Ossian Sweet Thesis

The topic of racism is more than a moment of uncomforting thoughts or actions of others. It is based on the attitude of one’s thought of superiority. One who also feels that anyone who is “different” from them is inferior and should not be allowed the same privileges in life. During the Reconstruction period, the idea that equality among blacks and whites could be obtained was short lived and as years passed it became more evident. It did not deliver on equality. Instead, it birthed the idea of separate, but equal and was used as a way to stunt the growth of African American people. As racism in the 1920’s began to grow, living in the north was no different than living in the south. Ossian Sweet, a man born in the south was met with many adversities as he strived for a better way of life. His decision to migrate north in search of better education, job opportunity, and the chance to live the American dream proved challenging. …show more content…
“When the curriculum was completed at the end of eighth grade, the children had nowhere to go but the fields and the phosphate mines.” (64) Education for African American children was not as important to many blacks and especially whites. The expectation for black children was to work. Families’ brave enough to send their child away for a better education was a sacrifice to the household. Education for blacks was even less important to the white community. After eighth grade, whites went on to high school. By not allowing black children to attend their schools guaranteed their children would not be sitting next to black boys and girls. “A perfectly stupid race could never rise to a very high plane.” (75) Even today many children are not afforded quality education due to the same struggles: finances and demographics. A good education says to potential employers and clients that one took time to master a profession and become an