Understanding the Legacy of Oppression: How History Continues to Impact Black Lives Today

Discourse Schema: Unveiling the Hidden Narrative

There is a concept known as a discourse schema, which essentially refers to a structured argument that revolves around pathos (emotion), ethos (credibility), and logic. When people compare the condition of Black communities to other groups, often highlighting the supposed lack of progress among Blacks while pointing to the advancement of others, they are utilizing a discourse schema. The underlying, albeit often unspoken, thesis is that Black people are inherently inferior. This gives rise to narratives that rely on false equivalencies, such as "other groups have progressed" followed by statistics devoid of context. A common mantra associated with this position is, “That was a long time ago.”

Denying Equal Protection: A Historical and Contemporary Tactic

The primary method of oppressing a people is to deny them equal protection under the law. This denial can manifest in numerous ways, from inferior facilities masked under the guise of "separate but equal" to inadequate access to resources that are available to other groups. In contemporary times, we observe this through practices like redlining and gentrification. Historically, similar impacts were seen with the 1870 Census, which categorized freed slaves in ways that intentionally excluded them from the 1866 Treaties. Another example is the egregious mismanagement of the Freedman’s Bank, where Black sharecroppers were robbed of tens of millions.

Confronting Historical Discrimination: The Impact of the Past on Black Communities Today

It's not uncommon to hear the refrain from certain demographics: "That was a long time ago." This phrase is intended to suggest that the injustices of the past have no bearing on the present, as if life occurs in a vacuum and historical events are isolated incidents with no lasting impact. However, this notion is patently false.

The Fallacy of Disconnecting from the Past

The implication behind dismissive statements like “that was a long time ago” is that Black people should divorce themselves from their history. But a community disconnected from its past is, by definition, a community with no future. Our history is integral to our identity, and acknowledging it is crucial for our ongoing progress.

Drawing Strength from History

We must never forget the injustices we have endured. The systemic discrimination, the oppression, and the struggles faced by our ancestors are not just historical footnotes; they are the foundation of our resilience and progress as a people. Remembering our past enables us to draw strength, resolve, and determination. It empowers us to continue striving for equality and justice, reinforcing that our past struggles shape our present and inform our future.

The Power of Collective Memory

Collective memory is powerful. It reminds us that the struggles of our ancestors paved the way for the gains we make today. Each victory in the face of adversity becomes a source of inspiration, fueling our ongoing fight against discrimination and injustice.

This is part one in an ongoing series.