Prejudice And Racism In The 17th Century

Racism, the belief that one’s race or group whether it’s religious, national or ethnic, is superior to others in society. Racism has been around since the beginning of the 17th century when Europeans came to colonize North America. Although independence, freedom and reconstruction were relevant during the first half of American History, nevertheless racism was the principle theme because it permeated all of these.
With the arrival of Europeans on North American land and their plan to conquer as much land as possible sparked racism towards Indigenous people. Europeans believed Indigenous people were “savages” who needed to become “civilized.” They decided the best way to “civilize” them was by forcing Christianity and their European culture upon them. Their “civilization” of Indigenous People led to mass murders, genocide, and stolen land. Also during the 17th century, many Africans were brought as slaves to America. Their names and identities were taken away and were also forced to “Christianize” or else they would be whipped, beaten, tortured and sometimes even lynched. Just as Indigenous people weren’t seen as human beings rather seen as savages, neither were African Americans. They believed they were born to be slaves. White superiority …show more content…
Colonist saw Indigenous People as “savages” instead of human beings. Once they conquered land and needed people to take care of it they bought slaves. Once again they didn’t see Africans as human beings rather as slaves and profit. Even after slavery became illegal, African Americans struggled adjusting to a racist society. Even after Reconstruction, the south becomes more racist with the emergence of the KKK and Jim Crow Laws. Even though our nation was made up of independence, freedom, and reconstruction, racism was seen throughout our history. Although racism increased after the civil war it stayed persistent throughout the years leading up to