Introduction: Race and Ethnic Relations: Chapter-7 Review
This chapter of the book “Race and Ethnic Relations: American and Global Perspectives” by Martin N. Marger provides a detailed depiction of African-Americans in the American context, delineating them as a minority distinct from other immigrants, marked by profound imprints of two centuries of slavery and racial segregation across various aspects of life. Marger conducts a thorough examination of the population, ethnic diversity among new immigrants, demographic patterns of African Americans in different U.S. states, their economic status, reasons for poverty, educational implications and consequences, as well as political and financial power. The chapter also delves into modern nuances of segregation through popular surveys, presenting detailed statistics and charts.
Marger further discusses legislative and social efforts aimed at integrating African Americans into the white population, examining their failures, the reasons behind these failures, and the transformations that have occurred in racial attitudes. The chapter also includes self-reflections from the African-American community. It not only presents demographic patterns but also explores detailed aspects of racial segregation, assimilation efforts, and their outcomes.
Demography and Race and Ethnic Relations
Regarding demographic patterns, Marger observes a diverse b**k community, including a significant portion of the original African-Americans and an immigrant population from Jamaica, Haiti, and other African communities that are not considered part of the African American category. Initially concentrated in the Southern states, this community migrated from the “rural South to the urban North” during the first decades of the previous century (Marger 181). This migration trend fluctuated with economic shifts, and eventually, most African Americans established their communities in urban areas. Presently, nearly every major American city has an African-American ghetto, or multiple ghettos. As an example, Marger cites the New York Metropolitan area, housing more than “10 percent of the total b***k population” (182). In essence, he suggests that urban areas provided the community with better opportunities for economic survival, serving as a major incentive for their migration to urban centers. I agree with this perspective, given that Marger supports this argument with credible research surveys from sources such as Pew and Gallup, along with several other research studies. The situations observed in various U.S. cities also align with Marger’s views.
Economic Status and Race and Ethnic Relations
Marger extensively examines the major reasons, starting with the economic status of the African American community. He argues that their history of slavery has contributed to their persistently low financial position, which continued until the recent past. This financial status was further sustained by “a system of direct and intentional discrimination,” with Marger attributing responsibility to the white population (182).
While economic status rose in four different patterns, marked by an increase in b**k household income and the emergence of different classes, poverty remained a significant factor in perpetuating the disadvantaged status of the poor within the community. Marger notes that although wealth increased in some b**k families, the overall percentage of wealthy blacks remained relatively low, even with a sharp increase during the 1990s. He emphasizes that the rise in occupational income and increased educational opportunities elevated the status of different classes within the African American community. For instance, he highlights that white-collar jobs, which accounted for only 6% in 1940, increased to 23% in 1970. Similarly, educational levels experienced a notable surge during the 1990s (190).
Presenting the Wilson Thesis concerning class or race, Marger argues that class factors still dominate the marginalization of the African American community, creating three distinct classes, including the poor within these classes. Regarding societal power, Marger contends that despite African Americans attaining political power, even reaching the presidency, they continue to face marginalization through residential discrimination, the formation of b**ck ghettos, and the perpetuation of stereotypical impressions portraying them as poor, violent, lazy, and boorish. While Marger acknowledges changes in the pattern of discrimination, he asserts that stereotypes persist within both white and b**ck communities, manifesting as dominative and aversive racism, laissez-faire racism, or color-blind racism (202). Marger’s perspective is accurate, and I concur with him that racial segregation has evolved but remains embedded in the mental makeup of both communities.
Assimilation and Race and Ethnic Relations
Efforts toward assimilation and the patterns of reverse assimilation, structural assimilation, and social assimilation have persisted, giving rise to challenges rooted in the issue of skin color, an inherent characteristic. Drawing upon various studies, Marger asserts that in cultural assimilation, the African American community has developed its own distinctive culture, linguistic style, and music. In terms of structural assimilation, the U.S. Government has implemented various legislative and administrative reforms to integrate this significant segment of the population into American society. Marger refers to the inequalitarian pluralistic model, indicating that this model continues to be applied to this ethnic group, often labeled as “internal colonialism” by social scientists (207).
Despite these concerted efforts, the visibility of African Americans persists due to their natural skin color, an acknowledgment made by the community itself. It remains an undeniable truth that African Americans are present in every facet of life, leading to the emergence of stereotypical images whenever a b**ck individual is encountered. Consequently, I concur with the notion that despite assimilation efforts, the visibility of African Americans endures in the social fabric of the United States.
Conclusion and Opinion about Race and Ethnic Relations
In summary, the issue of racial segregation for b**ck African Americans has persisted since the era of slavery, spanning nearly two centuries. This enduring situation is rooted not only in the marginal status of the community itself but also in the resistance from the dominant white class. The social, financial, and educational disadvantages faced by the b**ck community have further contributed to the perpetuation of racial segregation. Marger’s statistical evidence supports the argument that despite legislative and administrative interventions, racism has evolved into different forms. Despite assimilation efforts, the visible manifestation of racial discrimination remains evident in the color of the community.
In my overall assessment, the chapter takes a comprehensive view of the African American community, distinguishing it from other b**ck immigrants. It effectively addresses the longstanding problem of racial segregation, exploring the roles of economy, education, social structures, and industrialization, along with government measures and assimilation challenges. I find it to be a well-crafted chapter that presents a segregated community’s problems, underlying reasons, and its assimilation alongside new challenges. I concur with Marger’s perspective that these issues are likely to persist in the foreseeable future due to the skin color of the community.
Reference: Race and Ethnic Relations
- Marger, N. M. (2009). Race and Ethnic Relations: American and Global Perspective. 8th Ed. Wadsworth CENGAGE Learning.
Relevant Questions: Race and Ethnic Relations
- How does Marger in “Race and Ethnic Relations: American and Global Perspective” address the impact of historical factors on contemporary race and ethnic relations, particularly in the United States?
- In the context of the global perspective presented by Marger, what key insights does the book offer regarding the similarities and differences in race and ethnic relations across various countries and regions?
- How does Marger explore the concept of intersectionality in the context of race and ethnic relations, considering factors such as gender, social class, and other identity markers?
