Discrimination

Definition

Discrimination refers to the unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people, often based on race, gender, or other characteristics. It creates barriers that prevent equal access to opportunities, rights, and resources. In various historical contexts, discrimination has profoundly affected social dynamics and economic conditions, highlighting systemic inequalities that persist over time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. During the Great Depression, discrimination led to African Americans being the last hired and the first fired, exacerbating economic hardships.
2. In World War II, discrimination against African American soldiers resulted in segregated units, despite their significant contributions to the war effort.
3. The Double V campaign emphasized victory against fascism abroad and victory against racial discrimination at home, uniting African Americans in the fight for civil rights.
4. Post-war America saw an increase in discrimination as returning Black veterans faced barriers to housing and employment due to racist policies.
5. Legislation like the Civil Rights Act of 1964 aimed to combat discrimination, addressing inequalities in education, employment, and public accommodations.

Review Questions

• How did discrimination manifest during the Great Depression for African Americans, and what were its effects?
  • During the Great Depression, African Americans faced severe discrimination in employment opportunities. They were often the last hired and first fired, leading to disproportionately high unemployment rates among Black workers. This systemic bias compounded their economic struggles, as many were forced into low-wage jobs or had to rely on public assistance, further entrenching poverty within African American communities.
• In what ways did African American participation in World War II highlight issues of discrimination at home?
  • African American participation in World War II exposed glaring inconsistencies in American values regarding equality and freedom. While Black soldiers bravely served their country, they faced discrimination within the military through segregation and unequal treatment. This highlighted a contradiction between fighting for democracy abroad while being denied basic civil rights at home, fueling post-war activism for civil rights.
• Analyze how post-war social changes influenced the fight against discrimination in America.
  • Post-war social changes significantly influenced the fight against discrimination by fostering a greater awareness of civil rights issues. The experiences of African American veterans returning home from war highlighted inequalities and inspired activism. Additionally, the economic prosperity of the post-war era allowed for a more educated middle class that could advocate for change. The growing civil rights movement was propelled by grassroots organizations challenging discriminatory practices through protests and legal battles, ultimately leading to landmark legislation that sought to dismantle institutional racism.

Related terms

Jim Crow Laws: State and local laws that enforced racial segregation in the Southern United States from the late 19th century until the mid-20th century.

Civil Rights Movement: A pivotal series of events and campaigns in the 1950s and 1960s aimed at ending racial discrimination and ensuring equal rights for African Americans.

Affirmative Action: Policies designed to promote equal opportunity for historically marginalized groups in education and employment through proactive measures.