Between the World and Me Chapter 1

In the first chapter of Between the World and Me, Coates explains what it is like to be black in America. Being black makes life harder, privilege wise. Race was created by racism, the terms black, white, yellow, and others along those lines, were made because people began to discriminate those who are colored. Those who believe they have white privilege, they degrade those who are not the same as them. They have a mindset where they are entitled to higher rights and power. With democracy, Coates has us question, is it actually the government of the people, by the people, and for the people? Does our government actually treat its people equally? No. The government and society itself, is hypocrisy. It says, all people shall be treated equally, but does not, there is white supremacy and racism. This all brings it down to American history. Once history is made, it will be repeated, if we let it. The American dream, “life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement” regardless of social class or circumstances of birth, is a lie. Not everyone is given and treated equally in this country, your race affects your everyday life. This benefits white people and harms colored people, but white people who do not believe in white privilege and treat colored people fairly are also harmed by this. Once a group has a title attached to them, almost everyone in that group will be affected by it, without a choice. Reading this has given me a better and stronger understanding of how and why society is today.