Joseph S.

Golden-Dolan
Tamora Hoskisson
American Civilization
December 9th, 2015

Reflection Paper
As I am now 40 years old, I have had many opportunities throughout my highschool and
college education to learn about American history. Typically these studies focused on key events,
portraying those involved as folk-heroes who overcame the challenges they faced and therefore
secured their place in the annals of this nation's historical record. This class is one of the first I
have ever encountered which looked through the lens of history's more marginalized peoples (i.e.
African-Americans) in greater detail, and in doing so shed light on the struggles of these people
who far too often end up a footnote in our textbooks.
I learned of the origins of slavery and along with it the first appearance of Africans in our
nascent colonies. The class continued to follow their trajectory as they fought for equality only to
be turned away and beaten down time and time again. It was both disheartening and enlightening
to understand how African-American culture emerged through a group of disparate African
cultures forced together under the most barbarous and inhumane circumstances. And even after
they were made equal citizens under the law, they were and are still treated as second class
citizens by society.
One thing that has been almost universal in my studies is an enlargement of my empathy for
each subculture I encounter. In my introduction to criminal justice I began to understand the
isolation that is largely felt by the men and women of our police force. And now, after
completing this class, I have a greater understanding for African-Americans who are made to feel
as outsiders in a society that has hardly welcomed them. No doubt, as I continue my studies in

law having a deeper consideration for people of all stripes and where they are coming from will
be a valuable ally.