Kanyi's Photoblog
Negros
Posted by Rags (Plano, United States) on 2 February 2008 in Art & Design.
My Observation:
As an African (Kenyan) in America, I sometimes am amazed by what seems to me the stagnation of the African American.
Many seem not to have gotten past the fact that their ancestors were slaves and in fact many still hold slavery against the Anglo's who in this country.
As they moan and groan and pretty much do nothing, immigrants from other nations, Africa included, come into this country and amass untold wealth, riches and education.
I for one believe that for their own healing to begin, African Americans have to move on into the 21st century. What happened in the past happened in the past. It shouldn't be forgotten nor should it be used as an excuse for not progressing. I firmly believe that dwelling in the past only prevents them from moving forward.
What are your thoughts?
aggie from Singapore, Singapore
There were alot of wrongs done in the past and there were also alot of rights. Let's learn from the past and strive to live life better.
2 Feb 2008 6:07am
Steven from Montreal, Canada
This a very moving shot. I find the breakdown of the available slaves especially disturbing.
2 Feb 2008 6:16am
Sujit Sudhi from Hyderabad, India
Moving shot. I agree :(
But then, lets throw away all that surge forward.
2 Feb 2008 9:36am
Jen from Alpharetta, United States
I agree with you...learn from the past and don't make the same mistakes, but surge forward and make the future great!
Great shot...a reminder of past ignorance.
2 Feb 2008 1:00pm
Man With 101 Names from Hamburg, United States
well said rags , very thought provoking shot .
2 Feb 2008 1:51pm
Chris from South Jersey, United States
A moving picture - a reminder of horrible things that have occured that we need to remember so that we do not repeat our wrongs again. Your words make for a good bit of thought and discussion - while what you say is true we need to avoid making generalizations and make sure that everyone has opportunity to allow them to move forward and that we keep in mind that many still are unfairly treated because of the color of their skin.
God bless!!
2 Feb 2008 2:05pm
Michael Rawluk from Prince George, Canada
Unfortunately, the past is not that long ago. 35 years ago the struggle was still going on. It is possible that if you have emigrated then, you would have a different attitude.
The photograph is also a sober reminder that slavery still goes on. If you eat a chocolate bar, there is a good chance that you are supporting it.
The ignorance of the past continues.
2 Feb 2008 4:50pm
@Michael Rawluk: You are right, it is possible that if I had emigrated then, I would have a different attitude. I wish i could see things through their eyes. It is true that we all are not playing on a level playing field and the scores are sometimes rigged. My hope is that things will get better.
baobab from Cambridge, United States
Rags, this is a very moving shot.
I agree that one should not be weighed down by the past: it shouldn’t be used to excuse or justify the failings of the present.
Yet… as a traveller who’s lived on several continents I find the US to remain a remarkably racist society. There is still so much discrimination here on the basis of colour and ethnicity. In many senses it is easier and more acceptable for immigrants – no matter their skin tone - to assimilate and succeed than it is for established undergroups to be granted the respect and opportunity to which they should be entitled.
There’s an expression in Africa – PHD = ‘pull him down’. This attitude afflicts many societies burdened by lack of opportunity, resignation and hopelessness. Immigrants are generally those who have managed to attain escape velocity :-)
2 Feb 2008 11:48pm
@baobab: Cool thoughts! On a side note, I have observed traces of the PHD attitude among the Kenyan community in America too.
Ginnie from Atlanta, United States
It still breaks my heart, Kanyi, when I see stuff like this! To be a black Kenyan in American who wants to move beyond the past mistakes is to be commended. I wish I could wipe out this history, but since I can't, it behooves me to be one to aide in the moving-forward process. And to ask your forgiveness!
3 Feb 2008 1:46am
@Ginnie: Well Ginnie, i really appreciate your post. I am a big proponent for looking deep inside and working on the things that shackle me. I would like to say that i forgive you but sincerely, you have done me no wrong! We both seem to be in agreement that moving-forward is the best thing to do.
Richard_Irwin from Belper, United Kingdom
Interesting view Rags. My view is that although the past is the past, the wealthy west (US & Europe) are wealthy because of the labour and exploitation of others, whether they were slaves, or were ruled over by Empires (especially the British). Therefore we live good lives now through that past exploitation, so we owe it to those whose ancestors were enslaved or ruled over to share some of the wealth we enjoy now, (It is because of past exploitation of peoples and their resources). In the UK, the wealthy cities of Liverpool & Bristol were built on slavery, via the sugar trade for instance. I don't think we can right off world history, it must be recognized, but I also agree that it is not positive for any people of any background now to moan about the past but do nothing to improve their own future, the destiny of all our children is in all our own hands.
This is a great post Rags, and quite a big debate. Thanks for posting it.
3 Feb 2008 10:47am
Seraphine from San Francisco, United States
The past isn't always past, Rags.
It is the makeup of our being, our
cultural identity, a shared experience.
Moving forward is indeed necessary,
but to do so, there is always one
foot in the past. It gives direction and
perspective- a clear reason for moving.
3 Feb 2008 8:31pm
Mandy from South Africa
I agree with you wholeheartedly Rags - we tend to have the same sort of attitude here in SA since the 94 elections into our "democracy". People hold onto the past very tightly and almost miss the good opportunities that are coming their way
4 Feb 2008 12:09pm
farmermarn from Baltimore, United States
My thoughts are that yes, people should move on, BUT
it can be difficult. I taught in an inner city school in Baltimore. Many of my students were raised by parents who were very young, drug dependent, and frequently had one or more parents absent. When nobody in the home believes in the importance of education, or the value in holding a job (or even sticking around to see your kid grow) how can a child learn these things? I suspect that many of the parents were raised with the same lack of supervision and guidance. There are, of course, the resiliant children that do well despite these odds, but so many just sink into the same cycle of doing/selling drugs, gangs, and unemployment.
It made me very sad and frustrated because I didn't know how to help.
4 Feb 2008 8:46pm
@farmermarn: it is sad. What are your thoughts on how they can break from the cycle of poverty and the rest.
Gary from Cochise County, United States
Powerful image and sad that some people thought, and even worse that some still do, think this way.
We all just have to keep fighting it till it's too weak to survive.
4 Feb 2008 8:54pm
@Gary: Wise words.
farmermarn from Baltimore, United States
I have NO Idea how to break that cycle.
I think we can help one child at a time if that child is what they call a "resilient" child.
If I thought I knew how to change it I would devote my life to doing so. I found that
I really could only reach one or two children in my own classroom. Most of my students
wanted to do just what they absolutely HAD to do and then get out.
I blame myself for this as well as many other factors. Maybe with more time and
experience I could have improved my skills to engage more students.
I think I found that I love teaching, but very much on a 1 on 1 basis where you
can mentor as well.
21 Feb 2008 11:08am
Nikon D40X
1/125 second
F/4.8
ISO 1400
90 mm (35mm equiv.)