Both women and people of color have had to endure very trying times in the face of oppression and during the fight for equal rights. The hopes of having a better life and the pursuit of individual happiness were nothing more than a dream for these individuals, for a very long time. For many years, the mistreatment of certain groups was not addressed as it was a “way of life.” Benjamin Franklin brought up the injustice of slave trade and showed that although it was unjust some felt it necessary to fulfill their own agendas (Franklin, 1790). Growing up as a person of color, and learning from other individuals that have endured these struggles has taught me a lot and has helped to make me appreciate the place that America is today.
People of color and those oppressed were treated poorly, falsely accused and did not have the right to a fair justice system. In a letter from jail, Martin Luther King Jr. wrote about how he was incarcerated without merit and what we needed to start looking at as far as what was really going on in our country (1963). At that point, it appeared people chose to turn a blind eye and accept what was wrong, rather than stand out and fight for equality in their communities. Although many people ignored it, there were a few who stood up for what they believed and deserved. Malcom X, a prominent figure in the fight for equality, frequently traveled around trying to rally African-Americans to stand up for themselves and not be bullied. While Dr. King spoke out about peace and equality, Malcom X had a different approach in that he was a Black Nationalist. He let the government know that if civil rights were not practiced, he, amongst other individuals may be forced to take arms (1964). The government did not respond favorably to this, but also was not fully supportive of Dr. King.
We, as Americans have made strides in how we treat woman and people of color. Although previously oppressed groups now have equal rights, many people do...