Introduction
Racism is one of the most contentious issues in America and most of the Western world and is the cause of distinct differences between people from various backgrounds. America has been dealing with the issue of racism for several years now, but the prevalence of the problem remains a significant problem, as evidenced by several incidents (Lee et al. 2). World War II revealed the discrimination against blacks in the country, and the post-war period raised more significant issues regarding racial discrimination. The civil rights movement managed to achieve the integration of several legislations guaranteeing equality in the country (Hahn et al. 19).
However, the same problem continues to affect minority communities as events after COVID-19 indicate the ineffectiveness of legislation to address racism. The prevalence of discrimination against non-Caucasians in America shows the contradictions between the treatment of minorities and American ideals of equality.
Discussion
The foundations of the United States advocate for equality for all people, but history shows equality has never been achieved. Equality is a concept that has eluded America throughout history as large groups continue to exert their dominance over smaller communities through various forms of discrimination. The ending of slavery was hoped to be a step forward to achieve equality for all communities in the country (Hahn et al. 19).
The aftermath of slavery has been the persistent oppression of minorities socially, economically, and politically. Evidence of discrimination is based on statistics that show more blacks are incarcerated, unemployed, poor, and have poorer health. Even when faced with the same challenges, minorities continue to experience the same problem of discrimination despite laws and efforts to avoid oppression.
The post-World War II and economic revival revealed the issues associated with equal treatment of all members of society in a country that has maintained significant differences between groups. Before America entered World War 2, the military and defense sector recruited whites to factories to mass-produce weapons and items that would be needed (Library of Congress). The period also saw President Franklin Roosevelt issue an executive order against discrimination against blacks in the workforce after a threat of a great march to Washington. The executive order also created a committee to investigate cases of discrimination.
After the World War, racism continued to play a significant role in employment, and efforts to ensure equality were ineffective as people from minority communities were not considered the first choice in factories and other work areas. Discrimination ensured that more whites were employed than blacks and other communities. It enhanced the low economic status of minorities, ensuring that whites maintained a privilege.
COVID-19 was a global event that significantly impacted every aspect of life for all members of society. The declaration of COVID-19 as a worldwide pandemic was after the disease spread and killed a significant proportion of those infected (Cucinotta and Vanelli 158). The virus spread fast and made it difficult for professionals to prevent and manage it. Government action entailed the closure of businesses and allowing companies providing essential services to be the only ones operating. It implied that a significant section of the population was out of work and experiencing similar adverse outcomes.
All communities were affected by the pandemic, and communities were brought to a standstill as mortalities increased with more infections and healthcare facilities were overwhelmed. The pandemic led to an economic halt worldwide, and the government intervened to salvage the situation. Despite the adverse impacts and outcomes of COVID-19, members of society still managed to advance racism against Asian people due to the virus’ link to China.
Racism was evident before the pandemic and continues to advance after the global event, exhibiting the prevalence of discrimination in society. Asians have been the target of racism since COVID-19 became an issue in 2020 (Hahm et al. 1). Anti-Asian discrimination was found to be more prevalent during and after the pandemic because people blamed Asians and Asian Americans for the outbreak due to their origin (Hahm et al. 2).
The spread of racism against minorities in the country has not been experienced among Asians alone. Other minority communities are also experiencing discrimination. Blacks have been experiencing racism for an extended period, and the social issue persists among them. The group, along with other small communities, has been discriminated against after the pandemic, a reinforcement of a long history in the country. The aftermath of COVID-19 is the revival of the economy as businesses resume normal operations and people return to employment. While opportunities should be equal for all individuals, people like Asians experience discrimination that has the potential to affect their ability to find jobs. It preserves the culture of the minority community, enjoying more rights than others.
World War II and the COVID-19 pandemic have brought to light several decades of racism, segregation, and structural discrimination. The two events demand that all members of society look at the injustices the various minorities in the country have experienced over the years. Factors like limited educational employment and education have ensured that the few individuals who overcome the barriers do not find it easy to be employed. The unfair competition and opportunities were evident after World War II when those who went to fight in the war came back to a society that had maintained its discrimination of racial groups.
The aftermath of COVID-19 is no different discrimination continues to play a role in the job market (Hahm et al. 5). These trends have caused high levels of poverty, lack of access to healthcare services, police brutality, and massive incarcerations for members of smaller groups. They also prove that equality is an unattainable goal in the nation several years after the achievement of freedom and the adoption of laws to ensure equality.
Conclusion
The prevalence of discrimination against minority communities in America shows the contradictions between ideals of equality and the treatment of people. Racism is still a significant issue in the country, several years after efforts to ensure equal treatment of minorities were integrated into the constitution. Minorities were discriminated against in employment and other social and economic ways during World War II. The situation was already worse before the war, and it worsened as production slowly shifted from the provision of supplies of the military to consumerism. Legislation to prevent unfair employment practices was ineffective during the revival of their economy.
A similar trend is evident after COVID-19 as people began discriminating against Asians. The rise in racism against them is based on the origin of the virus. Other small groups continue to experience the challenges despite experiencing the worst of the pandemic. The events show that ideals of equality are non-existent, and minorities will continue to experience discrimination because the needs of dominant groups will always come first. It challenges the foundations of society by highlighting a consistent problem and the need to address it for the well-being of the oppressed.
Works Cited
Cucinotta, Domenico, and Maurizio Vanelli. “WHO Declares COVID-19 a Pandemic.” Acta bio-Medica: Atenei Parmensis vol. 91, no. 1, pp. 157-160, 2020. Web.
Hahm, Hyeouk Chris, et al. “Experiences of Covid-19-Related Anti-Asian Discrimination and Affective Reactions in a Multiple Race Sample of U.S. Young Adults.” BMC Public Health, vol. 21, no. 1, 2021. Web.
Hahn, R A et al. “Civil Rights as Determinants of Public Health and Racial and Ethnic Health Equity: Health Care, Education, Employment, and Housing in the United States.” SSM – Population Health vol. 4, 2018, pp. 17-24. Web.
Library of Congress et al. “The Civil Rights Act of 1964: A Long Struggle for Freedom World War II and Post War (1940–1949).” Library of Congress. 2014. Web.
Lee, Randy T et al. “On the Prevalence of Racial Discrimination in the United States.” PloS One vol. 14, no. 1, e0210698, 2019. Web.