After the Reconstruction Era, people in America started to change how they felt about race. This shift was influenced by different things happening in society. Even though there were efforts to help formerly enslaved people become part of society—like creating schools and laws for equal rights—many white Americans did not support these changes.
Rise of Jim Crow Laws: By the late 1800s, Southern states began to pass Jim Crow laws. These laws kept Black and white people separate in public places. They sent a strong message that being white was better, which made racial discrimination more accepted.
Social Norms and Stereotypes: As these laws became common, people’s views started to reflect them. The media often showed African Americans in negative and unfair ways. For example, in minstrel shows and early movies, Black individuals were portrayed in humiliating roles, which made the public believe they were less important.
Resistance and Resilience: Even though African Americans faced many challenges, they didn’t just accept it. They fought back through culture, education, and by working for civil rights. Groups like the NAACP formed in the early 1900s to speak out for equal rights and challenge the unfair attitudes.
In summary, while the Reconstruction Era tried to promote equality, the years that followed saw a backward slide in race relations. This led to continued struggles for civil rights in America.
After the Reconstruction Era, people in America started to change how they felt about race. This shift was influenced by different things happening in society. Even though there were efforts to help formerly enslaved people become part of society—like creating schools and laws for equal rights—many white Americans did not support these changes.
Rise of Jim Crow Laws: By the late 1800s, Southern states began to pass Jim Crow laws. These laws kept Black and white people separate in public places. They sent a strong message that being white was better, which made racial discrimination more accepted.
Social Norms and Stereotypes: As these laws became common, people’s views started to reflect them. The media often showed African Americans in negative and unfair ways. For example, in minstrel shows and early movies, Black individuals were portrayed in humiliating roles, which made the public believe they were less important.
Resistance and Resilience: Even though African Americans faced many challenges, they didn’t just accept it. They fought back through culture, education, and by working for civil rights. Groups like the NAACP formed in the early 1900s to speak out for equal rights and challenge the unfair attitudes.
In summary, while the Reconstruction Era tried to promote equality, the years that followed saw a backward slide in race relations. This led to continued struggles for civil rights in America.