How to Make This Land Heaven-Like according to Martin Delaney - Article Example

English March 17, Topic: Argumentative Essay.on “means of elevation" by Martin Delaney Introduction The pages of American history soaked in bloodshed related to the practice of slavery and racism asks the crying question. How to make this land heaven-like? Equality between the two races cannot be achieved through enactment of laws alone. Eyes full of understanding, heart full of love and the life that refuses injustice and conflicts with fellow-human beings irrespective of color of the skin--enough, these alone are enough!

The principles which are not put into practice in the day to day living cannot be religious either. The political system which discriminates on the basis of racism cannot be true democracy either. The societal practices which subjugate the blacks can never be the means of elevation and be construed as part of the welfare state that respects the essential dignity of the individual. I agree with the issues enunciated in the article and would like to put forth my arguments thus: The principles which are not put into practice in the day to day living cannot be religious either.

Humankind has access to the lore of religious literature, the relentless sermons on morality in religious palaces, lectures and symposiums on moral emancipation of the free colored people. Scores of legal enactments to safeguard the rights of the blacks are passed and yet what are the ground realities? All this remains on paper. The reformation and welfare measures are pursued half-heartedly. The religion can preach, but as for effecting economic transformation and raise the standard of living and standard of life it has done little.

It can fill the mind with noble thoughts for a while, but it cannot fill the hungry stomachs. Until now, religion as it is practiced today, has not provided any hopes to the blacks to reach the level of whites in any segment of life. The political system which discriminates on the basis or racism cannot be true democracy either. In a democracy politics dominates every aspect of life of a citizen. A good political system builds a human being; the bad one breaks. Even a good political system can only go the extent of laying down noble societal principles.

Its actual implementation as for its day to day disposition will have to be taken care of by the concerned individuals and the regulating authorities. It is easy for the white man to make progress for individual advancement, but the black encounters obstacles at every stage. The prevailing system is designed thus. In every vocation, the white man is in an advantageous position, and the black man is at the receiving end. The white man controls production and the black man is a helpless consumer, and he has to buy on the terms and conditions set out by the white man.

He has no options to challenge the craftiness and the salesmanship of the white man. All industries, big trading organizations, shopping malls, transport and shipping companies are controlled and run by the white man. The black man is in the service industry. Democracy is only on paper, the nerve centers of political power, trade and commerce are run by the white man. The societal practices which subjugate the blacks can never be the means of elevation and be construed as a welfare state that respects the essential dignity of the individual.

Martin Delaney argues, “And yet, with all these living truths, rebuking us with scorn, we strut about, place our hands akimbo, straighten up ourselves to our greatest height, and talk loudly about being "as good as anybody." How do we compare with them?” Blacks are subjugated in every walk of life, in every profession, in every segment, and the terminologies like welfare are mere whitewash and the truth is swept under the carpet. Black men need to make an honest introspection and be ready to use the power of discrimination to come out of the vicious circle and look forward for new horizons that will place him on equal footing with the white man.

He has to place the ladder of elevation at the proper place now and get ready for the ascent. Conclusion The arguments and submissions of Martin Delaney are profound and contain a clarion call to the black man to act. He must ready himself to argue, wherever necessary, ready to discriminate if need be, ready to oppose injustice then and there when demanded, and ready for the fight without hesitation. He needs to stop building castles in the air and face the issues squarely. He is in this country not at the mercy of the white man, but as a matter of right.

The colored man should develop knowledge and get ready for the ascent without further delay. Be not a rival to the white man, but a tough competitor. Works Cited Delaney, Martin. Article: Means of Elevation.