Racism against the African American community and Islamophobia have played a significant part in how American history was shaped. Most notably, how it has changed American society over time. Racism originates from when one race dominates or seeks to eliminate other races due to their differences in culture. Thus, causing negative perceptions of nonwestern religions and noneurocentric races to evolve as seen in the racism portrayed today. Most notably towards Muslim Americans and African Americans. Throughout history, racism can be seen in different aspects of life, from religion to politics and to what is demonstrated to the public. Political parties have weighed in on the dividing issue of race and can alter an individual’s perception of a …show more content…
The perception of non-western religions is often linked to racist American ideologies. Throughout American history, racism has not only been directed towards African Americans but rather it extends to those apart from non-western religion such as the Islamic religion. Nevertheless, there are still opponents of the idea that Muslim Americans are facing an upsurge of religious discrimination on grounds that the constitution grants free speech. As the constitution expresses, people are given the right to “speak freely” (“First Amendment” 1). This god given right has been inapplicably used to justify intolerance towards the Islamic religion, however, this perception of the amendment is fallacious. Using the first amendment to justify hate is not only absurd but it contradicts the initial meaning of the first amendment, which is to petition the government. So, condoning hate speech against Muslims contradicts the true meaning of the amendment, justification of the wrongdoings only leads to greater inequality. After the 9/11 terrorist attack on the twin towers in New York City, Muslim Americans began to face an upsurge of religious discrimination and stereotyping of their religious faith. There was roughly a 1,700 percent increase between 2000 and