by Kaya Johnson

Created on: October 04, 2010   Last Updated: October 05, 2010

Unfortunately nobody is really free, but some have more restrictions than others. African Americans are not free, we may not be physically controlled anymore but we are controlled by many other different things. We are not free. We will not be free until the first thing people see when they see us is a human being, not our color First!

1) Jobs - It is no secret the majority of people who do the hiring for jobs are white, it is also no secret the majority of people who get hired for jobs are white. Not only does the unfair opportunity for employment have a great impact on African American life, but it has a huge impact on the African American community. Which brings me to my next point.

2) Community - Not only does the unfair job opportunities control money but it also controls the lives of African Americans. Most African communities have a high crime rate. It is not set in stone or in our blood to commit crimes but it is in this never-ending cycle. We cannot find our way to the top if its controlled by people who are racists, stereotypical, or discriminate. African Americans do not have the proper opportunities to change that so they to find other ways to make it. If we barely have enough money to eat, how can we have enough for a park, or something else to entertain the kids, environment is everything, but you can't have a good one without the right resources. If we had equal opportunities there wouldn't be so much suffering because people wouldn't have to go to extremes just to eat, pay rent, or have fun.

3) Media - We are slaves of the media. The media controls the looks, comments, opinions, and opportunity I get.  The media tends to portray us one way and that is FAT, LOUD, GHETTO, POOR, CRACK HEADS, THIEVES AND STUPID. If only I got a dime every time I was put into one of those categories, which by the way I'm 5'2 and weigh 108 so its not even logical, but it never is.  My friends and I were getting our nails done, and before the lady started on my other hand she made me pay the money, I was the only one who had to. I guess she thought I was going to take off running when she finished.

4)Fear - I live in a predominately white area and have come across a few racists from time to time. It's always in the back of my head what if this one takes it too far, as if it's not far enough to verbally harass me. What if I'm in the wrong place at the wrong time.

We are not free. We will not be free until the first thing people see when they see us is a human being, not our color First!

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