Just how far has America progressed in its acceptance of minority races?
Discrimination and mistreatment of minorities in America can be traced as far back as 1517, when the Transatlantic Slave Trade began. In the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, following the establishment of the British colony of Jamestown, Africans were generally granted passage to America but only if they agreed to indentured servitude. De facto segregation, which exists as matter of custom, and de jure segregation, the separation of races required by law, plagued African Americans following the Civil War and the passing of the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery.
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Southern and Eastern European, Asian, Mexican and West Indian immigrants faced issues concerning equality. Nativism, favoritism toward native-born citizens, triggered the formation of anti-immigrant groups, such as the Immigration Restriction League, which later influenced Congress to pass a bill requiring a literacy test for all immigrants entering the country. Immigration restrictions, such as the Chinese Exclusion Act, were also enacted as anti-immigrant feelings arose.
Sophomore Erkan Ozcan, a second-generation American from Turkey, believes Americans’ treatment of culturally unique races is unsatisfactory. He said, “I do have problems with people making fun of me for being Turkish. I feel that when minorities come here to America, they are often told to go back to their countries. Americans only accept themselves.”Although the discrimination that goes on today may exist more by custom rather than government legalities, some faults in the system still exist. A recent report by the Associated Press stated that Keith Bardwell, justice of the peace in Tangipahoa Parish, refused to issue a marriage license to an interracial couple, stating that “most interracial marriages do not last long.” He said, “There is a problem with both groups accepting a child from such a marriage. I think those children suffer and I won’t help put them through it.” The American Civil Liberties Union of Louisiana (ACLU) sent a letter to the Louisiana Judiciary Committee, which oversees state justices of the peace, asking them to investigate the case.
Universities, colleges and scholarship organizations around the U.S., such as the United Negro
College Fund (UNCF), reward scholarships especially for minority students. Junior Elizabeth Esparza, whose parents are originally from Mexico, said that minority scholarships are beneficial. “It allows minorities to become more involved in colleges, rather than being held behind,” she said. “They will know they that have more options available to them.” The recent inauguration of President Barack Obama is another example that some feel symbolizes America’s progress in acceptance of minorities.
Freshman Esreal Geberhiwet, born in Ethiopia, said, “Obama was chosen because of his beliefs and what he stands for, and not denied because of his race.”
Freshman Eric Shiu, whose parents immigrated to America from Taiwan, said he feels very accepted here. “I’ve never been discriminated against, and I’m not made fun of,” he said. “I don’t feel like I’m any different from anyone else, and although
I do consider myself a minority, I am very proud of my nationality.”