The Non Issue Of Racism In America

In light of the recent killing of George Floyd, the old wounds of racism have opened up. The world is watching the United States with an eye of pity and condescension.

The left-wing Congress, in an attempt to show solidarity, decided to wear Kente cloth. The social justice warriors deemed this to be cultural appropriation and the backlash was resounding and well deserved. The question that must be posed, is if racism is as rampant in modern-day America as the media claims on the news cycle. There is no doubting that The United States has a history of slavery and racial inequality, this fact will always haunt the nation.

To make the claim that in modern-day America there is systematic racism is an overreach and making a mockery of true oppression.

The land of opportunity is just that, every year millions of people have hopes to come to America. It would be self-sacrificing to run into a burning building but somehow immigration to America is always booming. From an African perspective, immigrating to the United States means winning the lottery of odds.

Arriving in America is a chance to improve one’s life and receive opportunities that were not feasible in Africa. It is curious that upon arrival and indoctrination to popular American culture, Africans begin to take the stance of a victim.

The victim narrative in the African American community has spilt over into the African mindset. One of the main reasons why Nigerian Americans are more successful than their counterparts is that they have an eye on their goal and not on possible detractors.

In an African household, kids are taught that they can achieve anything through education and that attempting to fit in will only lessen their chances. Regrettably, some Africans have taken the oppressed stance and have forgotten the values and ambition that brought them to this country. Issues back home in Africa are not ideal and nowhere near perfect therefore to harshly critique a host country is hypocritical. The Governments back home in Africa are ruthless in issues of human rights, the real change needs to happen there.

The United States is flawed and there is no doubt about that, but to proclaim that it hinders the ability of one to succeed is irresponsible. The American constitution is unique in that it guarantees certain inalienable rights, the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. In the year 2020, to blame one’s shortcomings on the past is intellectual dishonesty. The great hope is that African’s will not fall victim to propaganda and instead actualize their dreams and goals.