Dr. Akbar – Psychological Legacy of Slavery
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In the chapter 1 of this book, Dr. Akbar which explains about Psychological Legacy of Slavery, he explains that work for African-American is still being treated as “Slavery”, which is defined as forced labor. He also explains that days toil would begin just before sunrise and would end at dusk . He also explains slave made to work from early child hood to the end of life or disability. And also explains that for African-Americans , work is identified with punishment and it is equated with inferiority. He also tells us that African-Americans over-dependent on welfare as a way of life because of this “work phobia” though they work hard they will not get benefits or not getting any thing while increase in the profits of the businesses or organizations that they work for. Because of this negative experiences associated with work to continue to function as unconscious influences on us that make us respond in ways which may be contrary to our conscious intention. Because of these influences , at [resent African Americans are in a continual state of mind where they can work comfortable jobs for other people and to wait for weekends.
In this context, I agree with Dr. Akbar, for his views on work, As now a days we can see many things like selling narcotics, gamble , selling drugs and trying those schemes by which they can get rich quick instead of working hard to care for their families and better their live. And also doing some illegal things. Even the census indicates most of the people belonging to African -Americans. Not only for African-Americans, If anyone works continually without having any benefits though they struggle hard for developing the organization.
Dr.Akbar explains his views of ” leadership” that any slave who began to emerge as a natural head, that is, one oriented toward survival of the whole body, was identified early and was either eliminated, isolated, killed, or ridiculed in In his or her place and was to put a leader who had been carefully picked, trained, and tested to stand only for the masters welfare. They were often isolated by their own community, and were usually the victims of fellow slave “snitches” who reported to the master that someone was brewing trouble. He connected this to a more recent knowledge of African American leadership. In 1995 , million man march when many traditional religious and political leaders rejected the leadership of Minister Louis Farrakhan was not approved by the white establishment.
I partially agree with Dr.Akbar on his views as we can see the African-American Barak Obama was elected as president of American with the support of people. As the people are gradually changing with the time supporting black leadership.
In chapter 2, the author express his views on “Liberation from Mental Slavery” he explains about Umoja or Unity. In his view, the fact that so much effort has gone into making sure the slaves do not form a common identity is indicative of the value of such a common identity. The most potent weapon that we have in developing any kind of independent freedom is through unity. We can stand together and preserve our separate qualities which serve to enhance further the objectives of freeing our selves and all of our people. We cannot break the chains unless we appreciate our unique form of enslavement while not permitting that uniqueness to impede our unity with others who are trying to get free.
I agree with the views of Dr.Akbar, as the people those are seeking to know about themselves and find the truths should have unity. There will be strength in solidarity with others those who are seeking to break the chains. We must stand together mentally in order to change the slaves and also on the basis of racial realities. We have to identify those people with common racial realties and unite as it is not possible to keep them free alone.