Assignment Question

What is your understanding of Jones’ essay on “why Blacks are committed to blackness”; how does Jones define “blackness”; what are the 3 historical realities that comprise, make up “blackness”; and why is Jones convinced that many African Americans seem to embrace “blackness”? – Of the several historical theories/explanations from historians of how the uniquely American (U.S.A.) “one-drop-rule” came about, which one is the most interesting (or convincing) to you? – From your review of the African American demographic data, what is unique or surprising about the African American (AA) demographics: population size/percentage, locations, etc.? – In each of the following 3 areas, what is (at least) one disparity between AAs and white Americans: A) economics (employment, wealth, education, etc.) B) politics/power (elected officials, voting, incarceration, etc.) C) health (cardio-vascular, diseases, food deserts, etc.) – Why do you believe these disparities exist/persist today – 60 years after the modern Civil Rights movement’s achievements, and during a so-called “post-racial” era where a “Black” identified bi-racial person was elected President of the U.S.A.? – What are your thoughts on any of the issues raised in the: PEW’s “5 Facts about Black Americans”; for instance, why do you believe Blacks and whites statistically hold different views on racism in the U.S.? – Despite the disparities, and relatively negative state, what is at least one specific strength of African American communities? – What specific information from any of the resources sparked a wonderment or an unanswered question in your mind?

Assignment Answer

Introduction

Understanding the concept of “blackness” and its significance in the African American community is essential in addressing the historical and contemporary disparities that persist in the United States. This essay delves into the central themes of Jones’ essay on “why Blacks are committed to blackness,” including his definition of “blackness” and the three historical realities that constitute it. It also explores the origins of the one-drop rule, African American demographics, racial disparities in economics, politics, and health, and the factors contributing to their persistence six decades after the Civil Rights movement. Additionally, this essay delves into the Pew Research Center’s findings on Black Americans and examines the strengths within African American communities.

Jones’ Understanding of “Blackness”

In his essay, Jones delves into the concept of “blackness” and its significance in the African American community. He defines “blackness” as a multifaceted identity that encompasses a rich cultural heritage, a shared history of oppression, and a sense of solidarity among African Americans. This definition highlights that “blackness” is not merely a racial identity but a complex and resilient collective identity that is deeply rooted in history.

The Three Historical Realities of “Blackness”

Jones identifies three historical realities that contribute to the construction of “blackness.” The first is the legacy of slavery, which has left an indelible mark on the African American experience. The long history of enslavement and its enduring effects on the Black community are central to their identity. Second, the history of systemic racism and discrimination, including Jim Crow laws and institutionalized segregation, has played a significant role in shaping “blackness.” These historical injustices continue to influence the experiences of African Americans today. Third, the civil rights movement, with its struggles and achievements, is another cornerstone of “blackness.” The fight for equality and justice has become an integral part of the Black identity.

Jones’ Conviction of Embracing “Blackness”

Jones is convinced that many African Americans embrace “blackness” because it serves as a source of strength, resilience, and unity. “Blackness” is a way to counteract the historical injustices and societal biases that the African American community has faced. It offers a collective identity that allows individuals to connect with their heritage, build a strong sense of community, and work together towards common goals. Embracing “blackness” is a form of empowerment that helps African Americans navigate the challenges they face.

The Origins of the One-Drop Rule

One of the most interesting historical theories about the one-drop rule is its connection to the preservation of white racial purity in the United States. This rule, which dictates that any individual with even a single drop of African ancestry is considered Black, emerged as a way to maintain a rigid racial hierarchy. The fear of “racial contamination” led to the creation and enforcement of this rule. It is intriguing how this arbitrary and divisive concept has persisted in American society for so long.

African American Demographics

African American demographics reveal several unique and surprising aspects. The African American population in the United States constitutes approximately 13% of the total population. However, the distribution is not uniform, with a significant concentration in the Southern states. This demographic concentration has historical roots in the Great Migration when many African Americans moved northward to escape the Jim Crow South and seek better economic opportunities. The demographic data showcases the ongoing impact of historical events on the distribution of African Americans in the country.

