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What Is Freedom In How It Feels To Be Colored Me

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The idea that freedom exists is a rather eerie topic to discuss about. However, nearly everyone seems to be infatuated with the idea that in order for one to achieve true happiness, one must also attain ultimate freedom; the concept of relinquishing from the societal barriers that impede the progression of one’s success. But, is freedom really an ideal we should be striving for? Perhaps we are not really free, nor are technically able to possess free will. We don’t do as we please because we have to constantly be making choices regardless if we are consciously agreeing to them or not. We can never be truly free, there is just too much at stake, but we can sure aspire to be free and attempt to change our lifestyle to get a step closer to freedom. …show more content…

In Zora Neale Hurston’s autobiography, How It Feels To Be Colored Me, she writes about her experiences being an African American woman in her generation in the United States and how she is able to live happily under her culture and discrimination of others in relation to her skin color. This shows that she posses much bravado in her life, much like Janie does as she shows her strength and perseverance throughout her life trying to find herself. Zora states in the text that, “Sometimes, I feel discriminated against, but it does not make me angry. It merely astonishes me. How can any deny themselves the pleasure of my company? It’s beyond me” (3). She is able to see, beyond everyone’s vision, how important she is despite her skin pigmentation. Zora is able to understand how her ancestors suffered greatly in order for her to be walking free, down seventh avenue, yet slavery happened nearly sixty years ago and she believes that it is time to let go of the grudge. Zora feels that even though she is considered to be black, she does not at all times feel black, and when she does, she is able to make the most out of it. I believe that the way she portrays herself to be as something grand and not subliminal as her race once was, should be achieved by all other African Americans. Zora is able to view the world as being for the strongest, no matter how dark one can …show more content…

Regardless of skin color, women in general somehow always tend to get the short-end of the stick; but that doesn’t mean that they won’t fight for what they believe in. Recently, there has been much debacle in the world of sports. The Guardian posted an article on how the US Women’s Soccer Team is accusing the US Soccer Federation of wage discrimination. Five members of the team filed a federal complaint stating that they were paid four times less than the males within the past year. In the article, soccer player Megan Rapinoe stated during a press release that, “Recently, it has become clear that the federation has no intention of providing us equal pay for equal work.” Meanwhile, The Guardian also took statements from players Hope Solo and Carli Lloyd as they argued on an NBC show that, “In this day and age, it’s about equality. It’s about equal rights. It’s about equal pay. We’re pushing for that. We believe now the time is right because we believe it’s our responsibility for women’s sports and specifically for women’s soccer to do whatever it takes to push for equal pay and equal rights. And to be treated with respect.” Lloyd then added that, “I think we’ve proven our worth over the years. Just coming off a World Cup win, the pay disparity between the men and women is just too large. We want to continue to fight. The generation of players before us fought. And now it’s our job to keep

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