I, Too, Am Americaby kooshlaAmerica, the melting pot of the world, and yet its different races haveso much trouble melding together.
According to statistics, in all probability,I have a higher chance than any other race teenager of not graduating from highschool. By stereotype, all I do is eat fried chicken, sell drugs, and playbasketball. In society, I might work twice as hard as the next man and not getthe promotion. I am a part of the percentage who chooses to defy theprobability, break the stereotype, and change society. I, Too, Am America. Unfortunately, in my experience through junior and senior high, thecommon black attitude towards education has been one of neglect.
Not caringabout one “F,” or the other, careening through high school with a gpa of 1. 5. However, there are those who really care about their grades, earning the respectof their peers and friends. I strive to be in the latter group, so that I canbetter myself.
For every black student who makes that extra effort, that bettergrade, there will be another person who becomes more enlightened to the factsand not the fiction of black life in America. In the act of improving my mind,I am not only helping myself but furthering the cause for complete equalitythroughout the nation. As part of America’s black youth, I must grow up in a world of racism,no matter what supposed “huge steps” have been made. It is up to me not to usethis as an excuse but as an obstacle to surmount.
In my lifetime I will befaced with prejudice which may hinder my progress. This opposition must not bemet with excuses for substandard work, or inadequate job qualification. It mustbe met with a serious work ethic, justly qualified applicants, and intelligenceso not to be denied for any reason. Through this procedure black people willgain equality and vanquish the racist mentality. I will be one of those peopleto meet the adversary with full force of mind. I am a black teenager who plays soccer and tennis.
Sometimes I amridiculed for playing these sports by other blacks. I also face ridicule when Imake good grades and care about my school work. There will be times when I willhave to fight against my own race to get where I want to be in life. My highschool career is one of those times.
I am and will continue to be myself. Iwill not stray from my path. Without education and self-respect the blackyouth are being held down by themselves. I and others like me struggle forchange, but it will take more than our struggle to change an entire nation.
“I, Too, Am America?” I am part of the intelligent, strong generationthat will one day run this country. I am part of the heartfelt, determinedblack youth which will one day end the racist mentality. I am true to myobligation by being myself, educating myself, and standing for what I believe in.”I, Too, Am America?” I and others like me are the heart, body, and soul ofwhat America is, should be, and will be.Social Issues
