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by Abdulwadud David Cudgel (Author)
The Story of the Stolen Apple* A Symbol of Loss: Imagine a beautiful, vibrant, ripe apple representing a community's rich culture. When this apple is taken away, it signifies the loss of heritage and identity.
This a story rich in symbolism associated with the journey and struggle of the so-called African American. Many people to this day fail to understand the inner pain that comes with being cut off from your people, culture, language, ideals, and so forth. This story is a humbled effort to explain this pain, and loss, and the value and nature of healing from it. What is often interesting to me is that when we directly explain our suffering and the desired remedies for healing from the damage done, the big "r" word is quickly slapped on anyone who speaks about this. However, when the same is expressed through a cartoon or other mediums of fictitious imagery it often slides quickly under the radar since it can be passed off as something insignificant or meaningless humor. The pain is real and unresolved. Unfortunately, an apple has to be used to tell the tale. Sometimes alligories hit harder and last longer than plain words. Interestingly, our ancestors sometimes used a similar approach to convey important knowledge to the community and pass down sacred values.
The following points should be given reflection.
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Generational Trauma: The act of stealing the apple creates a ripple effect. It affects not just the individual, but generations that follow. The pain of loss is passed down, affecting mental health and community cohesion.Struggle for Justice: The community fights to reclaim what was taken. This struggle is not just about the apple. It symbolizes a broader fight against systemic injustices and the need for acknowledgment.
Each element of this story highlights the ongoing impact of racism. It serves as a reminder of the deep wounds that still need healing in America.
