When will you get over slavery?


“Unlike material possessions, the value of education will never depreciate.” Dr. BLR

Every group and generation faces its unique challenges. Overcoming them isn't simple, but most are still expected to continue with their lives. For Black Americans, descendants of enslaved people, a common question is: “When will you get over slavery?” It's a difficult question to answer because it has many layers. One key point is that it's unkind to suggest someone forgets the oral history passed down through generations, which has helped Black Americans remain proud of their resilience despite slavery’s harsh legacy.  

While the question can often be dismissed because of the ignorance of the person asking it, it's too easy to let them go without challenge. The old adage, “Walk a mile in a man’s shoes,” speaks volumes about the historical trials and tribulations overcome to still be standing. It would be understandable if this question were asked by newer generations of white Americans trying to escape the damage done to Black Americans by their ancestors. However, that is not the case. Many immigrants have asked this highly offensive question without batting an eye. The geography of their arrogance knows no boundaries. 

I can’t say everyone takes the same route to this conversation because some understand the history of Black Americans’ struggles, while others want to highlight their proud new status as American citizens and how easily they believe they’ve succeeded. Meanwhile, some Black Americans still face hardships. 

There are pros and cons to helping immigrants understand what their presence in a country other than their own signifies, especially for those who paved the way for their arrival. Generally, the United States is very selective about who they allow in, so they must have had something going for themselves, which raises the question: why couldn’t you succeed in your own country like those who stayed? Yes, I know that the United States has caused problems for other countries, such as regime overthrows and currency destabilization, but people still remain and “pull themselves up by their bootstraps.”

Black Americans have left a lasting impact on this country despite facing Jim Crow discrimination, police harassment, poor housing, redlining, failing schools, and ongoing resource shortages. We were once considered property, exploited, raped, and only counted as 3/5ths of a person. Moreover, we have to contend with nearly every immigrant group discriminating against us for no other reason than because some within our culture have done bad things. Still, we remain in a nation that enslaved us and built an entirely new culture that is admired and copied worldwide. Can we get some respect for that? Or better yet, for those it applies to, why not read a history book, watch a documentary, or take a class on Black American history, but never ask anyone when we will get over slavery? While your anti-American-Blackness is on full display, we recognize where it stems from, but every generation must keep its history alive, and we are no exception. Lastly, to answer your question, no, we won’t get over it. So there you go.

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