RACISM IN THE UNITED STATES
A THREAT TO OUR UNION
A THREAT TO OUR UNION
Racism threatens the very foundation of the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights, our democracy, and our heritage.
In any discussion of racism in the United States it is important to distinguish between the heritage of the United States and its actual history. The heritage of the United States is represented in the ideals and principles upon which this country was founded. The realization of these ideals and principles of our heritage depends upon the universal acceptance of the common humanity and equality of all human persons. The effort to realize this heritage is an on-going process which will never be perfectly achieved and realized. This process includes successes, failures, and stagnant moments. However, the hope is that as we achieve each new realization of our heritage, we always will be moving in a forward direction toward achieving a more perfect union. History is the written record of the country’s efforts to achieve and realize its heritage which includes both its successes and failures. However, history itself is not neutral. It is an interpretation of events written from a point view. A complete and accurate history of the United States needs to be inclusive of the viewpoints of all its people.
In any discussion of racism in the United States it is important to distinguish between the heritage of the United States and its actual history. The heritage of the United States is represented in the ideals and principles upon which this country was founded. The realization of these ideals and principles of our heritage depends upon the universal acceptance of the common humanity and equality of all human persons. The effort to realize this heritage is an on-going process which will never be perfectly achieved and realized. This process includes successes, failures, and stagnant moments. However, the hope is that as we achieve each new realization of our heritage, we always will be moving in a forward direction toward achieving a more perfect union. History is the written record of the country’s efforts to achieve and realize its heritage which includes both its successes and failures. However, history itself is not neutral. It is an interpretation of events written from a point view. A complete and accurate history of the United States needs to be inclusive of the viewpoints of all its people.
In God We Really Should Trust
Slavery and Racism in the United States
James W. Connolly
Guest Contributor
Austin, Texas
Essay Based Upon a Lifetime of Personal Religious Reflection