Welcome, on behalf of my African American StudiesĀ course,Ā this isĀ an introduction to Racism & Discrimination towards African American Soldiers during WW2.
Acknowledgements ~ Special thanks to my Africana Folklore Professor!
Facebook Page ~
Source ~
- P.B.S . Racist Era. Race and The Army During World War II .Ā November 10, 2013, from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/general-article/alaska-WWII/
- Racist Era
African Americans have gone through many hardships during WW2. In the article āRacist Eraā by PBS, we learn the view whites had towards African Americans. Being criticized and humiliated was part of their daily military lives. White soldiers would still treat their ally harshly, even on the battlefield. It is very important to understand the mindsets of whites during this era.
White soldiers during WW2 always dehumanized African American soldiers. Some whites would say they were ācarelessā or āirresponsibleā. In addition, whites had thought that African American soldiers were āsecretiveā. Overall, the military degraded African Americans and wouldnāt even consider them to be officers. This is very significant, since this shows the lack of support for African AmericansĀ the US military had overall.
- Tuskegee Airmen, Briefing 1945
Another improvement amongst the military towards African Americans soldiers usefulness. African Americans graduated Tuskegee Institute program and some actually fought. This is very important since this is an example of the roles African Americans were able to take upon during WW2.
Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā Ā African Americans were on the uprising in the military during this time !
1944-1945, the military was desegregated for the first time in history. African Americans soldiers fought with their ally white soldiers to defend against the Germans. The battle made a difference amongst the military view on African American soldiers. It is significant to know and understand the militaryās change in perspective towards African American soldiers.
- Dorie Miller * Pearl Harbor Hero
African American, Ā Dorie Miller was considered a hero.Miller saved his white commanding officer, Ā manned a machine gun and shot down a few Japanese planes. Amazingly, Miller had no proper training to be capable of doing that.
“Tight Control”
African Americans were given no combat roles during this time. While being given little responsibility, intensive- labor was their primary objective.
