Essay/Term paper: Blacks treated as lower class citizens

Essay, term paper, research paper:  Literary Essays

Blacks Treated as Lower Class Citizens


The black community in the United States of America has always been the
target of prejudice from the whites. The Constitution of America states all men
should have equal rights, but instead of following the constitution whites have
treated the blacks as lower- class citizen. An example that the black community
has been treated as a lower class citizen they were being persecuted for trying
to get an education. The next example that the black community was being treated
as lower class citizens is shown when the blacks could not receive a fair trial
in the courts. The final example that the blacks have not been treated as equals
was when they could not get a decent job. The black community has always been
treated as a lower- class citizen not only in the past, but also in today's
society.
The first example that the black community has been treated as a lower-
class citizen was when they couldn't get a good education. "Besides, those doors
are always open to them…But most are deprived of education…This gets easier and
easier until she comes up with still another child to abort or support, But none
of this is 'Negro-ness'" (Griffin 92). This quote shows that the blacks were
deprived of an education, and a good education is usually a symbol of middle- or
higher- class citizen. "They are so close to their ancestors learned to read and
write at the risk of severe punishment, that learning is almost a sacred
privilege (Griffin 125)." This quote shows how the whites had deprived them of
an education for many centuries. The quote also shows how an education is a
privilege for a lower class citizen and is taken for granted for middle- and
higher- class citizens.
In today's society blacks are still being persecuted in schools. An
example in today's society that blacks are still being discriminated against is
in Corvallis, Oregon. At Oregon State University the white students and faculty
are constantly harassing blacks. "People look at me like I'm a hoodlum gang
member," said a football player at the university (Cain). This quote talks about
how a lot of blacks are viewed as a stereotypic gangster which is considered a
lower- class citizen in most people's eyes. At the same campus a black
government candidate's posters were defaced (Cain). This shows that the white
community does not want blacks in a high government position. A government
position is a symbol of a higher- class citizen and since whites defaced the
posters it is clear that the whites treat blacks as lower- class citizens.
The next example that shows that the whites were being treated as lower-
class citizens was the way the blacks could not get justice in the judicial
system. "Mississippi has long had a reputation of failing to punish white men
accused of criminal acts against Negroes" (Griffin 50). This quote shows the
unfairness of the judicial system. Since only lower- class citizens are looked
down upon and are not treated fairly, the quote implies that the blacks are
treated as lower-class citizens. Another example that the blacks did not receive
justice in the judicial system was during the Parker Lynch case (Griffin 50).
Even though the F. B. I. provided evidence identifying the lynchers, they still
went free. This shows that a black man can not receive justice even when
murdered. In the constitution it states that all men will receive a fair trial,
and since the blacks can not receive a fair trial, the quote implies that blacks
are lower than whites.
In today's society the same exact thing is happening. Blacks can not
receive any justice in the judicial system. "A lot of white people will bring
bias denial to a situation …the first Rodney King trial where you had the whole
beating incident on tape… the mainly white jury found the police not guilty.
(Rodriguez)" This quote clearly shows that a black man can not get a fair trial.
Which also implies that he is not worthy enough to receive the rights the
constitution gives him and that he is a low- class citizen who can not receive
any justice. Another example in today's society where blacks can not receive
justice is during the O. J. Simpson trial. "There are not only instances of
racial insensitivity … the denial of due process, of unwarranted searches, of
illegal seizures, of all the charges blacks have been making all along.
(Rodriguez)" This quote shows that even a famous black man like O. J. can not
receive a fair trial. This shows that blacks can never be equal and will always
be a lower-cla ss citizen.
The last way blacks have been treated as lower- class citizen was the
way that the blacks had a hard time getting a job or getting by on the job the
blacks already have. An example of this is when Griffin tried to find a job, but
no matter how qualified or well dressed he could not get a job (Griffin 43).
This shows that most employers did not want any blacks working for them no
matter how qualified, and if you do not have a job it symbolizes a lower- class
citizen. "Do you know how long we'd last, doing something like that" (Griffin
108). This quote shows the little power the blacks have over their jobs and how
easily they could starve to death. The lower- class citizen usually has an
inferior job, so this quote shows how they are lower- class citizens.
In today's society there are still discriminations on the job site.
"Black jellybeans," Texaco officials said ("Change in Course"). According to
this quote it is clear there is racism at the job site and that the blacks have
no power what- so- ever, and no power means that you are considered lower then
the whites.
It is clear that blacks were and are still treated as lower class
citizens. It is clear that the blacks could not get an equal chance to get an
education. It is also clear that blacks could not receive any justice in the
judicial systems. Blacks could not even get a decent job to pull him into the
higher class. Although we might have improved a little on some of these problems,
they are still happening. In the future we should strive to make everyone equal.
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