The diversity of the African American experience in America is undeniable. Although we share similar ancestry and, for some, skin pigmentation, there are still many differences not only in how we define ourselves individually, but also in how we perceive ourselves through the eyes of others and the kaleidoscope of varied experiences that we live. These different experiences then become known to the world in the aesthetic expressions of writers and artists. Notable examples include The Autobiography of Malcolm X, Ralph Ellison's Invisible Man, and, more recently, Natasha Trethewey's Beyond Katrina. All of these recognized scholarly expressions attempt to articulate, in one way or another, the consummate experiences of an individual. Additionally, although experiences vary, some may be shared collectively by African Americans. Using Trethewey's Beyond Katrina as a primary example, one can find specific themes shared collectively by people of African descent, including the effect of the absence of the familial male, tragedy as a motivating force for African Americans, and the 'history. of America told by the oppressor. Among the many pervasive themes in Trethewey's Beyond Katrina is the effect of the absence of the familial male. Natasha's brother is incarcerated for the duration of the book, but that doesn't seem like it given how many letters they exchange. Even though he's locked away, he still has a clear presence in her life. This stands as a direct distinction between many other African Americans today, given that most families now thrive in the absence of black male figures. In a letter written between Joe and Natasha, the context in which Joe formed...... middle of paper ...... takes us back to our past and calls us back across time and space how similar we are, not how different we are” (Poem Transcriptions). These experiences of connection sometimes involve the absence of a male figure. For black people, they almost always have value in tragedy as a driving force, among the most obvious tragedies of slavery. Finally, transcending class, race or ethnicity is a distortion of history that prevents the development of collective memory. Works Cited Charles, Ron. “Natasha Trethewey, US Poet Laureate: Poetry Still Matters. » Washington Post. May 2, 2013. Washingtonpost.com. April 6, 2014. Transcription of Poems, History and Memory with Natasha Trethewey. ttbook.org. April 6, 2014. Trethewey, Natasha. Beyond Katrina: A Meditation on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Athens, GA: University of Georgia Press, 2010. Project MUSE. Internet. April 6, 2014. http://muse.jhu.edu/