Native Americans
Then: Countries are formed for a reason, and not all of them have been as sucessful as America. We have lived with so many different types of people, which all differ in race, religion, and culture. Native Amerians inhabitted this land first, but it was "discovered" by Christopher Columbus in 1492. Pioneers started coming to this land in huge numbers and dealt with many conflicts. These pioneers learned to cooperate with the Natives, eliminating any thought of disenfranchisement. More people focus on the negative when discussing the issue between Native Americans and Whites, but we both just believed in equality and did our best to make that happen.
Now: We live in peace. Some natives choose to stay on the reservation; others participate in the average American life. The huge thing is that they now have a choice on how to live, rather than being forced to move somewhere they did not want to go. It is amazing how dramatically things have changed between natives and whites, and no longer will Native Americans feel powerless and disenfranchised when they now have a choice on how to live their life.
Now:
Women's Rights
Then: Women had little to no influence on how our nation was run, having their basic rights ignored, voices silenced, and presence not felt. For many years, nobody took a stand to try and change things, and make women important in our country. According to National Women's History Museum, the first Women's Rights Convention was held in Seneca Falls, New York. Elizabeth Cady Stanton, a social activist participating in the movement for women's rights, wrote the "Decleration of Sentiments", creating the agenda of women's activism for years to come.
Now: Voting, participating in politics, even running for president--these are just some of the things that women have done in our lifetime, showing how big of an impact they make and how big of a role they play in our lives. There's no longer picketing, marches, or silent riots involving the fight for women equality. It is now given to them, and our nation thrives on the support of our women.
Now:
America: How Far Have We Come?
Connor O'Dell
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