Racism In America Free Essays

Racism is everywhere in many different forms. I remember in 8th grade, I went to Walgreen to get some make-up products. As was just searching through the products kept see, a lady behind me. We will write a custom essay sample on Racism In America or any similar topic only for you Order Now So I walked away and she kept following me, so decided to leave and as I was leaving she asked me if she could see my backpack. So I gave it to her, she thought I was stealing because I was black. And from that day on still realized that there was still racism in America. Even though racism was bad back then it is still very prevalent and one of the world’s major issues. Many people are not aware of how much racism still exist in our schools, workforces, and anywhere else social lives are occurring. Between the years 1 450 though 1850 about 14 million African Americans were shipped to colonies in North America, South America and North Indies. About 90% Of these African Americans were kidnapped. And about 20-30% of them died on the route to these countries. These African American were know as indentured servants, which were a form of debt bondage that occurred in the early years of American colonies. And in 1 628 they started to sell these African Americans like a piece of object. African men were sold for about $27 ND would serve as a slave for their entire life. Women and children would be sold for about $60. In the late 1660 the trans-Atlantic slave trade begins. And from the early 1 6th to the mid-19th century about 12 million to 13 million African Americans were taken away and sold. And in 1 787, slavery is made illegal by the Northwest Territory. A few years later in 1808 Congress bans the kidnapping of slaves in Africa. And the Missouri Compromise bans slavery north of the southern boundary of Missouri. During the slavery era which was from (1787-1863), many laws, acts, and amendments were created, some that helped slavery but many that banned it. In 1860 the Missouri Compromise was passed which prohibited the holding and ownerships Of slaves in the territory of the United States north Of the line. Also the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments were passed which abolished slavery, made all African Americans free, and lastly allowed African American man to vote. And then in 1964, this biggest law that helped segregation in America was the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This law abolished segregation in public accommodations, public facilities, and employment. This acts helped crease the amount of segregation and racism in America. Even though there is still racism in America today. Jumping to present day, racism is still very active today because of the media. As we grow up the media becomes part of our everyday life whether we like it or not. The media is a major part of how racism is still very active in today’s society. Since the early days the media has given racial labels. For example, in crime shows such as â€Å"Law and Order†, and â€Å"CSS. When you think of crime, African Americans are the ones reflected as the bad guys. And the whites are often reflected at the â€Å"good guy’. The directors and writers use racial stereotypes to make a more interesting story with more suspects or people to target. Most types they target blacks because it’s easy to point the finger at an easy target. America sees blacks as no t capable or as important as whites. Racial discriminations is a big treat in workplace in America. Though is is not as noticeable as it was in the sass’s it is still very prevalent today. Studies even show people of color are the last hired, and the first fired. Even though we have Affirmative action which is used for diversity in the workplace, so hat discrimination can not be apart of the work environment. But that’s not really the case owners of companies can always find away around the system. If we look at the bigger picture, in many big companies you barely see people of color as the top guy like the CEO. You always see a white man in those positions. My mom once today me that one of her friends was applying for a job and her name was really ghetto, so you could tell that she was black. So she applied and didn’t get the job. A few months later she decided to apply for the job again, with a name that you could tell was white, and she ended p getting the job. Discrimination in the workplace is still very prevalent, and although the awareness of discrimination has been increasing, some companies still face this problem. Racism has been so rampant in schools, and is expressed in many different forms. Some of the forms of racism in schools include name-calling, teasing, verbal abuse, and even bullying. Racism is experienced by all kinds of people in school. Racism in schools has a big effect on individuals, and the learning environment. Racism in schools is enhanced by discriminatory policies and practices that exist in the school system. Some of these instances are ignoring incidents of racism, being bib in disciplinary acts against students based on their race. If we look at it most teachers are middle class