The Digression of Discrimination

Discrimination is extremely prominent and critically important in American life. It has significant and detrimental effects on the health of many Americans. But there isn't too much being done about it. Within this "Free Country", we face discrimination in many forms. When dealing with police, employers, buying houses, doctors, slurs and much more. Gentrification is one of the big issues throughout the country. Gentrification is a general term for the arrival of wealthier people in an existing urban district, a related increase in rents and property values, and changes in the district's character and culture. Gentrification is seen as a good thing in many people's eyes Who wouldn't want to see less crime, increases in economic activity and a happier environment? Unfortunately, it's disproportionately less enjoyable for people who maybe aren't as wealthy. Gentrification has caused lots of conflicts that teeter on the line of racial issues and social justice. In many neighborhoods, Gentrification is undoubtedly a problem. Many people struggle to keep up with the extreme variables that come with gentrification. The minority group is usually removed because of higher rates and lots of economic change. It is often hard for lower-income households to find shelter and a place to settle.

There is an obvious high extent of segregation of colored people in certain neighborhoods and white people living in other neighborhoods and it's quite an observable phenomenon in the country. Although America has always been a multicultural country, many groups are subjected to discrimination in different ways. Thankfully America has come a very long way since the days of slavery, and strides were made and are still being made towards granting equal rights we still see a prevalent issue. There is a clear divide between groups. Many minority groups face racial bias when applying for jobs and finding income. This results in poorer communities and an economic divide in the country that is statistically racial. Many authors and other people have talked about this in not only literature but through artwork and even some modern day music. For example, James Baldwin talks about the racial tension through his books like The Fire Next Time. Baldwin has said To be a Negro in this country and to be relatively conscious is to be in a rage almost all the time expressing what many people experience because they have darker skin. Artworks such as New Kids in the Neighborhood (Negro in the Suburbs) by Norman Rockwell express the same thing. This painting depicts what it feels like to be excluded and misunderstood for looking different.

It shows colored children and white children seeing each other for was is presumably the first time and how they seem to misunderstand one another. Not only is it racism, but it's also with religion and sex. Muslims and other religious groups face the same issues every day. After the tragedy of September 11th, Muslims have been called terrorists, kicked off planes and so much more. Moreover, women in America struggle with being turned down because of the gender they portray even in modern times. Although now women can vote and work the jobs they desire, there is still sexism and discrimination against a majority of them. Learning to understand one another, learning more about others and seeing the problems instead of ignoring them could help. An example is The Danger of a Single Story. by Adichie, Chimamanda Ngozi. She explains how people perceived her differently just based on the fact that she was from Africa. She expresses how people assumed she listened to "tribal music" and didn't understand English. And how basing an idea of a person off of where they come from or the single idea others might have of them is what causes issues between races.Show a people as one thing, as only one thing, over and over again and that is what they become meaning that if a culture is based off a single idea, nobody will truly understand what it's like. Enforcing learning about other cultures and understanding of differences could greatly improve how people see each other. As James Baldwin said, It is certain, in any case, that ignorance, allied with power, is the most ferocious enemy justice can have.

If the community ignores the issue and turns the other cheek, they'll never make any progress. Learning to deal with the issue and fight for what's right is the best way to help boost the country. In similarity the text, Thank You, Ma'am. by Langston Hughes, the lesson that is taught it to be kind in order to teach people how to act. She takes him in as if he were her own and teaches him right from wrong instead of sending him straight to prison.You ought to be my son. I would teach you right from wrong. Least I can do right now is to wash your face. Are you hungry?(Hughes) Treating people the same way she did would make a huge impact on the way America is. Unfortunately, racism and sexism will never come to a halting stop, there is something that humanity could do to make progress. America could improve the country as a community by following hard but straightforward steps. There is no simple way but by learning to be more open-minded, everything could greatly improve. Education is the first step. By educating people about issues, cultures, mental health, new ideas and more, everyone would have a better understanding of one another. The second step is to focus on positive movements and good things about others. The third step is to support and include everyone and as a planet, the human race will be a better group to be a part of.

Works Cited

1. Adichie, Chimamanda Ngozi. The Danger of a Single Story. TED, July 2009.
2. Baldwin, James. The Fire Next Time. First Vintage International Edition, 1993.
3. Conley. Communities Promote Diversity. American City and County, 15 March 2012.
4. Grant, Benjamin. What is Gentrification? Flag Wars, PBS, 17 June 2003.
5. Hughes, Langston. Thank You, Ma'am. The Short Stories of Langston Hughes, Child's World, Inc., 1958.
6. McIntosh, Peggy. White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack. Wellesley College Morgenthau, Henry. The Negro and the American Promise. American Experience, Season 16, 18 Jan. 2004.
7. Racism in America: Small Town 1950s Case Study Documentary Film. YouTube, Accessed on 7 December 2018.
8. Rockwell, Norman. New Kids in the Neighborhood (Negro in the Suburbs). Brooklyn Museum, 1967.
9. Turner, Marjory Austin, and Annette Rowlings. Promoting Neighborhood Diversity, Benefits, Barriers, and Strategies. The Urban Institute, August 2009.
10. Smithsimon, Gregory. Are African American Families More Vulnerable in a Largely White Neighborhood? Cause And How It Doesn't Always Equal Effect, Melville House, 7 December 2018.

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