Inequality for all Essay example -- Racial Relations, Bigotry, Racial

People of color have been the targets of bigotry, racial discrimination, and oppression since the arrival of the early European settlers. This is evident in the mass extermination of the Native Americans and in the kidnapping and enslavement of African’s in the 1600’s. Although slavery was abolished over 100 years ago the traumatic effects of this injustice is present in today’s society. The forefathers of America built this nation with the hands of black people and despite their contribution to this country they continue to be marginalized. Even though black people have made many strides this long-standing history of oppression has persevered throughout the generations. The deep-rooted contention of inequality and injustice has infiltrated the social fabric of American society and government as black people today experience discrimination on every level. Structured discrimination has been to blame for the many disparities that black people face in America. The m ost obvious are the disproportionate amount of minorities in the United States Criminal Justice System. Blacks make up approximately 13% of the U.S. population, and whites 67% of the U.S. population (Census, 2009); however, of the 2.2 million incarcerated, 900,000 are Black (Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2011). Brief History of Racism & the Mythology of White Superiority Throughout American history the ideology of racism has been ever-present. The idea of white supremacy and black inferiority was birthed from American nationalism. Ironically, the enslavements of African Americans were necessary in order to free colonial America from monarch rule. As a country founded on the philosophy of individual freedoms the enslavement of blacks’ needed to be justified. Indentur... ...covered that some neighborhoods spend more than a million dollars each year to incarcerate and return these residents, coining the phase â€Å"million dollar blocks† (Annie E. Casey Foundation, 2006). To house a prisoner in 2010 it cost an average of $70.56 per day; this number is an estimated $25,754.40 per year. The average cost to attend a public 4-year college is approximately $8,000-$12,000; nearly half the amount to house a prisoner. The oppression of minorities has occurred for generations. Its practices have been made policy since 1705 with the Virginia Slave Codes. Structured inequality has infiltrated the policies that govern this nation. This is evident in the many disparities minorities face. The depth of structured inequality goes beyond changing policy. Not only does policy need to change but also people must be inundated with the message of tolerance.