Ever since James Truslow Adams wrote the words “the American dream” in his book The Epic of America, the name has been used to represent a dream sought after by people all around the world—equality regardless of race, religion, gender, ethnic background, or sexual orientation; the dream of a land where anyone can become successful and have the same opportunities. Equality for all, however, has proved elusive in the United States over the past 237 years, ever since Thomas Jefferson first penned the Declaration of Independence.
Discrimination has existed in America even before it was the United States. In fact, the first Puritan colonists came here to escape religious persecution. However, this truth did not stop discrimination from happening in the colonies. Native Americans were branded and stereotyped as murdering savages. In 1750, over sixty percent of the population in South Carolina were enslaved African-Americans. Even in more modern times, discrimination remains high. Women did not gain the right to vote until 1920. There was a large anti-Catholic hysteria in the early 1900s. Many, many other acts of injustices remain unsaid, but discrimination is common throughout American history. This trend continued over the decades and still happens today, even after many measures aiming to prevent it.
I like to think that all injustices are rectified. Sadly, this is not the case. Injustices occurred throughout history without solutions. This is a difficult subject though, as “justice” is a subjective term, since all cases are different. Even little injustices should be set right. Not just conventional “crimes” that are tried in court, either. Justice, however, is specific to every case, which is why we have judges and juries. This system is still faulty, as shown in the Dred Scott vs. Stanford case where the Supreme Court ruled that any person of African descent could not be American citizens. Many, many others still happen today. The “correcting” of an injustice should start with identifying and acknowledging it. After this step, however, it is difficult to make a standardized system to remedying an injustice. Therefore, we need to correct all wrongs with whatever fits the situation.
However, eliminating discrimination still remains a daunting task. One may think that doing this is near impossible; nevertheless, I believe we can take steps toward it. We can start by educating the next generation about the history of discriminations and the importance of equality. Through a curriculum to increase awareness in young children, we will be much closer to this social ideal. After all, every generation, the problem of discrimination diminishes. As a second generation immigrant, I have faced no discrimination at all. However, generations before me, my parents and my grandparents, have shared their personal stories of unjust treatment and discrimination. But the million dollar question will forever be: will discrimination eventually die away? The answer rests on what we do from now onwards.
So far, we may not have been perfect in treating people with balance and equality. But we can change this! Eradicating discrimination and rectifying injustice may be a tall order, but we can do it if we have the work ethic and the gumption to fix America’s problems in unfair bias. We need to educate our next generation about this crisis. We need to set things right and not only strive to be the judicial ideal, but work towards it and be the model for the other countries that look up to us. Let us set new and improved standards for preventing injustice everywhere. America, the Immigration Nation, the great melting pot, should set an example for the world. So, start righting wrongs in your actions and your community, no matter how small. No law can fix this problem without the consent of the people. You can contribute to a fair and just society, one piece at a time. Right now. Right here. Step up for the less fortunate, the victims of unlawfulness and discrimination, and fix the problems in your community. Contribute to a discrimination-free America, a discrimination-free world, by treating people around you with fairness and equality, regardless of their race, religion, gender, ethnic background, or sexual orientation.
