This paper is focused on the discussion of the societal vice and the effects it has had on America and its citizens.

Outline

Introduction

A brief explanation of the contents of the paper which is racism

History

An analysis of the facts that led to racial discrimination in the American society and the existing races in the country

American Position

The stand of American citizens on the issue and whether or not preventive measures are taken

Effects

A discussion of whether any good has come out of it and the reaction of the victims and the natives of the country

Disadvantages

This section gives an analysis of how the concept has affected the victims negatively

Conclusion

Final sum up and the possible recommendations to curb the problem and summary of the whole discussion

Introduction

Generally speaking, the United States of America has been one of the countries affected most by racial discrimination. This is basically the intolerance of different communities or ethnic backgrounds by the opposite or differing group. Undoubtedly, America is commonly recognized for its mixture in races such that the numbers/percentage of the natives has been on the constant decrease since they attained their independence. It is also worth noting that this is largely attributed to their history and has been recorded in some instances as very intense. However, with time, most people have adopted to the fact of mixed races that scholars have claimed to be inevitable and irreversible. Usually, the government of any country is fully mandated to protect its citizens and the residents from social, political, and economic strain that may compromise their security and peace of mind. This has forced the United States of America to take a strict stand on the issue in order to guarantee peaceful coexistence. The ramifications of racial discrimination are also quite obvious especially for the minority communities. Studies have shown that racism is mostly based on skin color and not necessarily the ethnic background of the individuals. This paper is focused on the discussion of the societal vice and the effects it has had on America and its citizens.

Abstract

From the introduction, it is clear that racism is not an accepted act in the society and by the government at large. The circumstances that led to the coexistence of different races in America are quite unfortunate which have led to the groups with darker skin color being compromised. This is also very clear from the history sine the initial American inhabitants were the Red Indians. Controversy over the rights of either group is also questionable since all the current citizens are hardly the original inhabitants. It is unlikely that the citizens with lighter skin color are much discriminated considering they may look like the Whites who settled before the white, thus supporting the argument that discrimination is based on skin color rather than ethnic community/background. It is also worth noting that the settlement of the blacks was as slaves, thus creating a negative stereotype in the opposing groups. It has become quite difficult for them to appreciate them as equals. This basically explains the concept and that the history of the country elaborates its existence. This has been of much negative effects considering it is generational and to some extent, the gap keeps widening. Studies have however shown that racism is likely to reduce following the election of a black resident, Barack Obama. He is viewed as a possible link for the two races that have differed over the years.

History

As discussed earlier, the history of America is a great influencer of racism and the racial discrimination that exists in the country. More than 200 years ago when America gained its independence, it had very little man power that could develop its economy which they finally had a chance to control. They were colonized by the British who were the controllers of their economic and political affairs. At this time, the British army and its soldiers transported Africans from their countries to work as slaves in the land. Resistance was not an option since at the time; most African countries were fighting for their independence, thus, under the control of their European masters. In the process, White British settlers occupied most of America, thus the natives appeared insignificant. The Black community was also on the increase since they gave rise to new generations. At independence, much time had passed, new generations were brought up that could not distinguish the Whites as from Britain. However, it was so vivid that the Black people were from Africa. They could not trace their locations though thus, had to continue living in America.

Disregard for each other was evident and the slavery did not immediately stop. Some white settlers still owned black families who worked for them under very harsh conditions. The incompatibility of the two groups was clear with most Africans very bitter of the fact that they were forced from their land to a place where they could not be appreciated. This gave birth to racial discrimination where despite the actual person an individual was, they were viewed as a threat and an outcast to the other. The term was much avoided in the past for fear of negative reaction on its mention. The association of certain behaviors such as criminal activities was associated with the lacks as the whites having been the educated and learned for long, openly avoided them for fear of being victims. This is seen even in today’s America where there is no guarantee of coexistence and mostly, residential areas are clearly defined for either one oft the groups but not both. This is undoubtedly a reaction from the history of the country.

Position/stand

Ironically, despite the role of a country’s leadership to protect all its citizens, it is quite clear that some of the ancient president of America were supportive of racial discrimination. This has since changed with the rise of some leaders such as Martin Luther and Jeff Kennedy. Some popular historic figures such as Nat Turner and other former presidents of the State have openly disregarded the behavior and claimed that it can only work to the destruction rather than the building of the country. Though they perished for their consistent fight, they gave a slid stand on the issue that gained popularity among the people of booth races. It was actually possible for them to experience minimal incidences of intermarriages which were unheard of. The American government today, following the historical circumstances has been quite stern on the racial behaviors and how the people respond to it. Response to the mentioned leaders has not always been positive, thus shows further the position of the people.

