CIVIL RIGHTS TODAY 6
Civil Rights Today
Jean Luc Coulidiati
Wilmington University
Running head: CIVIL RIGHTS TODAY 1
Civil Rights Today
In this great nation that we live in, it was founded by people with common interests, with hopes of shaping how the rest of the world governed their people by granting civil liberties and rights to all. Throughout the American history, we have had many turning points that have shaped the views of many. One unforgettable period is the Civil Rights era. In the Mid-20th century, America was not known for being the world police. America at that time was covered by a dark shadow with ongoing discrimination and injustice towards African Americans. Fast-forward to almost 60 years later, many folks including African Americans are still living this injustice and discrimination.
To understand the history of the civil rights movement and what it represents today, we cannot ignore the history prior to our independence. In high schools, people are thought about the pilgrims being the first generation of Americans and their reason for leaving England to be able to practice their religion freely without the interference of the government. Also, there were others who fled England simply because they did not have a voice in their country and could not speak against the regime without being punished. Once settled in the new world, all those things that were privatized to them were no possible and forever lived a happy life.
After the framers declared their independence from England, they believed that it was essential to create a Constitution, then later the Bill of Rights which guaranteed the citizens' rights protected by our Constitution. As we moved on towards a complex world, more amendments were added. The civil rights movement marked an important part in American history. The famous landmark case Brown v. Board of Education showed the injustice our children endured in the public-school system. Social Segregation in south showed the rest of the country how segregated we were.
As we have moved towards the 21st century, the same dark shadow that roofed America for many years is still around. Many people in this country believe that they do not share the same rights as others based on their sexual preference, religious beliefs, gender and legal status. These disparities within in our communities have led many to challenge our leaders in Congress to take actions. The contemporary issues that we are facing today are complex and have affected many. The women's struggle for immigration rights, equality and police racism are just some factors that are cu
ent in today's battle.
Immigration is continuous circumstance that has been around for many years. It can be defined as an individual movement from one place to another for a better life. There are several reasons for this exodus, such as, economics and high standards of living, education, political reasons and liberty. For many years, immigration has been a major dissension in the United States and the Federal Government has been struggling to keep illegal immigrants out. Since the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, the US has not had any concrete immigration reform.
During the Obama administration, we have seen the most controversial immigration law passed in Arizona. In a book called "Understanding Public Policy "written by Thomas R. Dye, the author explains how the law
oadened the power of the police officers in Arizona to stop and ask anyone suspected of being an illegal to prove their citizenship. Many criticized the State of Arizona but they only responded due to the lack of leadership from the federal government to take actions against those here illegally.
The Trump Administration has made the matter worse. By proposing to build a wall between the US and Mexico and deporting illegals back to their country, President Trump created an outburst within our communities and many feel targeted not only ICE agents but also by those that are his supporters. For over decades, immigrants have contributed towards the success of America and are part of an important workforce in this nation. Reason why this is such an important part of the civil right movement today is because people are living in fear and in the shadows of society which is what blacks endured in the 60’s. With President Trump in power, we have seen travel restrictions from citizens coming from 8 countries in the Middle East and ongoing discrimination.
I certainly believe that by building walls or making travel bans will not be a solution. There are many immigrants that have contributed to the development of the US and ended up creating employment for many Americans. America has always been known for being a world leader but this route it has taken under the presidency of Trump has made many questioned our moral values. Not all immigrants are thugs, rapist or come from low poverty countries. Some come here simply for better life opportunities.
Police
utality has also taken a toll on our society. Over the past years we have seen many lose their life at the hands of cops. With no real answer on why such matter is occu
ing in minority neighborhoods, families are being torn apart by this tragedy. The Daily News reported that the year 2017 was the “deadliest year ever measured for the number of people killed by police in our country.” What is troubling about these killings is the devastating amount of evidence collected and cops are still able to beat these cases. With no real solution proposed by local enforcements, many do not feel safe when they are in the presence of cops. Many believe this injustice is happening simply because the victims are people of color. Philando Castile, Rekya Boyd and Eric Gardner are just names of innocent’s lives taken by the policemen.
A book called the Criminal Justice Theory noted that minorities were more likely to be shot by police and were ove
epresented by police. Many have protested against this injustice and have turned to civil rights activist Al Sharpton, athletes and politicians. But the one that has sent a shockwave has been Colin Kaepernick. By being able to use his NFL platform, Kaepernick kneeled at games during the national anthem to protest and raise awareness against police
utality in America. Many have criticized his effort including the President, but it showed the disparities Americans are enduring in their neighborhoods.
To understand Kaepernick’s action we cannot ignore that minorities are being oppressed by police officers whom are sworn to protect. Social and racism issues have been going on for many years. Many have viewed Kaepernick’s actions to be disrespectful to our flags and those that have fought to defend our freedom. I certainly believe that Kaepernick’s actions are a battle of opinions. As an American citizen, I have the upmost respect towards our flag and those fighting for our freedom. However, I cannot digest the discrimination that my fellow citizens are always living with simply because they have a different skin color. I am convinced that many Americans share the same views with Kaeprnick. Because of his
avery, it has caused him not to return to the NFL the season after the season ended.
` The civil rights era in the 60’s left a huge impact on how we view our peers in society, but it has also opened the door to others to speak up and for leaders to take actions. Reason why this topic is so important in American politics is because it very sensitive to many. I grew up in a home where I was taught at a young age to treat everyone with respect regardless of their profession or ethnicity. To this day, those values instilled in me are still part of my daily routine. I have friends from different ethnicity groups and we get along just fine. We live in an era where the media and people with hatred in their heart have filled our minds with negativity. We cannot live in a diverse society being prejudiced towards others simply because they are here illegally or share different views than others. The history pilgrims should inspire many to not let the little things come between them. Americans have always stood for what is right and fought against oppressors around the world.
Immigration will forever be a topic that will be unsolved in America. The workforce of America has always relied on the backs of illegals and will continue to do so. Majority of immigrants are hardworking, peaceful and misunderstood. The constant fear of being deported to their country of origin is simply heart
eaking because they have contributed so much into this country. A solution should be proposed on how to fix this issue rather than making threats of building walls.
Police
utality has ruined many homes and the people no longer trust the cops or the judicial system. Many across the nation have seen tragic footages of innocent people being killed by police over traffic stops. It will continue to happen if the gap between the people and local enforcement is not resolved.
Resources:
· Davis, J. E XXXXXXXXXXCivil Rights Movement. Grolier Multimedia Encyclopedia. Retrieved July 1, 2014, (use the date you accessed the page) from Grolier Online http:
gme.grolier.com/article?assetid= XXXXXXXXXX
· Dye, T. R XXXXXXXXXXUnderstanding Public Policy (14th ed., pp XXXXXXXXXXPearson College Div.
· King, S. (2017, June 21). KING: We're losing the battle against police
utality in America. Retrieved Fe
uary 25, 2018, from http:
www.nydailynews.com/news/national/king-losing-battle-police-
utality-america-article XXXXXXXXXX
· Maguire, E. R., & Duffee, D. E. (Eds XXXXXXXXXXCriminal Justice Theory XXXXXXXXXXdoi:10.4324/ XXXXXXXXXX
· Wyche, Steve. "Colin Kaepernick Explains Why He Sat during National Anthem." NFL.com. NFL, 27 Aug XXXXXXXXXXWeb. 29 Sept. 2016.