Comparing Cultural Experiences

COMPARING CULTURAL EXPERIENCES

Each culture had come to the United States to assimilate into the society, for the chance to grow and prosper. The three groups that were identified in the assignment all struggled to be accepted in mainstream America. The groups identified were African Americans, Mexicans, and American Indians. The one main theme in common was that they all experienced discrimination because of the ethnic background they represented. However, it was this discrimination that had probably helped motivate them to seek change. They felt the need to group together and be heard by the main stream majority. Each group learned there was strength in numbers. They all had to speak out and work for years to move forward on gaining equal rights for their ethnic group. Each group had felt similar struggles, but could also feel proud on the fact that they did not back down. They have all made significant progress on being recognized as an important group in the United States.

It was important for ethnic groups to share their struggles they encountered to their future generations. There future generations needed to understand how they were viewed in the past. There had been many bad experiences having to do with discrimination that prevented their families in the past to be more successful and providing for their needs. President Obama, the first African American President quoted a passage from William Faulkner in one of his speeches "the past isn't dead and buried. In fact, it isn't even past." This was a statement that was made to show that discrimination is still out there and future generations need to continue to improve at all levels. They will need to stay focused on keeping the balance of equality and embrace the foundation that has been given to them.

The experience and events that have happened in the past certainly helped enhance the success for future generations.

The experiences of one ethnic group have also helped the effective changes for all groups. The Civil Rights Act was heavily pushed by the African American's for equal rights. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 enacted by the U.S. Congress gave district courts the authority to provide injunctive relief against discrimination in public facilities and enforce the constitutional right to vote. This Act was for all Americans regardless of race, creed, or color. Another Act that also helped

References

(2009) Civil Rights Act of 1964. Civil Rights Act of 1964 1. Retrieved from MasterFILE Premier database.