Minorities in the United States

Minorities in the United States

Discuss the importance of Native American sovereignty in the 21st century to both the indigenous populations as well as the general population of the U.S.A.

The United States is one of the most important democracies in the world and at the same time one of the countries that has known some of the most relevant historical transformations for the democratic system. One of these transformations relate to the way in which the United States managed to deal with the issue of the Native Americans and their integration in the society. They are now representative for the democratic system in the U.S.

The status of the Native Americans in the U.S. is however still different from the general society largely because of the differences in terms of culture, heritage, historical background, and traditions. However, several important steps have been made in the last decades to better accommodate such differences. In this sense, while in the 1960s, Native Americans were refused the public use of traditional medicine, in the 21st century, "Most Native American communities have established court systems to adjudicate matters related to local ordinances, and most also look to various forms of moral and social authority vested in traditional affiliations within the community." (Cristian Links.com, n.d). Even more, religious freedom is no longer a debated subject given the fact that most Native Americans are nowadays able to worship and attend the Native American churches without any impediment.

The freedoms that the native Americans have gained are important not only for the communities but also for the communities these freedoms are exercised. More precisely, the possibility of a community to act in tolerance and understanding of the cultural and historical differences that divide different groups also improves the community as a whole. It provides consistency and a sense of education in terms of cultural, historical, and social tolerance. This is crucial, especial for the way in which societies around the world tend to limit their ability to accept and embrace different cultures. At the same time, this type of acceptance only develops the society and ensures a sound and peaceful evolution of inclusive communities.

2.Given that this nation has elected its first president of African-American Heritage, what in your studies are the reasons that a large percentage of African-Americans still find it difficult to enjoy the fruits of the American dream?

The victory of the first African-American president in the 2008 elections were a true milestone in the history of the United States not necessarily because a Democratic governance program won the votes of most of the American electorate but rather because it was for the first time that an African-American had won the presidency of the most important country in the world. It was a success for the democratic system and a clear statement on the anti-racial attitudes in the United States.

Despite the victory of Barack Obama in the elections however, at this moment, there are still sensitive issues related to racial lines and racial identities. The African-Americans have become a strong power in America largely because of the affirmative action that has been taken in the last three or four decades since segregation was officially outlawed (News Batch, 2008). Affirmative action has determined African-Americans access to universities, to better employment opportunities and therefore an increased level of living. The opportunities provided in the 70s and the 80s influenced generations of African-Americans that eventually managed to make a difference in the way in which they would eventually conduct their day-to-day live.

On the other hand however, despite positive action in this sense, the African-Americans are still far away from considering themselves equal. Although an African-American is equal in rights to any other citizen of the United States, in fact, there are still mentalities that eventually lead to involuntary discrimination. More precisely, "Residential segregation persists today less because of intolerance but rather based on human greed. White middleclass homeowners are fearful of any factor which may adversely affect the value of their principal economic asset and the real estate industry reacts to this concern by excluding prospective minority purchasers." (News Batch, 2008) Residential segregation is just one example of discrimination; however, such type of discrimination is in fact residual from previous generations that have known all the types of segregation. Therefore, in order to achieve equality in right as well, the society must be more educated in the spirit of equality and non-differentiation.

3.State and describe at least three major challenges facing the Latino cultures' ability to prosper in the U.S.A. today?

The Latino population represents one of the most consistent group of immigrants in the United States. Most often, they come from Latin America in search for a better life and democratic environment, given the volatile situation and political conditions that have characterized Latin America in the last decades. However, most of the times, Latin Americans are often faced with the single possibility of undergoing unqualified labor, lack of education, and precarious living conditions.

One of the most important problems facing the Latin American immigrants is represented by the constant growth of the Latin population in the United States. (NPR News, 2011). This is largely due to the fact that there is no positive context for such transformations to take place. More precisely, the general living conditions of the Latin Americans are limited to mostly medium class income families; most of the times this is the highest standard of living. However, a large percentage of the Latin American communities live in rather poor conditions. Therefore, given that the standard of living is limited, an increase in the Latin American population only reduces the already limited resources. Moreover, such pressures are also important for the communities and societies in which Latin American live that in time may attract different un approving opinions.

Another important problem of the Latin American groups is related to the limited access to qualified job opportunities. Most of the times, Latin American immigrants cannot provide skilled workforce and are usually hired for low wages that attract a similar standard of life.

Finally, another problem of the Latino groups in America is the perception a lot of societies have on the groups. More precisely, Latino groups are often associated with illegal immigrants, cheap labor, and for the traditional Americans this is often turned into a discriminatory behavior.

4.Explain in detail why the media and popular culture display such distorted views of Asian and Middle Eastern cultures in the U.S.A.