T.V.E.E. For This Assignment, You Must Pick A Historical Top

T.V.E.E For this Assignment You Must Pick A Historical Topic Within T

For this assignment, you must pick a historical topic within the timeframe of this course, and create a T.V.E.E for that topic. A T.V.E.E. involves applying a method for critical thinking about the world around us, consisting of Topic, Viewpoint, Evidence, and Evaluate. You will select a specific topic, state your viewpoint or argument regarding that topic, list supporting evidence, and then evaluate the significance of your argument and its implications for history and society.

If confused, there are handouts with samples of T.V.E.E. on how to do it. This assignment helps develop your ability to explain your beliefs and evaluate others' arguments, which are essential skills in understanding history critically. Proceed by following the steps below.

Paper For Above instruction

Step 1: Select a historical topic from the list of African American experiences since 1877 provided in the prompt, or choose your own topic related to this period. Clearly state your selected topic.

Step 2: Express your viewpoint or argument concerning your chosen topic. For example, if the topic is "White Privilege in America," your viewpoint might be that "white privilege impacts African Americans' access to equality in the United States." Formulate a concise statement that clearly articulates your stance.

Step 3: Gather and list concrete, reliable evidence that supports your viewpoint. Use at least three primary sources with Chicago style citations, and include secondary sources as needed. Your evidence should be relevant historical facts, documents, or scholarly analyses that substantiate your argument.

Step 4: Critically evaluate your argument and evidence. Consider the long-term and immediate consequences if your viewpoint is accepted. Reflect on its significance to African American history, society, and politics. Discuss how this understanding influences perceptions of history and current issues related to race, policy, and social justice.

Paper For Above instruction

In this paper, I will examine the enduring impact of white privilege on African Americans and its significance within the broader context of U.S. history since 1877. My chosen topic is "White Privilege in America," and I argue that white privilege profoundly affects African Americans' access to opportunities, rights, and social equity. Recognizing the depth of this privilege is crucial for understanding historical and contemporary racial disparities and fostering social justice.

Throughout American history, race has been a defining factor in the distribution of rights, resources, and power. The Constitution's Three-Fifths Compromise exemplifies how Black bodies were devalued legislatively, negotiating political power based on racial subjugation (Mintz, 2007). Additionally, the transition from indentured servitude to race-based slavery marked a pivotal moment where economic interests intertwined with racial hierarchies (Zinn, 2003). Slaves were denied fundamental rights—such as voting, land ownership, and marriage—embodying systemic racial oppression (Pilgrim, 2011).

Post-emancipation, Jim Crow laws institutionalized racial segregation, ensuring Black Americans remained second-class citizens despite legal freedom. For instance, the Plessy v. Ferguson decision reinforced "separate but equal" policies that perpetuated inequality (Davis, 2005). The GI Bill's implementation post-World War II highlighted ongoing racial disparities, with Black veterans barred from benefiting fully from these initiatives, showcasing systemic barriers rooted in racial bias (National Archives, 1944). Redlining practices by banks further entrenched economic inequities by restricting Black communities' access to housing, wealth accumulation, and intergenerational opportunity (Rothenberg, 2010).

Even after the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Voting Rights Act of 1965, discrepancies persisted—police brutality, disparities in educational quality, employment opportunities, and health outcomes continue to reveal the ongoing influence of racial privilege (Alexander, 2010). The disproportionate incarceration rates of Black Americans exemplify the racial biases embedded within criminal justice systems (Alexander, 2010). Moreover, societal ideals of whiteness continue to influence body image and social perceptions, affecting Black children's self-esteem and societal value (Davis, 2005).

White privilege also manifests in policies like Affirmative Action, which, while aimed at remedying inequality, are perceived differently depending on racial identity, often favoring whites in societal narratives (Rothenberg, 2010). This ingrained societal advantage persists unconsciously, shaping cultural norms and institutional practices that favor white Americans over Black counterparts. Peggy McIntosh’s analysis emphasizes privilege as an invisible knapsack, often unrecognized even by beneficiaries, perpetuating systemic advantages (McIntosh, 1989).

The significance of acknowledging white privilege in African American history is profound. It challenges the misconception that America is post-racial, revealing enduring racial structures. Accepting this evidence leads to understanding that disparities in housing, education, healthcare, and criminal justice are not isolated incidents but systemic issues rooted in historical racial hierarchies. Recognizing this history is vital for progressing toward equality and dismantling discriminatory systems.

Furthermore, analyzing history through this lens reveals how mainstream media, education, and political discourse have historically marginalized or omitted the role of race in shaping policies—such as the New Deal and urban development programs—exacerbating racial inequities (Zinn, 2003). By critically engaging with these facts, we better understand the mechanisms through which systemic racism persists and how policy reforms can address these persistent disparities.

In conclusion, the evidence underscores that white privilege remains a foundational aspect of American society, influencing racial disparities that date back to the founding of the nation. The long-term effects include cycles of poverty, limited access to resources, and social marginalization for African Americans. Understanding this historical context is essential in confronting ongoing racial inequalities and fostering a more just society. Dismantling systemic privilege requires active acknowledgment of its existence and deliberate policies aimed at equity, guided by a comprehensive understanding of America’s racial history.

References

• Alexander, M. (2010). The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness. The New Press.
• Davis, K. (2005). A Girl Like Me. The Media That Matters Film Festival.
• McIntosh, P. (1989). Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack. Wellesley College.
• Mintz, S. (2007). The Three Fifths Compromise. Digital History.
• Pilgrim, D. (2011). What was Jim Crow? Jim Crow Museum of Racist Memorabilia.
• Rothenberg, P. (2010). Race, Class, and Gender in the United States: An Integrated Study.
• Rothenberg, P. (2010). Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack. Worth Publishers.
• Zinn, H. (2003). A People's History of the United States. Harper Perennial.
• National Archives and Records Administration. (1944). Servicemen Adjustment Act.
• PBS. (2003). Race: The Power of an Illusion. California Newsreel.