Bigotry And Racism In Modern American Society

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In his 1999 song Hate Me Now, the rapper Nas says “niggas fear what they don’t understand hate what they can’t conquer”. While Nas is addressing how social stigma and ignorance foster bigotry and racism in modern American society, parallels can be drawn between our world today and 17th century Puritan society. In The Scarlet Letter by Nathanial Hawthorne, the Puritan society fears, above all else, sin. They believe that even the smallest transgression can jeopardize the entire congregation’s status as the Elect. As a result, the Puritans implement strict laws that repress human expression and promote conformity. Any breach in conformity is seen in the Puritans eyes as a threat to the wellbeing of the society and results in humiliating and inhumane

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