in America for the first 15 years of their life and then sending this back to the Sudan because their parents are illegal. The ethnic link exist, but America is a far cry from the Sudan. But also placing kids in what has been compared to interment camps have rubbed even conservatives in a bad way. And as far as jobs, the jobs that illegal immigrants have are jobs that a lot of Americans can’t support a family off of anyways. So what is the solution?

deep routed issues

Some of these issues go deeper than just not being in a country. You look throughout history, we are on the very foundation of Mexican land. Now, through conquest over time, that has shifted, but the sour taste that has been left in the mouths of so many runs deep. Because you’re talking the bedrock of an ethnic group’s existence is deeper routed on this land. Now they are being told once again to leave. So this will continue to be a problem as long as you have the side this is the land of our forefathers and the side of this is the new country and that was the old country.

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RACIAL DISCOMFORT: WHY BLACK AND WHITE PEOPLE FEEL UNCOMFORTABLE IN EACH OTHER’S SPACES

Two Men Talking While Sitting Beside Table

“Still discomfort after a few hundred years.”

so so uncomfortable

Black and White, the two constructs that have kept America in social strife for the past few hundred years. And still to this day there is this discomfort within both communities. But when you look at the time-frame you can’t help but feel more discomfort at how long it’s been going on. And what is the real discomfort because for two groups to be sharing a nation and living so close, you would think by now these conversations would be an after-thought. Well, let’s also put into perspective the Civil Rights Movement was only 50 years ago. So even though we have been in this country a few hundred years, the first 80%-90% were treacherous times.

so so different

When you observe the cultural differences between the two communities there are so many differences, but even similarities. Yet, we behave is such a discomforting manner when we are in each other’s “arena.” And when I say that arena, I mean someone Black walk into a predominantly White establishments or vice verse, we immediately become aware. And from that point forward, we are not ourselves. We shift our behavior to appease wherever we are in the moment. Now, a lot of people would say that’s normal considering we always act different when around culture not our own. But these are not actions of curiosity, but more so actions of fear. Actions where one knows they are behind enemy lines rather than knowing you’re in a different than your own.

connection to life

We are both humans, as with any other group of people. Carbon based life forms that took hundreds of thousands of years to evolve into our selves today. And our relationship with each other is a reaction to our experiences with other. The culture we both have that has been created and cultivated is an American culture that was created in both our communities from direct relationships with country (ex. Black people music, food, and clothing style). And the reality is that we share a lot more than we are different. Both want our children to live in safe neighborhoods, fight for education, want employment to sustain ourselves, yearn for companionship so we don’t have to live alone, and considering we’re Americans, we share our love of sports and food.

My Personal Website: www.faheemjackson.squarespace.com

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OUTSIDE VIEWS: WHAT DO OTHER ETHNIC GROUPS THINK OF AMERICA’S RACIAL RELATIONSHIPS

Image result for CHINESE FLAGImage result for INDIA FLAGImage result for RUSSIA FLAGRelated image

“What do they think?”

not us or them

When you observe the Black and White relationship in America, you can’t help but to acknowledge how stressful the issues can be. But what happens when you are form the outside of the two groups looking inward? Let’s say for instance you are Chinese; typically your strife over time have been with other East Asians. So watching the two groups have conflicts is odd to you. But let’s not get beside ourselves. People from around the world know and understand the longstanding relationships. They, a lot of the time choose to not say anything about the topic. They sit back and spectate, for it has nothing to do with them.

not my problem, but my land

The police beating of Rodney King in the early 1990’s brought about a string of riots, violence, arrests, and deaths. Costing the city of Los Angeles $1 billion at the time of the incident. And when that happened, it wasn’t just a few neighborhoods, the riots forced members of the Korean community to take up arms outside their businesses. Why, well, there was an incident of a convenient store owner killing a young girl.So, when everything was being burned down, they were quickly thrust in to the spotlight. But on average, even though they did nothing, their stores, restaurants, and other businesses could be in the wake of disaster.

opinions can be troublesome

When groups who are not from within get involved, then you can actually further complicate the situation. Because we are no longer making a right or wrong decision. It now becomes who do I align my struggle with, and form their I make my decision. That can bring just more people into the loop and create a new host of problems. Meaning, it’s hard for me to have a stand really on illegal immigration because I want borders to be safe. But I also observe the situation through my own injustices. Now it’s different because my ancestors were forced over not broke international waters. But the nonetheless, it just feels awkward. Now, what do you think if you are from a different ethnic group watching the social strife?

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POST RACIAL: ARE WE REALLY AS RACIAL TODAY AS IN THE PAST

“How far are we now?”

out the past

In the recent years, we have found ourselves having the old topics of race relationships in America once again. With the introduction of our current President Donald J. Trump, people feel with his election came a sense of racial tension. Some have said he inspired the hate with rhetoric, while others feel it has always been apart of our culture. The above video is of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.; a civil rights leader that fought against racial inequality, prejudice, and segregation before ultimately being assassinated in the year 1968. So how far have we really come since the the turbulent days of the mid 1950’s to late 1960’s Civil Rights Era?

2018

So out of the past we have rallies and marches still on social injustice. So what must be done to combat such issues. Because yes, marching and protesting keeps the conversation going, but what about action. What about actually making things happen as oppose to talking about it. Within the past week, we were privy to see Lebron James open the school in his hometown of Image result for lebron schoolAkron, Ohio. Where public schools are failing children, he started a school. Which will jump start young people’s lives in that city. A lot of students are African American in school districts heavily underfunded. So economics and education aids in dealing with the problems today. Yet, there is more than just education and economics that will fix this issue.

the White base

What does White America think of the recent issues that our country have been going through? Better yet, do the majority of White men and women even know or care? Because when things are not taking place in your community that is not reflective of you, does it matter? And these are just a few questions as to why it has not really been on the mouths of too many White Americans. Or another suggestion is that there are other issues to be worried about. I live in the Midwest, and there is this prevailing thought that White Americans have all this money. But coming from this region of the country, so many are struggling economically. They are just not concerned with social issues. Are White men and women, if at all responsible for combating racial tension on their end, or just focus on themselves. Especially if they are racist themselves.

My Personal Website: www.faheemjackson.squarespace.com

Instagram Me: @theefaheemjackson

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Medium.com/@faheemjackson

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