I believe African and African America studies are very relevant because that information is not taught, in most schools, multimedia, or household, around the world. In the article, Why Black History is not just for blacks it states;”Most of us are reared in an intellectual climate that either disparages the contributions of African and African America people or neglect their contributions all together.” The relevancy of African and African America Studies and programs are critical to the well being of this world because to deny and abused one culture destroys every culture. It is like a burnt cookie, it is still a cookie but it does not taste as good, smell as good, or look as good. Even thought it still has good parts and you may probably still be able to eat, it is still flawed and unhealthy.
“Black Studies understood itself as not only a source of intellectual production and exchange, but also an agency of social change.” (Karenga 31) Knowledge is power and if you have knowledge then you can change the world. Because blacks were first slaves, when they arrived to America a system was started, a need if you will, to keep the slaves in check, by stripping them of their culture and giving them only enough information to work and talk to their masters. They could not learn how to read and they could not congregate outside of religion and worshiping the master as God. I believe that started the neglect of Black study. But now we all can attain the knowledge of who Africans and African Americas are and you can begin to see the flaws stereotypes in the black community and then begin to fix them. With student s learning about African and the Diaspora studies, it would change the dynamics of the world more people would have a proud sense of self and hopefully people will no longer deny Being African.
“Black Studies understood itself as not only a source of intellectual production and exchange, but also an agency of social change.” (Karenga 31) Knowledge is power and if you have knowledge then you can change the world. Because blacks were first slaves, when they arrived to America a system was started, a need if you will, to keep the slaves in check, by stripping them of their culture and giving them only enough information to work and talk to their masters. They could not learn how to read and they could not congregate outside of religion and worshiping the master as God. I believe that started the neglect of Black study. But now we all can attain the knowledge of who Africans and African Americas are and you can begin to see the flaws stereotypes in the black community and then begin to fix them. With student s learning about African and the Diaspora studies, it would change the dynamics of the world more people would have a proud sense of self and hopefully people will no longer deny Being African.
Knowledge is power, so we should take every opportunity to learn no matter what the class or the event. Millions battled for the privilege
ReplyDeleteJessica, I agree with you completely. I believe that African and African American Studies are relevant today because it is a culture just like any other. There are things to learn, and people need to open there eyes to what happened yesterday so they can improve tomorrow. I liked the statement “Knowledge is power and if you have knowledge you can change the world”. That is such a great statement and couldn’t agree more. I feel that our generation is one that can really spread its wings and make a difference because our generation is becoming more advanced. I also really liked your comparison to the burnt cookie. I would have never thought of that analogy, but it is a little confusing. You said that “to deny and abuse one culture destroys every culture”. This is a strong statement and I see what you are saying, but I do not really comprehend it. Is it because people aren’t learning, especially from the mistakes that were made in the past, or are you meaning something completely different?
ReplyDeleteI do agree with you in that African American Studies are relevant, I’m just a little confused.