Breadfruit,

Just recently, I was thinking about my culture and the meaning of it. I think about the American holidays we celebrate, the food we eat, how we think about ourselves etc, anything that was influenced by slavery/colonialism. When I think about the holidays that we , as Americans celebrate, I ask myself what is the significance in them? With many of them, it's about receiving gifts, being gluttonous, and messages in them that doesn't relate to me or my ancestors. Then about our feelings towards each other( Black on Black). We are hating each other, part of it because of the divisive treatment that was shown between different groups of slaves. To some , what I say may not make any sense or what it may have to do with slavery /colonism, but here is the message that I get about the effects of slavery/colonialism. If you look at the whole picture, It has not relaly better us as people, it has worsened us as a people.

I think about the many Black people I have spoken with who were from the Caribbean and/or Africa. Some of them would tell me that they were disappointed with America in terms of how we live. Initially, I didn't always get what they were saying. I was like " who wouldn't want to come to America and live? It's the land of opportunity?", but listening to some of them reallyycarefully, I realized that their ideas of living isn't always about the amount of money they put in their pockets. Seemingly, they are more concerned with family, enjoying their lives and not wanting to be part of the " rat race" that is often associated with the American culture. In general they seem to want personal piece in their lives. I look in my culture and I see nothing but destruction, greed, stress and the breakdown of culture. There is no love in it.

If I were to take this to the average person( and I have), they would look me like I'm crazy or something. They think that every immigrant that comes to the United States want to live here for opportunity. Maybe some of them do, but I also know a few who say that they miss their family, the climate or the relationships that have with the people in their family and far as money, they make make the money in the US, but far as living good, some fother live far better than we do in the states. Sometimes I wonder if I would have been brought in another country besides the US or Englad would my appreciation of life be far different and better understood? I think it would be. I think my priorites in life would be better. My definition of life wouldn't about material things and other frivious things .

Great Post Cee Cee! clp)

Your comments reflect how powerful culture is in human life.

Its the most irresistible force in determining history, the development of people and nations. Africans everywhere are realizing at increasing rates, the damage done to us culturally,as a people and what needs to be done in addressing this historical fact.

Peace

I can't believe that I missed this thread for all of this time. I agree that this book should be fundamental African literature for all Africans. I remember reading this book in college (6 years ago or so)in between studying and exams. I didn't want to put the book down, and at some points it interferred with my studies because I'd ratherread that than do my school work. I even wanted to change my major to Africana Studies, but upon reflection I thought to myself that it may not be the best idea. Considering also Mis-Education of the Negro by Carter G. Woodson, as well as other African-centered works, I realized that I could serve my people much better as an astute and entrepreneurial engineer than someone only versed in social sciences.

Anyhow, thank you for the refresher on this excellent piece of work.

Bump........