I’ve been living in the U.S. for over 25 years, and I’ve seen many changes in attitudes over time. Growing up, I admired the positive attitude of Black Americans, which inspired people globally. However, over the years, I’ve noticed a shift in the general discourse. It seems that there is more emphasis on victimization, which, in my opinion, has overshadowed some of the strength and resilience that used to be highlighted.

Of course, this is a generalization, and not all Black Americans fit this description. I recognize that many other communities, such as Latinos, Asians (including Japanese, Koreans, Indians, etc.), also face discrimination, but it seems that their responses are often different.

As a black person, It saddens me that the global influence of Black Americans, which once inspired others to emulate their pride and achievements, now appears to be centered more on the narrative of victimhood. This is just my perspective, and I hope that the positive traditions can be revived and continue to inspire people in a constructive way.

By: Luis de Andrade