African American philosophy - Essay Example

Philosophy is a detailed system of ideas about human beings and the nature of the human existence and truth. Actually it is a complete guide for living. It deals in issues which are fundamental and consider the steps we take in life for progress. It also deals with our attitude and treatment of other people. The main branches of Philosophy are: Metaphysics, which deals with reality, Epistemology, which deals with knowledge, Ethics, which considers moral values, Politics, which accounts for legal rights and governments, and Aesthetics, which looks in to nature of art. While we start to think of African American Philosophy, the first point going to pop up is the attitude of the citizens in developed countries towards the men in Africa. When compared citizens of United States and Africa, we understand that the Blacks are considered to be second-class citizens in the United States. In fact they are not considered human beings at all. In the past, they were treated as slaves. They were made to work day and night, beaten with sticks and transported along with asses and horses. They were not given proper food. When they were sick, they were not given medical treatment. They lived miserably. They had no hope of future. Things have not changed much, according to Charles Mills. At least a section of the U.S. citizens still see the Africans as somebody who maintains lower standards of life. Even though slavery has been abolished that sort of mindset still continues. Law was enacted to strengthen the concept that Blacks are sub-persons. The pity is that not even an apology was given by the authorities for the misdeeds and torture towards the Blacks for centuries. In fact, many Americans feel that it is time to stop the little benefits given to the Blacks and to cancel the measures which objected to ill treatment of the Afro-Americans. They think that enough is enough and it is time to stop the concessions. They fear that it would amount to create discrimination against Whites. When we approach the problem from the side of African citizens, it is clear that an inferiority complex remains in their brains and minds. They themselves keep the wrong feeling that Blacks are second-class citizens. They have no hope of a happy future. They still live in poverty. The wages are comparatively much lower. Job opportunities also remain lesser. They are not likely to get good education or medical treatment. Just through an example, the consideration being given to Whites and Blacks could be compared. For the same crime the Blacks black may be sent to jail, whereas the Whites may be let free. In every respect the Blacks are treated harsh. In other words, their condition has not improved at all even before law. In fact, it has deteriorated, feels Charles Mills. Time has changed. But not much has changed for the Blacks. Their problems have not been addressed seriously. It has been wrongly said that the Blacks are not taking enough interest in the country, nor in their future and that they do not bother to be a part of the society. It is said that they do not try to come out of the negative situation they are in and for that they only need to be blamed. That is not a valid statement. It is nothing more than an excuse. It is absurd to think that they want to remain where they are. Do not forget, the part they played in nation building. Many numbers of roads, buildings and similar structures are there because of the manpower and work skills of the Blacks. It is silly to think that they are lazy. The Blacks think that they are not given justice. They only want their genuine rights. They are not expecting charity. They want the discrimination is buried for ever. The country belongs to them as much as it is for the Whites. The issues which have put them down should be modified to uplift them. But for the sweat of the blacks, The United States of America would have been nowhere. They have done enough to convert the country into a large nation. They have done much more than the Whites. They must be allowed to reap the harvest now. They deserve their dues. There is a debate going on with respect to the compensation to be paid to the present generations, for the cruelty inflicted on their ancestors' decades ago. It is said that this will to some extend, eradicate the foul, dark image of the country's history. But opinions differ. It does not make sense that collecting money for the torture suffered by forefathers' generations ago will settle the matter. Not all whites are bad. A few individuals may be bad. That is so everywhere. Can we generalize that the entire White community be branded as cruel and harmful What about the violent attacks by the Blacks on Whites time and again in the recent times Let us not divide the people as Whites or Blacks. So it is better to do away with this restitution. American Negros forms a united race. Their problem is how to guide their future so as to take care of their survival, growth, and freedom. They want this or they will die. It will be stupidity on the part of the government to put an end to this group. And it is a crime too. It is high time the Negros realize this fact. What they want is not money but recognition. They are ready to sacrifice their happiness for the race. It is their duty. The more the number of people ready for sacrifice, the smaller will be the share of sacrifice needed. Even before Mills, another well known author, Ralph Ellison has written in his book by name "Invisible Man" that the black is getting wiped out from the consciousness of the society. Mills discusses two subject matters in the book "Blackness Visible". First one deals with the Whites. The second one determines whether the race can control philosophical