Threat to Society

Society is plagued with fear towards the black man. Many people generalize that all black men are aggressive and that they pose a threat to citizens in the street. In Black Men and Public Space by Brent Staples he is a victim of this stereotype that black men are dangerous. It is very common to hear about black men getting pulled over by police in suburban areas simply because they raise suspicion due to their portrayal in society. Any women walking down a dark street at night will get nervous with a man, regardless of race, walking behind in close range. It’s sad to admit that many are more worried some when that male is black. Unfortunately Black men have been depicted very viciously, but one must not forget that every race has everything. In every race you will find a murderer, a rapist, a burglar etc. Society’s cultural assumptions have made black men seem like the biggest threat, when in reality they are no less dangerous then any other males.

The Determinant Factor

The issue discussed in Roberto Santiago’s Black and Latino essay is an issue I have thought about every now and then while growing up. Many people who glance at me in the street will simply assume that I am black. People a little closer to me know I am Dominican and refer to me as so. While in a predominantly white school where my sister and I were the only Hispanics, we were pushed into the group of black students at our school. I am not complaining because I felt way more comfortable with them then with the other white students. Even though they are my closest friends today, we share many differences in our cultures. The Black American, Caribbean and Hispanic culture have many similarities and differences. Roberto Santiago states, “the culture is the predominant and determinant factor.” While we shared similar skin tones with our friends, my sister and I had a category of our own due to he major differences in culture and language. I have grown to understand that all people from the Caribbean share African blood. I don’t deny my African heritage, for it is very prevalent in the Dominican culture. But the mixture that we Hispanics share with the Spanish and Indios of our countries make us different from others. I see why Roberto Santiago feels he is black and Latino. I just think of myself as Hispanic because I focus so much in the cultures but this essay has given me a new perspective and has definitely got me thinking.

“Music is the universal language of mankind.”

“Music is the universal language of mankind.” That is a very strong reason for why many people’s perception of music changes during struggles and world tragedies. Bernice Reagon’s perception of black music changed during the civil rights movement. She noticed that black musicians have the task of letting the world know about their struggle and their feelings.

Music is form of expression just like any other form of art but music has a way of speaking to people. In face of the tragedy in Haiti many artists, despite of many differences, came together to do a remake of we are the world, in order to raise awareness and to let Haiti know we are here for them. Artists from all different races and from different musical genres came together for one common cause. Music has the ability to let others inside others people’s perturbations.

The different tragedies that I have seen during my life time and the myriad musical collaboration I have seen, have made me see how music does allow others to hear people’s struggles and worries. Black musicians for decades have used their music as a tool to fight the struggle against racism and discrimination and to have their voices heard. Their history has shaped the perceptions of black music of many people.

"Music is the art which is most nigh to tears and memory." ~Oscar Wilde

Slave Rebellion

I find it irrational for people to believe that human beings can be subjected to slavery and they not experience any type of resistance or protest. Many people believed that the slaves were happy during the slave period. They had shelter, food and given basic needs. The revolts showed the desperation many felt to get away from this evil institution that the white man had placed them under. Slaves committed suicide, self-mutilation, and in desperate times ran away. No human being could willingly endure the brutality with which the white slave masters treated their slaves.