America’s Original Sin

1. America’s Original Sin The Historical Roots of Racism and how it has become Institutionalized

2. Table of Contents The difference between racism and prejudice Where did it begin? Racism in the New World Justifying Racism Ethnic groups affect by racism in America Stereotypes are harmful Damaging effects of Racism Conclusion

3. The Difference Between Racism and Prejudice Racism Prejudice The belief that humans are subdivided into distinct hereditary groups that are different in their behavior and mental capacities. It is usually based on physical attributes. The general belief is that one group is superior to another. Racism allows for non-equal treatment of groups who are not a part of the “majority group.” It then spreads throughout the society as a macro level problem. A generalized belief, usually unfavorable, regarding a specific group of people. The opinion is not based on any fact and is a preconceived notion. The grounds of prejudice can be towards physical appearance, gender, sexual preference, religion, social class, age, disability, language. etc. Prejudice stays more on an micro level that can effects society at a macro level.

4. The realization of human differences dates back thousands of years. Prejudice is a universal human sin. A classic example of division among groups of people can be found in the bible. • The idea of race started to take hold right before the expansion into the new world. As Europe began to concur villages and claim land, they encountered people who were very different from themselves. Racism truly took root when ‘proper gentlemen’ encountered more primitive tribes who didn’t hold the same spiritual and moral beliefs as they did. Where did it begin? • Racism has its roots in prejudice. • People feared what was different. • Eventually, wide held beliefs of prejudice became racism

5. Racism in the New World • As explorers settled in the Americas, they came across tribes of people. Racial hatred jaded colonial society. Due to the difference in weaponry, it was easy for the Europeans to take the Native’s land. It was easy for the new settlers to think of themselves as superior due to the fact that it was so easy to win their new found land. Historically, we are perhaps the only nation that tried to create a national policy to wipe out its indigenous population. The New World of North America was founded on genocide. Over the years, we have elevated this tragic experience into something as noble. Our current day literature, films, and folklore exalt this crime against humanity.

6. Justifying Racism English values equaled “blackness” to being soiled, sinister, or dirty. They viewed it as a sign of danger. To them, white verses black was likened to purity verses filth. The Heathenism of the African people was uncomfortable for the Christians discovering this part of the world. They used this reason to lessen the African people to less than human. Since they viewed the people as barbaric to their standards they were more comfortable capturing them and selling them like animals. This frame of mind followed them into America. Although slavery was a heinous act, it was justified due to economic reasons. Greed solidified the Christian belief of “blackness.” The biggest difference between the African slaves, and slaves of the past, was that slaves from the past were usually viewed as victims of circumstance (i.e. prisoners of war or debtors) . African slaves were viewed as property.

7. Virtually every ethnic group who has immigrated into America has been discriminated against or exploited at some point in history. The only group of people who have avoid this discrimination is the White Anglo-Saxon Protestant, who in general is the majority group, and are responsible for the oppression of other ethnic groups. Just To Name a Few…

8. Stereotypes are Harmful Stereotypes are Opinion, Not Fact Stereotypes perpetuate discrimination . They become wide held beliefs about certain ethnic groups. They circulate through society. They are harmful to the societal structure. These beliefs become institutionalized in society and further the cycle of discrimination.

9. The Damaging Effects of Racism • In general, minorities earn less than whites. Because of this discrepancy, they are cornered into taking jobs that are near their homes in the ghettos, where the employment opportunity is less prestigious. • Minorities are more likely to live in urban and or ghetto areas. Historically, they have been pushed into these areas because of unfair housing policies. • Employment • Housing • Crime • Education • Due to the lack of employment opportunities, and proper education, some minorities feel that they have no choice but to lead a life of crime. This becomes a self fulfilling prophecy, and the cycle begins again… • Funding for schools in inner cities are lacking, even today. Some policy makers try to claim that this is based on poverty levels, but when the minority is cornered into living in these areas, it becomes a matter of racism.

10. Racism took hold when the New World was being discovered by European countries. The difference in religious beliefs helped solidify the idea that white was better than dark. Over the centuries, stereotypes have helped institutionalize discrimination and oppression. This discrimination shows itself through the lack of opportunities given to minorities in the areas of housing, employment, and education. In order to stop racial beliefs we must stop feeding into false ideas such as stereotyping. The majority group must start using their privilege not as a way to oppress others but as a way to make others equal with them. Conclusion “Giving someone else equal rights does not infringe or take away from you. It just makes it illegal to enforce your prejudice and hate. It’s that simple.” -Unknown

11. References: • Wallis, Jim. “America’s Original Sin/ The Legacy of White Racism.” Cross Currents. 57 (2007):197-202. Print. • “The Enduring Power of Racism: A Reconsideration of Winthrop Jordan’s White Over Black.” History and Theory. 44 (2005). Vol 2: 195—226. Web. April 2 2013. • Patterson, James T. “Race Relations and the ‘Underclass’ in Modern America: Some Historical Observations.” Qualitative Sociology. 18(summer 1995). Issue 2: 337-62. • Raina, Kelley. “The Roots of Racism.” Newsweek, Pacific Edition. 154 (July 6 2009). 112. Print. • Marger, Martin N. Race and Ethnic Relations: American and Global Perspectives. 9th ed. California: Wadsworth, 2012. Text Book. • King, Martin Luther Jr. Why We Can’t Wait. New York: Penguin Group, 2000. Print. • Zinn, Howard. A People’s History of the United States. New York: HarperCollins, 1999. Print • www.hybridrastamama.com/2011/05/why-amanda-metro-is-not-racist.html. Cover picture. • www.idlehearts.com/giving-someone-else-equal-right-does-not/19316/ . Quote