consciousness. Mills has gone into details about a number of issues. Some relevant ones are Black-Jewish relationship, white supremacy, racism, genocide etc. He has given much importance to the opinions of philosophers since ancient times and analyzed them very sharply. He also looked into the philosophical, sociological, political and literary considerations. Mills believes that the race deserves attention. Race came into existence because of slavery, colonialism etc. He throws focus on the contrasting modernity between the Whites and the Blacks. He deals with White supremacy, racial conspiracy theories etc. He demonstrates the critical issues of the blacks. Mills feels that American political system is ideal. But European political system has great influence on it. Mills deal with race theory not in terms of politics and sociology, but on philosophy. He has made a thorough research. His arguments in the work are convincing. He has successfully achieved his objective of exhibiting the very pitiable condition of the Blacks. His points are vital and at times witty. He has arranged and detailed the points orderly and effectively. His control over the topic and the literature is amazing. His suggestive actions are also worthwhile. This book emphasizes that by analyzing the philosophy of race creation, the importance of the political analyses of the race can be determined. According to Mills, racial division is the policy of European culture. He claims that his writing is based on factual information. He mentions about a Racial Contract entered into by 'Whites' and the remaining humans known as 'Non White sub- persons'. Inferiority and sub- personhood of the Non Whites are exposed by Mills by dealing in political and moral aspects of the contract. It confirms that the policy of the government has always been that in the society, the Whites have all the rights, privileges and protections and freedom. It restricts equality of the Non Whites. That amounts to their being not free and not equal. The impact of racism on the Blacks is very damaging. It leads to a situation where a large number of human beings in the world remain unhappy throughout their lives. This makes them non-productive and inferior. The existences of such societies altogether remain meaningless. Unfortunately racism has not died down. Even in the era of knowledge and humanism, in fact it is on the rise. What is alarming is it may lead to racial hatredness and violence, when the fundamental rights of a human being are being denied. It also leads to a situation where a society of lower standard, whose condition further deteriorates become a reality. It has been acclaimed throughout the world that Whiteness is supreme. It gives some sort of liberty even in sub conscious mind to do anything. It proclaims the freedom to forget the past conveniently. It authorizes to ignore the effects of political economy of the present. But on the reverse side, one can see that a huge population is suffering to remain the supremacy of Whites. This is not acceptable. Every individual shall get equal opportunities irrespective of the color of their skins. Political theory has taken the whites for granted. There is a view that citizenship of some countries means the subordination of citizens of some other countries. It looked as though the Blacks are born to struggle and the whites are born to just enjoy life. Mills explains that he cannot understand why in a democratic country, which preaches 'political equality', racial discrimination still remains. In the case of every individual there comes a time, when he relaxes and looks ahead about his future. In the case of a Black it is simply nothing but bleak. He also has desire, ambition etc. He also wants education and entertainment. Can he not think about his own family Has anybody in power or governmental bodies any concern for him He has only been exploited and then neglected. Can this be called democracy Democracy fundamentally it preaches equality, equal rights, liberty, freedom, love, respect and cooperation. Then why the poor Black is still made to suffer Why he is still considered as outclass It is a pity that those in the high positions turn a blind eye to the downtrodden. They refuse to look into the resentment and suffering of them. The outlook of the civilized society should be not merely to amass large wealth and lead luxurious life, but look into the welfare of humanity, help them, share with them. Given here are some measures to establish equality among the races. This will encourage the blacks to participate in the mainstream activities of the country. They should get a participative role in all decisive matters related to their nations. They should have a say in matters related to administration, policies and the like. An administration which is not looking after the welfare of the whole society cannot be viewed as one delivers justice. And it is not advisable for an administration to retain two classes of society. Along with taking effective steps to assure that no ill feeling is created in the minds of a group of citizens, the administrative bodies have the responsibility to assure decent life to all human beings. These bodies should assure that ill treating of a section of people is not being done by any agency and in any sector. In education, job opportunities and matters like law all citizens should be treated as equal ones. No attempt should be made to create a privileged class in the society. No doubt, these sorts of policies will be of much help to the groups in the society which become downtrodden due to the neglect of authorities and other sections in the society. Those who are being denied their rights will be happy if they get consideration. These steps may not