Between The World And Me By Ta-Nehisi Coates

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Between The World and Me, written by Ta-Nehisi Coates, presents to its readers a deep insight of what it was like to be an African American during the mid and late 1900s. Coates, a survivor of the gruesome experiences of his past, describes to his son the life of hardships that he and many other African Americans endured during the 20th century. The blacks on the streets of Baltimore, the crimes committed against African Americans, and the death of his friend by the hands of the police are just a few topics discussed by Coates. The book is an eye opener for individuals like myself that did not grow up with racism or are not familiar with Black American history. The most powerful message I encountered within the book is summarized in the following quote: “We should not seek a world where the black race and white race live in harmony, but a world in which the terms black and white have no real political meaning.” I believe that there will only be true harmony if there is a fair system where black and white are viewed as equal and no one is empowered by any special privileges. …show more content…
Three of my biggest take-a-ways were the author’s resilience, the idea that race is only a social construct, and the value of being black. There were many vices and distraction on the streets of Baltimore. Coates, although he didn’t have faith in the school system while growing up, ensured to attain good grade and not succumb to the vices around him. He wanted to at least try to make a better living for him and family. He eventually got accepted into Howard University, which he credits for his intellectual awakening. Today he is a prolific
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