Discrimination of Jews in the United States - Essay Example

? Racism/discrimination of Jews in United s 22 March Although with a common region of origin, Jews represent a group of people with collective religious beliefs as opposed to a distinct race or ethnicity. As such, different races and ethnicities are integrated within the Jewish community, and for years lived in the Middle East before the Romans forced them out. Although some remained in their native country, most sought refuge in foreign countries to evade persecutions. As a result, there was mass migration as they sought settlement to countries that they could live, achieve and participate as equal citizens. America offered such opportunities welcoming all immigrants owing to its developing industrial capabilities. There was a surge of Jewish immigrants from in mid-nineteenth century following a new era of violence and anti-Jewish sentiments in most regions of Europe. The interactions between Americans and immigrants was characterised by inclusion and assimilation where the immigrants adopted a new culture in order to fit into the new country (Klinger n.d).This was guaranteed by the American legal system, which acknowledged that all men were created equal and as such, they deserved equal opportunities in America. This is as opposed to the European version that described Jews by appearance, cultural, social and religious positions. Moreover, legal impositions in Europe by the majority Christian population were vastly strict against the Jews. However, the tranquillity that existed ceased in its roots as a court case legally established that the separation and discrimination were synonymous. This established ground for open discrimination against fellow Americans based on the colour of their skin as opposed to what they can do. In other words, the court assertion made discrimination legal thus legalising bigotry. This marks the beginning of racism and discrimination against Jew living in America (Foner, 2012). Arthur Miller’s novel is set in New York as the Second World War ends to be a direct confrontation to American anti-Semitism. The book focuses on Lawrence Newman, an American of English descent, and the personnel manager in large company who quits his job citing mistreatment. This owes to his resemblance to Jews after acquiring glasses, a sentiment shared by his mother. He shares prejudices of his neighbours who seem determined to confront a Jewish candy storeowner until he is on the receiving end of similar prejudices. Miller highlights discriminatory acts against Jews living in America in his time, which involves hiring procedures, residential places, political participation among others. Jews were denied employment opportunities in most establishments and applicants had to under vigorously screening to edge out Jewish candidates. The tactics used in denying such opportunities include exclusion, tokenism and quota system especially private industries with executive and management levels (Glock, 1979).As such, the Jews had difficulty in obtaining or maintaining positions in places of employment. This is echoed in Focus as Miller, describes how Newman has difficulty in landing a new job following his resemblance to Jews. Ironically, when he gets one, he is employed in a Jewish establishment that seems to embrace all. Similarly, the public generated negative sentiments towards the presence of Jewish residents within their neighbourhood. As such, extreme groups such as the Christian Front sought to engage violently their Jewish neighbours in a bid to scare them off the neighbourhood. The negative attitude towards Jews left no room for tolerance, which saw residents attached for their religious beliefs. This is no different in Miller’s book when alliances are forged against Jews ‘elements’ in the Focus neighbourhood. Jews were also not admitted in social clubs such as country clubs among other public places on a regular basis. This can be attributed to the social status of the members who were accorded respect depending on the company they keep. Moreover, social clubs were critical structures of power where the extent of decision-making was directly proportional to the degree that the Jews were involved. A quota system was maintained in public places that indicated subtle tendencies. The reality of this prejudice is illustrated when Newman and his wife are denied entry to a resort that had previously accepted to host them Political attacks on Jews and other minority groups characterised the American politics and only received opposition among the Jewish community. As such, not much was done to regulate the prevailing discrimination in the society resulting in anti-sematic broadcasts and violent mobs against Jews. The Christian Front is highlighted in Miller’s book to illustrate the height of social injustices that was so rampant at the time. Despite urging from his wife, Newman finds it difficult to align himself with his Christian Front neighbours who then turn on him owing to his ‘Jewish looks’. When Newman and his neighbour, Finkelstein, are attacked by an angry mob, Finkelstein recalls a story frequently narrated by his father about Itzik. The narrative has a peddler from the Jewish settlement accepting payment for the delivery of stolen money to the Jewish settlement, which provides justification for the attacks that follow (Miller, 1984). Itzick was also killed as a cover-up by those involved. Similarly, Father Coughlin, a controversial Roman Catholic priest, used his influence to fuel discriminatory acts against the Jews to the extent of justifying Hitler’s actions. Through his radio broadcasts, Father Coughlin made anti-sematic commentaries that suggested attacks on Jews, which led to the establishment of racially aligned organisations such as the German American Bund, Christian Front among others. His sentiments blamed the Jews for the Russian Revolution, which, according Coughlin was the antidote to communism. The narrative suggests that although violent destruction is inevitable, it should be invited and could be avoided by rejected the roles it cites. The letter to the president by Chas D Levy, there is enormous concern over rights of ordinary citizens especially the minority groups. Organisations such as the Ku Klux Klan hold meetings in public and state their position against the Jewish. The writer notes how this contravenes the president’s call for law and orders as well the protection of every citizen (Levy, 1924). This is also demonstrated in Miller’s book as concerned citizens yearn for peace and protection to end the raging attacks and discrimination of the minority. References Miller, A. (1984). Focus. New York: Syracuse University Press. Glock, C. (1979). Anti-Semitism in America. New Jersey: Transaction Publishers. Klinger, J. (n.d). “America was different. America is different”. The Jewish Magazine. Retrieved from http://jewishmag.com/86mag/usa10/usa10.htm Levy, C. (1924). “Letter from Charles D. Levy to President Calvin Coolidge Requesting Protection for Jews from the Ku Klux Klan”. the National Archives. Retrieved from http://docsteach.org/documents/6874226/detail Foner, E. (2012). Give Me Liberty! An American History. Volume Two. New York: W.W. Norton. Read More