Racial Tension and The Declaration of Independence

â€Å"The past is never dead. It’s not even past.† Requiem of a Nun by William Faulkner. In a speech given by commander-in-chief, president Barack Obama he uses this quote as an example to describe the racial situation that plagues contemporary America. Over two hundred years ago a document was signed promising no guaranteeing that every man was entitled to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. This document found that it was self evident, that all men were created equal and that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights (life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness). When it was written the Declaration of Independence guaranteed every man he shall not be denied certain unalienable rights by the government and if his†¦show more content†¦The black people who have had a horrific experience ever since they were captured and brought to this country. Plagued with memories of embarrassment and the injustice of slavery, Jim Crow laws, one- drop doctrines, inflicted upon them by depraved white men and women who thought nothing more of them than animal that could be exploited and to add insult to injury now that African Americans have come to a point where they are finally getting a milliliter of respect they are told by their Caucasian counter parts to just get over it (slavery, Jim Crow, and the countless other injustices and embarrassments we have had to suffer). This has led to some African Americans developing a â€Å"the white man is keeping me down† mentality that is not only detrimental to himself but also the African-American and American community. In many cases this mentality has been justified by the institution of doctrines such as the one- drop doctrine or one drop rule stating that a person could have between one-eighth and one-quarter African blood and be considered legally white entitling said person to all the right of an American citizen. Although justified to a certain degree this mentality is counterproductive to the abolishment of bigotry and the beginning of social, cultural and racial understanding amongst all Americans whether they are black, white, brown, red, yellow, green or purple. Laws have been instituted toShow MoreRelatedEssay on Soiling of Old Glory: Photograph by Stanley J. Forman1576 Words   |  7 Pagesfamous images that still resonate around the world. However, this image he captured on the plaza outside of Boston’s City Hall reveals the deep-seated tension between the whites and blacks in America. This tension is a result of years of segregation both in busing and schooling. 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