Race and Identity in Latin American Revolutions and Today

From 1789-1840 Brazil went through many changes and revolutionary actions that have lead to its current state today. In 1793 revolutionary leader Jose da Silva Xavier was hanged for the cause of Brazilian independence. In 1815 King John VI created a kingdom out of Brazil giving it the same status as Portugal. Then Pedro, son of King John VI renewed a struggle with Argentina over the southern border of Brazil know as the Cisplatine War in 1820.  In 1822 Pedro declared Brazil's independence. By 1831 Pedro had become unpopular and abdicated his throne, and returns to Portugal. In Brazil’s quest to become independent race didn’t have a very large impact. The rich, such as King John VI and Pedro, were in positions of power and controlled much of what happened during that time. The less wealthy and lower status people were poorly represented in the government. Due to the unfair representation of the middle to poor class the people wanted a more constitutional and democratic government. The struggles that took place between 1776-1830 were more government centered, and didn’t address problems such as slavery or other racial discrimination.

            In the United States of America race continues to play a role in national identity and politics. Even after a civil war, several civil rights movements, and after having an African American president there is still racial injustice in existence. America has had a long history of racial discrimination and abuse. Cases such as that of Emmett Till, a young black boy who was beaten to death after talking with a white woman, to the resent shooting of 18 year old Michael Brown, show us that racial injustice is still a very real thing.  Brown, who was unarmed, was shot and killed by white police officer Darren Wilson who suspected Brown to be involved in a robbery. In the article entitled Granderson: America, we have a problem written by CNN contributor LZ Granderson, the issue of race in America is addressed. This article argues that the events in Ferguson are a few among numerous attacks aimed at the African American population. I strongly believe that race shouldn’t factor into the way a person is viewed or affect education, employment, and political opportunities. Regardless of the race of an individual; if they are a citizen of the United States of America they should be treated the same as every other citizen. Making the school volleyball team should not be a question of black or white, but a question of the ability and knowledge of the game. Getting hired to work as a doctor should not even take your appearance or origin into consideration, but should be based on your schooling and qualification. When a black person walks down the street they should feel just as safe and confident as a white person, and vice versa. As a nation we have shown great improvement regarding racial equality, but until events like the shooting of Michael Brown have completely come to a stop, we are not working hard enough to protect peoples basic human rights.

Granderson, LZ. "Granderson: America, We Have a Problem." WDSU. CNN, 25 Nov. 2014. Web. 1 Dec. 2014. <http://www.wdsu.com/national/granderson-america-we-have-a-problem/29928832>.