I, Too, Am America

America, the melting pot of the world, and yet its different races have so much
trouble melding together. According to statistics, in all probability, I have a higher chance
than any other race teenager of not graduating from high school. By stereotype, all I do is
eat fried chicken, sell drugs, and play basketball. In society, I might work twice as hard as
the next man and not get the promotion. I am a part of the percentage who chooses to
defy the probability, break the stereotype, and change society. I, Too, Am America.

      Unfortunately, in my experience through junior and senior high, the common black
attitude towards education has been one of neglect. Not caring about one "F," or the
other, careening through high school with a gpa of 1.5. However, there are those who
really care about their grades, earning the respect of their peers and friends. I strive to be
in the latter group, so that I can better myself. For every black student who makes that
extra effort, that better grade, there will be another person who becomes more enlightened
to the facts and not the fiction of black life in America. In the act of improving my mind, I
am not only helping myself but furthering the cause for complete equality throughout the
nation.

As part of America's black youth, I must grow up in a world of racism, no matter
what supposed "huge steps" have been made. It is up to me not to use this as an excuse
but as an obstacle to surmount. In my lifetime I will be faced with prejudice which may
hinder my progress. This opposition must not be met with excuses for substandard work,
or inadequate job qualification. It must be met with a serious work ethic, justly qualified
applicants, and intelligence so not to be denied for any reason. Through this procedure
black people will gain equality and vanquish the racist mentality. I will be one of those
people to meet the adversary with full force of mind.

I am a black teenager who plays soccer and tennis. Sometimes I am ridiculed for
playing these sports by other blacks. I also face ridicule when I make good grades and
care about my school work. There will be times when I will have to fight against my own
race to get where I want to be in life. My high school career is one of those times. I am
and will continue to be myself. I will not stray from my path. Without education and self-
respect the black youth are being held down by themselves. I and others like me struggle
for change, but it will take more than our struggle to change an entire nation.

"I, Too, Am America?" I am part of the intelligent, strong generation that will one
day run this country. I am part of the heartfelt, determined black youth which will one day
end the racist mentality. I am true to my obligation by being myself, educating myself, and
standing for what I believe in. "I, Too, Am America?" I and others like me are the heart,
body, and soul of what America is, should be, and will be.