white women, which can cause schools to be run by their values and beliefs of their classroom. Even today, I have noticed that most private schools are prominently white. Use to attend a private school when was in middle school, and I was the only black girl in class. And many times would get ignorant remarks from the students. Member one day, I was sitting down and this girl came up to me ND asked â€Å"do you live on trees and ride elephants†. I was taken aback. Even though there is still racism in schools we have come a long one since the first desegregated school in Alabama. The â€Å"Little Rock Nine† where one first African American students to attend an all white school. Racism and unequal treatment had always been prevalent in the criminal justice system. African Americans have always been under control of the whites. The most effective way for the whites to keep that control would be though the criminal justice system. For example, in â€Å"How to Kill a Mockingbird† a African American boy named Tom Robinson is accused of raping a white girl named Male Lowell. In the end the verdict, Tom was found guilty of charged. Similarly, around 1 940 a little boy names Emmett Till was murdered in Mississippi by two white man for â€Å"flirting† with one of the man ‘s wife. After Till’s body was found and the two white men, Were linked to Till’s body they Went on trial. The two men Were acquitted Of Emmett Till’s murder. This shows the power the criminal justice system has over African Americans. This is still prevalent today. In early 2012 Traction Martin was fatally shot and killed my George Zimmerman. And in July 201 3 Silverman was found not guilty of all the charges against him. After this America was stunned many were upset and sadden. This shows that racism is very much in the criminal justice system. Lastly, racism is not only toward African Americans. Many races has experienced some type of racism. On September 1 1, 2001 four planes were hijacked by terrorist. And after that day many Middle Easterners experienced racism especially in airports. Many airports where strict on who that allowed in and out of the Lignite States. Anyone who looked Middle Eastern was examined even more than anyone else. Also on December 7. 1941 the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. Thus making the Unites States skeptical of every Japanese American. So they gathered all the Japanese people and put them in concentration camp. This act of racism toward Japanese was very viscous and made them feel like they didn’t belong. In the end, they say you shouldn’t judge a book by it’s cover, yet everyday single day someone is being judged based on their skin color. Even though racism is bad, it is still being practiced in schools, workplaces, media, and the rimming justice system. How to cite Racism In America, Papers Racism in America Free Essays string(48) " covert racist is unaware that they are racist\." The purpose of this research is to show the effects of racism in America. Racism is defined as one group assumes superiority over other groups that develop attitudes of arrogance and ignorance. Despite many laws and legislation attempts to eliminate the evils of racism, the problem focuses on the cultural differences of race, color and biological supremacy. We will write a custom essay sample on Racism in America or any similar topic only for you Order Now Racism comes in the form of ethnic cleansing, hate groups, discrimination and restraint of equal rights. Over the last decade the media has become one of the major contributors of racism in the 21st century. The media have displayed labels on people of color from high- profile crime shows such as Law and Order and CSS, and lately from the George Zimmerman / Tradition Martin trial. With the 9/1 1 attacks on America new racial views and violence began to surface targeting Arabs and people of Middle East descent. Latino has now become an immediate target of racism due to the fear of taking Jobs away from Americans. With the selection of Barrack Obama as president, most Americans believed that the nation was entering a color-blind society and racial healing, but that did not eliminate racism in America it only intensified it. In order for America to unite on the issue of racism, racial healing is important. In order for Americans to embrace post-racism and accept people of different cultural backgrounds, Americans through programs such as affirmative action, empowerment through education and positive cultural images of African-Americans, Asian-Americans, Arab-Americans and Latino displayed by the media can help solve the problems of racism. By attacking the issues of racism positively and proactively we as a society of diverse cultures can eliminate and solve the reoccurring of racism in America. Key Words: racism, coordination, affirmative action, diversity, equal rights, culture The issues of racism still exist in America today due to the different perceptions from different races. Regardless, of the conscious intent of the American public, everyone is somewhat conditioned, affected or infected daily by racism. Racism is when one group assumes