To some extent Coates demonstrates that there has been progress towards the equality of oppressed groups when he refers to the conditions of black lives and hope people have. In order for Coates to survive the streets he “[learns] another language consisting of a basic complement of head nods and handshakes” (Coates 23). Gang violence during Coates’s childhood is prevalent. Instead of focusing in school, Coates had to learn how to be in the streets without being a part of it. On the other hand, his son has some “acquaintance with the old rules, but they are not as essential to [his son] as they were to [him]” (Coates 24). His son does not have to learn every rule to the streets because the conditions of black people in America has improved. Gang violence is still an issue today, but it is not as common as before. Similarly when listening to Michael Brown's verdict Coates is not surprised, but his son is confused and disappointed (Coates 11). His son’s disappointment symbolized that there has been some changes to the attitudes of the people …show more content…
There is much more awareness about the condition of the black body not only amongst the black but also the white. People are more understanding. However awareness will never be suffice. Action needs to be made. It is true that black men and women do not necessarily need to scrutinize every moment of their lives, but they still need to be careful. We continue to worry about where are hands go, how we dress, and what others are thinking about us. We ask ourselves if we look suspicious. Should these precautions be taken by the elderly, adults, young adults, or children? Everyday black people are judged based on what they look like. Martin Luther King said he wanted to live in a world where color did not matter, but character did. America has not made many steps to save black bodies. America continues to defile black bodies without