be complicated ones for the authorities, but that will have very good effect: Mingle with other groups, in fact with various groups. Have free chat. Discuss with them their problems. Give guidance, if possible. This is bound to enhance relationship and harmony. This can eliminate prejudices. Take part in anti-racist activities. Organize some such groups with those having the same views. This will pave the way for reducing racism. Activities in groups can do wonders. Take measures to eradicate the menace of racism. Consider that if no effort is made, it amounts to encouraging racism. Have a discussion with others on the topic. Take their points. Each one should understand the stance of the other. This will surely help fight racism at the individual level. Those who are in high positions, holding responsible status can definitely influence the people and achieve the proper result. These are very simple things, but these can really very effective. Does anyone else have any ways to help create racial equality No doubt, Mills is telling the truth. The blacks have been subjected to torture, slavery for centuries. They have suffered the maximum. The whites have ill treated them in all manners. All in-human acts have been inflicted on them. It is well known throughout. No one can deny it. . But the point is, is this situation continuing Are they still the second class citizens Or are they not citizens at all Is the present government showing a blind eye on them Have they been neglected Are they still leading the precarious life as in the past Is there no improvement on their living What about their education The whites have utilized them to build America. They were made to build high-rise buildings. They were needed to do Herculean tasks. They had to lift heavy weights. They had to work in the hot sun and in snow. They were there to do everything and the Whites lead a comfortable and pleasant life. They were utilized for laying the pipes, laying bricks and cement, cleaning the drainage, cleaning the roads etc. They were required for everything. The Whites don't prefer to do hard labor. All the projects came to shape because of the manpower of blacks. In fact there is no activity of hazard in which they did not participate. Without them the country would have remained a village. They are fully responsible for nation building. They did everything other than probably design. What did they get in return Only pain and torture. They did not take rest. They were not given even basic education. When they were sick, no treatment was given to them. In short the whites enjoyed their life; but the blacks struggled to survive. Can this go on for ever Is there no justice for just because they were black Mills has given his suggestions about doing justice to them. Now let us consider the other side of the topic. Is it right to say that the Blacks have been neglected even now Imagine you get as chance to visit New York. As soon as you land there you find Blacks in emigration, customs, and various civil aviation department doing highly responsible jobs. There are black men and women in plenty. You go to the duty free shop, restaurant. You find them in all cadres. You go out of the airport and you find cabs driven by blacks. On the way you come across large trucks driven by n blacks. The next day you visit bank or any office or shops. Again you find them everywhere. Who can say that they are neglected By now you would have experienced that there are more blacks than whites in all streams of life in the place. Is that all It is well known that blacks dominate sports and games in America. In athletics, almost cent percent representing the country are blacks. What about Basketball. It is the same story. That holds good for rugby, baseball, American soccer, boxing and so on. Even in football and lawn tennis there are black talents. Almost all world record holders of America are blacks. Think of Williams's sisters, Arthur Ashe (in lawn tennis), Michael Johnson (in athletics), and Mohammed Ali (in boxing) The list is endless. Go to hospital; go to universities, libraries, supermarkets. You find them holding top to bottom positions. In all walks of life they are there. How can anyone say that they are neglected That they are discarded That they are not given the opportunity they deserve It is true that they were in bad shape earlier. But it is not so at present. They get as much opportunity as the Whites. There is another bad side of it. We find some of them violent and ill tempered, doing antisocial activities. In fact their involvement is observed in every crime. All the Asians are very comfortable with whites, but are scared of the blacks. We can even say that they look down upon the Asians, whereas the whites have high regards for the Asians. There are pockets in America, where majority are Blacks, where the Asians are even afraid to go. Asians have no such limitation with the Whites. In fact it is well known that the Whites of America are much more accommodative and social and friendly than the British and other Europeans. All these do not mean that all the blacks are bad. It emphasizes the fact that good and bad are there in all spheres of life. There are merits and demerits everywhere. The Blacks were tortured by the forefathers of the present Whites. But the present day Whites are not to be made responsible for that. The Whites of the United States of America are much superior to their counterparts in Europe. The government is doing their best to uplift the Blacks. There are even educational institutions and universities for the Blacks. Work cited African-Americans Are Tired of Being Treated Like Second-Class Citizens, http://searchwarp.com/swa132898.htm, Sunday, February 18, 2007.web.12.2009 Read More