Racism in America
Racism in America
Racism is hatred and intolerance for another race and it comes in many forms,
but its outcome is the same. It can make those who are its victims feel angry,
unwelcome, intimidated and unworthy. In its extreme form, it can lead entire
communities to persecute others, and to be indifferent to their sufferings. The
development of such laws as, the Reconstruction Act of 1867, the Civil Rights Act of
1875, the Fair Employment Act of 1941, the Declaration of Human Rights in 1948 and
most of all the ratification of segregation in the United States in 1954 were all steps
taken to eliminate racism throughout the United States. Although America has
progressed in resolving racism; it still exists throughout the United States in epidemic
proportions.
There are many opinions as to why racism exists in today’s society, but most
people would agree that slavery was the beginning of the racial tension in the
southern states and spread throughout the country. In the early 1600’s, the Portuguese
invaded Africa and started the slave trade industry to the southern states. The
misconception in today’s society is that one certain race was responsible for slavery.
Historians have documented that multiple races were being sold into slavery by
members of their own race, as well as other races and even some sold themselves into
slavery for the chance of a better life. (Phillips, 1889).
This is the 20th century, so how did racism continue throughout the years with
all of these laws and bills in effect? One problem is the government. “In fact it is the
federal government more than anything else that divides us along race, class,
religion, and gender lines. Government, through its taxes, restrictive regulations,
corporate subsidies, racial set-asides, and welfare programs, plays far too large
a role in determining who succeeds and who fails in our society.” (Paul, 2007). “By
Racism is hatred and intolerance for another race and it comes in many forms,
but its outcome is the same. It can make those who are its victims feel angry,
unwelcome, intimidated and unworthy. In its extreme form, it can lead entire
communities to persecute others, and to be indifferent to their sufferings. The
development of such laws as, the Reconstruction Act of 1867, the Civil Rights Act of
1875, the Fair Employment Act of 1941, the Declaration of Human Rights in 1948 and
most of all the ratification of segregation in the United States in 1954 were all steps
taken to eliminate racism throughout the United States. Although America has
progressed in resolving racism; it still exists throughout the United States in epidemic
proportions.
There are many opinions as to why racism exists in today’s society, but most
people would agree that slavery was the beginning of the racial tension in the
southern states and spread throughout the country. In the early 1600’s, the Portuguese
invaded Africa and started the slave trade industry to the southern states. The
misconception in today’s society is that one certain race was responsible for slavery.
Historians have documented that multiple races were being sold into slavery by
members of their own race, as well as other races and even some sold themselves into
slavery for the chance of a better life. (Phillips, 1889).
This is the 20th century, so how did racism continue throughout the years with
all of these laws and bills in effect? One problem is the government. “In fact it is the
federal government more than anything else that divides us along race, class,
religion, and gender lines. Government, through its taxes, restrictive regulations,
corporate subsidies, racial set-asides, and welfare programs, plays far too large
a role in determining who succeeds and who fails in our society.” (Paul, 2007). “By