Though not documented or much publicized, the people of America are quickly gaining a more positive stand on the issue of social and racial discrimination. This is especially due to the recently experienced economic crisis that affected both the White and Black community, thus, reducing the social discrimination as well. As had been perceived, the lower social classes had mostly the black community which furthered the prejudice. With this crisis, this changed and classes were all inclusive, thus, need to coexist together. It is therefore a fact that the people’s position changed and viewed each other slightly more as equals. Despite the crisis, the change in the people’s perception has changed with the increased interaction and rise of the black community to higher ranks than they were initially doomed to be. Despite studying, they reach further extremes both academically, career wise and in terms of their talents. Despite the measures that the government takes to improve the situation, it has been proved beyond doubt that the solution lies with the people and decision to end racial prejudice is highly dependent on the leadership and inspiration provided.

Effects

It is quite difficult to justify that some good as actually come off racism and discrimination based on skin color. However, this is indirectly evident from the American history. Judging by the reactions to the wrong treatment of the black community, some inspirational leaders rose that would begin the journey most analysts refer to as liberation. Particularly, they needed liberation from the bondage of hopelessness and feeling of being less human. For instance, Martin Luther is a celebrated historical figure whom despite his death for what he believed in, continued the journey to equality of all American citizens regardless of the skin color. He clearly stated that his wish would be to see a day where the treatment of people would not be due to what color of skin they have or part of the country they come from. He wished for people to be judged by their merit sand capabilities. It is believed that election of President Obama is a continuation of what he started and a journey to the giving of hope to the hopeless. Though a negative at, racism through some of these leaders worked a great deal toward improving morale and esteem of people with the realization that they could achieve equality.

Disadvantages

Bitterness

The most pronounced disadvantage of the racial discrimination is the bitterness that the black community in America has faced. In this case, the inclusion of the Latin American people is inevitable considering their skin color is less light. Generally, this is due to the fact that settling in the country for most African Americans was not optional and that it was forced during the colonial period. It is also due to the feeling of less opportunities as they are still considered as the weaker link regardless the fact that the have resided in the same environment for very long. The White community though less pronounced, they are to some extent also bitter with the racism existing. The excessive distance created and particulars decide as of different races may leave them quite disturbed. This is especially because they limit the chances of socialization and giving of hope to the affected parties. Despite on group appearing more of a victim than the other, research has shown that both parties are negatively affected.

Delinquency

With the low self esteem that the black community might have following discrimination based on race, likelihood to feel the urge to revenge may arise. This has led to reports of various criminal activities by people including kids. Schools have also reported extremely violent behavior on the opposing sides since the discrimination seems to be in all sectors. It was previously noted that giving of hope to the victims especially the blacks has been quite a challenging task. Most of the kids have emulated poor behavior alongside the hopelessness in their neighborhoods which has led to the adoption of criminal behaviors. Targets in most cases are the White people. However, social analysts have proven that instead of getting the satisfaction they are looking for, the cycle keeps going round as they widen the gap. For instance, an attack by a black gang in a white community would increase the distance and widen the gap of socialization. This will be experienced not only by the specific victims but by the whole group, thus, turns out to be a fresh form of discrimination. Therefore, the problem keeps building up rather than get solved.

Conclusion

Undoubtedly, racial discrimination has caused more harm than good, not only for the United States of America but other countries affiliated. With much focus on the skin colors, it is possible to note that most non citizens of America with white skin color are treated better by the whites. For instance, Indians received less harsh treatment since thy bear the lighter skin. Complains from Africans and African American citizens have caused an alarm over what was presumed a very critical problem. The fact that there is no specific victim in this case and that they al have suffered harsh treatments from each other is also worth noting. It is also clear that delinquencies have also risen from the effects and trauma from such acts. What might have started a s a simple brush off has led to yeas of bitterness and hared such that co-operation between the blacks and whites is difficult to push through. However, scholars and researchers are optimistic that the election of President Barrack Obama to power may be the first step towards uniting the two groups in order to have them see beyond their skin colors and backgrounds and judge based on merits and individual capabilities.

References: