Issues Presented in Reading and Video
After reading another chapter of Bell's novel and watching the first episode of the United Shades of America, it helped open the audiences eyes to situations people of color face, which many white men never would have even thought about. Both the reading and video address that people of color are more at risk just walking down the street, the reading really touched on the idea that policemen are racist and more likely to use violence right away with a man of color, compared to someone who is white. Bell mentions "My whole life, and since the dawn of this country, big Black men have been targeted. It's a reality of life in America" (Bell 183). This quote truly shows that Black men, have to take precautions doing everyday activities and not draw attention because many people will easily jump to the worst conclusion just because of the color of their skin. Not only is the idea that people jump to conclusions and dislike those who have different colored skin in the reading, but also in the video. In the episode it shows that this racism is present and is still occurring today. Most people think racism isn't as present today but groups like the KKK still exist and still believe that people of color are inferior and that they should not have the same rights as those who are white. The video showed the beliefs of many clan members and how they wouldn't even be opened to the idea of sharing a playground with people of different races. Both the reading and video opens the eyes of readers and shows the the reality that is occurring today.
Bells Use of Humor
Bell uses humor in his writing a fair amount, and he uses humor to frankly make these horrible stories a little more tolerable because they are so sad for anyone to hear. He still tells the full story but he tries to use in a way comic relief to help the audience regain their emotions. For example Bell states "Finding humor in these situations is what I have learned to do. I can't imagine being able to take all this horrible in without processing it with jokes" (Bell 183). His use of humor helps him deal and comprehend all the non-sense and frankly horrific sad stories. He uses humor as a coping mechanism, he has to cope because these stories involve people like him. Cultural segregation and racism clearly still exists today. I know many people turn a blind eye to it or think that its so much better than the past and therefore don't believe we need to take further action. But this is the complete wrong mindset, it is just as prevalent today as it was years ago, the only way for us to make it better and free these people from living in fear of walking down the streets is to help. I think a start would be to make sure there are consequences to police who decide to take rash violent action against innocent people. These cops need to stop getting away with it and need to have consequences. As individuals we need to be aware and and create awareness, teach people what is going on around us so we can take action and try to prevent it.
Extension
Bell uses humor in his writing a fair amount, and he uses humor to frankly make these horrible stories a little more tolerable because they are so sad for anyone to hear. Bell wants to be as honest and tell everyone the full true story. By using humor he doesn't mean to make it seem like a joke. Frankly, he does the opposite. He still gives the real story and in a way increases the importance by mocking it and showing why certain people are so crazy. He also uses humor to help his emotions. If it weren't for humor I'm sure his emotions would turn into anger and he needs to be able to keep himself together in order to get through his ideas. Also Bell does need to be careful using humor. Because like I mentioned earlier, there is a thin line from enhancing the importance to making the story more of a joke and he needs to clearly identify what point of view he's going for. His use of humor almost makes the audience more interactive. After I read this chapter every time I found him using humor it almost seemed like I was rooting for him, like "Go Kamau", I wanted him to really stick it to these horrible people he continues to describe. It is extremely impressive to hear and watch in the video the situations he has seen and been through and see how he acts. He handles everything in a brave, impressive, composed way. Especially with the horrible things these people are saying he seems to really stay composed and respond the proper way.
Real Life Connection
The article attached explains a story of an older man, Brian Jones and the racism he faces. He experienced some similar things as Bell, some different. He learned similar habits to Bell, when he walks in a store he makes sure to keep hands out of pockets, not carry a bag, make eye contact and speak to people with confidence, these things many white people never even think about. He also had a sad experience in his mainly white high school, where one White boy placed a noose in the locker or another Black boy, and his only consequence was a lame apology. Jones decided to try and silent protest by having all the other Black students wear a black arm band, this resulted in students and even teachers in class encouraging students to laugh at the action. This middle aged man now, still faces things today that are related to his race.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/jun/06/growing-up-black-in-america-racism-education
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