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  • Essay / The History of Racial Stereotyping in America

    Race, class, and even gender have dominated our social structure from then to now. Race, class, and gender seem to intersect while analyzing how they relate in terms of society and the stereotypes based on each. These stereotypes allow us to construct our way of life and our experiences based on these differences. These ideas are ingrained in our brains because they have been so important not only in today's society, but in history in general, allowing generalization, norm and stereotype, mainly affecting those who are oppressed. While this is true, it helps to understand these stereotypes based on our social structure and society as a whole. Say no to plagiarism. Get a Custom Essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get Original Essay Race goes back generations and is viewed through a racial hierarchy and social structure, the first being slavery. We see this throughout history, especially at the time of the beginnings of America and the discovery by Columbus. As Columbus entered a new country, he quickly took advantage of the welcome of these kind strangers: "they wore tiny gold ornaments in their ears... This was to have enormous consequences: it led Columbus to ship some of them to board as prisoners because he insisted. let them guide him to the source of gold” (Zinn). Here I see a sense of entitlement and power on the part of Columbus and his men. Taking advantage of these seemingly inferior, poor and uncivilized Arawak Indians. There is a huge cultural difference to recognize here as well, namely the way of life of the Arawak Indians, who are kind but survive alone, on their own land, less privileged and in a very different environment from where Christopher Columbus came from. native. Columbus described the Arawak Indians as “animals.” He used them to achieve his goal, of course wealth, money and power, which seemed to be the dominant goal of Western civilized culture at that time, quite in contrast to the Arawak Indians who seemed to simply be trying to survive. Even then, there was a clear class, social, and racial difference that Columbus both realized and took advantage of. Violence was a theme throughout the story of Columbus. Violence used against these minorities, or specifically those seemingly inferior or poor. The very old and inhumane idea of ​​using these other humans who have cultural, social and racial differences seems to be abundant to maintain power among Europeans during this time. Furthermore, this seems to repeat itself throughout history, as it has become socially normal and accepted among those with wealth and power, namely white Europeans. This could have been the beginning of “white privilege” and other ideas born in our society throughout history: “The treatment of heroes (Columbus) and their victims (Arawaks) – the quiet acceptance of conquest and of murder in the name of progress. - is only one aspect of a certain approach to history, in which the past is told from the point of view of governments, conquerors, diplomats, leaders” (Zinn). Speaking of the past and the present, “white people” seem to have always had power, and still maintain it today, through these assertive institutions. While power is maintained by the government, run by wealthy and predominantly white Americans, it encourages the social structure and racial hierarchy in terms of stereotypes and racism to be maintained. After history almost killed the Arawak Indians, that's when theyset off for new lands and new people to enjoy. It was at this time that black slavery began. Zinn describes the beginning of black slavery as Europeans appreciated their culture, took them more seriously as humans, and initially needed them to thrive. At this time, black people were described as being “desperate for money” (Zinn). Even though the whites needed them in terms of help with the plantations and other areas of their expertise, they could not completely enslave them, as the blacks vastly outnumbered the whites (Zinn) . They started out in America as “servants,” just as more and more poor whites were taking orders, and soon began to lose more rights, which taught them to fear whites and be seen as inferior . Clear differences in class and race may be the cause. White people didn't like black people simply because of their color which was so clearly opposed to them. Later came the second generation of racial hierarchy, that of segregation. Even though slavery was illegal, black people were still separated from white people. So even though the law made rules against slavery, a deterrent against racism, this obvious difference of class and race still existed. Black people were even more disadvantaged, as they were caught without money. After being released, they still had no money and therefore retained the same class difference they had come with, perhaps even worse. They had nothing left. This was only the mid-1960s, which clearly shows why there is still such a strong class difference. White people came to America and conquered America, thus retaining their power. Black people came here with nothing, being ruled by white people, and then they were given "freedom", but they didn't know what to do with it, because they weren't given anything else. In 2018, they still face the grave consequences that white people wrought on them and their ancestors. Not only are black people still at a significant disadvantage due to a not-so-distant past, but there is still a clear mindset that white people remain the majority and the most "powerful" also in terms of wealth and education in America today. Since it wasn't that long ago, it's hard to get rid of stereotypes and ideas of the past. The idea that black people are inferior to white people, that they are less educated, and now the idea that they are more dangerous because of their social situation. Circumstances they face due to history. Over time, we hope that black people will have more opportunities than before, better education, more power, but this will take time, because there are still strong ideas in people's minds. They arrived here at a disadvantage and maintain that disadvantage as a minority and in the face of unfortunate stereotypes that society has imposed on them. The third generation of racial hierarchy and structure is what we live in today, namely mass incarceration (lecture notes). Even if it is said that we are all equal, which is legally the case, there are still obvious prejudices and stereotypes against the minority, namely black people. With a majority of white people still in power and the racism our nation still faces today, black people are at a severe disadvantage in our society. Stuck in the lower class, they have almost no opportunities and are not encouraged to try based on their living conditions. The fact that the,.