marcus+garvey

Philosophies of Marcus Garvey This is the philosophy of Marcus Garvey, I will cover some of his important beliefs on the issues present during his time. An important point to remember while reading this wiki is to remember that Garvey’s ideals and philosophy were attributed to, and are based around the time period in which he lived. Marcus Garvey was a Jamaican born, Negro “freedom fighter” and an important leader in the Negro advancement. As such he was also an inspiration to many Civil Rights leaders who came after him. His main ideas were centered around the African peoples here in the west. From their enslavement from Africa, to what he believed was their immanent “exodus” back to Africa. This wiki will help you understand his philosophical views on Assimilation between Negros and whites. He also has views on subjects such as the status of the negro man and how and why he is under such oppression and his solution to world peace. Race Assimilation is a more higher form of integration between peoples of other ethnic, or racial differences, except that in assimilation, all races are equal and accepted yet in integration, prejudice towards others are still yet present. Garvey believed that oppressed peoples in the world must lift themselves up from their current state and apply their own initiative to rise to the levels of other “higher” races. If races lift themselves up to the highest human standards, they will than be accepted by other races, and prejudice will not exist because there is nothing to judge and look down upon. For instance, African- Americans are not fully assimilated into white America because of their place in society. Many whites view blacks as poor and not as intelligent as they are, therefore they are at the bottom of society. As long as they hold inferior positions, white America will never assimilate. The initiative of African- Americans and the Negros of the world, is to lift themselves up from their so called status and to lift their race up to the higher levels of society. When any race lifts itself up through it’s own initiative and others, like white America do not accept them, they must then demand a place in society and fully assimilate themselves. What then is the status of the negro race? More importantly how was their status attributed to them. The first fact would have to be that Negros of the world live under “alien” governments since originally, they or their ancestors came from Africa. Negros in all alien countries have always followed non-Negro statesman who govern and create laws, which they must follow. Not only do they follow non-Negro statesman, but they also must submit to the constitutions of the country. Most constitutions were most likely written before any African set foot in the country that they now live in. These constitutions with laws and more importantly rights of the citizens were not written for the Negro. The non- Negro statesman creates laws and plans for their own personal or majority race of the country. In order for the Negro to rise up, they must seek education and lead the race toward Assimilation and to the higher standard of living of humans by bringing forth statesmen. The need of Negro statesmans are essential to their overall survival in these “alien” governments. Garvey also had his own views on how the turbulent world in which he lived could achieve world peace. In order for the peoples of the world to finally achieve world peace with each other, they must hold an inter- racial, international meeting to settle feuds and come up with answers to world problems together. The wars and continuous feuds in the world will continue unless the exploitation of peoples and nations come to an end. No other exploitation in the world compares to what is being done in Africa by the establishment of colonies and subjugation of the Africans by European countries, especially by Britain and France, in Africa. These countries in Africa must leave now in order for peace to happen in Africa and in the world. The exploitation of Africa and its people through slavery and the ravaging of the land for natural resources will not last for long. European countries in Africa must ask themselves, “How long will the Africans stand being exploited?” They must believe that they, the African people, will rise, will fight, and will come to war, and will not stop until they are free from their enslavement. In conclusion Marcus Garvey believed that the assimilation of peoples must come through their own initiatives. The Negro is in his current status because of the lack of Negro statesman who can look out for their interests and forward progression. Peace in the world will come when a great international meeting is held to confound injustices, solve international problems and to settle disputes between feuding nations or ethnic groups. Marcus Garvey was a noble man who had believed in Racial Assimilation to stop prejudice and to raise the Negro race form their status in the world. A people, in order to fully live at the highest standard of the human race, must literally pull themselves up by their own bootstraps in order to achieve assimilation with other noble races and stop prejudices in societies. Leaders in countries regardless of race or creed, must look out for all citizens of a nation. It is however understandable that many constitutions were not meant for Negros on account of their absence in the country at the time it was written, but it must also be the initiative of Negros in the country to rise up with Negro statesman to change that factor. Garvey’s solution for world peace is debatable, but it also has convincing points. If the world needs peace among people, why not come together in a meeting and solve the problems then and there. Marcus Garvey is a great example of a western philosopher and a Black philosopher at that. His works and ideas have inspired many after his time and today, who have brought forth the advancements for the betterment of the Negro race in America and all over the world.