Reaction to Essay

               How to Slowly Kill Yourself and Others in America: A Remembrance is an essay written by Kiese Laymon.  The essay describes the problems with racism in America today, especially for African American youth.  Laymon describes the instances where he has had guns pulled on him while in Central Mississippi and how dangerous growing up was for him.  I reacted by realizing the excessive force and racism behind the police in America.  Laymon was nearly killed by an off-duty white police officer fueled by alcohol, racism, and hate.  A gun is also pulled on Laymon by a kid 2 years younger than him in an attempt to rob him.  Another problem in America lies in how easy it is for people to access firearms and to kill others.  I could not describe how it would feel for this author to grow up being so unfairly treated and harmed.  Racist frat brothers use the n word like it;s no big deal.  The unrelenting struggle leads to Laymon nearly killing himself with his mothers gun.  I admire Laymon's inner strength to fight for his rights and justice for African Americans.  The problems still remain in America and writers like Laymon spread awareness help the cause.