Free “Drawing The Color Line” Summarization Essay Example

Nowhere in the world has racism been more prevalent than in America. The struggle between whites and blacks has been in existence for over 350 years. There is often emphasis on slavery being the foundation upon which all hatred, prejudice, and bigotry has been built. Yet, from where did it first originate.
In the early 1600’s some of the first settlers were the Virginians. Famine killed off most of the initial colony. Once they were able to overcome this, they began growing crops again and realized they needed help to do so. They initially contemplated enslaving the Indians, but quickly decided against as this would do nothing but incite retaliation.
It was not long before the Virginians discovered black slaves were the solution. While it would not be until 1619, when slavery would be enacted, it was no secret that many blacks had been sold into slavery in many parts of the world. It is interesting to note that slavery of the European world was much different than that of American culture. Slaves were regarded as human beings and given amenities they would not ever see on American soil.
Perhaps the most telling facet of the emergence of slavery was that blacks were easy to manipulate and control. Many were pulled from their native lands into slavery and shipped around the world. It was debilitating and horrific. This ordeal took its toll on blacks considerably; causing them great mental and physical anguish. By the time they fell into American hands, they had little fight left in them. This is why Americans were able to contain them and treat them as they saw fit. Many events of desperation experienced by the Virginians and those with historical significance were all a precursor to blacks being cast into slavery. Is it any wonder why black-Americans today still feel oppressed and mistreated?