Essay on the Role of Historical Context on the Lives of Minorities

Essay on the Role of Historical Context on the lives of Minorities

To begin, it is important to define the term “minority”. One definition of the word “minority” is a “subordinate group whose members have significantly less control or power over their lives then members of a dominant or majority”(“What is a Minority group?” 1). “Race, Racism, and the Law”. Minority is a group of people that believe that people in one group are much better than another group. A second definition of the term (“What is a Minority Group?” 1) is “A culturally, ethnically, or racially distinct group that coexists with but is subordinate to a more dominant group” (“Britannica”). What this definition indicates is that a minority is a group that thinks one is more dominate then the other. In addition, the term (“historical context”) important to understand. Historical context is defined as particular events are frequently confused with the causes of those events. The historical context gives more depth and substance to the event and to its causes and effects (“References”). What this definition means is a group of people who seem to have more power over other people. A second definition of the term “historical context” is the mood, attitudes, and conditions that existed in a certain time context is the “setting” for an event that occurrence and elements, conditions, and characteristics of the specific time will have an impact on the relevance of an event “About education”. What this definition suggests is that a historical context means is certain altitudes of a group and how the people act towards other people. Historical context plays an important role in people’s lives, especially the lives of minorities.

The literature of Native Americans displays the effect of historical context on Native American lives. In the short story “The Man to Send Rainclouds,” by Leslie Marmon silko, the historical context is visible in the importance of the Laguna burial ritual. In this literature religion is very important to the people in the story shows conflict between two religions and what's right and wrong. The story shows that people respect wrong. The story shows that people respect the dead. The force of nature and, society and the characters intentions become a conflict. Leon and his brother-in-law, ken picked up Trefoils body and was on their way. As they were driving Father Paul was driving down the road and waved them down to stop as he was moving closer. Father Paul asked if they found Teofilo and they only said that everything was ok. Leon did not tell Father Paul that Teofilo was dead. Leon only said everything was ok and not to worry. Leon wanted to do this ritual because that what their religion was before they asked Father Paul would not have allowed it. Leon started his ritual as soon as they found Teofilo body. Father Paul and Leon area friends but by Leon not telling Father Paul that Teofilo was dead put a stain on Father Paul and Leon’s friendship. Father Paul was hurt by Leon not sharing with Father Paul what had happened. After Leon went to Father Paul's house to ask for help. Eventually Father Paul agreed to be a part of the funeral. Father Paul sprinkled the holy water over Teofilo's body and then after Leon said thank for agreeing to be a part of the ceremony despite how Father Paul felt. After the ceremony father Paul left. Father Paul and Leon both knew Teofilo and i’m sure Father Paul is hurt that Leon did not tell him that their friend was dead they Leon does and asks Father Paul to go against his own religion. In conclusion the difference in religions can cause disagreements and conflicts between people.

The literature of African Americans displays the effect of historical context on African American lives. In the autobiographical work “Narrative of the life of Frederick Douglass, an American slave,” The historical context of slavery is visible in Douglass’ vivid account of Frederick Douglass's experience being a slave. Frederick Douglass was a house slave who was put to field work because Douglass was said to be to spoiler by Douglass former owner. Frederick Douglass went through many hardships through Frederick Douglass life and Overcome those hardships through time. Frederick Douglass was continually harassed by Covey and Would always get beaten up. On page 566 “Covey gave Douglas a heavy blow upon his head, making a large wound, and the blood ran freely.” Covey owned Douglass so therefore Covey thought he could do whatever he wanted to Douglass. In this do whatever he wanted to Douglass was losing him and that was Covey’s plain the whole time. A second instance of “Narrative of the life of Frederick Douglass” Covey was winning in the beginning Douglass could stay strong while all this was happening. As a slave Douglass would not just