superiority over other groups that develop attitudes of arrogance and ignorance. Racial discourses were created socially by people beginning to perceive ideas and unfamiliar faces not recognizable. With the constant immigration of Africans, Latino, Asians and Middle-Easterners and there ethnic groups yearly escaping political and economic sanctioned countries found acceptance in America socially difficult. The media has become the major contributor of racism in the 21st century. Since the sass’s the media has given people of color labels from crime shows such as Law and Order and CSS, and lately from the George Zimmerman / Tradition Martin trial. Prior to the passage of the Civil Rights Act (1964) racist legislation such as the Jim Crow Laws mainly in the Southern states, enforced segregation legislation that imposed legal punishment on people interacting with other races. The passage of the Civil Rights Act and other coordination laws only soften America’s stance on racism. Racism and racial violence still exist in the 21st century. The 9/1 1 terror attacks in America brought forth new racial views and violence on Arabs and people of Middle East descent. Even Latino who was not an immediate threat to America has become under the radar of racism. This form of racial acts and ethnic scrutiny is called racial racial profiling. With the choice of Barrack Obama as president, most Americans believed that the nation was entering a post-racial America, becoming a color-blind society where the scars of racism can begin to heal if not dismissed. Despite the hopes of eliminating racism in post -racial America, racism still exists and thrives. In order for America to unite on the issue of racism, racial healing is important through education and treatment. Media in 21st century post-racial America has fiercely fought to change their format and character of racism to become more political correct. Americans has become more educated and subtle in mainstreaming its views of racism. Social barriers of economic and political disadvantages that were invisible to the American public still exist. It is still a continuous struggle for the unwanted truth of racism and prejudice o become embedded within the hearts of the American society. Past and present leaders of the civil rights movement who fought and died for equality, Justice and social-political change (Dry. King and others) will continue the fight against racism, while other groups who offer resistance to change of racism, prejudice and discrimination will seek to support the things that they are (Continue, 2011). The domination of power, economic and social control by groups that are deemed superior to over cultures will not change because racism is an institutional ideology. Improvements will be made if America as a nation must work toward eliminating schism and move to a post racial society. Legislative acts such as the Alien and Sedition Act (1798) was the first legislation of prohibiting racism in the United States to protect French immigrants. The Native American Party (1845) was created to protect Native Americans who feared Irish immigrants who immigrated to America for a better life. Southern states in 1880 began legislation to illegally block African- Americans seeking political positions, the right to vote, segregating public accommodations and public transportation which called for the illegal enforcement of the Jim Crow Laws. Racism has a long continuous history in America that began from slavery to the passage of the Civil Rights Act (1964). There are many forms of racism: open, violent and covert. Open racism focuses on individual freedom to express racial thoughts and speech. Open racism exist in America because of an individual’s freedom of speech derived from the first amendment (Doe, 2012). Societal use of open racism in America is declining and found unconstitutional and politically incorrect. Violent racism is a form of racism that the use of violence is exhibited through imposing fear from racial groups to express their agendas. Covert racism is the most common type of racism used today. The covert racist is unaware that they are racist. You read "Racism in America" in category "Papers" Covert racists’ uses this tactic to intimidate groups or cultures that are inferior to their culture. Individual racism is a form of racism that has one person discriminates against another. Institutional racism is a form of racism when institutions discriminate against a race for unfair and biased reasons, the same reason the individual racist would do (racial profiling). Lastly racism is in the form of people displaying attitudes about other races and cultures. Since post 9 / 1 1 attitudes toward Arabs has increased because of the attitudes of the American society that all Arabs are considered terrorist. Racism is a disease that has become a serious epidemic in America today. This research examines the evils of racism in post racial America. This paper examines the racial acts of prejudice and discrimination against African-Americans, Hispanic-Americans and Arab-Americans. African-Americans and Racism Since the institution of slavery African-Americans