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Sierra Bligh
AP Lang Pd.1
Kelley
9/25/13
What is an American?
Few peoples have gone through the horrors African Americans have had to endure
throughout history. The cruelty was inexplicably immoral and took years to overcome in this
society and in others. People commonly believe that these problems are a thing of the past; just a
sad part of history, and yet Americans have a long road of moral rehabilitation until this becomes
a prideful country once again. Today African American citizens are still marginalized in the
USA, since the first slaves were brought here and denied rights in colonial times, after their
emancipation and victory from enslavement, and even in the present day are oppressed in urban
slums and neglected by the government.
In the beginning slaves were brought into the virgin lands of the New World that had
already been tainted by the blood of the Native Americans. The English diseases killed
thousands of natives and African Americans destroying the indigenous population and wiping
out the slaves that survived the voyage into the Americas. They had been shipped to the land in
order to obtain more efficient workers and replace the Indian slaves on plantations and other cash
crop farms. Africans were not considered people, let alone Americans, and the Slave Codes of
1740 (they continued into the 1800s) confirmed this belief. Slave Codes varied from state to
state in the colonies and declared the master to have all power over their slaves. It denied African
Americans basic rights and created a bigger gap between social classes all over the states. Slaves
were to be kept in due subjection and obedience rather like the way people keep hold of unruly
animals (Statues at Large). Also all Negros and Indians, whether they had already been freed

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would be forever hereafter, absolute slaves disregarding the families or peoples who had
already won their freedom (Statues at Large).
Once slaves won their rights the road was long and hard, creating their own future
became a daunting task in a world run by the color white. Many could not read or write and even
though they were free work was hard to find almost anywhere. African Americans continued
to work as hired help and were paid however much the family decided. These jobs could be
easily lost, and if the family didnt like their help the rest of the town wouldnt hire. Racism was
still apparent throughout many cities and yet people turned a blind eye to the issue. In the book
There Are No Children Here by Alex Kotlowitz he documents two young black Chicago boys
from 1987-1989. He explains the horrors of the government housing they lived in, the police
brutality the community faced, and the disregard of their society within the government. In these
impoverished communities these issues become a common fact of life. In a neighborhood where
children can be kicked called niggers and physically and verbally abused by police and
gangs on the street, it makes one wonder how they could ever hope for a better future
(Kotlowitz). This should make Americans think about where, or when, these young kids could
ever feel safe, and how they go unnoticed and unassisted by any aspect of the government. This
nation suddenly doesnt seem as fair as it once did.
Even though in the present day things have improved and African Americans were given
just as many rights as any other race in America, and are now mostly regarded as equal in every
aspect of society. In addition, the mass population of the United States is no longer racist and
have become much more open minded in government and in politics. However, this doesnt
mean there isnt still prejudices piercing through the open-mindedness citizens believe and hope
America contains. Even if most people arent racist, this doesnt make it okay for there to be

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racists still participating in hate throughout the USA. When Obama was elected for instance,
there was outrage, people questioned his religion and birthplace. He was accused of not being a
genuine American and told he couldnt be the president by thousands of citizens. If people
believe America has gotten passed its bigotry ideals they are sadly disillusioned. No one
questioned the birthplace of John McCain, or Mitt Romney, because their skin is clearly lighter.
Their skin speaks louder than their words.
Overall, African Americans have conquered an amazing amount of struggles throughout
history and have gained full rights from their determination. They have always been Americans
since the first day they set foot in this country. But, now they are regarded as one in every corner
of our nation. Being an American has less to do with where, or what someone was born as or
into, but rather what theyve overcome. Americans are a strong independent people that fight for
what they believe in and withstand the test of time. Whether theyve immigrated for a better life,
or have always wanted to come to this country to be free, an American should be judged by their
willingness to strive for a better future. Although history is hard to look past and the prejudices
we have tried to demolish still come back and haunt us, African Americans are still marginalized
in society even if its not seen every day. If the American people can realize the obstacles they
must overcome then they can all bring forth their best effort and create a truly accepting country.

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Works Cited
Kotlowitz, Alex. There Are No Children Here: The Story of Two Boys Growing Up in The Other
America. New York: Doubleday, 1991. Print.

The Statutes at Large of South Carolina. Containing the Acts Relating to Charleston, Courts,
Slaves, and Rivers, Vol. 7 No.670 (1840). Print.