I am a Man

Actually, I've experienced some sort of discriminations as a woman and an asian. I think such an oppression is a pretty absurd and terrible thing we should remove in the world. But I can't change it by myself.

In Korea there is just one people, so we don't have racism. But when I traveled abroad, I saw so many peoples and diverse cultures. At the first time, when I talked to black people, I was frightend. Because their voice was so loud and I couldn't understand what they said to me. But right now I have a friend Rabah, of course she is diffent from African-American. But from Rabah, I learned they are all the same person. Except about culture, there was no diffences between Rabah and me just like between SeungA and me.

But at the same time, I saw many black people in Chicago especially beggers. And I heard from my uncle that Naperville is very good place to live because there is a few African American and even a few of them are rich enough to have expensive, fancy house. I was surprised that racism was still seriously existed and it was in the revealed reality. I had just abstract and simple knowledge. For instance, I just knew the name of Martin Luther King and Malcolm X. And I didn't know who they are and why they are so famous. But in the last Culture class, it was really shocking. Seeing a documentary, I was shaking my body because of astonishment. "I am a Man"  I felt real sadness and anger from the bottom of their heart. Why are they treated like a dull existence?!!! But it wasn't just an impulsive problem. That problem made a social invisible structure, and as I said it's not such a problem solved by a few realized people. It's very serious and important problem to ponder. When I saw some criminals in the jail, I was surprised, because the jail looked like a black people habitat. I don't have sufficient knowledge about this, so I don't know how we can reduce and remove this absurd oppression. But I attracted to this subject by the short documentary and some photos. I'am expecting next wednesday. I really want to know about this so I can understand the American Culture truly.

The discriminations is emcompassing our lives.

Comments

[Tone Stockenstrom]

I really enjoyed reading your essay titled
" I am a man" I think that is very powerful and sad statement. Chicago is a very segregated city and it is important that we go the south side of Chicago in culture class to learn more about African-American culture and heritage. It will provide us with a lot of understanding. I am glad you thought the documentary titled America Beyond the Color Line was thought provoking, I also think it gives you a clear picture of the realities. There are so many layers to explore within the film.

Thank you for your post!

Tone