Discrimination, a Recurring Theme Within United States History

Through the many years since it’s birth, America has been duly noted for its “golden paved streets” and the opportunities it presents to immigrant families...or lack thereof. Dating as far back as two centuries ago, the various opportunities have varied from slavery, lower class economic and social imprisonment, and as of recent, discrimination. Whether or not we choose to recognize it, discrimination is not a new issue to America, and is not subjective to any one group in history.However, in present news, discrimination has been subjected and forced upon Arab Americans and Muslims all over the United States. Whether it has been protests against a Ground Zero Mosque or simply signs of racism and discrimination against a female in Islamic attire, there is no doubt about it, prejudice against Islam and the Middle East has taken a leap since the 9/11 tragedy.
Nonetheless, let it be completely clear that Arab Americans, Muslims or even Middle Eastern look-a-likes have not been the only group in this nation subjected to immoral and unconstitutional treatment. A look back in history reflects the several populations that have faced unethical treatment and violation of rights over the past two centuries.

In 1838, a group Mormons that resided in Northern Missouri were brutally assaulted and even murdered in a bloodbath known as the “Massacre at Haun’s Mill.” As the then governor of Missouri, Lilburn W. Boggs, ordered: “...hasten your operations with all possible speed. The Mormons must be treated as enemies, and must be exterminated or driven from the state if necessary for the public peace.” Why were the Mormons treated as enemies and then attempted to be exterminated? Because of their practice of a unique religion, something that is decreed a free and constitutional right.

Fast forward to a few decades later to 1896, a case of Plessy v. Ferguson hits the papers. The Supreme Court ruled in favor of “separate but equal” facilities which in return, stimulated enforced segregation of whites and blacks, as well as legal discrimination against blacks.Then, into the new century, while the Mormons and blacks (among various other groups that faced unethical and immoral treatment), several other discriminatory movements began.
Discriminatory laws passed in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s did not only target blacks, but then, Southeast Asians as well. Initially welcomed with open arms to America, Chinese and Japanese immigrants (among other Southeast Asian immigrants as well) were looked upon as a source of cheap labor. However, not much later, these same workers and immigrants were soon denied the right of citizenship, ownership of land and even to marry outside races! They were discriminated against so much that in 1924, legal immigration from Japan was ceased completely on behalf of the United States.
Fast forward to 2011, it does not seem unusual that once again another group is facing discrimination. As history shows, legal and unjust discrimination has been on continuum for many decades and even centuries in this nation. A question to consider is, what group could possibly be next? But a more important question to consider is, when will we learn to accept one another, regardless of religion, race, color or sexuality? Who knows, but there is one thing we have learned for sure...history repeats itself.

Aseel Machi, Communication Pre-Law Junior at Michigan State University, East Lansing, CAIR-MI Intern