Hannah Christensen

4/14/15
Sociology 1010-023
Assignment #3

In this documentary, Two Nations of Black America, there are many examples that
demonstrate the disparity between the black middle class and the black underclass. It is
truly saddening to watch this film and realize that things have not improved for Black
America as much as society would like us to think. Through a lot of hard work,
protesting, rioting, and with the help of affirmative action, Black Americans have been
able to rise above to a better state than they were in. However, a discouraging amount
of Black Americans have been left in the dust and are struggling just as much as they
were before any civil rights movements. I believe that this gap exists because while
some are given opportunity and have risen to a better social class, there are others that
are working just as hard, but are ignored by the elite upper class.
There are multiple factors that affect social standing in America, and while racism is
definitely a front runner for causing this class gap, the documentary failed to recognize
other factors that have caused this divide. Bad neighborhoods, dropping out of school,
joining gangs, broken families and many more reasons can contribute to widening the
gap between the middle and under classes. The one that the film did mention was the
hip-hop and rap culture that has reinforced stereotypes and doesnt always portray
Black Americans in a positive light. The violence that is associated with gangster culture
is definitely a factor as well and in the film, Gates does state that Black America also
must take personal responsibility for these negative associations contributing to the
problem.

While African Americans can take responsibility for some of the inequality between
classes, it actually falls on White America to align ourselves with Black America. The
film states that since MLK Jr. was assassinated, there has not been as much support
from all sides. We need to band together and be united as a country, if there is ever
going to be any improvement in the class system. It always made me sad when my exboyfriend from Senegal would often assume that I felt a certain way about things just
because of the color of my skin. I know that he felt that people often made similar
assumptions about him. So because he felt persecuted against, he put up a shield, or
an armor to deflect racism towards himself. In some ways his need to always defend
himself perpetuated people feeling uncomfortable around him, which caused them to
judge him and in return led him to feel cornered. The reason I bring up this illustration is
because I believe that if everyone (of all color) would stop making assumptions about
everybody else, it would be a lot easier to unite and solve this problem. Like a selffulfilling prophecy, assumptions lead others to see us as we portray ourselves.
In the end, this is a very large scale problem and it may seem that as individuals, there
may not be much we can do to help, but that is not true. I believe there is always
opportunity to create change. In small ways, we can offer acceptance, tolerance, and
understanding. We can speak out against injustice. We can start foundations and rally
together. These things are all easier said than done, but they are doable. Many say that
our society in America is ruined and that there is little chance for recovery. That may be
true, but what does giving up hope do to change anything? Nothing. The best way to
propel big change is through spreading awareness and educating the public about
these issues and bringing it into the light. After all, knowledge is power.