Race, Ethnicity and Slavery in America - Essay Example

Race, Ethnicity and Slavery in America America is a racially diverse state. However, it is true that not many residents of America can be able to trace their origin. Takaki highlights that the issue of race has played a significant role in effecting cultural erosion in America (Takaki, 34). In addition, he states that the issue of racism has contributed a lot towards discrimination of humanity in many areas of the region. However, he continues to explore the importance of unity among the people so that the issue of racism is minimized. This follows that upholding the spirit of multiculturalism is important to the American society. Takaki argues that multicultural education ensures comprehensive understanding of American History (Takaki, 34). This is crucial in situations involving Americans going to work in other countries as it helps them identify well and understand those cultures. It is of critical importance to highlight that both the two authors concur that ethnicity and racism brings about several conflicts. These may be in form of conflict of perception, opinions and inclusion within the society. This may disrupt peace enjoyed within that society. James and heather Olson Beal concurs that the issue of racism leads to erosion of culture of a nation and conflicts (Olson & Beal, 10). These authors also concur that the issue of ethnicity may cause unnecessary discrimination on people. This may make some people land jobs whereas prevent others from securing such jobs. James and heather Olson Beal argue that the issue of ethnicity is a monster to national development as is associated with inequality amongst individuals. As such, this may at times disrupt peace of the society as it can cause several conflicts (Olson & Beal, 11). However, America being a culturally endowed nation has the moral responsibility to ensure that its entire people are considered one. It aims at unifying the different races and ethnic groups so that they can effectively coexist and share the different skills, expertise, talents and capabilities towards a common goal. However, even though these authors perceive race and ethnicity in a negative perception, there are some advantages associated with different races and ethnic groups coming together (Takaki, 34). Circumstances involving coming together of different races and ethnic groups may ensure poor people from one race being encouraged by other prominent persons from other races, thus, promoting development. The spirit of inclusion through multicultural education also leads to the feeling of unity and promote peace (Takaki, 48). Being an American entails a lot. One must be able to understand that America is composed of several races and ethnic groups. Since these people have different cultural beliefs, traditions and customs, there is need to provide a harmonious ground that can suit all these people, with all their cultural diversities. This is crucial in ensuring development in several sectors on several perspectives in America. The issue of different races and ethnic communities residing in America is quite advantageous since it brings a sense of development with regard to diverse expertise, experiences, talents and skills from the different ethnic groups. Therefore, promotion of unity and peace in America more so, through the American national anthem is core towards harvesting all these advantages associated with diverse cultures. It is of critical significance to note that race and ethnicity have played major roles in the history of America. In order to fully expound on this matter, it is crucial enough to understand the meanings of these two terms; race and ethnicity. The term race refers to the biological differences that distinguish a group of people concerning their physiology. Race may apply to the distinction in skin colour, colour of hair and facial features. However, on the other hand, ethnicity refers to the distinction of individuals concerning their culture, beliefs and traditions. Ethnicity can also be viewed in terms of the commonality in language, ancestry and identity. These two issues have greater impacts in the lives of human beings. Several cases of discrimination on individuals have been noted with regard to racism (Takaki, 46). Both racism and ethnicity play major roles in defining the society. Other than the two terms, another closely related term exists. This is minority. Minority refers to the racial group or ethnic group that exists in a society in a very small population when compared to the overall population in that region or society. It is significant enough to note that the feelings of one being a minority or majority exist as perceptions in human minds. On his basis, it is prudent enough to acknowledge the contributions of the English view of race on the American society. The English view of race led to acculturation in American society. Acculturation refers to the process that ensures one cultural group learning and adopting the culture of another cultural group that it comes across. This promotes the spirit of togetherness and promotes unity and understanding. As such, those cultural groups can work effectively, thus contribute towards the overall goal of the country in question. The issue of acculturation was enhanced by the fact that the English had command of the language. The history of slavery in America started back in the sixteenth century. The first slaves to arrive to the United States were Blacks. These slaves first entered the Virginia state between the periods of the year 1615 and 1619. In the seventeenth century, slavery was made illegal in some parts of the United States (Olson & Beal, 37). This was evident in the Northwest Territory. In the year 1793, there was notable discovery that gave rise to invention of cotton grin. This led to increased demand for labor that was to be provided by the slaves. Therefore, the demand for slaves arose significantly. The invention of that cotton wool was made by Eli Whitney. In the year 1793, the federal fugitive law was ratified. This provided for the return of the slaves, especially those who had managed to escape. The hard labor resulted to massive mortalities of the slaves in America. This follows that the working conditions and living conditions were extremely poor and unaccommodating to the slaves who were expected to work for long hours amidst hard labor (Takaki, 37). The American Revolution periods was accompanied with increasingly high demand for slaves. These slaves were to provide labour to the American farms to boost agriculture. Other than increased agricultural production, the slavery was institutionalized in America to influence the economy of the nation. The slaves could provide labor to several economic sectors of the United States free of charge. This was crucial in ensuring a faster economic growth in the United States. However, in the year 1808, the federal government abolished the importation of slaves to the American states from Africa. This also led to stoppage of slavery in the northern parts of the Missouri. However, amidst this, there were several ongoing conflicts and civil wars in several parts of America (Takaki, 45). These conflicts ended in the year 1865 when Lincoln was assassinated. This prompted the abolishment of slavery in all the regions of America by The Thirteenth Amendment. The issue of slavery therefore came to an end on 19 June of the same year, 1865, following the end of the civil wars and conflicts. Other than the economic importance, the issue of slavery was also institutionalized in America following the social aspects. The slaves were used for provision of cheap labor. This was key in development in several sectors in the United States. This enabled America to grow fast in terms of economy and development. In addition, the social and political aspects that ensured institutionalization of slavery in America followed the fact that slave owners got recognition in the government. Therefore, such people could attend serious government meetings since they were considered leaders in their local areas. Such people were members of local governments. Therefore, the prestige in owning slaves ensured institutionalization of slavery in America. Works Cited Olson, James S, and Beal H. Olson. The Ethnic Dimension in American History. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons, 2011. Internet resource. Takaki, Ronald T. A Different Mirror: A History of Multicultural America. New York: Back Bay Books/Little, Brown, and Co, 2008. Print. Read More