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I, Too, Am America

I, Too, Am America


by kooshla

America, the melting pot of the world, and yet its different races have
so much trouble melding together.   According to statistics, in all probability,
I have a higher chance than any other race teenager of not graduating from high
school.   By stereotype, all I do is eat fried chicken, sell drugs, and play
basketball.   In society, I might work twice as hard as the next man and not get
the promotion.   I am a part of the percentage who chooses to defy the
probability, break the stereotype, and change society.   I, Too, Am America.
Unfortunately, in my experience through junior and senior high, the
common black attitude towards education has been one of neglect.   Not caring
about 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 respect
of their peers and friends.   I strive to be in the latter group, so that I can
better myself.   For every black student who makes that extra effort, that better
grade, there will be another person who becomes more enlightened to the facts
and 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 equality
throughout 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 use
this as an excuse but as an obstacle to surmount.   In my lifetime I will be
faced with prejudice which may hinder my progress.   This opposition must not be
met with excuses for substandard work, or inadequate job qualification.   It must
be met with a serious work ethic, justly qualified applicants, and intelligence
so not to be denied for any reason.   Through this procedure black people will
gain equality and vanquish the racist mentality.   I will be one of those people
to meet the adversary with full force of mind.
I am a black teenager who plays...