Social Phenomenon

Social phenomena

The occurrences of modern Black social phenomena’s reflect Black people’s history in America; they are byproducts of a social system that has neglected their equality, liberty, justice, and needs. Most Black social phenomena are ironically misunderstood by the very system that help creates them. Along with being misunderstood, Black social phenomena’s are also blamed for many of society’s ills. The present welfare system was not created by black people but they receive the blame for its inefficiency. A vicious cycle has been created. Black social phenomena’s occur with little control by black people, but the negative effects and consequences are blamed on Black people.

The Social phenomenon of Black Rage as depicted in Nathan McCall’s Makes Me Wanna Holler Has numerous causes and repercussions. The opening scene of the book is a description of a random white boy being beat senseless by Nathan and his friends. Nathan recalls the incident: “I gritted my teeth as I remembered some recent racial slight: This is for all the times you followed me around in stores... and this is for the times you treated me like a nigger.. and this is for G.P- General Principle - just’ cause you white." The oppressive way of white society was the cause of this senseless beating. The white boy came to represent white society. Much like the beating of Reginal Denny, black people’s frustration found an outlet.

One effect of the Black Rage depicted in McCall’s book was a sense of satisfaction. “Fucking up white boys like that made us feel good inside”(McCall 4). The oppressed beating the oppressor was a liberating experience it made them feel powerful and free. Black Rage also helped fuel the stereotype that Black men were of a violent nature and libel to snap at any time. Retaliation and reaction by the system that helped create Black Rage was common. The Black Panther’s Party, one of the most significant symbols of Black Rage was undermined by the Federal government.

The social phenomena of the Black Communities are quite different from other ethnic communities. Black communities are different because black people had little or no control over their location. In most cases black communities were a result of economics; black people created comm...

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...y rather than call the police when a fight or some other disturbance occurred would deal with the situation themselves.

Both Native Son and Makes Me Wanna Holler contain strong black males who are struggling to find their place in a society dominated by white people. Their hate, discontent, and frustration are byproducts of a society that neglects their equality, liberty, justice and needs. I am not saying that the violent acts committed by Bigger and Nathan is justified, by the way black people are treated in this country. Society must stop pointing the figure at black people or whoever the scapegoat at the time is and takes responsibility for what it has created. Instead of crisis control we should invest in preventive programs and policies.

Bibliography

McCall, Nathan. Makes Me Wanna Holler: A Young Black Man in America. Random House: New York 1994.

Wright, Richard. Native Son. Harper and Brothers: New York 1940

Leo, John. “The color of Law. “U. S News & world Report”, Oct 16.1995, pg.24.

Langan, Patrick A. “No Racism in the justice system. “The Public Interest”, Fall 1994, pg.48.