Misconceptions about African American Life“When you control a man's thinking you need not worry about his actions. You don't have to tell him not to stay here or go over there. He will find his "right place" and stay there. You don't need to send it to the back door. He will leave without being told. In fact, if there is no back door, he will cut one out for his special advantage. His education makes it necessary." This quote, spoken by a prominent 20th century African American scholar, Carson Woodson, is intended to shed light on the inherent miseducation of African Americans. His belief that controlling one's thinking with such a powerful grip that allows little or no movement will lead to the individual behaving as expected is a very justifiable point. If someone is told over and over again to do certain things or to believe that certain things are “right,” then with constant repetition and application, widespread belief and acceptance of this idea or practice will become the norm. A people who are consistently taught or treated a certain way may, at some point, begin to accept it as "right." However, in many cases what may be considered “right” by some is not necessarily the “right” thing to do. This theory cannot be more important than in the case of African Americans, who have long endured hundreds of years of discriminatory practices based solely on their race and origins. Going back to the days of slavery, these are people who through prejudice, through expectation, through fear, have often come to see the white man's way as the "right" way either by choice or by having no other choice. In the process, however, their own culture, beauty, beliefs, traditions, etc., are often trampled upon or even forgotten as they struggle to keep up or struggle to keep up. In most cases, however, this sort of "brainwashing" translates into a "miseducation" of African-American people which often leads to widespread misunderstandings about them. These misconceptions can then lead to various forms of stereotyping directed against African Americans by whites or other non-African Americans picked up along the way due to an incomplete knowledge of their history which also inherently harms those who make these false assumptions. Times, however, are changing and with these evolutionary years comes a greater sense of difficulty in understanding. ... half of the document ... African Americans and white Americans must be carefully examined from both sides as they are equally rooted in each group. Furthermore, I personally believe that more and more investigations into the miseducation of races can lead to a better understanding of each race. It is not just recognizing the existence of miseducation that will help people better and more realistically understand African Americans. It is up to both whites and blacks to make conscious efforts to ignore stereotypes and seek only the truth in answering questions about race. If the problem of miseducation is not addressed adequately and equally by all parties, the problem can never be fully understood or resolved. Miseducation benefits no one. It harms everyone involved by spreading unfounded opinions about norms or imposing actions based on fear and ill will. The truth is hidden and innocent people are hurt or misled in the process. It is up to today's young generations of American citizens to wake up, realize the vast racial miseducation that currently exists, and begin treating others with the dignity and respect automatically earned the moment they are born human beings..