Since its beginnings, the United States has lived a strange dichotomy. Though this country was founded on the ideals of equal treatment for all, the reality is that the southern states kept people as slaves at the time the constitution was written in 1776. The founding fathers were unable to resolve the problem of slavery at the time the nation was founded, and they ultimately left the issue to be resolved later, by other leaders.
As we all know, the US finally entered into a Civil War over the issue of slavery and “state’s rights,” and the Great Emancipator, Abraham Lincoln, was assassinated by those who were unhappy with his policies. In the 1960s, Dr. Martin Luther King lead the Civil Rights Movement, in the hopes that finally people of color would be freed from the dark legacy of slavery and would be treated equally in all sectors of society. Obviously, the long struggle for equal rights for all people continues on to this day, and has yet to be resolved.
The Issues of The Trump Administration
Today, our country seems in some ways to be as backward as ever as far as civil rights and the legacy of that great movement goes. One doesn’t have to be an expert on civil rights or able to write a racial equality essay to know that today we are living in an unequal society. With the advent of the Trump administration, the United States has sadly taken several steps backwards, as far as real progress goes. What’s sadder still is that currently, the Republican members of congress are supporting the foul and bigoted policies of Donald Trump and his supporters, which is helping Trump to do even greater damage to the United States.
Looking Forward?
The only sign of hope happening for progressives these days is in the spirited resistance movement that is taking place all over the country. The Women’s March has continued to rally people all over the United States who want to see real change in our society, and the hope is that this movement will inspire many people who believe in real civil rights for all to run for office and work to create a better society for all the people, everywhere.
By the way, this isn't my opinion though.