has fought to gain acceptance social changes and racial equality in the United States. Slavery was the most noted Oromo of racism in the United States. The institution of slavery that stigmatize African-Americans created the beginning of Anti-African racism that still exists in the United States today. African -Americans were and are still treated as second class citizens. The Jim Crow laws were the creation of statutes that called for the legalization in the sass’s. The stories of racism in American laws found in several Supreme Court cases have shaped societal views on race and equality (Welsh, 2009). The effect of slavery, racism and the struggle for civil rights has continued to shape he laws of the country and society (Welsh, 2009). The Supreme Court ruling Peoples v Ferguson stated that separate facilities for blacks and whites were unconstitutional and called for the passage of discriminatory laws and legislations that would strip the political and economic gains by blacks after Reconstruction. With the success of the African Movement institutionalizing of significant gains since the sass’s Blacks has become an important voter bloc participant at higher rates than white voters of the same socioeconomic status and the number of black political leaders rapidly rising. Although the socioeconomic gap placed between blacks and whites remains the same. With significant progress made against overt forms of racial discrimination, in education and employment gradually becoming evident (Fast, 2008). Sadly the majority still do not have access to most political, economic and cultural resources in the United States. Because of these factors the majority of African-Americans have been relegated to reside in impoverish conditions while being exposed to social ills such as police brutality, poverty, illiteracy, diseases, unemployment, crime, and drugs (Fast, 2008). With the turn of the 21st century the violent acts of racism has not stopped in America. Racial profiling is now in the new version of racism of blacks and other races because of the color of skin. Racial profiling is an illegal tactic used by law enforcement to stop, question, arrest and search individuals, groups and cultures based on race and ethnicity. Racial profiling was limited to Africans and Hispanics, but since post 9 11 1 Arabs has become one of the most profiled ethnic groups in America. The history of the United States have shown that African Americans have always fought for social change and racial quality that addresses the illegal practices of racial discrimination, institutional racism, biases and racial intolerance’s that are exhibited by law enforcement. The African-Americans quest for equal Justice can be traced in the rich traditions of religion and spiritual history. The fear of racial indifference and the self interest of the African-American culture make the value in the pursuit of racial equality and social Justice diminish. Civil rights activist such as Dry. King and others has paved the way for social Justice and racial equality. Since the later part of the sass’s crimes omitted by African-Americans has been a central issue in the political arena of American politics. White Americans think the crime issues in America bring about the racial fears, the fear of becoming victims of black offenders and fearing that their communities and neighborhoods will be integrated by African-Americans. African- Americans are often the victims of violent hate crimes but the fear of reprisals of them being victims creates fear at high levels among the white society in America. African-Americans are more likely to become victims of violent hate crimes more than any other American culture. Police profiling has led to the killing and shooting of African-Americans that whites. This issue has been debated that blacks has a higher rate than whites. Law enforcement illegal practices of racial profiling is not only done on streets but practiced in institutions. Racial profiling practices by law enforcement agencies involve three types of situations: the war on drugs, stopping citizens that seem out of place in a specific neighborhoods and the crackdown of violent and property crimes. Most African-Americans feel that all police / law enforcement offices are racist or prejudice. This assumption is based on the officers’ attitudes and behaviors. The main focus in stopping racial profiling is the reduction of police misconduct against African Americans and other ethnic minorities. In order for racial profiling to be eliminated law enforcement agencies must be willing to teach their officers about cultural competency. Organizations such as the UCLA and the Human Rights Watch have pressured national, state and local governments to adhere to the standards of fair treatment of victims and defendants. The UCLA expresses a fear that developing a repressive state will warn against the implementation of anti- pendant, anti-police and pro-prosecutor measures that may undermine any presumptions of innocence and the burden of proof. The due process will be severely challenged if defendants and victims are denied pre-trail release. The