Compare and Contrast the Experiences of native Americans and African Americans during the Gilded Age
Introduction
The native and African Americans have interacted for many years since the 15th century. The interactions that exist have made people claim that native Americans are a perfect representation of black Americans. In comparison, the two groups have lived together, going through similar and different experiences, especially during the gilded age. Since both of them were not original people in America, they were subjected to prejudice and rejection of different kinds, making their social, political, economic, and religious orientations to be affected negatively. This study seeks to highlight the experiences of the native and African Americans as recorded through the gilded period.
Native Americans and African Americans had so much in common, starting from their ways of life. An important fact is that both of them faced the problem of racial discrimination. Even though it might sound that native Americans were in a better-off position during the Gilded Age, it is a true fact that they were subjected to similar problems over their lives. Since both of them had African race, they were subjected to great discrimination, and not proper considerations of their various life approach mattered. There was a ray of hope with a claim that “and to terminate the conditions that deprive them of legal protection” ( McKinley 754). The way they were treated led to a lot of problems for the community groups. Since racial discrimination was uncontrollable and not much could be done to help the problem, there were increased rates of crime. A lot of native and African Americans opted for various criminal activities. When there was not proper employment for the two groups, they went ahead and participated in criminal activities.
During the gilded age, not many issues that faced the blacks could be addressed. This made both native and African Americans continue fighting for representation in leadership. It was a great struggle that required a lot of determination and commitment. Along the process, a small percentage of blacks were offered rights. These rights were a ray of hope for a better future. The capitalist whites could not allow blacks to experience any form of suitability even though they were responsible for their success. For example, during the gilded age, both native and black Americans were treated and considered to be slaves. They were subjected to work in white settlers’ farms and underpaid. This was a common thing that was exercised in very many regions in America. There were no proper legal frameworks that favored blacks. Therefore, blacks hard to press on fighting for their absolute freedom. The structure of the society was very hard and inappropriately designed, which made a lot of issues to be impossible, not being in a better position to address most of the problems that the people experienced.
Conclusion
In summary, the native and African Americans have a history dating before most whites had settled in America. It is considered that “The first white men of your people who came to our country were named Lewis and Clarke. They also brought many things that our people had never seen” (Chief Joseph 412). The groups have their own racial identification, social relations, tradition, and language. These are key distinctive elements that both of the groups can be identified with. The experiences that the native and African Americans have passed through during gilded age is very tough. Even though some of the experiences were tough, it is considered a great process that led to their freedom. The current American society has accepted both of the minorities to be their legal citizens with full rights. That is why it was possible for America to have a black president.