CHS 245- History of the Americas final essay

CHS 245- History of the Americas final essay

I would like you to write about how this class (CHS 245) added to your understanding of American history, Multicultural history and Chicano history. Include specific evidence of your learning from the semester. I would focus on 3 to 4 themes/historic events from this course to write on. Finally, what challenges and/or accomplishments do you feel are important in the 21st history in dealing with US history and social equality? Be sure to include supporting evidence, which means referencing your sources and using short quotes from the the class material. It may be helpful for you to re-read your entrance essay to this course.

An Exit Essay

It is without doubt that this class has enlightened my understanding of not only the American history but also the Chicano as well as Multicultural history. It has been very interesting to me and I have to admit that I really enjoyed being in this class for this semester. The writings by Takaki gave a clear understanding of the political, economic, and the cultural history of African Americans, Indians, Mexicans, Japanese, Chinese and many others and a lot explained on the cases as well as the consequences of racism. For example, in his interview with a cab driver, we come across a theme of stereotyping when he talked of someone without an “American” look as someone who is a foreigner and who is new in America?

The class also gave a perfect perspective of people who originated from different cultures and how they were accepted in America. As expressed by Takaki (1993), in his book A Different Mirror he says, “[r]ace…has been a social construction that has historically set apart racial minorities from European immigrant groups” From this it is clear that, according to history, the immigrants were highly segregated in America based on their race.

According to class readings and videos on Takaki, the theme of us against them comes out clearly. This is explained by the actions of those perpetrating acts of racism who say that they are doing so for the sake of ensuring that the other races don’t rise to power more than the Americans, on the other side, the ones segregated feel that the actions and the treatment on them is very unfair.

A lot of interesting ideas were also put forward in the topic concerning World War 11. A theme of Irony comes out clearly towards the learning of the racial tensions that were there in World War 11. Takaki (2001) is explaining the fact that Americans who called themselves superior had to ask for help from the minority races in the Nazi War. It is very ironical, since the same people who were not only considered inferior but were also denied rights to good education and to fair wages were the ones who were depended upon to fight in the war and at the end it comes out clearly that they won.

From the discussion above, it is clear that history is what has made America to be what it is today. It is important to acknowledge the fact that, the coming of immigrants to America is the reason why America has enriched its culture and also moving a step to be the best in observing and respecting the rule of law. All this came about because of her interaction with people from different races and cultures.

It is the history of United States that has contributed to the industrialization which has come up due to immigration. Rapid economic growth as a result of immigration is what has made America to lead in economic as well as industrial and agricultural power. In class, it was explained clearly that the coming of these immigrants or slaves was for economic benefits of America. For instance, the coming of Chicanos to America as slaves was for them to work in the plantations. As much as this group of people among others like Chinese and Japanese immigrants underwent through a lot of racism, discrimination and received poor wages, they contributed a lot to the growth and development of America towards its dream. This is evident in the building of railway that facilitated the transportation of agrarian products from the farms to markets.

According to Halpin (2010), he says that the rich history of social movements that America had was what shaped its progressive ideas all through the 19th as well as the 20th centuries. This is seen in the accomplishment of the Progressive Era which resulted to “Momentous reconstruction of politics.” This is clearly described by the many social movements which are aimed at streamlining the Americas social and also political order with the ideals of opportunity for all and equality and liberty.

The tradition of Progressive Era is to put a lot of moral energy against corruption, inequality and also societal injustice. The coming of this era was through the support of many partners including; labor movements, social gospel, civil rights movements as well as activists. Just like the activists who were there at the time of immigrants according to Takaki, Progressive Era activists aimed at empowering the less privileged in society, democracy as well as the responsibility of the government to take care of the interests of all the citizens.

It is paramount that all the people should come out in full force to demand for social equality rather than waiting for the government to bring the change to them. History should be a good lesson to us, for we are able to note that, since our descendants fought in hard times for the changes to come and indeed they came, who are we not to fight in the modern society to realize these changes that affect our social life like; corruption, poor governance and child labor among others.

References

Halpin, J (2010). Social Movements and Progressivism. Retrieved from:

https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/democracy/reports/2010/04/14/7593/social-

movements-and-progressivism/

Takaki, R (2001). Double Victory: A Multicultural History of America in World War II. Back

Bay Books; 1 edition.