“One nation under God, indivisible” – many find this ironic, considering America’s fractured populace. In his book Rights of Man (1791), pamphleteer Thomas Paine presents his interpretation of America’s future: “made up . . . of people from different nations,” coexisting peacefully. To Paine, basing America’s government on man’s rights would create a near perfect society, free from unrest and injustice. While modern America is still diverse, Paine’s utopian vision no longer applies. Specifically, violent racial demonstrations and wealth inequalities prompt civilian and government action for solutions.
Reality contradicts Paine’s hopes; racial conflicts often erupt into violence. While many praise diversity, different mindsets and backgrounds can cause misunderstandings between racial groups. Race has always split American citizens, from literal segregation to ideological differences. For instance, a string of police shootings preceded the Black Lives Matter movement. In several of these cases, white police profiled black citizens, deeming them threatening. Protests over these tragedies ended in violence on both sides. When ingrained biases create separation, peace becomes difficult to achieve. Moreover, the divisions reach back to the origins of American society. Even historical events take on new meanings when people view them through a racial lens. Specifically, when white nationalists in Charlottesville protested a Confederate statue’s removal, black counter protesters
Reality contradicts Paine’s hopes; racial conflicts often erupt into violence. While many praise diversity, different mindsets and backgrounds can cause misunderstandings between racial groups. Race has always split American citizens, from literal segregation to ideological differences. For instance, a string of police shootings preceded the Black Lives Matter movement. In several of these cases, white police profiled black citizens, deeming them threatening. Protests over these tragedies ended in violence on both sides. When ingrained biases create separation, peace becomes difficult to achieve. Moreover, the divisions reach back to the origins of American society. Even historical events take on new meanings when people view them through a racial lens. Specifically, when white nationalists in Charlottesville protested a Confederate statue’s removal, black counter protesters