Ethnic Groups

Ethnic Groups and Discrimination

Playboy X

Axia/ University of Phoenix

Abstract

The United States of America is the land of opportunity for many who come to her beautiful shores. Many are in search of the American dream as told by generations; they come for a chance to live in a place that welcomes all nationalities with open arms. This may be the case now, but during the 19th century that land of opportunity was not available to all. Racism and discrimination would take the place of the American dream for a race of people in search of their fare share.

Ethnic Groups and Discrimination

From today’s perspective, it is difficult to believe that once upon a time in America; Chinese were considered heathens and subjected to widespread persecution and violence. The earlier hostile attitude toward Chinese is a far cry from the contemporary esteem for them as a "model minority" to be emulated by others. In the 19th century, many people considered the Chinese to be unacceptable—hence, their eventual exclusion from America in 1882.

In the mid-19th century, Chinese came to "Gold Mountain," as they called America, to join the "Gold Rush" that began at Sutter’s Mill, Sacramento, California. As the lure of gold diminished, they came simply to work. Initially welcomed, they became a significant part of the labor force that laid the economic foundation of the American West. Chinese could be found throughout the region, laboring in agriculture, mining, industry, and wherever workers were needed. They are best known for their contribution to the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad, the completion of which united the country economically and culturally. Their labor would be considered lucrative for wealthy railroad barons, who quickly exploited the Chinese.

This would be the beginning of the prejudice and racism they face throughout the 19th century.

In spite of their indispensable role in the development of the American West, the...