Social constructions and minority group
A minority group faces regular hardships and has an observable characteristic that distinguishes it. The group is unsure of itself, and affiliation is commonly established at birth. Affiliates are disposed to create close relationships in the group.
Social constructions are views that a group shares. These views turn out to be real for those who share them.
The concept of a minority group is presented in the article on the German General. It starts that: “During a world war in which the U.S. Army actively discriminated against black soldiers… In one historian’s estimation, “It is probable that no white commander of the era had so keen an appreciation of the African’s worth not only as a fighting man but as a man.” Also, the article states that “The British repatriated the white German soldiers but confined the Askaris in squalid camps,” revealing that Africans were a minority group in Germany and had some disadvantages just because they were blacks.
Social constructions are manifested in the article to show how the German General chose African soldiers, and he respected them, giving them a chance to serve in his army. The article notes that: …von Lettow-Vorbeck treated his African Askaris no differently from white Germans under his command. His fluency in the Swahili language earned respect and admiration of his African soldiers; he appointed black officers and “said – and believed – [that] ‘we are all Africans here’.” Through the inclusion of the German army in his time, Lettow-Vorbeck fought for the welfare of his Askaris. The article states that: “A few months later, the old warrior’s fondest wish became a reality when the West German Bundestag voted to deliver back pay to the 350 surviving Askaris in Africa.” This implies that the reality of the askaris was seen through the General’s actions.