Intolerance in American Society

Intolerance in American Society

Intolerance of other people's culture, religion, ethnic background and

skin colour was a major issue in the 1920's America. This was, of

course the era of the economic boom that helped to make America a rich

and prosperous country in which to live.

This economic boom made America a very attractive place to immigrate

to, especially to those in countries that were not so well off. This

meant immigration on a massive scale. People from all over the world,

particularly Eastern Europe came together in one city and work for a

living. The amount of people from different countries and social

backgrounds all in one small area i.e. a city, America is huge, is

bound to spark off racial tensions even hatred as they all congregate

together and compete for jobs and the need to prosper.

The people who lived in these cities in the first place would see

these immigrants as a threat to their jobs, homes and way of living as

people from poorer countries would be willing to work harder, for

longer hours and less pay. Also, along with the immigrant themselves

comes their culture and way of living, which may be totally different

from the natives' and more than they are willing to accept. In

American cities, the more established immigrant groups;

Irish-Americans, French Canadian-Americans and German-Americans,

tended to look down on the more recent Italian and Eastern European

immigrants. In turn these immigrants had nothing but disapproval for

blacks and Mexicans, at the foot of the 'scale'.

After a while, because of their unwillingness, even refusal to live

along side one another, ghettos, small areas of one hig...

... middle of paper ...

... poetry. However, for most it was still not clear

sailing, many black people still lived in abject poverty. They were

made to pay higher rents for worse conditions than white people and

other minorities. Although the standard of education and healthcare

rose they were still miles behind the standards of whites. When they

walked down the street they were subjected to discriminating comments,

even violent attacks as a lot of the city's problems were blamed on

them. Even the more established black people frowned upon the

newcomers as none could suppress a desire to hate.

In all intolerance was very widespread in America especially in the

southern states and the northern cities, this is partly due to the

cultures of their old countries and their unwillingness to change or

accept other peoples ways, cultures or religions.