African American Discrimination in the United States Essay

African American Discrimination in the United States NO! NO? This is the word most often heard by African Americans throughout our vivid history. Although at one time we were a majority of judgment and unfair discrimination, it is now more than likely safe to say, white or black, we are proud to be Americans. In Harper Lee’s novel To Kill A Mockingbird she elucidates what it was like, during the 1930s, to live in a small town who often put judgment before thought. When thinking of discrimination the words unfair, segregation, and prejudice all come to mind. And why we ask ourselves, because someone or something is DIFFERENT. Is that really how our world should think? Should we separate ourselves into groups depending on our†¦show more content†¦According to Staples, â€Å"racial discrimination limits opportunities for blacks.† Nearly seventy-five percent of African American men seeking employment were previously discriminated against simply because they were black. Not only do they experience prejudice in the work place but when looking for education, housing, and even health care (Staples 23-24). In To Kill A Mockingbird, Lee writes about the difficulty the Robinsons had after Tom was killed and the problems the family had in trying to make ends meet with very little money. Mrs. Robinson was given a poor job in the field due to the empathy the white field owner had for her family and her. This was a slight miracle bec ause it did not occur very often during this time period (248-249). Racism occurs more often and most severely when two groups with different ethnic backgrounds come into contact with one another. This frequently leads to competition among the segregated assemblies (McKissack 15). It may not only lead to competition, but also to stereotyping, name calling, and racial slurs or jokes directed towards the opposite group. Those who believe that what they say and do to hurt others is all in fun are completely ludicrous (McKissack 30). Race hatred sometimes leads to violence,Show MoreRelatedThe Effects of Incarceration Discrimination in the United States for African American Men2898 Words   |  12 Pagesinclusion, and backward progression within society is a trend that engulfs African American men constantly in the American society. There is a continuous struggle to break the persistent mold. Although many feel that the United States has overcome its racist history, the legacies of slavery and racism still affect our policies and practices today. Of the nearly 2.1 million adult men and women imprisoned in the United States, roughly 70% are persons of color (Minton, 2012). 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