Racism in the 1800s and Now

The Mexican war for independence took place from 1810-1821. When Napoleon conquered Europe, he put his brother on the throne of Spain, which affected the Spanish colony of Mexico. He was supported by the Creoles (American-born Spanish), but opposed by the Spanish-born Spanish, or Peninsulares. Father Hidalgo, a revolutionary leader, led a failed peasant revolt with support from the Creoles. After this failed attempt, a new leader, Father Morelos began a revolt without the help of the Creoles. After this successful rebellion, General Iturbide took the Mexican throne, uniting the Creoles and Mestizos both against the Peninsulares, but his position was not long-lasting. Once Mexico was freed from Spain, he was overthrown and a republic and military coup was created. The issue of race and the identity characteristics it gave people was most prominent when considering the causes of the independence war. The Creoles and Mestizos (mixed Spanish and Indian heritage) were unhappy with way the Peninsulares were treating them. The Peninsulares were given the highest ranking jobs with the government or church, and a large number of them were extremely wealthy. The Creoles and Mestizos did not have the same opportunities, both usually working on mines or haciendas, but the largest and richest ones were often given to the Creoles over the Mestizos. The lower ranking people were fed up with their treatment, and that is why they joined the revolution, with hope that the new society they would be creating would be fairer to everyone.

On August 6, 2014, 18-year-old Michael Brown, a black teen living in Ferguson Missouri was shot and killed by a white police officer, Darren Wilson even though he was unarmed. The entire country watched the case unfold. On Monday, November 24, the jury found Wilson not guilty of murder, a decision that was met with protest and anger from residents of Ferguson and surrounding areas in Missouri. Darren Wilson was forced to resign from his duties for fear of his safety. For the next week, violent protesters took to the streets, but the largest protest took place on Black Friday. Michael Brown Protestors Urge Shoppers to Boycott Black Friday, an article written Elisha Fieldstadt tells readers how two dozen upset citizens met in front of a Wal-Mart chanting “no justice, no peace, no racist police, no more Black Friday”, but soon evacuated when they were met with threats of arrest. The crowds reassembled later in the day and began illegally blocking off streets and staging “die-ins” which is where the protesters lay down like dead bodies. At least 16 people were arrested.

A die-in staged on Black Friday

I think this article, and the entire Michael Brown case shows us how racism is still very much alive in our society. Several witnesses told the Brown was unarmed. The two became involved in a physical altercation which is when Wilson fired his gun twelve times, with six shots hitting Brown. I do not believe he should not have been shot, and certainly not six times. The Brown family has the opportunity to pursue a civil lawsuit against the Ferguson Police Department, but have yet to indicate whether or not they will proceed. The situation has brought about a lot of questions. Would the officer have fired if the teen had been white? Are there more unfair interactions between a black and a white officer than a white and a white officer? A survey of black Americans stated that 70% percent of them felt that they were treated unfairly in legal situations with police compared to whites. However, it has also been found that for every one murder by a white person, there will be eight committed by a black, and that is why there is such a heavy police presence put in blacks. The situation is complex because there are different factors and no easy answer. I do believe the Brown case was unfair, but agree with statements saying there was very little evidence for either in favor of either side.

 Fieldstadt, Elisha. "Michael Brown Protesters Urge Shoppers to Boycott Black Friday." NBC News. N.p., 29 Nov. 2014. Web. 30 Nov. 2014.