Racial Disparities: Economics, Politics, and Health

A) Economic disparities between African Americans and white Americans persist in various aspects, including employment, wealth, and education. The unemployment rate for Black Americans is consistently higher than that of their white counterparts. The wealth gap is staggering, with African American households holding only a fraction of the wealth that white households possess. Educational disparities are evident in lower high school graduation rates and limited access to quality education in predominantly Black neighborhoods.

B) Political disparities are visible in the underrepresentation of African Americans in elected offices and the criminal justice system. Despite being a significant portion of the population, African Americans are often underrepresented in political offices at various levels, which impacts their ability to influence policy decisions. Furthermore, racial disparities in the criminal justice system, from arrests to incarceration rates, continue to be a pressing issue.

C) Health disparities in African American communities are evident in higher rates of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and limited access to healthcare services in areas known as “food deserts.” The disparities can be traced back to a lack of access to quality healthcare, systemic inequalities, and socio-economic factors. These health disparities reflect the ongoing challenges faced by the African American community in achieving health equity.

The Persistence of Disparities

The persistence of these disparities six decades after the Civil Rights movement is complex and multifaceted. Despite significant progress in civil rights legislation and societal awareness, systemic racism and ingrained biases continue to affect African Americans. Economic disparities are exacerbated by historical disadvantages in wealth accumulation and access to quality education. Political disparities persist due to gerrymandering and voter suppression efforts. Health disparities are rooted in unequal access to healthcare and the legacy of discrimination in the medical field. These disparities endure due to deeply ingrained societal and structural issues.

The Post-Racial Era and Barack Obama’s Presidency

The idea of a “post-racial” era was popularized after Barack Obama, a biracial person identified as Black, was elected President of the United States. However, this notion is overly optimistic. While Obama’s election marked a historic moment, it did not eliminate systemic racism or the disparities faced by African Americans. In fact, his presidency brought racial tensions to the forefront, underscoring the persistence of racial divisions in the United States. It revealed that a single election cannot erase deep-seated inequalities.

PEW’s “5 Facts about Black Americans”

PEW’s findings shed light on the differences in how Blacks and whites view racism in the United States. The statistics indicate that many African Americans perceive racism as a significant problem, while a substantial number of white Americans believe that the country has made sufficient progress in addressing racial issues. This discrepancy reflects the ongoing challenge of recognizing and addressing systemic racism, as it is often viewed differently based on one’s racial background and experiences. It is crucial to engage in open and honest discussions about these disparities to bridge this gap in perception.

Strengths of African American Communities

Despite the disparities and challenges they face, African American communities possess numerous strengths. One of the most significant is their resilience and cultural richness. African American culture has made profound contributions to the fields of music, art, literature, and social justice movements. These communities have a strong sense of identity and a history of overcoming adversity. Additionally, the support networks within African American communities play a crucial role in helping individuals navigate the challenges posed by systemic inequalities.

Unanswered Questions and Wonderment

Throughout this exploration of African American history and disparities, a compelling question arises: How can the United States move towards a more equitable society in which racial disparities no longer persist? Addressing this question requires ongoing commitment to dismantling systemic racism, implementing policies that promote equity, and fostering open dialogues that bridge gaps in understanding between racial groups. The resources used in this essay have sparked a sense of wonderment about the path to a more just and inclusive America.

Conclusion

In conclusion, “blackness” is a complex identity that embodies the shared history, resilience, and unity of the African American community. Jones’ essay provides valuable insights into this concept, and the three historical realities that shape it. The persistence of racial disparities in economics, politics, and health, even in a so-called “post-racial” era, reflects the deeply ingrained systemic issues in the United States. The Pew Research Center’s findings highlight the disparities in perceptions of racism between racial groups. Despite the challenges, African American communities possess a rich cultural heritage and a strong sense of identity. To address the disparities that persist, it is essential to continue the fight against systemic racism and engage in open and honest dialogues about racial issues, aiming for a more just and equitable society.