Racism is a subject that we have recently talked about in class and it is a subject that is constantly talked about and brought up here in America. It has been a problem here for over two hundred years and is still a problem today. But, the biggest problem that I have with racism is that it was even a problem in the military. Black American citizens who were fighting for their country, just like the white Americans, were still treated differently and still suffered racism. They fought with honor and risked their lives for a nation who still considered them second-class citizens and kept them segregated from their white military counterparts in the Navy, Army and Air Corps.
Black military veterans of World War II, from Lafayette recently reflected and discussed their military tours. “World War II was the greatest war we ever fought,” said Alex Taylor, 89, who witnessed Pearl Harbor aboard the USS Dobbin. “What I remember most is even though I was in the service with a uniform, I experienced the same segregation,” said 92 year old Lloyd Foote. It angers me to think that even though Foote was risking his life for his country, he was still forced to ride in the back of the bus and was not able to visit certain places in the Nation's Capitol because of his skin color. They explained how even the German soldiers asked them why they were fighting for a country who did not want them there. " 'What are you black folks doing here? You’re fighting for a country that don’t want you. Why don’t you go home?'That’s what they told some of our people," they explained.
The early military movies were also racist and did not include scenes with black soldiers in them. According to Foote, "the early movies made on Gen. George Patton’s famous march during the Battle of the Bulge failed to show the black support battalions. They were portrayed as white." With Veteran's Day nearing, the soldiers were asked how they feel during the day. Foote felt that being a veteran held little significance. He felt that black soldiers’ contributions were ignored, even discarded. As a result of this, Foote said, “I don’t try to remember anything on Veterans Day.” “I have no feelings,” he added.
How can people treat veterans differently just because the color of their skin? They risked their lives for the freedom of the white citizens in America and fought for a country who did not characterize them as equal. These black soldiers fought for the rights that we have today as American citizens and yet they are still shunned upon by some racist white Americans. What are your thoughts and opinions about the way black American soldiers were treated during their military tours and when they came back to America? Does this make you feel embarrassed to call yourself an American? Does it anger you in anyway?
Black military veterans of World War II, from Lafayette recently reflected and discussed their military tours. “World War II was the greatest war we ever fought,” said Alex Taylor, 89, who witnessed Pearl Harbor aboard the USS Dobbin. “What I remember most is even though I was in the service with a uniform, I experienced the same segregation,” said 92 year old Lloyd Foote. It angers me to think that even though Foote was risking his life for his country, he was still forced to ride in the back of the bus and was not able to visit certain places in the Nation's Capitol because of his skin color. They explained how even the German soldiers asked them why they were fighting for a country who did not want them there. " 'What are you black folks doing here? You’re fighting for a country that don’t want you. Why don’t you go home?'That’s what they told some of our people," they explained.
The early military movies were also racist and did not include scenes with black soldiers in them. According to Foote, "the early movies made on Gen. George Patton’s famous march during the Battle of the Bulge failed to show the black support battalions. They were portrayed as white." With Veteran's Day nearing, the soldiers were asked how they feel during the day. Foote felt that being a veteran held little significance. He felt that black soldiers’ contributions were ignored, even discarded. As a result of this, Foote said, “I don’t try to remember anything on Veterans Day.” “I have no feelings,” he added.
How can people treat veterans differently just because the color of their skin? They risked their lives for the freedom of the white citizens in America and fought for a country who did not characterize them as equal. These black soldiers fought for the rights that we have today as American citizens and yet they are still shunned upon by some racist white Americans. What are your thoughts and opinions about the way black American soldiers were treated during their military tours and when they came back to America? Does this make you feel embarrassed to call yourself an American? Does it anger you in anyway?
I agree that racism in the military is a problem that involves soldiers from all different racial backgrounds. It is a shame to think that black soldiers were not portrayed in early war movies as equals to white soldiers because they worked just as hard and risked their lives all the same. Soldiers from all backgrounds should be acknowledged for the sacrifices they make for the military. Race does not affect a person's ability to perform in a situation as serious as war. Veterans should be able to feel a sense of unity on Veterans Day and it is sad to realize that many black veterans feel empty on a holiday in place to honor them. They should feel respected and honored as any other veteran does on this day. The unfair treatment of black soldiers does not make me embarrassed to call myself an American, but it is disappointing that we as Americans cannot put racism aside in order to honor those who fought and fight for our country.
