Between the World and Me

Although stereotypical treatment of African-American people seems to be a relic of the past, the reality proves another habit. In the book Between the World and Me, Ta-Nehisi Coates discusses the violation of black people's rights based on racial prejudices. The literary work is written in the form of a letter, which is addressed to the writer's son. Thus, the author transmits his vision of the current situation to the next generation pondering on the issues of police violence and racial injustice. Furthermore, the images of sexual assault on African-American women together with other effects of white supremacy demonstrate that the racial oppression remains topical nowadays. Additionally, the book provokes disappointing feelings about the modern American society, treatment of black people, and the freedoms they desperately struggle for. Therefore, Coates' work shows that while the fight of African-Americans for their rights continues, themes of racial injustice, police cruelty, and the inaccessible American dream are the reality of the modern United States.

Gender discrimination of African-American women can be regarded as one of the most crucial issues of contemporary America. Black women are observed as servants who can be easily insulted or victimized by their employers or even strangers. African-American women constantly face challenges due to their gender and color of skin. Race is always lived in class- and gender-specific ways. Taking into consideration this idea, Coates' view on racial discrimination is similar. Indeed, conditions of life of white and black people greatly differ. For example, living in the neighborhoods, which are far away from their workplaces, black women are at risk of becoming victims of sexual harassment and rape. At the same time, African-American single mothers experience contempt and neglect of their rights and position within the society. Those who solely nurture their children and attempt to do their best to provide them with everything necessary are unjustly disregarded in the society. For example, at the end of the book, Coates depicts the story of Mabel Jones who worked hard to provide her children with comfortable life and worthy education. However, the woman could not protect her son, Prince Carmen Jones Jr., from the white police officer who mistakenly shot him. That murder shows that fairness is uneven when comparing white and black people. Sometimes it is not enough for African-American women to work hard to save their children from the racial discrimination and unwanted murders committed by white people.

Furthermore, the idea of the American Dream, which is hardly accessible to black people, shows how the American system of benefits can be available to ones and unavailable to the others. The expert depicts this dream as perfect houses with nice lawns. It is Memorial Day cookouts, block associations, and driveways. Although many black children dream to live in orderly suburbs, attend private schools, and feel safe, it is a privilege of white people to possess all those comforts of the imaginary American life. Moreover, most of African-Americans do not feel protected in the modern American society. Even though the times of racial discrimination and slavery passed, black people cannot walk or talk without fear. In contemporary social settings, whiteness has been identified as a core set of racial interests often obscured by seemingly race-neutral words, actions, or policies. Compared to Coates' narrative, Hartigan also expresses concerns regarding the position that the white people occupy in society. Living in the unsafe districts, African-Americans lock the door and keep a gun instead of using an alarm system. Black people, including his mother, are afraid of “Negroes” who can break into a house and attack them. In the most cases, the American Dream remains just a dream to the African Americans who live in poor suburbs struggling for their life and freedoms.

In addition, the author believes that there are no bright perspectives in the near future. This concept strengthens the feeling of despair after reading the book. Personally, I am both upset and angry because of the particular situation. Undoubtedly, black women should not suffer because of police racial injustice, as well as young boys should not be killed because they are African-Americans. At the same time, the American Dream has to be not a dream but a standard of life available for every person despite his or her social status or origin. For me, it is lamentable that people living in the modernized and industrialized America continue to struggle for their freedoms and rights. It is outrageous that racial discrimination remains the topical issue in the contemporary society. Thus, I believe that every person should be aware of the social problems mentioned above to fight them in everyday life.

Thereby, the position of African-Americans in the modern society is vulnerable. Although people live the 21st century when racial discrimination should remain in the past, the rights of black men and women are frequently violated in different spheres of life. The status of African-American women is exposed to the negative treatment because of their skin color. Although many black women, especially single mothers, work hard to nurture their children and provide them with all comforts of the life, they can hardly protect them from police violence. Moreover, living in the unsafe neighborhoods, African-Americans are constantly afraid for their lives, as well as for the well-being of their native people. Besides, the American Dream that the United States is usually associated with is very distant to the black people. Most comforts of the American life are inaccessible to them. As a result, the above-mentioned issues are fervently discussed in the Coates' book. The author's personal experience inspires the readers to ponder on serious issues the black people face every day.

Carol Bennett, a teacher at pre-school. and a part-time writer at https://order-essays.com/ She has a dream to become a writer. And who knows maybe her first readers will be kids.