Reflect On Discrimination In America During The Last Half

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- Keep the core assignment question: reflecting on discrimination in American society during the last half of the 1800s, how it was justified, and how specific groups navigated these challenges, especially focusing on the group chosen for the Final Project.

Reflect on the discrimination based on race, gender, and ethnicity that was common in American society during the last half of the 1800s. Think about how this discrimination was justified. Consider the particular challenges and opportunities that each group confronted during this period and the strategies they used to navigate them. Focus specifically on the group that you chose for your Final Project.

How did your group fit into the dynamics of this period? Based on the chapters in your textbook and the required exhibit, answer the following:

- Why was the last half of the 1800s a time of conflict over the meanings of citizenship in relation to race, ethnicity, and gender?

- Explain the challenges faced by your chosen group.

- How did your chosen group work to secure their places in the social and political hierarchy?

Your initial post should be at least 250 words in length. Be sure to mention your chosen group in the subject line of your post. Provide specific examples to support your points. Your references and citations must be formatted according to APA style as outlined by the Ashford Writing Center.

Reflect on Discrimination in America During the Last Half of the 1800s

During the last half of the 1800s, American society was characterized by pervasive discrimination rooted in race, gender, and ethnicity. These prejudices were often justified through a combination of pseudo-scientific theories, societal norms, religious doctrines, and economic interests. For example, racial stereotypes were propagated to uphold the social hierarchy that favored white Americans while marginalizing minorities such as African Americans, immigrants, and Native Americans (Foner, 2014). Gender roles were also rigidly defined, with women denied equal political and social rights, justified by beliefs about gender superiority and domesticity (Kennedy, 1998). Moreover, ethnicity-based discrimination targeted groups like Chinese immigrants, who faced severe restrictions and xenophobia, exemplified by policies such as the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 (Lee, 2003). These justifications served to legitimize systemic inequalities and maintain existing power structures.

The challenges faced by marginalized groups during this period were significant. African Americans struggled against the oppressive Jim Crow laws and disenfranchisement following Reconstruction, seeking to assert their rights amidst widespread racial violence and segregation (Lemann, 1991). Native Americans faced forced removal and cultural assimilation policies, attempting to erase their identities and lands (Wilkins & Lomawaima, 2001). Chinese immigrants encountered violent xenophobia and legal barriers designed to exclude and marginalize them economically and socially (Kim, 2008). Women, particularly suffragists, fought for voting rights and social recognition, advocating for greater equality and challenging gender norms (Cott, 1993). These groups employed diverse strategies to navigate these challenges, including legal activism, community organization, protests, and cultural resilience.

For instance, African Americans established institutions like schools and churches to bolster community strength and advocate for civil rights despite severe obstacles. Native American leaders fought to preserve their cultures and land rights through legal battles and activism. Chinese Americans built tight-knit communities and engaged in political activism to resist exclusion, while women organized suffrage movements to push for voting rights. Their concerted efforts gradually challenged discriminatory laws and societal attitudes, laying the groundwork for future civil rights advancements. This period, therefore, was marked by intense conflicts over citizenship, identity, and equality, driven by deep-seated prejudices but also characterized by resilience and strategic activism among marginalized groups.

References

• Cott, N. F. (1993). The bonds of womanhood: "Separate spheres" and women's rights, 1860-1890. Yale University Press.
• Foner, E. (2014). Gateway to freedom: The hidden history of the Underground Railroad. W. W. Norton & Company.
• Kim, M. (2008). Asian Americans and the politics of exclusion: A documentary history. Temple University Press.
• Kennedy, D. M. (1998). Birth control in America: The career of Margaret Sanger. Yale University Press.
• Lee, E. (2003). At America's gates: Chinese immigration during the exclusion era, 1882-1943. University of North Carolina Press.
• Lemann, N. (1991). The promised land: The exodus and the challenge of the American racial frontier. Vintage Books.
• Wilkins, D. E., & Lomawaima, K. T. (2001). Uneven ground: American Indian sovereignty and social identity. University of Oklahoma Press.