It is unfortunately seen that throughout history and even today in the United States and throughout the world, there is still prejudice and discrimination against different racial and ethnic groups for one reason or another.  Even in one of the most diverse places in our country has faced harsh diversity in its history as an immigrant city, New York City.  From once believing that people of Jewish and European origins were not considered white it is hard to imagine that different discriminations still occur today.  Today there are more blacks and West Indians who are discriminated against and stereotyped, simply because of the color of their skin.  In this chapter Foner brought up different examples of black teenagers have been followed while in stores as managers and workers were checking to make sure they were not stealing, other innocent bystanders who clutch their bags and wallets when an equally innocent black teenager, male in particular, walks by.  In my own personal experience I have talked to students and peers who have had similar situations happen to them, even though they would never think of stealing anything from anybody.

Foner’s discussion of the Hispanic immigration was also interesting, bringing up different topics of conversation.  For example, in todays society people have been afraid that the high rates of immigration is leading to the downfall of what it means to be an ‘American’.  As more people move in from outside countries, some believe that our ideals and image of the United States will not be upheld.  I for one do not think that, I think the immigration of people into the United States is what makes us so unique, particularly New York City, where there is an enormously diverse and interesting array of people.  We have so much to learn from different cultures that discriminating against anyone purely because of the way they look would be a tremendous loss for the city and even the country.