Why Do African Americans Think In Groups?

The United States entered World War 1 in 1917 and President Woodrow Wilson sponsored a propaganda campaign against German influence. In an effort to show unity and pride of America, President Wilson stated “You cannot dedicate yourself to America unless you become in every respect… Americans. You cannot become Americans if you think of yourselves in groups. America does not think in groups” (“Facts”). Although President Wilson claimed that “America does not think in groups”, U.S. officials and society at this time consistently denied basic civil and political rights to Americans based on their race, sex, and ethnicity – in other words, their association in a group. Since the beginning of U.S. history, African Americans have endured decades of discrimination. During the 20th century, African Americans weren’t afforded the right of due process of law. African Americans were put under succumb laws that enforced segregation and inequality. These laws included the law that African Americans couldn’t be served and receive an education in the same vicinity as white people. Due to segregation, the facilities designated for …show more content…
The movie “Birth of a Nation”, which glorified the actions of the KKK, premiered at the White House in 1915. Wilson and his administration “imposed racial segregation in federal departments in Washington, D.C., and dismissed numerous black federal employees” (Foner). Although the President and current administration disregarded the predicament of African Americans, Germany showed recognition and understanding, as showcased in the “Letter to the Colored Solider.” The letter was a propaganda leaflet from German airplanes that questioned why the African American soldiers fought with the U.S. when they didn’t enjoy basic rights back home. It suggested that they “come over to the German Lines” where it is different and “where they do like colored people” (“To the