Pros And Cons Of Being An African-American Citizen

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Social citizenship refers to being afforded all the rights ranging from economic welfare and security to being afforded inclusion in the social heritage and ability to lead a civilized life according to the standards set in the society. The concept differs from political citizenship which just entails the right to participate in the political process through acts such as voting and holding office. On the other hand, legal citizenship is associated with individual freedoms and rights such as those of speech, worship, association, and property.
Mick McElya tells about the efforts of the white women of the United Daughters for the Confederacy (UDC), and how a certain Naval Thomas opposed them. The UDC wanted a memorial monument erected in Washington, in recognition of the women of the South, but Thomas was against it, arguing that it would only serve to strengthen the belief that servitude was right. Serving the whites implied that the blacks were not afforded the time to cater for their economic interests, hence having their
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It has always been easier to become a naturalized African-American than an American citizen. In the past, blacks were expected to submit to white police officers even when unjustly treated. The unjust treatment of blacks was considered a naturalization process into being an African-American. “other police interactions facilitated this Americanization. (Carbado 635)” This unwarranted harsh treatment of African-Americans because of their color or origin is an example of inclusive exclusion. In white neighborhoods, innocent blacks were flushed out of their apartments under the suspicion by whites of possessing dangerous weapons or drugs. This is another example of inclusive exclusion. According to Devon’s point of view, citizenship was not just citizenship. Black citizens were considered criminals and inferior to white