Marginalized Group Research Paper

The human existence is one fraught with injustice and people succumbing to contempt towards others, resulting in forfeited rights. Groups are often greatly marginalized throughout history, from the oppression of Judaism and discrimination of minority groups, to the prejudice and segregation in the US of African Americans. A common thread exists, however, they fought their way out of the unjust situations, and changed it into a more just one. These examples illustrate how to return those lost rights and bring further equality to a society. The marginalized groups persevered, protested, and reached out to others for help,
The first step towards reform in an unfair society is to persevere and not lose spirit. In the two bodies of people put under …show more content…
The African American's’ journey was an incredible example of protest. They did this through legal cases as well as civil disobedience. At the point of slavery, there was not much protesting that they could do safely, however, court cases proved to be a major turning point, and a small way to protest the injustice. When one appeals to the morality and legality of a situation, there is more outside approval. Small cases throughout history brought different situations which it was unconstitutional for there to be slavery, until the constitution was amended. Legality convinced the masses, and progressed the situation toward a more just one. The reason for this is that people are more comfortable with safe things, and the legal system is one tested over and over again. After slavery was abolished, during the Civil Rights movement, we are shown how big a difference civil disobedience can make. Civil disobedience is the act of peaceful political protest. Again, as humans, we are more comfortable with nonviolence (somewhat ironic with the level these days). In instances such as the Children’s Crusades, where children were put under brutality by the police, and Bloody Sunday, where peaceful marchers were beaten, the peaceful wants of the African Americans in contrast with those of the police further convinced the public of the injustice of segregation. Not only that, but the pure number of those trying to better their lives through peaceful protest transformed their situation in a good way. Four African American students began a wave of sit-ins which drastically helped. From a perspective of one not familiarized with the segregation, these sit-ins provided awareness to the amount of people being mistreated. In essence, through legal persuasion and peaceful protest, one can truly make a