Endogamy In America 1945-1980

Endogamy in America 1945-1980 Endogamy is a scarcely discussed topic that is often overshadowed by more recent controversial issues. As described by Merriam-Webster Dictionary endogamy is, “Marriage within a specific group as required by a custom or law.” Endogamy happens because of interference by third parties, constraints on exposure to socially different individuals, and preference to find a mate similar to him or herself (Rosenfeld). It is a thriving tradition that plays a major role in American History and has roots as old as the first American settlers. Specifically, it is fascinating to look into the era where ethnicism met progressivism in 1945-1980, During these times accepted ideas on endogamy clashed with new ideas of freedom of

Even though some believe this is accurate, it is pivotal to realize that one cannot expect progression without change. One example of this is racial discrimination in the South. If Americans would have been more open-minded during the post Civil War Era, it could have greatly enhanced the quality of life for both African Americans and whites. Whites and African Americans had always been subjected to overt prejudice when attempting to interracially marry. Not until the Loving Vs. Virginia case, in 1967, did laws prohibiting interracial marriage become invalidated (Loving). Another example of widely held beliefs that would greatly benefit from allowing different perspectives and potential changes, is religion. Strict religious beliefs often coexist with endogamous ideas. For preached beliefs to be relevant to today’s people they must be adaptable. Slavery is an example of a religious belief that has changed over time for the better (Sage). Tradition is a party without pizza: it’s still possible to continue, but it lacks new and exciting changes to keep it interesting. Religion can evolve as long as attitudes are open to

In 1907 Indiana enacted the first law allowing sterilization on eugenic grounds (Lombardo). Merriam Webster Dictionary describes eugenics as a science that deals with the improvement of hereditary qualities of a race or breed. Although these laws are now illegal many people still have the opinions that sterilization is beneficial. These American eugenics ideas helped to give rise to some of the beliefs of the Nazi Empire in Germany in the first half of the 19th century (Lombardo). Diversity is also important because it causes a decreased risk of genetic health problems. For hundreds of years dogs have been purebred leading to health concerns. Even though dogs may look tougher, faster, or cuter, healthwise these purebred dogs are not as resilient to problems (Beuchat). This fact is the same for humans. When humans only marry into their close knit ethnic communities, their genetic deficiencies will be continuously passed on to future generations. Mutations, which come from random mating between species are valuable to future generations. “Mutations are alterations to a DNA sequence” (Vidyasagar). New traits like resistances can come from these mutations. They are necessary for adaptability as our world continues to