Blog 3

Nicolas Kane

Hisotry 498

Blog 3

European and African Change During 1800-2000

Throughout Europe’s History the viewpoint towards African Americans has been that they are incapable human beings of completing certain mental tasks that whites are capable of doing.  They were always looked at as uncivilized as well as were viewed as they had to rely on the white man to guide them.  It was not until Darwin published his Origins of Species that there was hardcopy prove evidence that there was absolutely no difference genetically between whites and blacks and that the differences that set them apart from one another was simply just their physical appearance rather than their mental capabilities.  This concept verified through science helped establish a connection and consciousness of race that helped allow European society adapt to African culture and accept its needs and wants in society.

The transition from modern acceptance of Africans society to Europe was slow and went through many trials and tribulations before a common ground was met.  Europeans fought with the fact that blacks were of difference race than whites.   Because of this, all whites believed blacks were uncivilized and incapable of being active contributors to society.  This, however, was the way that society was and the way that blacks were interpreted in society.  Although it was difficult to change the mindset of millions of people, it was a reality that they much face, and that a change was coming and that there was nothing really that they could do about it.

            The reason for this heightened awareness and their continuous contact with the African race made interracial connections more abundant, thus making them easier to adapt to.  As relationships began to insure, and certain ideas or businesses were formed, everything became relative.  With multiple generations slowly becoming more and more integrated, it became a more common occurrence to talk and communication with African’s within society slowly allowing it to be more socially acceptable.  Every country, including Europe began as a simple single raced country whose culture was an even more simplistic way of thinking.  It was only a matter of time before society reached the point where multiple cultures would inhabit a single area.  Many Biblical groups were formed to spread the knowledge of god and everybody was created equal to help try and integrate blacks and whites into society together so that they could co-exist.  Creating this “common ground” on a more spiritual level allowed both races to interconnect and really be comfortable with each other.  Although the journey took decades to solve, eventually the ignorance of the European people left. 

            Because religion was such a prevalent time during the 19^th Century, it was very important to bridge a strong connection between the blacks and the whites.  Since the past 200 years from the 1600’s slaves were never looked upon as being able to be on the same level of a white person.  One of the main people whom helped really drive the importance of equality as well as capability was Olaudah Equiano.  Through his stories of ambition and drive he helped bring a face to the black working man and showed that they were able to be just as important as anybody else contributing to society.  This extra drive helped show that blacks and whites were equal. 

            Africans in Europe responded in a positive way when they gained the respect and gratitude of the people.  By being more socially accepted it allowed Africans to attend more schools and gain more information not only pertaining to the world, but politics religion, and government as well.  This knowledge was divided throughout the African community in a positive way.  A majority of blacks whom had studied government and politics used their laws and regulations against European as well as American governments.  This would cause uproar not only in Europe but in the United States as well as many civil rights protests took place to have blacks and whites share equal power within society.  The pinnacle of this knowledge was proudly displayed when United States President Barrack Obama took the stand and became President of the United States. 

            All of this success came from the hard work and dedication from the slaves that were transported to Europe from Africa.  The willingness to adapt to change helped drive society and allow blacks and whites to come together for the common good of man.  Although this time period is often looked upon in ignorance and disgrace, it helped allow society shape itself and adapt to change and become stronger as a whole.  This type of interracial society is what helps drive the world today and is one step closer to creating world peace.

Bibliography:

Adi, Hakim, “Pan-Africansim and West African Nationalism in Britain,” African Studies Review, Vol. 43 (African Studies Association, April 2000), 72.

Halett, “Changing European Attitudes To Africa,” Cambridge Histories Online, (Cambridge University Press, 2008), 472-477.