Blacks Weren’t the Only Slaves
Native American Slaves and Chinese Prostitutes
African Americans weren't the only slaves in America. Native Americans were made slaves and Chinese girls were sold into prostitution.
African American Slaves
Now you are probably thinking that African Americans, due to being brought to America against their will and made to be slaves, deserve a whole month dedicated to their history. And they do. But African Americans were not the only race that was made slaves of in the United States.
Native American Slaves
The good ole padres, who invaded the southwestern lands of the Native Americans, made virtual slaves of thousands of Indians. Other folks of the European persuasion attempted the same thing, though it was mostly an unsuccessful situation. Although, if we installed a Native American History month things might become a bit confused since technically anyone born in America is a "Native of America." But since the Indians were residents of America, probably, before all of the other nationalities arrived, it is only fitting that they have at least one month dedicated to their history.
Chinese Girls Sold into Prostitution
The African Americans and Native Americans weren't the only folks that found themselves in bondage. Out on the West Coast during the California Gold Rush that began in 1849, boatloads of young Chinese girls were shipped in and sold into slavery as prostitutes.
All Ancestors Were Immigrants
But slavery aside, all nationalities whose ancestors immigrated, willfully or against their will, to America, and made it their home, are Americans. The Spanish and Mexicans who were born in the United States are Americans. All of those good folks, like the Germans, Polish, Italians, and many more who left their homelands and friends, often other family members, behind and went through the rigors of Ellis Island are Americans.
So what's the deal? All of our ancestors were immigrants, even those of the Native Americans. They all came to the United States from somewhere else. How about a month to study the history of all the other numerous nationalities.
What's your opinion or idea on this subject?
Previous: Why Just Black History Month: What About the Native Americans and Chinese?
Recommended Reading:
Black History Month: Blacks in the Military.
Confederate President Jefferson Davis: Buena Vista and Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna.
