A Different Mirror

In Ronald Takaki’s novel A Different Mirror he discusses the different races of immigrants that have come to make up America. The United States is melting pot with people from different countries all around the world. People come to America to find a better life, in a place that is built on equality and freedom. Through Takaki’s revelations he points out the injustices of the immigrants, and the racism that has taken a place in the history of America.

In the early days of colonization, European immigrants were the vast majority and made up the colonies. As of today one-third of the American people do not trace their origins back to Europe (Takaki). Over the years racism has become an increasing problem, and I believe it all stems off the first settlers, the Europeans. All Europeans have white skin, and therefore there is no observable difference based on appearance. With the introduction of slavery to the country, Black Americans have been the basis of much racism due to their different color skin. The problems did not stop there, Asian Americans have also become victims due to their observable differences. They have exotic features and therefore are unable to assimilate (Takaki). In 1882 the Chinese Exclusion Act actually prohibited the entry of the Chinese into the United States. Due to the apparent skin differences the law was able to exist. At the time Irish were still immigrating in great numbers, but with their white skin they were able to blend in with the current population.

These are just a few examples of the racism that continues to exist today. The Black Americans and Asian Americans are constantly discriminated against due to their differences in skin color, and appearance. America is supposed to be based on equality, and if this is so, why does this happen? In Ronald Takaki’s novel he goes into the histories of all the non-Anglo people that make up this country. It is an eye opener of the racism that has played such a central role in America’s history.