Race in America
Race in AmericaThroughout the history of the United States, the relationship between white and black people has been an issue that has greatly divided the nation. Race is an important issue to many people in America. The race issue is very influential because of the fact that our country has had so many problems throughout its history. In the chapter, "Gone With the Wind" from the text Lies My Teacher Told Me by James W. Loewen, Loewen quotes Studs Terkel as saying, "race is our 'American obsession'." In the reading of "Who is Black? One Nation's Definition" by F. James Davis, race is discussed also as an important part of the American culture.
When Studs Terkel writes " race is our 'American obsession'." He is saying that the citizens of America have a preoccupation with race and race relations. For example, the Civil War was fought due to the relationships between blacks and whites. The Civil War caused the deaths of almost as many Americans as those who died in all other wars combined. "Black-white relations was the principal focus of Reconstruction after the Civil War; America's failure to allow African Americans equal rights led eventually to the struggle for civil rights a century later."(Loewen, 132) Had the Federal government properly written the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments, the earlier battle for civil rights would not have taken over one hundred years. African Ameerricans would have been equal and history would have been a lot different.
Uncle Tom's Cabin, by Harriet Beecher Stowe was written during an era where white people were in denial that slavery was harmful to the black race. The novel was an eye opener for many whites. "Uncle Tom's Cabin presents slavery as an evil to be opposed."(Loewen, 133) The novel told...
To view the complete essay, you be registered.