Topic: Race & Ethnicity: Civil Rights Challenge

Background

Much of U.S. history is influenced by the social dynamics between individuals based on race and ethnicity. Issues have emerged in the form of slavery in the 18th and 19th centuries and equality in the 20th century. Key moments include the 1860s Emancipation of Proclamation, which Lincoln declared as an edict to release all slaves, and the 1960s civil rights movement, with leaders such as Martin Luther King, Jr. Critical to these major moments was the distinction between individuals based on the color of their skin (race or biological features) and cultural heritage (ethnicity). Functionalist and conflict theorists have examined these issues in unique ways and have come to different conclusions on the effectiveness of the 20th-century civil rights movement. Based on this information, respond to the following questions as stipulated in the instructions.

Discussion Question(s)

Is the American civil rights challenge, particularly related to race and ethnicity, a topic of history or an ongoing reality?
What is the best Christian response to the burden of racism?