Most of this week’s readings focused on racial discrimination against immigrants. Foner’s chapter focuses on the negative stereotypes and prejudice of these immigrants. There was a section in the chapter that mentioned Edward A. Ross, a social scientist who provided many condescending views on Italian immigrants. Ross was “troubled that newcomers, with their inborn deficiencies, would dilute America’s sturdier Anglo-Saxon stock. He condemned Jews for their inform love of money, and southern Italians for their volatility, instability and unreliability.” (Foner). I think his stereotypes are very unfair. He doesn’t have any substantial evidence to support his beliefs. He states that “Such people lack the power to take rational care of themselves.” Where is he getting this from? I know plenty of people from the mentioned races who immigrated to America and they are all very hard working and independent.
Many prejudiced citizens describe immigrants as “a hybrid race of people as worthless and futile as the good-for-nothing mongrels of Central America and Southeastern Europe”. Racism is fueled by ignorance. I think it is very unreasonable for people to discriminate against a certain race when they don’t even really know much about their culture. False stereotypes are formed, which leads to more racism. Even today, there is so much detestable discrimination towards the “inferior races” by ignorant people. Take the recent “Hunger Games” racial controversy for example. Many fans were disappointed because three of the characters were portrayed by black people. Some even posted that seeing a black character “ruined the movie”. I don’t think there will ever be a way to really stop racism. People will continue to have their biased presumptions about others.
