Is The 'X Factor' Bloodbath Over?
BlackVoices History Quest: Augusta, Georgia
Shoshana Johnson (pictured, right) was shot in both legs and spent 22 days as a prisoner of war (POW) in Iraq. While America heard the story of many white POWs, especially Jessica Lynch (pictured, left), Johnson's story was ignored and not given the respect it deserved.
Johnson, now 37 years old, has released a book to describe her mental health problems related to the captivity she experienced.
Ms. Johnson is open about how it was a painful for her to be ignored while everyone else gave Lynch's story all of their attention.
"It was kind of hurtful," Johnson told The Associated Press. "If I'd been a petite, cutesy thing, it would've been different."
Johnson, who was the first black female POW in history, felt that she was portrayed differently because of race. At the same time as Lynch, there were also four male POWs that came from the 507th Maintenance Co. from Fort Bliss, Texas. Johnson was rescued by the Marines about two weeks after Lynch's rescue.
Johnson's book is called, "I'm Still Standing." In the book, she sets the record straight about her capture and discusses the mental health issues that affect many veterans across the nation. She claims that the experience led to years of nightmares, which occur regularly for veterans who've experienced the horrors of war.
Just the other day, I was on an airplane headed to Fayetteville, NC. I sat next to a soldier on his way back from Iraq. I thanked him for his service to our country, and I mentioned that I admire his bravery. Immediately, I felt sadness after seeing the look in the soldier's eyes.
The traumas of war are frightening, and it's sad that naive 18-year-olds are the ones who are fooled in to fighting for corporate money and oil. Not to sound cynical about war, but the bravery and patriotism of young Americans is often taken for granted.
At the very least, when it comes to Shoshana Johnson, black Americans should remember the many sacrifices that African Americans have made for our nation. We must also make sure that the sacrifices of black women are recognized just as readily. Shoshana Johnson is an American hero, and it's our job to support her.
Dr. Boyce Watkins is the founder of the Your Black World Coalition. To have Dr. Boyce commentary delivered to your email, please click here. 
Comments: (81)
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By: kcn9971 on 2/04/2010 5:02PM
The Media is always guilty of putting a White face on the front headlines of any tragedy. This case is no different especially since Jessica Lynch, was used as a propoganda tool by the Bush Administration and the Pentagon to gain White support for the war in Iraq. It was a tactical decision and racial. Eventually the truth was revealed that the rescue of Jessica Lynch was all smoke and mirrors, a fraud...in other words, a complete lie!!! Shoshana deserves our respect and support, and I will be the first in line for her book
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By: jjk on 2/11/2010 7:35PM
the only thing the media is guilty off is putting up with all of you playing the race card over & over & over & over again. go & get a life .
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By: Kevin on 2/14/2010 4:00PM
To jjk. Playing the race card? Because we mentioned a young black woman, who served her country, just as much as anyone else, and you say that we are playing the race card? Get a clue, jjk.
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By: Stan Skaggs on 10/14/2010 9:06PM
nah.. just another cattle heffer looking for free cash by calling race issues. Teh issue is a pretty girl in comparison to a fat ugly one. That is the rule of the school yard and is not related to race in any way. pretty girl always takes it all, and ugly fat girl looses always.
sorry... fact of life.
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By: Rosa77 on 2/04/2010 5:27PM
I am interested in reading her book. During both POW's ordeal, I thought about the "fact" that Jessica Lynch was practically put on a pedestal. I was not surprised when Ms.Lynch stated that some of things reported about her was no true. As a former soldier, I know how the military can skew things for the general public.
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By: Calvin L. Page on 2/04/2010 5:20PM
I agree with Shoshana. She deserves more support that she receive and receiving now. During Black History month, we need to remember the many brave Black men and women in the armed forces.
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By: cooleaze on 2/04/2010 7:43PM
You are an American Hero, Shoshanna, not just a Black American Hero. You are love, and respected by your people and should be by people in general. Hold your head high and accept your alcolades as they come. My pleasure to call you Hero.
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By: Earl on 2/04/2010 7:52PM
Sorry Oh, Brother, you just lost your wager!!
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By: Rosa77 on 2/04/2010 9:26PM
Evidently, you never served or had anyone near and dear to you serve in the last decade.
I will never forget watching CNN and seeing the POW's along with Ms.Johnson. I remember when their captors video taped them and I saw nothing but sheer terror in Shoshana's eyes. CNN showed that videotape over and over. I was in El Paso, TX when the POW's received a hero's welcome when they arrived at the Biggs Army Airfield. I saw some of the POW's at the William Beaumont Army Medical Center where they received treatment. Before the POW's were released, I remember seeing Shoshana's mother coming to work everyday at the shoppette on Ft. Bliss and would wonder how she was able to keep a smile on her face and go about her day without knowing if her daughter was still among the living. No doubt she was a prayerful woman!!! As a matter of fact I used to live about 5 block from Shoshana's mother's home. So my memory of Shoshona and all of the POW's will always be etched in my memory and the memories of scores of other people.
As someone who now work with Wounded Warriors and their families, I find your comments callous and thoughtless. You have no idea regarding the psychological and physical challenges that many service members are dealing with. Please leave this blog alone.
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By: Pana on 2/04/2010 11:10PM
I had always think of her and was wondering how was she doing, they never mention her that much, but I want to let you all know that in her "NATIVE COUNTRY" Panama Rep. of Panama she was welcomed like a HERO, because she is 100% Panamanian, so she's also a LATINA. I hope you find the strength to keep going, you have a beautiful daughter a mother and father that love you so much. Good Luck!
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