Racial Inequality in America: Pre-Independence to 21st Century - Essay Sample

Introduction

Racial disparity is very pronounced in America, and it has been an issue since the pre-independence. Even though the USA attained its independence, consequently becoming a free nation, with the idealism of citizens living together without the fear of being racially profiled as was pre-independent America, however, the situation never seemed to change. Racial profile and discrimination still happen in America in the 21st century, and to no small extent, it has its roots interwoven in all societal aspects. America has people of a different color from whites, Hispanics to Blacks. Black Americans more racial subjugation compared to other minority groups in America. At the time, policymakers in America only placed value on the lives of the white majority who had several privileges.

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Racial discrimination of black people dates back to the colonial era when countries, especially in Europe, were trying to expand their territories. The conquest led them to Africa, which at the time was primitive and virtually uncivilized. As industrialization took shape in Europe, there was a surge in labor demand making black Africans ideal labor providers. Upon reaching the USA, after enduring dangerous journeys where most of the slaves died. Upon entering America, they had no rights and were regarded as slaves to be owned by their masters. These people had no entitlements; they were not allowed to own property, get employed, or even move freely. Racial profiling was in all sectors of the country, from transport to housing and education. Black people were not allowed to get proper training and had no form of freedom, even to have people represent them in the government. As described above, racial discrimination is an old wound for Americans evident from the civil war that rocked the nation in some way reduced but not eradicate racism in America. Activities such as Martin Luther King and Malcolm X championed for the liberation of black people were murdered in the course of writing history.

A black person traveling by rail, air, or road has experienced some discrimination based on their skin color. There have been many incidences where police officers stop a black person for no reason, issue tickets, or use excessive force to restrain. Recently, an incident occurred where two police officers shot an unarmed black man giving a flimsy basis that he looked like a suspect who had earlier committed a crime in the area. Police officers involved in such incidences always go scot-free, most of them receiving only light sentences that give a picture of how the issue is still a menace in these modern times. Black people mostly inhabit the most impoverished neighborhoods in the USA. There is a lack of proper housing units, congestion, and downright poor infrastructure compared to other areas inhabited by a majority of white people.

These are issues the government is aware of but neglects promising empty rhetoric action of change and inequality. Discrimination and with job opportunities limited, consideration for employment by a white employer for blacks, they have to put in an extra effort (Black History Milestones). The police are at the forefront of encouraging black racial discrimination through force, forced disappearances, and unarmed black Americans. It is done with impunity some in broad daylight even though some of the incidents spark outrage, the officers involved in the events are never accountable for their actions. There have been many surveys on racial discrimination among minority groups, and out of the 7000 people interviewed, the most significant number, 54% were blacks (Wilkes and Robert 53). They are not only discriminated against based on color alone discrimination based on gender is also widespread. It is saddening to see that after more than 150 years of black people fighting for their freedom, the position of black people in society has faced suppression.

About 58% of Americans concur that race relations are wrong, and few see the situation changing. Race relations have even been made worse by the president through comments made publicly. Many white people and blacks acknowledge that since the election of Donald Trump to office, it is common for people to publicly say racially insensitive views (Horowitz and Menasce, 34). Things have been particularly rocky after the death of George Floyd, killed by a police officer who knelt on his neck. The eruption of protests across the united states and the comments of some protestors who say its high time to take action against racism. Whites who exhibit neutrality have joined the protest to condemn the senseless killing of black people every year, and no one is held accountable (Mouzon et al.,2016). The system is aligned to promote white supremacy subjugating black empowerment efforts through limiting access to resources for blacks. It is hard for a black American with brilliant ideas to bring change to get support or financing from the majority of the white people.

Racial discrimination is not only in the streets but also in banking institutions where banks redline loan applications and other monetary needs blacks seek in banks. The criminal justice system is a clear example of white supremacy. Prisons all over the united states swam with black people. Most of them wrongfully accused, falsely identified and receive lengthy prison sentences. Institutions of learning also contribute to the high rate of discrimination through high expulsion rates of black students from high schools, colleges, and universities.

It is difficult being a black American due to the thwarting of their efforts from all walks of life. Black Americans experience high discrimination, as evident from the low funding of schools where the majority of the population is of black students. Chances of a bright black American student getting into ivy league universities are slim; the demands to get a slot from are high. If they happen to get a placement, the fee is high, and they end up giving up on their dreams due to subjugation. Companies all over America mostly employ white people to senior positions such as CEOs. It is highly unlikely to find a black person as the CEO of a big company in America. If it happens so, it is out of the necessity of somehow showing some balance in society.

