Welcome to the first instalment of our new series Reality Check. In this and in subsequent stories, we will shed light on the frivolous stereotypes floating around about Africa and the African diaspora in hopes of showcasing the beauty, intellect, resources, and all positive entities emanating from our beautiful homelands.
So now let’s get into it. President Trump’s political tactics are becoming extremely damaging to the development of America. From Trump’s policies that have been instituted to his rhetoric, the deterioration of the status of the United States is partly on him. Trump’s latest humiliation comes after he expressed his infuriation in a Thursday oval office meeting with legislators by bursting out “Why do we want all these people from ‘shithole countries’ coming here?” alluding to African countries and Haiti as confirmed by The Washington Post.
Yes, Africa and Haiti are developing entities. Nonetheless what has Trump done to alleviate the ‘shitholes’ right in the American backyard? We’ll wait.
Mr Trump, it’s imperative you brush up on U.S. history. Most of us are well aware that the backbone of the American economy relies heavily on the work churned out by immigrants. Slaves are to be credited for the continuation of the labor force during slavery, inventions, and many advancements being enjoyed by the American people in this day and age.
One case in point is Benjamin Montgomery, a slave born in 1819 who invented a propeller designed for shallow water; this creation facilitated the rapid transportation of food and critical items. Montgomery applied for a patent for his propeller but wasn’t granted one because he was a slave. Go figure.
Then we have Jean Baptiste Point du Sable. Du Sable was a Haitian immigrant who migrated to the U.S. in the 1700s. He initially lived in present-day Michigan City, Indiana before becoming the first recorded resident of the mouth of the Chicago River that later formed into the city of Chicago. This earned du Sable the title of “founder of Chicago” which is evidenced by the statue of his likeliness present today on the east side of Michigan Avenue.
Statue of Jean Baptiste Point du Sable…Photo credit: Rick Vink
As the old adage goes, the most beautiful things can come from the unlikeliest of places. So before we adhere to discrimination and biases, it’s paramount that we have background information and not put our foot in our mouths as Trump continuously does.
