Why are African Americans always kept down?

Question

Anyone know?

Answer 1

Because the insitutions of hierarchy and class are very difficult to breakdown. I don't think most white people even comprehend the level of discrimination that African Americans are still subjected to.
People find security in their traditional roles in society. Changing those roles is disruptive and scary for them.

Answer 2

For the most part, I don't think that African Americans are kept down by anyone else. I think that some of us tend to play into the stereotypes set up for us instead of going against it. I have plenty of family members who are not kept down, and are doing well for themselves because of their own hard work and determination.

I have an equal amount of family members who believe in their heads that because they are black, they are supposed to act a certain way and do certain things that are not in the best interest for themselves, and these ones have trouble thinking out of the box enough to realize that they can do whatever they want, and don't have to do what society, their peers, and their boys, and whoever else thinks they should do.

Once they change their mindset and their associations, they are no longer kept down.

Answer 3

Many African Americans have bought into it themselfs and have internalized racism. In my opinion you may have too (respectfully) I say this by your words "always kept down", no one is 'Always' anything unless you believe it yourself. Sadly racism is a factor but the African American community does plenty to keep themselves down ( think unwed mothers, violence, toughness,whorebag language etc) Other things that keep cycles going just "are". Such as cycles of poverty, few role models,etc. Historically, Blacks have had more than their share of abuse, certainly. Cultures have used and abused others forever think slavery, indentures servants, feudalism, Barbarians, Romans, Eqyptians slaves and back and back. We are at the best times ever right now. there is more power in going forward.

Answer 4

No one is keeping you down. Its called self segregation and of course there is some cultural bias regardless but in all races. If ones name is Juan, Achmed or even a white guy named Hunter there is bias. LaTonya or your name elicits that as well.

But many people come to america and overcome that. It is the social attitude of saying someone is keeping me down that makes it a reality. Its not anybody else..... its you. You have three kids at 23. Maybe this is the issue not racism.

Answer 5

I personally don't think blacks are kept down. I know in terms of everyday life, trying to get a good job and things like that, there can be racism but you have to ignore it and keep trying. Some (but definitely not all) blacks who end up in poverty or living in the "ghetto" tend to get it in their head that they aren't good enough, it's not cool to do well in school, they're supposed to get into drugs and violence ect because Americans in general play into stereotypes way too much. So if what people see on tv is what they expect all blacks to act like it becomes a silly reinforcement in their head. Anyone can succeed by rising above all the crap that's thrown at them.

Answer 6

Whats make you think your question is accurate? Can you provide and example? How about Colin Powell, made general in the army, Secretary of State - a position held by very few people in the history of the country. Or maybe you'd prefer C. Rice?
They have become successful by hard work, perservance, skill, and determination!
Characteristics not determined by skin color.

Answer 7

I want to know who exactly is keeping black folks down? Who does this? I hear all this oppression crap and how whitey keeps blacks down, but I'm not. I don't have the time, desire, or means to oppress anybody but yet it's always "the white man" doing the oppressing. What self serving BS. Why isn't the question who and how? Answers are themselves and the cultural celebration of under achievement in academics.

Answer 8

You bring up a good point. The blacks are still being kept down by parts of America.

What you are failing to realize is that it is of no fault but their own.

Actions speak louder than words and as long as blacks keep living up to their stereotyps through their actions, they will continue to be "kept down".

If more blacks would take the effort to debunk the stereotypes by doing the exact opposite of them, there would be some change.

It would be an important step for blacks if they were to stop referring to the ones that make success of themselves as "Uncle Tom's" and the like.

Answer 9

You are the enemy of the state. You were brought to this country From Africa to Be slaves - to Build it up. After 400 years you are suddenly so called free. Now your ex masters are afraid of you. They own the country - since you don't own anything - They keep obstacles in your path to prevent you from progressing on purpose. Can't you see that they have to keep it so they will be superior to you. If they allow you to make it as a race, they become inferior.

Answer 10

Dont you mean that they are down as in "down like that" cool hip you know downtown julie brown type down? I think everyone is kept down to a certain degree i mean look at midgets they are always kept down cause they cant get up unless its with a highchair.