A direct comparison of black, white, and Hispanic inhabited estates shows which of the three groups is highly segregate and neglected by the government when allocating resources for development. There are high crime rates in black communities, few employment opportunities, and, if available, the hiring criteria are biased with so much favoritism. Crime in these areas is met with force leaving scores of deaths, killings by police. Recent events show the problem of racism is far from over judging from the actions and words of the president, and it is highly predictable the issue will remain a thorn in many black American's hearts. The riots in Minneapolis and many other cities in the unites states have opened eyes not only of black people in the country but also the rest of the world where such incidents happen.

The president declared he was ready to use force, including sending the military to stem the protests in Minneapolis. The majority of residents in Minneapolis are people of color, and when the president uttered such words, it clearly stated where he stands when it comes to black Americans. Another disturbing incident is of a woman looking for her dog in the park and finding a black man holding the dog and handed it to the woman. Instead of the woman being thankful for the kind gesture, she called the police accusing the black man of harassing her. Such incidences though not physically harmful, speak volumes on the affairs of racial profiling in the states. Voter suppression is also another issue that touches on racism. Elections depend on numbers, and if a leader is accessible in most areas of the States, they stand a chance of getting elected to the posts they vie.

Suppression of black voters means when it comes to elections, white people have the upper hand when it comes to decisions regarding who holds individual offices. The evidence is overwhelming on the number of black people elected to various seats in the government. Form pre-colonial error to the current united states, voter suppression, has been a weapon to impose white supremacists on black people. A look at the campaign slogan of Donald Trump, make America great again, was a jab at black people promising strictness in immigration policies and other reforms that majorly affected black neighborhoods. After the election, Donald Trump has overseen the deportation of a dozen black people who deserve to be in the states. Still, they do not bequeath the chance even to defend themselves verbally, let alone going through court processes.

Even when the majority of people saw knew what Donald trump's campaign would lead to, they still voted overwhelmingly for him. Before the coronavirus pandemic, the president boasted of having created millions for people's job opportunities, which is statistically correct. The contrary for black Americans is true because most of them are unemployed, lack shelter and food, many living on handouts, and government stipends. The majority of white people have better housing, and the government sees to it such projects reach completion. The system is in a way that only benefits whites, continuously suppressing and dimming efforts of black Americans to realize their American dream. The country's foundation is on the philosophy of equality and equitable sharing of national resources for all Americans.

A poverty indexing in the states can reveal the shocking truths of racial disparity against black people. There is a high poverty index among black people, and the government does little to reduce it. A hard truth is many black Americans are dying of the coronavirus as reports suggest black people are affected by the pandemic. The president has seen extensive criticism on how he has handled the epidemic by not prioritizing citizens' safety and rushing to open the economy. Most black people do not have medical insurance and have to rely on their earnings to get treatment from hospitals. Public hospitals in areas inhabited by black people cannot handle a massive number of patients.

Many black people are not given the same resources in schools and colleges where they go to their areas of residence. The schools have a considerable number of students and lack the necessary infrastructure and resources to churn out a vast amount of bright students. On the other hand, however, schools in white neighborhoods have resources. Black learners have to possesses extraordinary talents to get scholarships to study. The situation is different for students that have no ability. With no inheritance and families living in impoverished conditions, they must find ways to earn a living mostly through crime. There is no intervention mechanism for such youths living in black neighborhoods, such as Compton.

Conclusion

In conclusion, black people face arrays of problems in society, and success comes with a lot of effort and constraint. There is, however, a light at the end of the tunnel as the world continues to advance and evolve, people will recognize the need for equality. Change comes but not as a bullet train but rather a slow, and ultimately people will live together harmoniously.

Works Cited

Horowitz, Juliana Menasce, et al. Views on Race in America 2019. 30 May 2020, www.pewsocialtrends.org/2019/04/09/race-in-america-2019/.

History.com Editors. “Black History Milestones: Timeline.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 14 Oct. 2009, www.history.com/topics/black-history/black-history-milestones.

Wilkes, Robert. “Race in America: A Conversation.” Divided We Fall, 22 May 2020, dividedwefall.com/2019/...