ReplyDeleteMy heart truly hurt when I read how Foote tried not to feel anything on Veteran’s Day. This day is set aside in order to honor those who have fought courageously for this country, no matter their race. Because of their mistreatment in WWII, these men do not feel honored by this day; they still feel shunned as they were during the war. Rather than feeling honored by a day dedicated to the sacrifices they made, these men relive memories of unequal treatment. A veteran is a veteran. Skin color is no indicator of whether or not a veteran deserves to be honored. They fought just like every other soldier to protect those living in their country. They put their lives on the line and did not receive the respect they deserved for doing so. Though this makes me sad I am not embarrassed to be an American. I knew that black soldiers were treated differently than white soldiers during past war times however I did not realize that black soldier did not recognize Veteran’s Day as a holiday that celebrates them. These men should be able to feel the same pride as white soldiers because they fought just as hard as they did.
ReplyDeleteI agree that this is a sad issue, and what struck me was when the German soilders asked the African Americans why they were fighting for a country that doesn't want them. These African American soilders felt un wnated, yet they still risked our lives for us. It is no wonder that many of them wish to just forget the War. There was a time in history when African Americans were not allowed to fight in the wars. They only had jobs such as being the cook on a ship for the navy. Therefore, it is very upsetting that once they were allowed to fight in the military, they faces harsh discrimination. However, I do not think this isue is as severe as it once wwas during World War II. I do not think an African American soilder today will ever have someone asking him why he isfighting for a country who does not want him. Discrimination against African Americans is definately not as severe today, although it still shows in some subtle ways. For example, in 2000, 37.5% of the enlisted personnel were people of color, but only 16.2% of the officers were. Since this statistic is from ten years ago, hopefully it has gone up. I understand why Foote would be so upset with his experience in the war, but since racism today has died down, maybe these African American soilders who felt unwanted should be honored in some sort of way.
ReplyDeleteReading this article reminded me of the gay soilders who are not allowed to say they're gay in the military. The fact that gays would be discrimnated against because of their sexual orientation is very similar to African Americans being discriminated agaisnt because of their color. It is very sad, because the U.S. should not want these gay soilders to look back on the war and want to forget it just as Foote does. The military seems to be a place where many types of people are discriminated against, including women. I think it is because the militrary was once a place for white men, so some people still stereotype the military in that way.
http://famedetroit.org/racism-in-the-military/
I think that it is kind of an embarrassment to Americans, but the real embarrassment for the racists that say that because they probbably wouldn't have gone into the war for some reason and the african americans went in and did the country a favor. They should be praised for their work like any other soldier. I think it is terrible that this happens because it is unfair and they should be treated better and shown a lot of respect. They fought for a country that didn't treat them right for a while, but they fought for the hope of changing that and knew this was better than other places. We should keep praising any soldier for the work they did, no matter what race they are.
ReplyDeleteThis article really saddened me. I mean the black soldiers were fighting for the lives of Americans not because they were made to but because they wanted to so why were they not treated fairly. They risked their life for the greater good of Americans but they were still victims of racism that is very sad. I mean the Germans were right why were they even there if they were subjected to racism and not treated fairly. It really saddened me that they do not even try to feel anything on Veterans Day. Well on Veterans Day I will think of these African American soldiers and how they risked their life for the sake of this country and all of us. They should be commended on what they did, for being courageous, and risking their lives. Veterans Day should be a day of praise for veterans everywhere regardless of race because they helped and fought for this country.
ReplyDeleteEven though I always knew that African American soldiers had been discriminated against in the military, I never really realized how much of a sacrifice they truly made for our country. Not only were they brave in fighting, but they were brave in knowingly entering a war in which they would be treated without respect and equality. They made huge sacrifices for us and it saddens me that they were never fully appreciated. I think the country should maybe declare another holiday-- African American Veterans Appreciation Day? While many of those who fought have passed away already, I think something, whether a holiday or a special get-together that receives national attention, should be done to honor these men. The article makes me wonder whether this problem is still ongoing at all...Someone above mentioned the similarities with gays serving in the military, which I definitely think is true. Did you find anything in your research about African Americans or other minority groups in the military still being discriminated against?
ReplyDeleteI hate to say this but I do feel embarrassed to call myself an American in some situations and this is definitely one of those situations. How can we treat our fellow Americans with disrespect and hatred especially when they are fighting for our country? It takes a lot of courage to go out in line of fire to defend our country and ensure the safety of our citizens. African Americans are fighting right next to white soldiers and they are making the same sacrifices in order to protect our country. It is not right for any African American to be treated unfairly especially someone who is putting their life on the line for us. We need to remember the golden rule: treat other people as we would wish to be treated ourselves.
