In what ways was racism common in both the North and the South?
My answer: Many whites in the North refused to go to school with, work with, or live near African Americans. In most states, even free African Americans could not vote. And in the South, many offered the openly racist argument that white people were superior to blacks.
Blacks were still restricted in where they could live, sleep, and eat in many places in the North.
I was shocked to find that in Springfield Illinois up until about WWII, blacks couldn't stay in a hotel.
Many whites in the north refused to go to school or work with blacks. In the south many offered the openly racist argument that whites were superior to blacks
good answers
To understand how racism was common in both the North and the South, it is important to explore the historical context of race relations in the United States. Racism was pervasive throughout the entire country, although its manifestations and intensity varied between the North and the South. Here are some ways racism was common in both regions:
1. Slavery: Slavery was a deeply ingrained institution in the United States, prevalent in both the North and the South until the abolition movement gained momentum in the 19th century. Slavery reinforced racial discrimination and dehumanization of African Americans.
2. Discriminatory Laws: While slavery was more concentrated in the Southern states, discriminatory laws targeting African Americans were present in both regions. Northern states had laws such as Black Codes, which restricted the rights and liberties of African Americans and perpetuated racial inequality.
3. Segregation: Both the North and the South practiced forms of racial segregation. While the South is more commonly associated with Jim Crow laws, which mandated racial segregation in public facilities, the North also had segregated schools, neighborhoods, and public facilities, although to a lesser extent.
4. Racial Violence: Racial violence was prevalent in both regions. While the South experienced a higher number of publicized cases, the North also witnessed instances of racial violence, such as race riots and targeted attacks on African Americans.
5. Employment Discrimination: African Americans faced employment discrimination in both regions. While slavery facilitated the exploitation of African American labor in the South, African Americans in the North also faced limited job opportunities, lower wages, and discriminatory hiring practices.
Understanding the ways in which racism manifested in both the North and the South requires exploring historical records, primary sources, scholarly research, and accounts from those who lived during those times. By delving into these sources, a comprehensive understanding can be gained regarding the commonalities of racism in both regions.