powers of the states will alarm civil libertarians to safeguard the defendant and victims’ constitutional rights while maintaining checks and balances (Daces, 2009). Hispanics, Latino, Mexican -Americans and Racism The massive explosion of immigration, Hispanics from Mexico and Latino has caused an Anti- sentiment among the American people in regards of the issue of illegal immigrants. Immigrants that come to the United States daily are of Mexican Latino descent and live in extreme poverty. A large amount of the American population does not support the immigration of Hispanics and Latino. Those Americans with Anti-Hispanic/ Latino sentiments have the fear that the Hispanic immigrants come to this country to take their Jobs. Many Hispanic and Latino immigrants are classified as illegal but most are American citizens who came to this country legally. There are the binaries of racism that has caused concerns that needs to be surpassed in order to eave an accurate account of social injustice and political practices of racism (Shelley, 2009). The black [white binary has misled the American public into thinking that color-coded racism is the model for all types of racism. The race/ ethnic binary cannot Justify the lived experiences and social identity of Latino and Hispanic that lives in the United States with the promise/ threat binary that offers distorted views of political situations of Hispanics and Latino and Mexican- Americans (Shelley, 2009). Discrimination and hate crimes still remain against Hispanics, Latino and Mexican- Americans. The building of the American -Mexican border fence is a good example of racial discrimination and racism. With the condition of the economy advocates feel that racism and discrimination and unemployment issues against Latino, Hispanics and Mexican-Americans may increase. As with African Americans Hispanics and Latino are victims of racial profiling by law enforcement officers largely due to drug trafficking and gang violence. Racial profiling, unlawful detainment’s and illegal deportations are some of the racial tactics used by law enforcement agents to Rooney detain and arrest Latino, Hispanics and Mexican-Americans. Police and law enforcement officers using racism as a tool for traffic stops have led to greater incidents of racially profiling, harassing and brutalizing Hispanics, Latino and Mexican- Americans. Hispanics, Latino and Mexican-Americans continue to be unfairly targeted by the police in illegal traffic stops and searches. Daily routines Hispanics do are subject to intimidation and abuse from law enforcement officers. Law enforcement officers profile people of color daily while driving, working, in neighborhoods and shopping. Hispanics, Latino and Mexican-Americans have become daily targets of racism, discrimination acts and hate crimes. Human rights watch groups such as the UCLA and the Civil Liberty Union continue to fight to maintain international human rights, to become advocates for racial equality and continue to fight discrimination and racism at all levels. Hispanic communities are reported to have higher rates of crimes than other communities nationally. Hispanics and Latino have developed a unique experience about police that shapes their attitudes toward law enforcement officials. Several factors explain patterns of racism twine Hispanics, Mexican-Americans, Latino and police range from difficulties understanding English by non English speaking Hispanics that develops communication problems with police and do not report crimes of racism. Hispanics fear that calling the police will expose criminal acts within their communities. Members of Congress and Senate agree that racism and racial profiling is unconstitutional. Most Americans have the fear that Hispanics and Latino are gang members, drug runners and take Jobs from Joe America. However in the 21st century racism, hate crimes, discrimination and racial profiling continues to remain a national robber that impacts the daily lives of Hispanics, Latino and Mexican-Americans. Arabs, Muslims and Racism Muslim minorities are subject to racism and racial profiling by virtue of their perceived Muslim culture. Arab-Americans and Muslims are met with less sympathy than gaining acceptance socially and politically than other religious minorities globally. Jewish groups are also victims of racism discrimination and hate crimes. The anti -Muslim sentiments and cultural racism displayed in the media give the world alleged misrepresentation of the Arab culture that contributes to the world’s countermanding and creation of sentiments against Arabs and Muslims (Mere Mood, 2009). The conceptualization of racism assures the protection afforded to racial minorities is conceived as involuntary constituted and should not be extended to Muslims because of their religious identity. Society may find being sympathetic with a minority that is categorized by society as disloyal or associated with terrorist ideology hard. Americans and the world view Arabs and Muslims as threats rather than a disadvantaged minority subject to increase pernicious discourse of racial discrimination (Mere et al, 2009). The