ReplyDeleteI think this is a great topic because racism has been such an underlying problem of our past; even today, racism's relevance in our society is present more than ever (especially since the election of President Obama). Racism, in general, has been such a controversial issue in our society. I feel that the "race" issue has remained rather stagnant throughout the years. After reading this article, I completely agree with Zach's and Rebecca's acknowledgment how Americans should feel embarrassed because of the way in which we treat our African American war veterans. As an American, I am ashamed of America's behavior towards these war veterans. These African American veterans choose to leave their loved ones and sacrifice their lives in order to protect our country. And this how we "repay" our vets? It is unacceptable that our society would discriminate against these war veterans (or any war veteran as a matter of fact). Our war veterans have done so much for our country and yet we [as Americans] discriminate against them simply because of their race. I am truly devastated by the quotation from a German soldier telling African Americans to “go home." Also, I am embarrassed to call myself an American because I just don’t understand how the color of a person’s skin tends to hold so much meaning and significance in today's society. Why does the color of a person's skin make a difference? What is it about the color of a person's skin that makes us [Amerians] want to isolate/segregate that person? Lastly, as Alison mentions, I agree that our society should dedicate a holiday to recognize, honor, and appreciate African American war veterans for their great service.
ReplyDeleteThe descredit toward African Americans during World War II is very disheartening, but we also must realize that they lived in a different time period. Many who think this is appauling probably would have considered this descrimination normal. Whites expected it; blacks expected it. This was just the unfortunate way of life in the early 20th century. Now, it would be considered outrageous for anyone to disrespect a US war veteran, black or white.
ReplyDeleteIt is a sad and unfair situation that African American soldiers who risked their lives during WWII were not recognized as heros of America. I really admire for the honesty and generosity of those African American soldiers. They did not listen to the persuasion from the German soldiers. They protected American nation regardless to race, but Americans separated them from equal lives. It is hurtful when they tried to help Americans, and what they got was hatred. I do not understand why some people let racism control their hearts and throw away justice, and solidarity from the society. I believe that everyone in all races has virtue. Racism cannot put us in peace.
ReplyDeleteMartin Luther King once said, “I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality... I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word.” These powerful words express how racism is an issue that confronts everyone and the only way to get by this monumental obstacle is through truth and love. After reading Mike’s blog, I was quite disturbed with how our African-American veterans were treated, especially within the depths and ideological meaning of war. What I could not understand is how any person fighting for the ideals of our country could be subjected to racism. In our last reading, A more Perfect Union a speech by President Obama he expresses how racism is an imperfection that doesn’t allow us to achieve a “perfect union.” Throughout the reading Obama explains how change will only come if every American citizen is willing to fight for equality. For our black soldiers who faced the horrific issues of racism they have every right to feel angry. But this anger only creates more animosity, which will derail our efforts to establish a more perfect union. The efforts of every veteran should leave every citizen speechless. This endless sacrifice and commitment is a testament to the character of these dedicated men and women. Any person who is willing to risk their life to make sure our county is protected surely deserves the up most respect and honor. In final, with Veterans Day just around the corner remembering the fight of our veterans and soldiers should not be overlooked and race or skin color should have no bearing on someone’s perception.
ReplyDeleteIn reading the article, I could not help but feel extreme sorrow for Lloyd Foote when he stated, "I don’t try to remember anything on Veterans Day. I have no feelings." This veteran who risked his life for his country was segregated both while fighting overseas and while back at home. The fact that he would rather not think about Veteran's Day greatly troubles me. Even when he had his uniform on, he was still forced to ride in the back of the bus because of his skin color. Even everything that Foote had seen and endured during the attack on Pearl Harbor, he was still judged and discriminated upon due to his skin color. Not only was he discriminated against by the Americans he risked his life for, but he was also criticized by German soldiers. German soldiers, according to Mervin Harmon, an Army Air Corps veteran, would ask, "What are you black folks doing here? You’re fighting for a country that don’t want you. Why don’t you go home?’ That’s what they told some of our people.” How do you think that made these soldiers feel? This one fact sickens me to the core. These men risked their lives for our basic liberties and we treated them as second-class citizens. While some Americans were sitting on their asses doing nothing, these brave individuals were fighting for their country. Now whose really the second-class citizen?
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ReplyDeleteThis article enrages me and saddens me at the same time. Although racism back then was very common, there is no excuse for military segregation. Every soldier who served during WWII, whether black or white, sacrificed and underwent the same degree of danger as the man next to him. And although Americans have come a long way in casting out racism, there is still much to be accomplished. Novermber 11th should be a reminder of the past, present, and future veterans who still fight for this country's way of life.
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