The past struggle of African Americans living to today's struggles.

Full Answer Section

       

• Violence and Intimidation: Lynching, racial violence, and intimidation were used to maintain white supremacy and suppress Black resistance.

Present Struggles:

• Systemic Racism: While overt discrimination has lessened, systemic racism continues to manifest in various forms, such as racial profiling, biased policing, and disparities in housing, education, and employment.
• Economic Inequality: African Americans often experience higher rates of poverty, unemployment, and wealth inequality compared to white Americans.
• Mass Incarceration: The disproportionate incarceration of Black individuals, particularly Black men, perpetuates cycles of poverty and disadvantage.
• Representation and Political Power: While progress has been made, African Americans still face underrepresentation in positions of power and influence.

Key Differences:

1. Legal Framework: Overtly discriminatory laws have been abolished, but systemic biases and implicit discrimination persist.
2. Social Attitudes: While racial attitudes have shifted, implicit biases and stereotypes continue to shape perceptions and interactions.
3. Economic Opportunities: While economic opportunities have expanded, wealth disparities and barriers to upward mobility remain.
4. Political Representation: While African Americans have made significant strides in political representation, challenges related to voter suppression and gerrymandering persist.

In conclusion, while the specific nature of the struggle has evolved, the underlying issue of racial inequality remains a significant challenge for African Americans. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach that includes policy reforms, education, and social change.    

Sample Answer

       

The struggle of African Americans has evolved significantly from the past, while some challenges persist, the nature of the struggle has shifted.

Past Struggles:

• Legalized Discrimination: African Americans faced explicit laws and practices that denied them basic rights such as voting, property ownership, and access to education and employment.  
• Segregation: They were forced to live in segregated communities, attend separate schools, and use different public facilities.