Dear Society,
As we are all coping with the current times of uncertainty, I find it fascinating how differently we all subsist as a society. Some manage by filling up their time to capacity or act as if our current circumstances do not exist. Similarly stated in one of my past blogs, Faith & Hope, we all maintain some sort of mechanism to push forward mentally.
My search for the individual’s coping mechanism has evoked thoughts related to my African American culture. Specifically, how our ancestors coped with degrading mistreatment or how our great-great-grandparents coped with the brutality of segregation.
Coping is something all humans eventually have to come to grips with. However, I’ve realized and more so believe that the African American race is constantly coping simply because of our race’s unfortunate placement in society.
Our culture is built upon the coping mechanisms of our past. From the spirit-filled hymns to the soul food that our race created, to this day, we tend to practice some of the same instruments in order to carry on.
We have built success simply through these coping tactics. Today’s well known Black musicians, chefs, artists, and athletes, all make a living from how our culture copes. This not only makes me proud of my culture, but makes me realize how important it is for all humans to find a personal, healthy, and effective coping mechanism.
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Finding your own coping mechanism may be difficult, however, I highly recommend you try regardless of what attributes to your daily stresses. Below is a link that you can use to start your search!