effects of 9 / 11 points out several disturbances socially, economically and politically against people of Middle-East and Arab descent. A Scuff prospective was created based on the trends and responsibility of humanity globally to encounter the prospective of racism with practical applications of universal value. The basic principles of peace and harmony inherent in the foundation of Islamic culture, along with the power of remembrance are fundamental to the quality of harmony and the need of reflection in the Muslim culture (Rasher, 2011). Americans must renounce the tragedy of post 9/1 1, as a world filled with story, prejudice, discrimination and racism by putting racial healing into practice for the betterment of mankind. When good and fresh ideas began to flourish, and when principle actions along with the commitment of a common cause, the necessity of embracing cultural is a challenge and blessing off pluralistic nation and inter- connected world ( Rasher, 2011). Since 9 / 11 and the war on terrorism, Arabs and Arab-Americans has become one of the most racial discriminated cultures in the world. Arabs and Arab-Americans continue to experience higher volume of hate crimes, violence, racism and discrimination than African Americans. The Ft. Hood shooting (2009) by an Army officer of Arab descent caused increased hostility, violence and anti-Arab sentiments against Arabs of Muslim descent. The media through television and movies has portrayed all Arabs and Americans of Arab decent as terrorist, Jihads and the main enemy of the United States. The media and Hollywood give Americans and the rest of the world the false negative image that all Arabs are considered terrorist. Since the 9 / 11 terror attacks Arabs and Arab- Americans has been falsely labeled as being brutal, heartless, and whose main objective is to destroy the United States through Jihads or Holy wars. Racial profiling and racism is the most used method against Arab-Americans today. Police and law enforcement officials use racism and racial profiling as a tactics to identify and arrest Arabs and Arab-Americans as suspected terrorist because of their ethnic and cultural identities. Since the attacks of 9/1 , the attacks on Arabs and Muslims worldwide have dramatically increased. We as Americans must note that the culture of Islam is not a race nor is being a Muslim. Americans and other nations must embrace the religion, customs and ideology of the Arab culture instead of resorting o racism, prejudice and violence. Racism in America is a societal disease that affects the lives of cultures through bigotry, hate crimes, prejudice discrimination and violence. As a controversial problem in America, racism is a social and political concern that a dominate individual, culture or group generates the moral issues of racism that can only be solved through political legislation. In the book Souls of Black Folk W. E. B. Du Bois asks the question of ; How does it feels as Black folk (people) to be a problem†. Lenten Tattle do not give an answer to Du Bois question but provides critical study called the crisis of multiculturalism discourse. It is the primary means by which minorities today cast as problems of cultural integration and racism (Fem., 2008). Du Bois showed how the failure of multiculturalism has been recorded in a post-racial America. The over emphasis of cultural differences rights of victims play an important role that results in the unintended consequences of social segregation, urban unrest, religious extremism and communal patriarchy ( Quicksand, 2012). Acts 10: 34-35 Peter replies â€Å"l see very clearly that God do not show partiality. In every action he accepts those who fear him and do what is right† (Holy Bible N I V). Racism has been a controversial issue in America since the arrival of the European colonist. The thought of lore the practice of racism in America is the domination by a group that think it is superior than another group that degraded or debased with the use of intimidation and violence to other cultures. In order for the elimination of racism in America people of all colors and cultures must treat each other with respect, humanely and dignity. If not then racism will continue to be a societal disease in post racial America . References Safe, J. (2008). How to cite Racism in America, Papers Racism in America Free Essays Robert Kim May 2011 Sociological Imagination Racism in America Is America in a Post Racial Era? What sort of impact does racism have in our society? In America, it’s quite well known that we finally have the first black president in, it is also generally agreed upon that racism is unacceptable in society, and most of us would consider ourselves equal to one another regardless of race. Obviously, we still have people who are racist and the idea that these people will go away completely is almost unbelievable. Racism is the belief that races have distinctive cultural characteristics determined by hereditary factors and that this endows some races with an intrinsic superiority over others. We will write a custom essay sample on Racism in America or any similar topic only for you Order