CultureEssay Preview: CultureReport this essayThe celebration of significant figures in history such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is bound to bring people together. Individuals make speeches, have parades, and ceremonies to honor them. On the day of Dr. King’s observed birthday, a commemorative parade took place in New Orleans afterwards Mayor Nagin gave a speech that caused quite an uproar because the words he used to express his feelings were problematic. The nature of the problem dealt with his opinion expressed in the speech. I feel many of his statements were inappropriate and failed to convey his true message.
One of his comments was, “This city will be chocolate at the end of the day” (BBC News). The “chocolate city” label was supposed to be representative of the black culture in New Orleans. Before the hurricane, the population was majority African American. The rich culture of African Americans was reflected in New Orleans’ food and music. Much of their delicious cuisine and the elements of jazz make the city unique, but Nagin did not identify these qualities as a significant part of the city. However, his main goal was to urge the black community to come back to New Orleans and to show them he appreciates what they have to offer. Nevertheless, the mayor did not clarify these points in his speech.
In addition, Mayor Nagin failed to acknowledge the diversity within New Orleans. Although majority black, the city is comprised of other races such as White, Mexican, and Asian. Every group contributes something different and exciting to the city, which together creates a city rich in culture. Mayor Nagin did not display New Orleans as the melting pot that it is. He made the city look bad because he, as the mayor, represents everyone. As a leader, he must present a united front, not to just the city but to the entire United States. The people of New Orleans deserve to be recognized as a whole, not a city divided.
Nagin blurred the line between defending the African American culture and appearing racist. Although he did not meant to put anyone down intentionally, his biggest mistake was inappropriately including God in his speech by claiming that a “chocolate city” is “the way God wants it to be” (CNN). This reference was unnecessary and offensive to many people. Nagin does not have the right to make such a statement because he is not God. Therefore, Nagin appeared racist. It is understandable for Nagin to have a close connection to the black community since he is black; however, he has to learn not to seem biased regarding races other than African American because of the position
Soros’ use of the Emancipation Proclamation to bring about social justice and equality is shameful. But there is no way that a person can change their behavior and become more open and humble because of a racist and homophobic symbol. The truth is that there is a great diversity within this country that is not representative of the national conversation. The fact that this is happening on the international level is indicative that if any member of the United States community is willing to share the black community’s diverse and tolerant roots, then it’s more than welcome and I hope our movement will continue to succeed. But if white America and the world are going to continue to change, then so be it. While I am certainly glad that our black brothers and sisters are on the front line fighting to protect all Americans, it is also a sad fact for the lives of all black people in the United States of America: the impact racial discrimination has had on the people of this country. This race prejudice, discrimination, discrimination of the very foundation and the life of the race has been built upon. The U.S. House of Representatives recently voted in favor of legislation passed by the African American vote that will make a mockery of the history of the South. This legislation includes the Black History Month. This discriminatory legislation also includes legislation that would deny the basic right of African Americans in this country to vote. This bill passed the D.C. House of Representatives along with House Bill 2, which would ban the racial profiling of U.S. residents. I can assure you that I can assure all of my friends of the United States that a ban of this sort is not going to be the last thing that will come along in this nation’s history.
What’s clear is that racial profiling is a serious issue; it is deeply rooted in history and that this is one of the things that we must learn from history to face and fight. These people who are talking about racial profiling, in the minds of most of us, are racists. They often use the “black man in uniform” excuse and the language is used by many in power. However, it isn’t racist when we treat blacks as second class citizens. What we are trying to do is bring about a world that recognizes and respects the diversity in the society; that does not demonize the past, even if we believe that there are too many people of color everywhere. In order to address this problem, we must also deal with people of color who don’t see the problem, because many of us often think that those of us in power think this way. Yet, that view is