Race and Ethnicity in The Rise and Fall of Jim Crow - Essay Example

Racism has a staggering capacity to negatively influence institutions in society to censure marginalized groups in society.

African-Americans in the past faced several negative consequences in American society due to racial tendencies. The movie introduces the audience to the realities of living in a society where white domination is the order of the day (Wormser & Jersey). When segregation is institutionalized in society, it affects various institutions in society to the extent that the target group is unable to access certain critical services. The movie draws a pattern where a caveat was put in the black community where they could not access important services and amenities critical for their well-being (Wormser & Jersey). Ideally, the African-Americans were locked out of important opportunities such as job acquisition. Moreover, the blacks could not access credit facilities not to mention housing facilities. When communities are marginalized, they developed negative tendencies toward the institutions that exist in society.

Racial tendencies in society alienate individuals and create immense division among personalities. For instance, when public schools were set apart for blacks and whites, it potentially caused division in society because it meant that there were no avenues through which kids could get together. Racism curtails individual liberty and condemns personalities to the periphery to the extent that they cannot participate or engage in civil activities (Wormser & Jersey). When the laws were abolished through constitutional means, they changed the system in society and removed the social barriers that previously existed. Racism can cause a breakdown of institutions in society effectively leading to anarchy.

Conflicts in society occur when people feel discriminated against and left out of a system that is supposed to serve their interests. Jim crow laws as exhibited in the movie had far-reaching implications for the well-being of American society. Though the laws were abolished through constitutional means, racial challenges are still manifest even in the modern dispensation. Racial tendency is a recipe for chaos and anarchy and their entrenchment in society should be guarded against.

Conclusion

Marginalization in society can manifest in different ways and racism is at the core of such tendencies. The movie, The Rise And Fall Of Jim Crowputs into perspective, racial prejudices that occurred during the reconstruction period. Ideally, the movie is indicative of how race can negatively affect the proper functioning of society effectively leading to anarchy and conflicts. Read More