Now And it can also mean abusive or aggressive behavior towards members of another race on the basis of such a belief. Racism means that people have negative and condescending thoughts about others based on their race. Some of the most infamous acts of racism in the United States occurred in the 1800s and 1900s which involved the discrimination against Indians and African Americans. In the 1800s, Americans believed that the Native Americans should be removed off their land or forced to assimilate into American society. The many Native Americans who chose not to assimilate were forced off their land into â€Å"reserves† so they would remain separate from society. â€Å"The concept became policy in 1825, with the creation of an Indian Country between the Red and Missouri Rivers†¦ followed by the Removal Act of 1830, leading to the relocation of many eastern tribes. Continuing non-Indian expansion, however, caused the so-called â€Å"permanent† Indian Territory to dwindle in size† (Waldman, Carl). The removal act attempted to remove Indians off their land and segregate them from each other and then, â€Å"The difference was that instead of one large Indian Country, lands were divided up piecemeal, with tribes confined to separate parcels with specific boundaries† (Waldman, Carl). And because of these acts, American Indians started to fight back for their land and their rights, which led to several American Indian wars. Eventually, American Indians were pushed so far away from society that they appear today as almost non-existent. It’s very rare nowadays to meet a legitimate Native American because of these acts of discrimination against their race. The other well known historical event involved the African Americans in America who were discriminated against harshly, considered as property, and used primarily as slaves. Slavery was based on racist beliefs and thoughts that African Americans were inferior to white Americans. The three-fifths clause is the most infamous part of the Constitution in so far as black Americans are concerned. This is because it formalizes racism and white supremacy in the document, reflecting the debased, dehumanized status of African peoples in the minds of the Constitution’s framers† (Smith, Robert). This act was used for political reasons in order to account for how many African people are living in the United States so that they could be taxed and r epresented in congress. This just shows that even the government believed that racism was acceptable and they were barely considered people. Southern states believed that these slaves were considered property and didn’t want to include them as part of the population, but for political purposes, congress wanted to add them into the count in population for political power. Racism has probably impacted African Americans the most because of how much they had to suffer during the time of slavery. Even still today, African Americans suffer from some forms of racism. After African Americans were freed from slavery and considered as â€Å"equal† citizens, no one would accept them as equal and they were still being discriminated against. African Americans were still being mistreated, terrorized against, and unable to participate in the same schooling or education as white Americans. African Americans weren’t considered equal and because of racism, people still thought of them as inferior and unequal just because they believed that they were born and meant to be servants. Even the government refused to accept African Americans as equals and the government created laws to restrict the rights of African Americans so that they wouldn’t be able to interact in society equally. After segregation had finally ended, African Americans were considered equal in society and are able to live without as much discrimination against them. We are not yet in a Post Racial Era because racism and race are still playing a role in our judgment and categorization of how we interact with other people. Barrack Obama is the first and only African American President to sit in office, even with America accepting and voting in the first non-white President, there are still many issues with racism in the United States. We are not in a Post Racial Era because people still have hatred against other people solely based on race and although they may not be able to express their ideas publicly, it still exists in people’s minds and their actions may even reflect those thoughts. Bibliography Smith, Robert C. â€Å"three-fifths clause in the U. S. Constitution. Encyclopedia of African-American Politics. New York: Facts On File, Inc. , 2003. African-American History Online. Facts on File, Inc. http://www. fofweb. com/activelink2. asp ItemID=WE01amp;iPin=EAAP0399amp;SingleRecord=True  (accessed April  25,  2011). Waldman, Carl. â€Å"U. S. Indian policy: Removal and reservations. † Atlas of the North American Indian, Third Edition. New York: Facts On File, Inc. , 2009. Ameri can Indian History Online. Facts On File, Inc. http://www. fofweb. com/activelink2. asp ItemID=WE43amp;iPin=ind5509amp;SingleRecord=True  (accessed April  25,  2011). How to cite Racism in America, Papers