“Uncovering the Unspoken: 1619 Project”

After viewing the 1619 Project, I strongly believe that black communities must deepen their understanding of these complex issues and how we can come together to create a justice system that works for us all.

  I can make many connections to this viewing. On a personal level, I can relate to the struggles of being a black person in America. On a text-related level, I can relate this to the short story “Hey Mama” by Kiese Laymon. In this story, Laymon talks about living life as a black person/man in America and how black women are the most mistreated, yet the most needed.

To disrupt the power dynamics rooted in racism and oppression, it is crucial to work with the community. In particular, black communities must come together as a unified force to stand up against discrimination and racism. By building and strengthening our communities and bonds, we can stand next to each other and fight to break down the walls of racism and move forward in society.

It is important to remember that one unit is more powerful than a few people standing alone. We can build stronger communities by organizing community events, supporting local businesses owned by people of color, advocating for policies that promote equity and justice, and engaging in community organizing efforts.

Together, we can create a more just and equitable society for all. With collective action, we can make a real difference in our communities and in the world.

The legacy of centuries of miscegenation still affects us in many ways in the US. One example of this is the mistreatment of Black women in the medical field based on misleading stereotypes. Black women often do not receive the same level of medical attention and assistance as white women, leading to disparities in maternal and infant mortality rates.

For instance, Chrissy Sample lost one of her twins during her pregnancy because her white doctor dismissed her pain and feelings.

Another example is the continued requirement of racial makeup information to obtain a marriage license, which dates back to the Racial Integrity Act.

These examples illustrate how the legacy of miscegenation continues to impact our society, reinforcing racial disparities and inequities.

Women have resisted the domination of their bodies in many ways, both in the past and present. One significant way is through activism and protests. Women have organized strikes and marches, such as the Women’s March and the #MeToo movement, to demand reproductive rights, bodily autonomy, and freedom from gender-based violence.

Another strategy is raising awareness and educating people about feminism, misogyny, and the ways women are mistreated medically. This includes challenging laws that seek to control women’s bodies, such as abortion bans, and advocating for policies that protect women’s health and rights. By doing so, women are able to take back control of their bodies and fight for their rights.

Through these efforts, women are able to make their voices heard and create a more equitable society. By standing together and speaking out, women can make a difference and ensure that their rights are respected and protected

Fear has been used to weaponize Black men and to reinforce gender roles and stereotypes in several ways. Historically, Black men have been stereotyped as aggressive, hypersexual, and dangerous, which has led to fear and mistrust from the wider society. This fear has been exploited by those in power to justify the oppression and marginalization of Black men, including through discriminatory laws and policies, and aggressive policing and surveillance.

    In addition, fear has been used to reinforce rigid gender roles that dictate how men and women should behave. Men who do not conform to traditional notions of masculinity may face ridicule and ostracism from their peers, leading to anxiety and stress. Black men, in particular, have faced a unique form of gendered violence and oppression that is intertwined with racism and other forms of discrimination.

    The weaponization of fear against Black men and non-traditional gender roles has had harmful effects on individuals and communities. It has contributed to the over-policing and incarceration of Black men, the stigmatization of mental health issues, and limited opportunities for personal growth and self-expression.Fanny, the wife of an enslaver, kept a journal in which she documented her encounters with enslaved women and her thoughts and feelings about them. One entry, in particular, stood out to me: Fanny referred to a Black enslaved woman as a ‘poor creature.’ Even though I know that Black people were not considered fully human during slavery, I was still struck by the dehumanizing language Fanny used. Another disturbing practice that stood out to me was the forced breeding of enslaved women. When I hear the term ‘breeding,’ I typically associate it with animals, such as dogs or horses, and not with the brutal reality of women being forced to reproduce against their will.

As I watched some of the scenes and heard about the horrific treatment that people who look like me have endured, both in the past and in the present day, I felt a deep sense of sadness and despair. Although I have been aware of the injustices and discrimination faced by Black people for most of my life, it still shocks me to see the extent of the hatred and cruelty that some individuals are capable of. Watching some of the scenes made me feel angry and disgusted, as I struggled to come to terms with the sheer brutality of what had happened to innocent people.

The speaker/author  Nikole Hannah-Jones uses language in various ways to communicate her point of view in the 1619 Project including Emotional language, Metaphors and analogies, Historical context and Personal anecdotes.Hannah-Jones shares personal anecdotes to illustrate the impact of racism on her own life and the lives of other Black Americans.This personal touch helps readers connect emotionally with the subject matter.

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