RACIAL ETHNIC RELATIONS THROUGHOUT US HISTORY

Race is defined as “primarily a social constructed category based on a physical criteria.” An ethnic group is defined as “a social category of people who share a common culture.” The United States is made up of many people of different races and ethnic groups. Many people call the US a “melting pot” because of the many races and cultures that come here in the country. Over the years, names of these races and ethnic groups have changed. In 1890, African Americans were called Black, Mulatto, Quadroon, or Octoroon. In the 1930s, they were called Negros. In 1890, Native Americans were called Indians. In 1960 they were called American Indians, Aleut, and Eskimos. In 2000, they were called Alaskan Natives. In 1890 Asian Americans were called Chinese & Japanese. In 1930 they were called Filipino, Hindu, and Koreans. In 1980 Asian Indians and Vietnamese were added to describe Asian Americans. In 1930 Mexicans, Hawaiian, Asian and Pacific Islanders, Samoan, Guamanian, Hispanics, Latinos, Haitians were added to the Census to describe various races and ethnic groups. Throughout history, many races and ethnic groups had to deal with prejudice and racial discrimination. For example, Africans came from Africa and were enslaved and treated unjustly by being sold, whipped and beaten. After the Emancipation Proclamation given by President Lincoln, slaves were to be freed, but even though they were freed, they were treated unfairly by not having the same rights as regular white Americans. In the 1960s, African Americans began to fight for fair treatment and to stop segregation. Blacks were not receiving the same jobs, education, and public facilities as whites, and were called many names to feel unfit or belittled in the US. Many people today treat other races differently because their beliefs, ideals, or culture are different