History of Racial Tension

Paper Summary:

This paper examines why the stereotypes and discrimination against the African-American community in the United States continues to be so distinct even today. It explores the historical relationship between the blacks and the whites in America since the Africans were bought to the new land as slaves. It traces the development of this hatred and tension throughout history, focusing attention on the abolition movement, the civil-rights movements its leaders. It concludes with an analysis of the African-American communities current self-image and whether this low self-image contributes to its discriminated position in society.

From the Paper:

"African Americans are second only to Native Americans, historically, in terms of poor treatment at the hands of mainstream American society. Although African Americans living today enjoy nominal equality, the social context in which blacks interact with the rest of society is still one that tangibly differentiates them from the rest of America. This cultural bias towards blacks is in many notable ways more apparent than the treatment of other people of color, such as Asian immigrants, as is reflected in disparate wages and living conditions experienced by these respective groups. Common stereotypes hold the successful, college educated black man or woman as the exception rather than the rule, whereas Asians are commonly thought of as over-achievers. Although any bias undermines social interaction in that it shifts attention away from individual merit, the bias towards African Americans can be said to be worse than most, and lies at the root of discrimination and racial tension."

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