Racial and Ethnic Groups - Assignment Example

Racial and Ethnic Groups Intense intimidation and segregation were experienced by African-Americans in the Jim Crow south. Similar to these experiences is the pervasive racism, degradation, and discrimination that Africans and other ethnic minorities faced in the apartheid system. Both systems involved segregating Africans and other minority groups from participating in public activities. These groups survived under sub-standard conditions at home, school, and at work. Laws under the apartheid system required that all persons be categorized as black, white, Indian, or colored without exception. Under the Jim Crow laws, blacks and whites were not allowed to intermarry; it was considered a criminal offence. Canada has a large proportion of indigenous people as compared to other countries worldwide. The need to preserve cultural traditions shapes the strategies established to promote economic development. The number of immigrants in the country increases early. These immigrants maintain the same cultural pattern adopted in attaining economic development. It has been suggested that Brazil is a racial paradise. That is not the case, as the country continues to deal with significant disparity among people of color. Mexico maintains a mosaic of native indigenous people and mestizos to create a diversified society (Schaefer, 2001). Segments of the population that feel ignored and disadvantaged are encouraged to participate in public and civil activities. The apartheid era in South Africa indicates how race can be used to suppress millions of people. The post-apartheid era is denoted by continuous reconciliation of the different ethnic and racial groups. Reconciliation is fundamental for these groups, which are facing issues involving education, land, health and public safety. Slave trade in both Brazil and the United States began in the 17th and 18th centuries. Slavery was central to the colonial economy. Slave trade was brought about by the need for laborers to assist in building economic foundations. In Brazil, slaves were required to work in the mining and sugar cane sectors. In the United States, slaves worked in the cotton fields (Schaefer, 2001). Captives from Africa were transported through the Atlantic Ocean to the United States and Brazil. The main point of departure of the slave trade in these two countries is the slave death rate. In Brazil, the slave death rate was higher than that in the United States. Colonialists in Brazil could not sustain the slave population without importing more captives from Africa. IN the United States, slave death rate was relatively lower, and the fertility rate was more than 80% higher than that in Brazil. Importation of captives from Africa to the United States was lower than that in Brazil. High rates of importing captives in Brazil profoundly affected the ethnic balance. In the United States, African culture was neutralized by inter-marriages in the fifth and sixth generations. In both the United States and Brazil, indigenous people were termed as “obstacles to progress.” Their rights were highly assaulted; as they were subjected to poor standards of living (Schaefer, 2001). People with disabilities have continuously sought to achieve both respect and opportunities. They are no longer willing to keep out of sight; they are prepared to become fully functional members of the society (Schaefer, 2001). I (Andy) have encountered several situations that were discriminatory in nature. People treat me with a mixture of pity and fear. The sympathy associated with being disabled is sometimes traumatizing, since people around me make me feel different. My mother has been my only source of hope and inspiration in life. She has been a pillar in my life and enabled me to feel like I’m part of the society. Life without her is totally unimaginable. In case she dies, life will take a different turn. Nobody would sacrifice his/her time for my well-being. I think I would have to take the challenge head-on and face the real world; where most people are self-centered (Schaefer, 2001). Racial minority groups have ‘fought’ for their rights despite the gap between them and White men and women. Through unions, racial minority groups have demanded equal and fair opportunities in all aspects of the economy. More men and women from these groups have earned their space in the society through constant ‘battle’ and sensitization on the need for a centralized society. Despite racism being prevalent in most countries, minority groups have thrived beyond their ‘cocoons’ to earn a place in the modern society. The federal government has supported the call for equality among minority groups. Its mission for attaining equality for minority groups is different as that of attaining equality among gay and lesbians (Schaefer, 2001). This is evident in some counties, which prosecute individuals for being gay or lesbian. In Rhea County, the county board termed these acts as a “crime against nature.” This indicates that, although the federal government has allowed equal treatment for all sexual groups, it still has indifferent views about gays and lesbians. If the government fails to recognize my marriage, it would be such a violation of my right to interact with my personal interests and mingle with the society. This would call for public action (peaceful demonstrations) to sensitize others on the freedom of interaction. Many people still hide from the reality. By mobilizing such people, they would see the need of airing their concerns about marriage. Such action would earn the government’s ear. People grow old in many different ways. Not all the elderly face the same challenges or enjoy the same resources. The magnitude of efforts taken to combat ageism is of the same degree as that taken against prejudice and discrimination towards other groups. Lobby groups have been established to protect older persons. American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) has enabled the old to access discount and insurance services (Schaefer, 2001). Other large special interest groups have been formed to represent retired teachers, federal employees, and union workers. 44% of Americans are aged above 50 years. This is a significant proportion of America’s population; a reason for alleviating prejudice and discrimination towards the elderly. The structural features of society can make a great contribution to the existence of racism in the U.S. This can be done through the society’s cultural, political functions, and economic functions. The legacies of past discrimination remain relevant in heightening the levels of racism in the country. Historical practices set evidence in the continuity of discrimination in the community. They are sufficient for the maintenance of wealth inequality in extraordinarily high levels. This is possible through intergenerational change of advantage. For instance, the ability to invest in good schools, good neighborhoods, housing, colleges, and assistance for adult children have remained different for different generations of both white and black people. Even if contemporary forms of racism were eliminated, disparities in racial wealth would still persist largely. The effects of past discrimination are likely to persist in the future, even in the lack of ongoing racism. The continuity of racial inequality in the U.S ought to remain conducive to the reinforcement of negative racial stereotypes. References Schaefer, R. T. (2001). Race and ethnicity in the United States (13th ed.). Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Prentice Hall. Read More